The Bucket List

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The Bucket List

PG-13

2008

1h 37m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

40%

Tomatometer

171 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Billionaire Edward Cole and car mechanic Carter Chambers are complete strangers, until fate lands them in the same hospital room. The men find they have two things in common: a need to come to terms with who they are and what they have done with their lives, and a desire to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die. Against their doctor's advice, the men leave the hospital and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.

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Critics Consensus

Not even the earnest performances of the two leads can rescue The Bucket List from its schmaltzy script.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Aug 23, 2018

As Rob Reiner should know better and Jack Nicholson should know better and Morgan Freeman should know better, what you have here is a film which has to make you ask: how come they didn't?

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Alonso Duralde

MSNBC

May 1, 2008

2/5

... plays like Ingmar Bergman's Wild Strawberries, reimagined as an uninspired sitcom and travelogue.

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Jonathan F. Richards

Film.com

Jan 15, 2008

You get the performances you expect from these two great stars, which lift this story mercifully but marginally above its meager content.

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

Jul 31, 2024

5/10

If there is a message to be found in this 2007 comedy, which was directed by Rob Reiner, it is that if you are going to be diagnosed with terminal cancer then you will be better off if you are enormously rich.

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Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

Jan 31, 2021

2.5/5

In the end it's a predictable movie that seems to try and manipulate the viewer into bursting into tears when really he or she might only be trying to suppress yawns.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Nov 24, 2020

8/10

One of the most fun and uplifting films of the year.

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Austin B

@RT35999578 Sep 12, 2026

Austin B Boswellllgmailcom

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Maddi K

@Maddi-3 Jul 8, 2026

This movie was really good, the beginning was a little bit slow but once it picked up, the concept was not original but it was executed really well, they did a good job in making the audience feel emotions.

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Gania R

@Glitches_and_gania Jun 6, 2026

MOVIE TO WATCH TO FEEL "SOMETHING " AGAIN well after a longgg time I had this urge to write a review for a movie you see I write when something within me stirs me up.. Well enough of me... Talking about the movie "the bucket list" Made me cry and laugh both at the same time.. It showed the philosophy of life in the subtle way you can everr imagine... It never mentions life should be like this or this.. It just simply says that measure of life can never be measured. As a Morgan Freeman fan I have to say he never disaapoints you.. He was phenomenal as always.. And jack Nicholson was the best as always..he was just relatable in the most ordinary ways he can. . The direction by Rob Reiner was commendable.. And if I am or anybody for a matter of fact says a movie is great it is bcoz of its script and dialogues that carry the weight and expresses the whole pov of a character.. So of course I have to mention Justin zackham(writer).. Last line that summarises everything: ✨HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Sitara G

@sitara Jun 4, 2026

The Bucket List (2007) is a great movie about values and friendship and the enduring presence of cultures. By pairing Jack Nicholson’s cynical billionaire with Morgan Freeman’s philosophical mechanic, the film strips away superficial status to look at what truly matters when facing mortality. As the duo travels to ancient landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the Taj Mahal, these historic backdrops remind us that while individual lives are brief, human connection and cultural legacies are far more enduring. It is a heartfelt story that proves true companionship can bridge any divide before time runs out.

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Mickey B.

@Mickerdoo Apr 25, 2026

I’m a sucker for a live your life movie. Heartwarming and sad. Freeman is easy to enjoy.

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Mitchell S

@Mitchstur Mar 3, 2026

It may be a sad story, but it's also funny and charming and in depth. The two leads have incredible chemistry, and it leaves you with a good amount of substance at the end.

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Rob Reiner

Director

Jack Nicholson

Edward Cole

Morgan Freeman

Carter Chambers

Sean Hayes

Thomas

Rob Morrow

Dr. Hollins

Beverly Todd

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Synopsis

Billionaire Edward Cole and car mechanic Carter Chambers are complete strangers, until fate lands them in the same hospital room. The men find they have two things in common: a need to come to terms with who they are and what they have done with their lives, and a desire to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die. Against their doctor's advice, the men leave the hospital and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Director: Rob Reiner
Producer: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Alan Greisman
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Bros., Two Ton Films, Storyline Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Language|A Sexual Reference)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 11, 2008, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 13, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $93.5M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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