What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Fundamentals of Caring
Rob Burnett · Film · 2016
If you loved The Fundamentals of Caring, start with Derek (Ricky Gervais, 2013) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Fundamentals of Caring across media.
You loved The Fundamentals of Caring for the transformative power of unlikely connections formed while navigating the complexities of caregiving.
Books on the same thread
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik Backman · Book · 2016
Shares a thread with The Fundamentals of Caring: Unexpected friendship.
Like the bond in The Fundamentals of Caring, this story explores how a grumpy, isolated individual finds renewed purpose through an unexpected and life-changing new friendship.
The Emperor of Gladness
Ocean Vuong · Book
Explores: caregiving, platonic intimacy, human connection.
This narrative mirrors the core dynamic of The Fundamentals of Caring, focusing on the profound intimacy and personal growth that emerge within a dedicated caregiver-patient relationship.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Mark Manson · Book · 2016
Explores: Stoicism, Mindfulness, Acceptance.
If you appreciated the emotional honesty of The Fundamentals of Caring, this guide offers a similar no-nonsense approach to finding meaning by focusing on what truly matters.
Me Before You
Jojo Moyes · Book · 2012
Explores: Disability, Right to Die, Social Class Differences.
Much like The Fundamentals of Caring, this story examines the intersection of disability and companionship, highlighting how a professional care arrangement can fundamentally alter two very different lives.
Series on the same thread
Derek
Ricky Gervais · Series · 2013
Shares a thread with The Fundamentals of Caring: Dramedy.
This series captures the same heartwarming spirit of The Fundamentals of Caring by focusing on the kindness and genuine human connection found within the world of professional caregiving.
Atypical
Robia Rashid · Series · 2017
Explores: Autism Spectrum, Self-Discovery, Family Dynamics.
Similar to the journey in The Fundamentals of Caring, this show follows a young man navigating the challenges of his disability while seeking independence and meaningful personal connections.
Podcasts on the same thread
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: mental health awareness, female friendship, coping mechanisms.
The humor and focus on coping mechanisms found here echo the way characters in The Fundamentals of Caring use wit and conversation to process their personal struggles.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
Just as the protagonists in The Fundamentals of Caring form an unlikely bond, this podcast highlights the search for authentic human connection through vulnerable and humorous conversation.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Fundamentals of Caring a road trip movie?
Yes, The Fundamentals of Caring follows a caregiver named Ben and his client, Trevor, as they embark on a road trip through the western states. During this journey, they meet various people who help them confront their emotional and physical challenges while exploring life outside their calculated existence.
What is the central premise of The Fundamentals of Caring?
The Fundamentals of Caring centers on Ben, a man dealing with a past tragedy who becomes a caregiver. He begins working for Trevor, an 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. The two embark on a trip that forces them to test their survival skills and address their respective emotional and physical limitations.
Who are the main characters in The Fundamentals of Caring?
The primary characters in The Fundamentals of Caring are Ben and Trevor. Ben is a man who takes a job as a caregiver following a tragedy, while Trevor is a hilarious 18-year-old living with muscular dystrophy. Their journey together serves as the core narrative of the film.
Does The Fundamentals of Caring involve a caregiver?
Yes, The Fundamentals of Caring features a protagonist named Ben who becomes a caregiver to earn money after suffering a personal tragedy. His first client is Trevor, an 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy, and their relationship evolves as they travel together through the western states.