Movies like The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
The best movies like The Fundamentals of Caring (2016) are The Road Within (2014), Music Within (2007) and Kodachrome (2017). If The Fundamentals of Caring hooked you with its comedy and drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedInstant Family (2018)7.5/10 from 3,358 votes
- NewestHow Not To Try Again (2026)Released 2026
The Road Within (2014)
A young man with Tourette's Syndrome embarks on a road trip with his recently-deceased mother's ashes.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMusic Within (2007)
After a confrontation with one of his idols dashes his dreams of studying public speaking in college, Richard Pimentel joins the Army and ships off to Vietnam. During his service, Richard loses nearly all of his hearing. Joining a new circle of friends, including a man with cerebral palsy and an alcoholic war veteran, Richard discovers his gift for motivational speaking and becomes an advocate for people with disabilities.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKodachrome (2017)
Matt Ryder is convinced to drive his estranged and dying father Benjamin Ryder cross country to deliver four old rolls of Kodachrome film to the last lab in the world that can develop them before it shuts down for good. Along with Ben's nurse Zooey, the three navigate a world changing from analogue to digital while trying to put the past behind them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGrandma (2015)
Self-described misanthrope Elle Reid has her protective bubble burst when her 18-year-old granddaughter, Sage, shows up needing help. The two of them go on a day-long journey that causes Elle to come to terms with her past and Sage to confront her future.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBustin' Loose (1981)
After ex-con Joe Braxton violates his probation, he is given a second chance. All he has to do is drive a group of special kids across the country.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBurn Burn Burn (2016)
Following the death of their friend, two girls in their late twenties embark on a road trip to spread his ashes. Seph and Alex take turns driving. Dan is in the glove compartment, in tupperware, decreasing in volume as the trip progresses.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDue Date (2010)
Peter Highman must scramble across the US in five days to be present for the birth of his first child. He gets off to a bad start when his wallet and luggage are stolen, and put on the 'no-fly' list. Peter embarks on a terrifying journey when he accepts a ride from an actor.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHooking Up (2020)
Bailey and Darla embark upon a misguided and mutually deceitful form of therapy, one in which they must drive across the country, re-enacting Darla's colorful history as a sex addict. As their true motivations for the road trip come to light, the unlikely pair force one another to confront their issues, discovering that there might actually be more to love than just sex.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBoys on the Side (1995)
After breaking up with her girlfriend, a nightclub singer, Jane, answers a personal ad from Robin, a real estate agent with AIDS, seeking a cross-country travel partner. On their journey from New York City to Los Angeles, the two stop by Pittsburgh to pick up Jane's friend Holly, who is trying to escape an abusive relationship. With three distinct personalities, the women must overcome their differences to help one another.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEmpire Waist (2024)
Lenore Miller’s size has always earned her teases and jeers in her school’s hallways, but this clothes-loving teenager is about to set the world on fire with her own line of inclusive fashion designs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGary (2026)
Two friends go on a work trip and encounter unexpected challenges and local personalities as they navigate their assignment. Their efforts to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings highlight moments of humor, small-town culture and the unpredictable nature of work travel. Their experience offers new perspectives on their friendship.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCome As You Are (2020)
Three young men with disabilities embark on a road trip to a brothel in Montreal catering to people with special needs to lose their virginity and embrace their independence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Mighty (1998)
Kevin, an intelligent guy helps out Maxwell to improve his reading skills. In return, Kevin wants Maxwell to take him out places since he is not authorized to go out. Being the social outcasts of the town, Kevin and Maxwell come to realize that they are similar to each other and accept that they are "freaks" and nothing will stop them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHouse of D (2004)
In the present, artist Tom Warshaw recalls his traumatic coming of age. As a 13-year-old growing up in New York City in 1973, Tom hangs out with Pappass, a mentally disabled man. With Tom's mother battling depression after the death of her husband, the young boy is left to his own devices. When Tom develops a crush on schoolmate Melissa, Pappass feels abandoned and begins behaving erratically.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Hole in the Head (1959)
An impractical widower tries to hang onto his Miami hotel and his 12-year-old son.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPassion Fish (1992)
After an accident leaves her a paraplegic, a former soap opera star struggles to recover both emotionally and mentally, until she meets her newest nurse, who has struggles of her own.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisInterstate 60 (2002)
An aspiring painter meets various characters and learns valuable lessons while traveling across America.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisScarecrow (1973)
Two drifters bum around, visit earthy women and discuss opening a car wash in Pittsburgh.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDon't Make Me Go (2022)
A terminally ill man and his teenage daughter embark on a road trip from California to New Orleans for his 20th college reunion. While there, he secretly hopes she can reunite with the mother who left them long ago.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNebraska (2013)
An aging, booze-addled father takes a trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son in order to claim what he believes to be a million-dollar sweepstakes prize.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHow Not To Try Again (2026)
After five years of radio silence, Indigo's best friend waltzes back into her life. With no more than 35p to her name, no job, and an incredibly destructive impulse to make everything too perfect, Indigo battles her final chance to save her friendship.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama & comedy
Melvin and Howard (1980)
The story of hard-luck Melvin Dummar, who claimed to have received a will naming him an heir to the fortune of Howard Hughes. Inspired by real events.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInstant Family (2018)
When Pete and Ellie decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child but when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15 year old girl, they find themselves speeding from zero to three kids overnight.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSweet on You (2023)
Kate, a small town pie shoppe owner, encounters city boy Drew who, unbeknownst to Kate, is in town to build tract homes that would run straight through her shoppe… until Drew finds his heart stuck between his family’s wishes and a chance at love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & drama
Pompo the Cinephile (2021)
Operating out of the movie capital "Nyallywood," Pompo has been shooting one B-grade entertainment flick after another that anyone would enjoy. One day, Pompo's "movie buff" assistant Gene spots a new script written by Pompo and is moved by its exquisite story. In a fit of passion, he proclaims, "I want to see this as a finished work in theaters as soon as possible!" However, Pompo tells him, "So you shoot this film." Thus, Gene takes on his first directing gig. Meanwhile, Natalie, an ordinary girl who just arrived in town with movie actress dreams, has been discovered by Pompo...
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAnima (2026)
A young woman and an old man embark on a road trip to preserve his consciousness at an experimental facility.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama & comedy
Godzone (2017)
Two friends try to re-unite by going on a road-trip to the forests and mountains. Their attempt to reconcile does not go easy due to the secrets they hold, and a shocking revelation ends their journey.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
La cárcel de Cananea (1960)
Law officer tracks and recaptures escaped convict.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Jon Richardson: Take My Mother-in-Law (2022)
Jon Richardson takes his mother-in-law Gill on a retirement road trip to Spain to find her a perfect home - that isn't his in Yorkshire! But there's one problem: Gill wants to grow old disgracefully!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Fundamentals of Caring?
The closest matches to The Fundamentals of Caring are The Road Within (2014), Music Within (2007) and Kodachrome (2017). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Fundamentals of Caring?
Start with The Road Within (2014), the closest match to The Fundamentals of Caring.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Fundamentals of Caring?
Instant Family (2018), rated 7.5/10 by 3,358 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Fundamentals of Caring?
How Not To Try Again (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Fundamentals of Caring?
Yes: The Road Within (2014), Music Within (2007) and Kodachrome (2017).
How are movies similar to The Fundamentals of Caring chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Fundamentals of Caring, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.