The Best Films About Terminal Illness Ranked

Not many genres have earned business of illness. Since the 1970’s, stories of mentally ill people have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s psychotic serial killers, terminally ill lovers or AIDS survivors, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films ever made about mental illness which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Philadelphia

Terminal illness has impacted my family. Several years ago, my family learned our beloved uncle had been diagnosed with frightening Cancer that caused sorrow. I recall that my uncle was a person that often looked at the world from a positive view. His death left my family mourning. No matter how hard my family often tried, we couldn’t recover from demise of an uncle that tragically died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the trauma faced by terminally ill individuals as powerfully as “Philadelphia”. Ever since its release in 1993, Jonathan Demme’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about terminal illness. With the greatest film of his career, Demme used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an AIDS patient facing despair. Demme used bold non-linear story capturing barrier that an AIDS patient is facing. For instance, the scene in which Andrew first becomes aware that he suffers from AIDS in Philadelphia causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tom Hanks, who embodied an ill man facing trauma. Ultimately, what makes “Philadelphia” my favourite film about terminal illness of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most movies about AIDS which are targeted to a limited audience, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a film about queer men suffering from AIDS battling barriers in Philadelphia, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing movies that attract audiences to the modern-day Cinema.

2. The Father

Dementia is a devastating disorder that impacted my grandma. I recall with nostalgia memories of a great grandma that suffered from Dementia. Over the last few years, I noticed my grandmother becoming forgetful. She would have the bad habits to forget certain crucial things in her life such as places, events and people that were important. As someone treasuring a grandmother that suffered from a severe memory disorder, I adored “The Father”. Released in 2020, Florian Zeller’s Oscar-winning movie captured the life of an aging father with memory disorder. Zeller used captivating unreliable narration to capture the deteriorating mind of a father with memory loss causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Anthony has an emotional breakdown in the hospital becoming aware that he suffers from Dementia is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who portrayed a father with memory disorders. Ultimately, what makes “The Father” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Dementia, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about memory loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of memory loss causing lives of fathers to deteriorate, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about illnesses which audiences appreciate.

3. Forrest Gump

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared a strong relationship with a mother I treasure. A hard-working woman, she has been a source of inspiration guiding my life in the right direction. Through her words of wisdom, I was able to cope with my Autism. As someone treasuring a mother that helped me cope with a disorder causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an authentic portrait of intellectual disorders. Zemeckis effectively uses voice-over narration to capture individuals with intellectual disabilities facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of Alabama is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who created one of the most iconic characters in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about intellectual disability, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s heartwarming memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies which always attract audiences towards Cinema.

4. The Elephant Man

Facial deformities shaped my classmate’s identity. Several years ago, I witnessed a poor classmate in school suffering from severe facial deformities which caused sorrow.  Due to his disturbing appearance, he was an easy target for mean school bullies that would ruin self-confidence. He would often be humiliated for his public appearance which left people devastated. As someone that saw how facial deformities can ruin a person’s life, I appreciated “The Elephant Man”. Released in 1980, David Lynch’s movie captured the life of a man with severe facial deformities. Lynch uses stunning black-and-white visuals to capture the frightening obstacles a man with facial deformities is facing. For instance, the scene in which John Merrick protests against crowds of people humiliating him in public by saying that he is a human causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by John Hurt, who embodied a man with severe facial deformities. Ultimately, what makes “The Elephant Man” a classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about acceptance which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of men with deformities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making commemorated movies which are worth absolutely tremendously celebrating.

5. Dallas Buyers Club

AIDS is a devastating disease that my cousin always found fascinating. Years ago, I witnessed hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s attire, he was a person my family would admire. He was always passionate about AIDS being a disease that he sought to become educated about. As someone treasuring fond memories of a cousin that was fascinated with AIDS, I adored “Dallas Buyers Club”. Released in 2013, Jean Marc-Vallee’s movie depicted the AIDS crisis in history. Vallee used stunning non-linear storytelling to capture the hardships that a terminally ill cowboy man diagnosed with AIDS is facing. For instance, the scene in which Ron breaks down crying in his car after learning about his heartbreaking diagnosis causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Matthew McConaughey, who embodied a terminally ill man. Ultimately, what makes “Dallas Buyers Club” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of AIDS to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about perseverance which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Ron Woodroof’s desire to battle a disease that’s frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.

6. 50/50

Humor is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in terminal illness movies. Movies about terminal illness are often serious in tone capturing diseases that are dangerous. In a genre where humour is a rarity, it’s worth praising “50/50”. Released in 2011, Jonathan Levine’s movie offered a humorous depiction of terminal illness. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “50/50” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Levine uses captivating humour capturing hardships that terminally ill men with Cancer are facing. Assisted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is extraordinary in the lead role, Levine created a captivating Cancer comedy. A humorous portrait of terminal illness that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies that audiences consider extremely precious.

7. Little Women

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about illnesses faced by women, it’s worth discussing Little Women. Since its publication in 1868, Louisa Mary Alcott’s movie has become a beloved literature classic. In 2019, Greta Gerwig honoured the iconic book about women battling diseases in her movie “Little Women”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Little Women” stand out is its feminist perspective. Gerwig uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing hardships that women battling fatal diseases are experiencing. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is amazing in the lead role, Gerwig honoured a beloved book about women. Centuries following the publication of a celebrated book about women, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which deserve immense appreciation.

8. The Farewell

Illness causing trauma affects families in China. In Chinese culture, families confront illness in a different way than in the West. When relatives are about to die, the family must keep it a secret from them. The way in which Chinese families deal with relatives that are unwell is beautifully depicted in “The Farewell”. Released in 2019, Lulu Wang’s movie offered a powerful portrait of a Chinese family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Farewell” stand out is its strong depiction of families in China. Wang uses captivating montages to capture hardships families in China are facing. Assisted by Awkwafina who is amazing in the lead role, Wang honours families in China. A fantastic portrait of hardships Chinese families face, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences commonly embrace.

9. The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in our Stars is a legendary book about terminal illness that has built a lasting legacy. Since its publication in 2012, John Green’s book has become a literary classic. In 2014, Josh Boone honoured the book in his movie “The Fault in Our Stars”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Fault in Our Stars” stand out is its depiction of terminal illness. Boone uses captivating montages capturing hardships that terminally ill teens are facing. The film captures the way death can affect terminally ill teenagers in an authentic manner. Assisted by Shailene Woodley who is spectacular in the lead role, Boone honoured a beloved book about illness. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about an ill teen, it’s a touching reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing great movies that deserve to be seen on big-screen.

10. Bohemian Rhapsody

Few musicians that fought terminal illness in history are as beloved as Freddie Mercury. During the 1980’s, Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS causing tragedy. In 2018, Bryan Singer honoured the iconic musician’s legacy in his movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Singer used musical montages to honour a musician that fought AIDS. Assisted by Rami Malek who is excellent in the lead role, Singer honoured Mercury’s legacy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s insensitive depiction of Freddie Mercury’s fight against AIDS has tarnished its legacy. Still, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Freddie Mercury’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has made iconic movies about tragic terminal illness which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of being a film critic.