If you were moved by the poignant storytelling of Death of a Superhero (2011), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similar movies and shows that explore themes of mortality, resilience, and the human spirit. Whether you're looking for heartfelt dramas or inspiring tales, these picks will resonate with fans of the original film.

My Sister's Keeper (2009)
Description: A family drama that delves into ethical dilemmas surrounding illness, sacrifice, and the bonds between siblings when one child is conceived to save another.
Fact: The movie's ending differs significantly from the book's controversial conclusion. The courtroom scenes were filmed in an actual Los Angeles courthouse.


The Last Song (2010)
Description: A summer romance story that evolves into a deeper exploration of family reconciliation and personal transformation in the face of life-altering circumstances.
Fact: Nicholas Sparks wrote the screenplay specifically for Miley Cyrus, marking her first major dramatic role. Many scenes were filmed on Tybee Island, Georgia.


The Art of Getting By (2011)
Description: Follows a disillusioned high school senior who questions life's purpose until an unexpected friendship helps him find meaning, mirroring themes of existential angst and personal growth.
Fact: The film was originally titled 'Homework' and was the feature debut of writer-director Gavin Wiesen. Much of it was shot on location in New York City.


Before I Fall (2017)
Description: A thought-provoking narrative about a girl reliving the last day of her life, examining choices, consequences, and what truly matters in our limited time.
Fact: Based on Lauren Oliver's bestselling debut novel. The repetitive day sequences were filmed over 52 days to capture subtle changes in the protagonist's perspective.


The Spectacular Now (2013)
Description: A raw and intimate portrayal of teenage life, focusing on self-discovery, relationships, and the fleeting nature of youth, with a deeply emotional core.
Fact: The screenplay was adapted from a novel by Tim Tharp. The film's naturalistic dialogue was largely improvised by the actors during filming.


Now Is Good (2012)
Description: A bittersweet story about a terminally ill teenager creating a bucket list of experiences she wants to have before dying, focusing on living life to the fullest despite limitations.
Fact: Based on the novel 'Before I Die' by Jenny Downham. The lead actress spent time with real cancer patients to prepare for her role.


Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Description: A poignant coming-of-age story that blends humor and heartbreak as a teenage boy forms an unlikely friendship with a girl battling leukemia, highlighting themes of friendship and mortality.
Fact: The film won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The director insisted on using practical effects for the stop-motion sequences instead of CGI.


The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Description: This film explores the emotional journey of teenagers grappling with terminal illness, focusing on love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality.
Fact: The movie was shot in Pittsburgh, Amsterdam, and Indiana, with the iconic bench scene in Amsterdam becoming a tourist attraction. The book's author, John Green, has a cameo in the film.


The Space Between Us (2017)
Description: A sci-fi romance that follows a boy born on Mars who comes to Earth and discovers love and connection while facing physical limitations, blending adventure with emotional depth.
Fact: The film's concept was originally developed in the 1990s but went through multiple rewrites. Some zero-gravity effects were achieved using underwater filming techniques.


Five Feet Apart (2019)
Description: Centers on two teenagers with cystic fibrosis who must maintain a physical distance but develop a deep emotional connection, exploring love and life under constraints.
Fact: The film's medical consultant was a real-life cystic fibrosis patient. The title refers to the six-foot rule that CF patients must follow, reduced to five feet as a symbolic gesture of rebellion.
