10 Must-Watch Movies That Accurately Portray Chronic Illness

Living with a chronic illness is not an easy thing. It requires tremendous strength, perseverance, and willpower to fight through the daily struggles. Movies that accurately portray chronic illness can offer hope, inspiration, and awareness to people dealing with such conditions. In this article, we will take a look at ten must-watch movies that accurately depict the hardships, challenges, and triumphs of people living with chronic illness.

1. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

The Fault in Our Stars is a heart-wrenching movie that tells the story of Hazel and Augustus, two teenagers with terminal cancer who fall in love. It accurately portrays the emotional and physical struggles of young people dealing with a chronic illness. The movie is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of making every moment count.

2. My Left Foot (1989)

My Left Foot is a powerful biographical drama film that tells the story of Christy Brown, an Irish writer, and painter who was born with cerebral palsy. The movie accurately portrays the challenges faced by people with cerebral palsy and their struggles to achieve their dreams. Christy Brown’s life serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for people living with cerebral palsy.

3. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

The Fundamentals of Caring is a feel-good comedy-drama that tells the story of Ben, a caregiver, and Trevor, a teenager with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The movie accurately portrays the bond between a caregiver and their patient, and the importance of human connection in the face of adversity. The movie is a heartwarming reminder of the power of empathy and compassion.

4. The Theory of Everything (2014)

The Theory of Everything is a biographical romantic drama film that tells the story of Stephen Hawking, one of the world’s most renowned physicists, who lives with ALS. The movie accurately portrays the challenges faced by people with ALS and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams. The movie is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit.

5. Mask (1985)

Mask is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Rocky Dennis, a teenager with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, a rare bone disorder that causes the skull to thicken. The movie accurately portrays the challenges faced by people with rare disorders and the importance of self-acceptance. The movie is a poignant reminder of the beauty of diversity and the power of inner strength.

6. Philadelphia (1993)

Philadelphia is a legal drama film that tells the story of Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who is fired from his law firm after he is diagnosed with AIDS. The movie accurately portrays the discrimination faced by people living with AIDS and the stigma associated with the disease. The movie is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and acceptance.

7. Stronger (2017)

Stronger is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Jeff Bauman, who lost both his legs in the Boston Marathon bombing. The movie accurately portrays the challenges faced by amputees and their struggles to regain their independence. The movie is a heartfelt reminder of the power of self-belief and perseverance.

8. Inside I’m Dancing (2004)

Inside I’m Dancing is a heartwarming drama film that tells the story of Michael, a young man with cerebral palsy, and Rory, his friend who has muscular dystrophy. The movie accurately portrays the bond between people with chronic illnesses and the importance of living life to the fullest. The movie is a reminder that life is about seizing the moment and cherishing the people you love.

9. The Sessions (2012)

The Sessions is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Mark O’Brien, a poet who is paralyzed due to polio and hires a sex surrogate to lose his virginity. The movie accurately portrays the challenges faced by people with disabilities in having intimate relationships. The movie is a reminder that everyone deserves to love and be loved, despite their physical limitations.

10. The Elephant Man (1980)

The Elephant Man is a biographical drama film that tells the story of John Merrick, a man with severe deformities who becomes a sideshow attraction in a circus. The movie accurately portrays the discrimination faced by people with physical differences and the importance of seeing beyond appearances. The movie is a powerful reminder of the beauty of the human spirit and the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.

Conclusion

Movies that accurately portray chronic illness are important for raising awareness, fostering empathy, and inspiring people to live their lives to the fullest. These ten must-watch movies offer a glimpse into the hardships, challenges, and triumphs of people living with chronic illness. They are a reminder that life is precious, and we must cherish every moment we have with the people we love.