TL;DR
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a sharp, visually inventive, and emotionally heavy film about a high schooler forced to befriend a classmate with leukemia. It’s not your typical "cancer movie" (it actively mocks those tropes), but it is a "heavy" movie. Expect plenty of profanity, some accidental drug use, and a realistic, non-romanticized look at grief.
Best for: Ages 14+ If they liked this, check out:
Based on the novel by Jesse Andrews, the story follows Greg, a high school senior who has spent four years masterfully navigating the social minefield of high school by being "everyone’s acquaintance but no one’s friend." He spends his time making short, weird parody films of classic cinema with his "co-worker" (don't call him a friend) Earl.
His world gets upended when his mother forces him to hang out with Rachel, a girl in his grade who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. What follows isn't a grand romance or a miracle cure story; it’s a dry, often funny, and eventually devastating look at what happens when a teenager who avoids all intimacy is forced to confront the ultimate reality of loss.
In a world of TikTok trends and curated Instagram aesthetics, Greg’s character feels remarkably authentic. He is deeply insecure, uses irony as a shield, and is terrified of being perceived. This is the "quiet" digital struggle—not the kid who is addicted to Fortnite, but the kid who uses media and humor to keep the world at arm's length.
The film also celebrates creative obsession. Greg and Earl’s parodies—like "A Sockwork Orange" or "2:48 PM Cowboy"—are a love letter to film history. For a kid who is into YouTube editing or wants to be a filmmaker, this movie is like catnip. It shows that "making stuff" is a valid way to process the world, even if you aren't ready to talk about your feelings yet.
While the "Dying Girl" in the title might suggest a younger audience (like the Bridge to Terabithia crowd), this is firmly a movie for older teens.
The dialogue is very "high school." There are frequent uses of the "F-word" and other profanities. It doesn't feel gratuitous—it sounds like how actual 17-year-olds talk when teachers aren't around—but if your family has a low tolerance for "spicy" language, this will be a lot.
There is a scene where Greg and Earl accidentally eat "truffles" that turn out to be laced with drugs (it's implied to be marijuana or some kind of hallucinogen). The scene is played for comedy—they become incredibly disoriented and paranoid during a serious moment—but it’s a significant plot point. There is also some depiction of adults drinking wine and beer.
This is the big one. The movie doesn't sugarcoat the physical toll of chemotherapy. We see Rachel lose her hair, become increasingly weak, and eventually enter hospice care. Unlike The Fault in Our Stars, which can feel a bit "glossy" about illness, this film feels heavy and real. If your child has recently dealt with a loss or a family illness, this might be a very difficult watch.
The "Co-Worker" Dynamic
Earl is a fascinating character. He comes from a much tougher neighborhood than Greg, and the film subtly touches on class and race without making it a "Sundance Message Movie." Earl is the moral compass of the film; he’s the one who eventually calls Greg out on his narcissism. It’s a great jumping-off point for a conversation about what it means to actually "show up" for a friend versus just being there because you were told to.
The Humor is Dry
If your kid likes Napoleon Dynamite or Wes Anderson movies, they will love the style here. If they prefer fast-paced Marvel movies, they might find the first half a bit slow. The humor is self-deprecating and often revolves around Greg hating himself, which is a very common (if exhausting) teen trait.
It’s Not a Romance
Parents often worry about "teen romance" movies being too sexual. Refreshingly, Greg and Rachel never date. There’s no big makeover scene, no prom king/queen moment, and no "love heals all" ending. It’s a movie about the platonic intimacy of being seen by someone else.
If you watch this with your teen (or they watch it and come to you with "the feels"), here are a few ways to crack the door open:
- On Grief: "Greg spent the whole movie trying to avoid feeling anything. Do you think that made it harder or easier for him when things got bad?"
- On Creativity: "Which of Greg and Earl’s movie parodies was the funniest? If you had to remake a movie with just stuff in our house, which one would it be?"
- On Social Survival: "Greg talks about 'sub-groups' in high school like he's a spy. Does your school actually feel like that, or is that just a movie thing?"
- On Support: "Earl was pretty blunt with Greg about his behavior. Do you have friends who tell you the truth even when it’s annoying?"
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a 5-star film that requires a 5-star emotional maturity level. It’s an excellent choice for a family movie night with older teens (14+) who are ready for a story that is as heartbreaking as it is hilarious.
It’s a rare film that treats the "teen experience" with genuine respect—acknowledging that kids can be selfish, creative, terrified, and incredibly brave all at the same time. Just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby. You’ll need them.
- Check the WISE score: See how other intentional parents rated the "emotional intensity" of this film on the Me and Earl and the Dying Girl media page.
- Read the book: If your teen loved the movie, the book by Jesse Andrews is even more irreverent (and has a bit more profanity).
- Explore more "Indie" Teen Cinema: Check out our guide to coming-of-age movies that aren't cringey.
- Ask our bot: What are some other movies about teen friendship and grief?
