Doctors Onscreen: Must-Watch Shows & Movies That Get Medicine Right

Released on April 10, 2025, The Pitt has quickly garnered attention for its raw portrayal of life within the Trauma Medical Center in Pittsburgh. With an impressive average rating of 4.6, the series navigates the challenges faced by medical staff in an overcrowded and underfunded emergency department. It captures the intensity of high-stakes medicine while highlighting the dedication of healthcare professionals.

Joy, released on November 15, 2024, offers a poignant look into the early struggles to bring the first ‘test tube baby’ into the world. The average rating of 4.1 reflects its compelling narrative, focusing on the relentless fight of a nurse, a scientist, and a surgeon against societal and institutional opposition. This film shines a light on medical innovation amidst ethical dilemmas.

Set in 1900 at the historic Knickerbocker Hospital, The Knick marries historical authenticity with innovative medical practices. With an average rating of 4.3 since its release on December 18, 2015, it chronicles the story of Dr. John Thackery, who, despite battling a severe drug addiction, pioneers groundbreaking surgical techniques. This series adeptly showcases the duality of genius and addiction.

Scrubs, which debuted on March 17, 2001, remains a beloved staple of medical comedy-drama, with an average rating of 4.3. Through the eyes of John "J.D." Dorian, viewers experience the balance of humor and heart within the sacred walls of Sacred Heart Hospital, making this series a warm and relatable take on the medical profession.

In The Doctor, released on July 24, 1991, we see the journey of Jack McKee, a successful physician who undergoes a radical shift in perspective when he is diagnosed with throat cancer. With a modest average rating of 3.4, the film speaks volumes about the importance of empathy and the holistic role of doctors in patient care, reminding viewers that medicine is as much about compassion as it is about treatment.

As one of the longest-running medical dramas, ER set the standard for realistic portrayals of emergency medicine when it premiered in 1994. With an average rating of 4, this series dives deep into the bustling operations of a teaching hospital's emergency room, showcasing the pressures faced by dedicated medical professionals while addressing vital health issues.

Something the Lord Made, a profoundly moving film released on May 30, 2004, recounts the groundbreaking partnership between heart surgery pioneers Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas. With an average rating of 4.1, this narrative not only highlights the evolution of cardiac surgery but addresses race relations and the unsung heroes in the medical field.

In Wit, released on February 9, 2001, the life of a renowned professor changes dramatically when she is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. This film, with an average rating of 3.7, challenges viewers to confront the realities of terminal illness and the impact of medical treatment on personal identity and mortality.

Contagion, which hit theaters on September 8, 2011, presents a chilling and realistic depiction of a global pandemic. With an average rating of 3.3, the story follows the frantic race among the medical community to understand and control a lethal airborne virus. This film resonates with contemporary audiences, particularly in light of recent global health crises.

Debuting on March 2, 2025, Call the Midwife transports viewers back to the 1950s, showcasing the lives of midwives in the impoverished East End of London, with an average rating of 4.1. Based on Jennifer Worth's memoirs, this series beautifully illustrates the triumphs and tribulations of providing maternal care in challenging circumstances.