The Fundamentals of Caring

Play trailer

2:26

The Fundamentals of Caring

TV-MA

2016

1h 33m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

A writer (Paul Rudd) retires after a personal tragedy and becomes a disabled teen's caregiver. When the two embark on an impromptu road trip, their ability to cope is tested as they start to understand the importance of hope and friendship.

Watch on Netflix

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

The Fundamentals of Caring gets maximum mileage out of the chemistry between its well-matched leads as it follows a fairly well-worn coming-of-age road trip route.

Read Critics Reviews

Tristram Fane Saunders

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Jun 26, 2016

3/5

It's formulaic, sentimental and the cast list includes Selena Gomez. But it's also one of this summer's most enjoyable lightweight comedies.

Go to Full Review

Leah Greenblatt

Entertainment Weekly

Jun 23, 2016

B

Death, taxes, the enduring adorability of Paul Rudd: these things, at least, we know for certain.

Go to Full Review

Gary Goldstein

Los Angeles Times

Jun 23, 2016

A strained, overly familiar tale of catharsis and redemption.

Go to Full Review

Jamie Healy

Radio Times

Aug 22, 2024

3/5

Emotional baggage carried by each of the characters does sometimes threaten to spoil the fun, but director Rob Burnett largely keeps platitudes and sermonising in check, delivering a fist-pumping pay-off that's so unexpected, it's sure to raise a smile.

Go to Full Review

Bertie Archer

One Room With A View

Mar 30, 2019

3/5

The Fundamentals of Caring sometimes feels clumsy with two left feet. But the central relationship between Rudd and Roberts shines through...

Go to Full Review

Jennifer Heaton

Alternative Lens

Nov 2, 2018

7/10

Fairly standard road trip comedy made enjoyable by some solid gags and a strong cast.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Emrah G

@Emrah 5 days ago

It's poignant, funny, and raises lots of curiosity.

See more

Ola G

@Ollie1972 Jun 28, 2026

This road comedy-drama film carries this worn out coming-of-age route. The main issue is that Trevor (Craig Roberts), suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, is pretty much an asshole throughout the film and you never feel any real sympathy for him despite his tragic situation. In that sense the script fails with the main pillar of the storyline. And to be honest, Paul Rudd is such a one dimensional actor and he plays the same character over and over again. The lovely Selena Gomez as Dot, is the only one that brings some sort of sparks to this otherwise average, formulaic, sentimental and mundane film.

See more

Nick P.

@nickpaim May 21, 2026

What began slow, turned into an incredible story of growth and friendship. This movie will teach you a lot about so many things, people of different struggles, and life in general. A good watch for many!

See more

Mickey B.

@Mickerdoo May 9, 2026

A lovely and dark reminder to indulge in the human experience. Highest highs and deepest pits. Robert’s and Rudd sync well.

See more

Danny T

@HeyDT May 8, 2026

It’s light, fun, and easy to enjoy. But those dark jokes absolutely killed me. The kind that makes you laugh first… then feel slightly guilty for laughing that hard. Recommended. And as always, Paul Rudd is just so fun to watch.

See more

Justin K.

@moofieluver999 Mar 14, 2026

The way a movie should make you feel.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Rob Burnett

Director

Paul Rudd

Ben Benjamin

Selena Gomez

Dot

Jennifer Ehle

Elsa

Craig Roberts

Trevor

Megan Ferguson

Peaches

The Fundamentals of Caring: Movie Clip - Hitchhiker

0:40

Now Playing

The Fundamentals of Caring: Movie Clip - Followed

0:54

Now Playing

The Fundamentals of Caring: Movie Clip - Meat Stick

0:39

Now Playing

The Fundamentals of Caring: Movie Clip - Perverts

0:51

Now Playing

View more videos

Edge of Winter

52%

38%

Edge of Winter

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Edge of Winter

Remember

68%

79%

Remember

Watchlist

Always Shine

91%

51%

Always Shine

Watchlist

Ben Is Back

81%

69%

Ben Is Back

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Ben Is Back

Scenic Route

65%

50%

Scenic Route

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The Fundamentals of Caring: Featurette - The Full Experience

2:20

Now Playing

The Fundamentals of Caring: Trailer 1

2:26

Now Playing

The Fundamentals of Caring: Trailer 2

1:31

Now Playing

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

A writer (Paul Rudd) retires after a personal tragedy and becomes a disabled teen's caregiver. When the two embark on an impromptu road trip, their ability to cope is tested as they start to understand the importance of hope and friendship.

Director: Rob Burnett
Producer: Rob Burnett, Donna Gigliotti, James Spies
Screenwriter: Rob Burnett
Production Co: Levantine Films, Worldwide Pants
Rating: TV-MA
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2017
Runtime: 1h 33m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings