Medicine encompasses numerous areas and can often be quite complex. Whether it’s theoretical concepts or extensive practical applications, its ultimate goal is always to improve the treatment and healing of diseases and injuries. As the following movies and series show, it can also be quite dramatic at times.
Movies
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009)
This movie depicts the life of renowned neurosurgeon Ben Carson from 1961 to 1987. After a challenging school period, studying at Yale University, and working at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he travels to Germany, where a couple asks him to separate their conjoined twins through surgery. All his medical experience leads up to this high-risk operation.
Streaming at: Netflix
My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
This emotional and thought-provoking movie tells the story of a young girl conceived by her parents to donate organs to her terminally ill sister. It raises ethical questions about medicine, particularly regarding organ transplantation.
Streaming at: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Contagion (2011)
This thriller depicts the global spread of a deadly virus and the efforts of scientists and medical personnel to contain it. The movie gained renewed relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a realistic insight into pandemics and health research.
Streaming at: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Super-Hypochondriac (2014)
This Belgian-French comedy is about Romain Faubert, a single man who suffers from hypochondria. His friend and doctor, Dr. Dimitri Zvenka, attempts to help him by setting him up on dates, with chaotic and hilarious results.
Streaming at: Joyn, Amazon Prime Video
Intouchables (2011)
Based on a true story, this French comedy-drama portrays the unique friendship between Philippe, a quadriplegic and wealthy businessman, and Driss, an ex-convict hired as his caregiver. Despite their differences, they positively influence each other’s lives.
Streaming at: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Series
Charité (since 2017)
This series revolves around the famous Charité hospital in Berlin during various historical periods. The first season focuses on Robert Koch’s work in the late 19th century, while later seasons explore World War II and the Berlin Wall’s construction. The fourth season ventures into a fictional future set in 2049.
Streaming at: ARD Mediathek, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
New Amsterdam (2018-2023)
Based on the memoirs of Dr. Eric Manheimer, a former chief medical officer at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital, this series follows Dr. Max Goodwin as he takes on the role of medical director. His unconventional approach seeks to reform the hospital’s inefficient system, offering an emotional look at patient cases and hospital politics.
Streaming at: Netflix
The Good Doctor (2017–present)
This series follows Dr. Shaun Murphy, an autistic surgeon at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, as he navigates challenges in interacting with patients and colleagues. Despite these hurdles, his unique problem-solving skills and unconventional medical approaches inspire his team. The series currently spans seven seasons.
Streaming at: Netflix, RTL+, WOW
House, M.D. (2004-2012)
Dr. Gregory House is known for his unconventional and often controversial diagnostic methods. Over eight seasons, the show explores his incredible medical skills as well as his struggles with addiction and conflicts with colleagues due to his abrasive personality.
Streaming at: Amazon Prime Video
Lenox Hill (2020)
This documentary series offers a realistic glimpse into the daily lives of four doctors at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital. It highlights the medical challenges they face and the emotional toll of working in a hospital environment.
Streaming at: Netflix