Patch Adams
Laughter is contagious.
1998 • 115 min • Comedy · Drama
Synopsis
The true story of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams, who in the 1970s found that humor is the best medicine, and was willing to do just anything to make his patients laugh—even if it meant risking his own career.
Our family guide
Best from age 13- 73 Audience · 3498 · 100%
Based on a true story, this film follows Patch Adams, a medical student who believes laughter and compassion are vital to healing. He challenges traditional medical practices, bringing joy and humanity to patients, even if it jeopardizes his career.
- Violence & peril
- 3/10
- Language
- 2/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 3/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 3/10
- Scary moments
- 4/10
Heads up
- Discussions of mental health issues and suicide
- A character experiences a tragic death
- Some moments of medical realism may be intense
What it models well
- Compassion and empathy
- The power of humor
- Challenging the status quo
- Helping others
Talk about it after
- The importance of emotional well-being in health
- Dealing with grief and loss
- Finding purpose and passion
- Standing up for what you believe
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Patch Adams. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
Free with ads
- YouTube Free
YouTube FreeRent
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeBuy
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.
Top billed cast
Director: Tom Shadyac • Crew: Steve Oedekerk
Trailers & clips
The Power of a Red Nose
"If We're Going to Fight a Disease, Let's Fight Indifference"
Patch Adams Official Trailer #1 - Robin Williams Movie (1998) HD
Reviewer notes
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 7.3/10 (3,498)
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $50,000,000
- Box office
- $202,292,902
- IMDb
- tt0129290
