The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Kernel Score: 81% · 2,292 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Comedy, Drama

Released: 2016-06-16

Runtime: 97 minutes

Is The Fundamentals of Caring worth watching?

Worth watching. The Fundamentals of Caring is a warm, funny road trip about a grieving caregiver and a sharp-tongued teen with muscular dystrophy. It is predictable and sentimental, but the two leads' banter keeps it likable.

Watch it if you

  • like feel-good comedy-dramas with heart
  • enjoy odd-couple road trips
  • want something easy that still has some emotion

Skip it if you

  • dislike sentimental formula
  • want an edgy or realistic take on disability

Best for: Easy night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Fundamentals of Caring

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Having suffered a tragedy, Ben becomes a caregiver to earn money. His first client, Trevor, is a hilarious 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. One paralyzed emotionally, one paralyzed physically, Ben and Trevor hit the road on a trip into the western states. The folks they collect along the way will help them test their skills for surviving outside their calculated existence. Together, they come to understand the importance of hope and the necessity of true friendship.

The Fundamentals of Caring parents' guide: ages 13+

Parents need to know that The Fundamentals of Caring is an R-rated dramedy about a caregiver and a teen with muscular dystrophy on a road trip, dealing with grief and disability with some crude humor.

  • Language: Some — R rating and road-trip comedy suggest scattered strong language typical of the genre.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Some incidental drinking is implied in road-trip comedy settings, per the R rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Fundamentals of Caring

If you liked The Fundamentals of Caring, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Me Before You (2016) — 89%: Caregiver and a disabled young man form a tearful bond
  • The Mighty (1998) — 81%: Two outsider boys form a friendship that lifts them both
  • Nebraska (2013) — 83%: Gentle road trip with a prickly pair
  • Forrest Gump (1994) — 97%: Warm, funny and sentimental journey through life
  • Life Is Beautiful (1997) — 93%: Humour and heartbreak balanced in an uplifting way
  • The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012) — 75%: Comfortable ensemble comedy-drama about finding purpose

Director

Rob Burnett

Cast

  • Paul Rudd as Ben Benjamin
  • Craig Roberts as Trevor Conklin
  • Selena Gomez as Dot
  • Jennifer Ehle as Elsa Conklin
  • Megan Ferguson as Peaches
  • Frederick Weller as Bob Richardson
  • Julia Denton as Janet
  • Alex Huff as Jodi Benjamin
  • Samantha Huskey as Kaitlin
  • Bill Murphey as Mike

The Fundamentals of Caring FAQ

Is The Fundamentals of Caring worth watching?

Worth watching. The Fundamentals of Caring is a warm, funny road trip about a grieving caregiver and a sharp-tongued teen with muscular dystrophy. It is predictable and sentimental, but the two leads' banter keeps it likable.

Where can I watch The Fundamentals of Caring?

In the US you can stream The Fundamentals of Caring on Netflix.

Is The Fundamentals of Caring OK for kids?

The Fundamentals of Caring is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that The Fundamentals of Caring is an R-rated dramedy about a caregiver and a teen with muscular dystrophy on a road trip, dealing with grief and disability with some crude humor.

What movies are like The Fundamentals of Caring?

If you liked The Fundamentals of Caring, try Me Before You, The Mighty, Nebraska and Forrest Gump.