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)

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

Rated: 3/5

Jun 26, 2016

Full Review

Leah Greenblatt

Entertainment Weekly

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

Rated: B

Jun 23, 2016

Full Review

Gary Goldstein

Los Angeles Times

A strained, overly familiar tale of catharsis and redemption.

Jun 23, 2016

Full Review

Jamie Healy

Radio Times

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.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 22, 2024

Full Review

Bertie Archer

One Room With A View

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

Rated: 3/5

Mar 30, 2019

Full Review

Jennifer Heaton

Alternative Lens

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

Rated: 7/10

Nov 2, 2018

Full Review

Read all reviews

Tavin R.

Thought the movie was amazing. It was funny at light hearted but at points had serious moments. This overall made the movie fun to watch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/25

Full Review

amritha k

I decided to be a single mother since my child was 15 days old. I can't even begin to express what this movie unleashed within me. I have never felt so understood, every emotion that I have gone through as a carer, as a nurturer. So grateful to the writer and every member of the team that made this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/25

Full Review

THE NASHVILLE I

The characters are hard to warm up to. The movie gets better as it goes along, but the first 20 minutes or so are very difficult to get through. It's definitely a story where the characters lead with abrasiveness early and often, and it expects you to eventually love them for it. Overall this movie's a good watch, the characters just are tough to enjoy.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/10/25

Full Review

Drew B

Sharp, twisted, witty, funny, deep, memorable.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/10/25

Full Review

Chris W

Paul Rudd never fails me and Selena Gomez was so entertaining.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/03/24

Full Review

Chris B

Whoever was in charge of casting, for this film, did an outstanding job. Everyone in it was great Paul Rudd & Craig Roberts had great chemistry.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

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

The Fundamentals of Caring: Movie Clip - Meat Stick

0:39

The Fundamentals of Caring: Movie Clip - Followed

0:54

The Fundamentals of Caring: Movie Clip - Perverts

0:51

View more videos

Edge of Winter

52%

39%

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

2016/2017 Winter TV Premiere Dates

2016 Fall TV Premiere Dates

Best Picture Winner Spotlight Hits Netflix, Rick and Morty Arrives on Hulu

The Fundamentals of Caring: Featurette - The Full Experience

2:20

The Fundamentals of Caring: Trailer 1

2:26

The Fundamentals of Caring: Trailer 2

1:31

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

Most Popular at Home Now