50/50

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2:15

50/50

R

2011

1h 39m

Comedy

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

194 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Adam Lerner has always tried to take good care of his health, so it comes as a cruel surprise when he learns that he has malignant tumors along his spine. His doctor gives him a 50/50 chance of survival, but Adam tries to remain upbeat, though his mother and his friend Kyle, react badly to the news. Adam starts seeing a therapist, but their relationship threatens to cross the boundary between doctor and patient.

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Critics Consensus

A good-hearted film about a difficult topic, 50/50 maneuvers between jokes and drama with surprising finesse.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

The honesty driving this picture is undeniable and is evident in every frame, Adam a compelling protagonist and for my part I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 27, 2012

Full Review

Robbie Collin

Daily Telegraph (UK)

This frequently funny and moving film proves humour can be wrung from tricky subjects, providing it's done with sufficient thoughtfulness and wit.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 25, 2011

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

This film leaves a strange taste in the mouth.

Rated: 1/5

Nov 25, 2011

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

It's about timing your jokes to fall in dramatic places when you need them and in funny places where they work like magic.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 13, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

With an optimism that isn’t shrouded by a layer of saccharine artificiality, Levine’s film takes us through Adam’s stages of grief and delivers a light, affecting, modest, and enjoyable experience that deserves to be seen.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 8, 2023

Full Review

Jack Fleischer

Battleship Pretension

50/50 is a gentle touch comedy. It's not wacky or zany, and while it is heartwarming, it's not syrupy.

Mar 24, 2021

Full Review

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Owen K

An absolutely beautiful movie with amazingly written characters. The story is incredibly immersive movie that made you feel every scene, the sad ones especially. You could see the growth of every character throughout the movie. The protagonist was played very well, it's a shame you don't see joseph gordon levitt in as much big movies anymore. He's easily one of my favorite actors.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/19/25

Full Review

Adrian L

I saw this movie some months later that my mother pass away due to cancer, and it was a beautiful, funny and sentimental film, that portraits what the family members and victims of cancer go through

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/15/25

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Gareth v

A sincere, funny, and moving take on a difficult subject — proof that even in life’s darkest moments, humour can be a lifeline.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/10/25

Full Review

Jey D

Transitions from emotion to laughter so smoothly and so effectively. 50/50 is one of the strongest comedy-dramas I've ever seen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/30/25

Full Review

Jace T

It is honestly a surprise seeing Seth Rogan in a movie with such a serious tone, but I am here for it! However, it doesn't surprise me with how hilarious this movie is. Though this movie is so funny it'll make you cry sad tears, it actually has a happy ending. Cancer is really tragic and extremely difficult to deal with, and this film displays the sadness of it well.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

Full Review

Mason M

50/50 was a really great and well made film. This was a really fun and surprisingly light comedy that balances well between its fun hilarity and its more dramatic overtones. It really does a great job building its characters and world through. All of the characters felt very real, likeable, and sympathetic throughout, and all of them were a delight to watch. The relationships and dynamics between the characters were very well written and entertaining too. The standout performances in this film were also Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who did a great job as he always does), and Seth Rogen. I'll also give a nod to the soundtrack too, which I also really enjoyed. 50/50, despite its dark premise, is an immensely heartfelt and enjoyable film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/07/25

Full Review

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Jonathan Levine

Director

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Adam

Seth Rogen

Kyle

Anna Kendrick

Katherine

Bryce Dallas Howard

Rachael

Philip Baker Hall

Alan

50/50: Official Clip - You're Disgusting

2:54

50/50: Official Clip - It's Just Cancer

2:34

50/50: Official Clip - 50/50 is Not That Bad

1:53

50/50: Official Clip - Doogie Howser

2:39

50/50: Official Clip - I Have Cancer

2:19

50/50: Official Clip - Adam's First Drive

2:13

50/50: Official Clip - I Wish You Were My Girlfriend

2:08

50/50: Official Clip - The Surgery

3:30

50/50: Official Clip - You're Gonna Look Weird

1:50

50/50: Official Clip - Messy Car

2:52

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50/50: Trailer 1

2:15

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Synopsis

Adam Lerner has always tried to take good care of his health, so it comes as a cruel surprise when he learns that he has malignant tumors along his spine. His doctor gives him a 50/50 chance of survival, but Adam tries to remain upbeat, though his mother and his friend Kyle, react badly to the news. Adam starts seeing a therapist, but their relationship threatens to cross the boundary between doctor and patient.

Director: Jonathan Levine
Producer: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, Ben Karlin
Screenwriter: Will Reiser
Distributor: Summit Entertainment
Production Co: Summit Entertainment, Point Grey, Mandate Pictures
Rating: R (Sexual Content|Language Throughout|Some Drug Use)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 30, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 7, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $35.0M
Runtime: 1h 39m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

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