Let's face it: Whether you're six or sixty, you don't look forward to seeing the doctor. But oh Lord, when you really need them, you're sure grateful they're there.
So, in tribute to their crucial work, here are ten top titles that feature doctors and nurses in prominent roles.
Here's to your health!
No Way Out (1950)
In his screen debut, Sidney Poitier plays a young doctor forced to care for an injured criminal (Richard Widmark) who’s also a virulent racist. This groundbreaking, Oscar-nominated film, written and directed by Joe Mankiewicz, still packs a wallop.
The Nun’s Story (1959)
Fred Zinnemann’s literate, scenic drama, shot on location, features Audrey Hepburn as Sister Luke, who goes to the Belgian Congo to care for the old and sick. There she works with Dr. Fortunati (Peter Finch), and begins to question the vows she took.
Persona (1966)
Ingmar Bergman’s trippy film features Liv Ullmann as an actress who’s suddenly struck dumb during a performance. She goes to a remote location to heal, along with a nurse (Bibi Andersson). There a mysterious connection develops between the two women.
M*A*S*H (1970)
Robert Altman’s irreverent, pitch black anti-war comedy follows the adventures of two free-thinking surgeons on the front lines of the Korean War — Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland) and Trapper John McIntyre (Elliott Gould). Later a long-running TV series.
The Hospital (1971)
Dark satire concerns an urban hospital whose operations mirror the insanity happening outside. George C. Scott is chief of medicine, who investigates when his patients start dying mysteriously. Diana Rigg costars, and biting script by Paddy Chayefsky won an Oscar.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Potent, multiple Oscar-winning drama centers on Randall McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) a criminal who plays crazy, thinking he’ll do easier time in a loony ward. He is disabused of this as he immediately clashes with cold, clinical Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher).
The Doctor (1991)
William Hurt delivers the goods as Jack McKee, an experienced surgeon who’s pretty clinical about his work, until he himself becomes a patient, fighting cancer. Based on a true story, this smart, subtle movie has a lot to say about life, death, and healing.
The English Patient (1996) 
In 1944, Hana (Juliette Binoche) nurses a burn victim (Ralph Fiennes) in Italy, who has amnesia. Soon a man arrives who claims to know the patient’s colorful story, which we experience in flashback. Sweeping epic from Anthony Minghella won nine Oscars.
Wit (2001)
Mike Nichols’s literate, moving account portrays an academic’s struggle with ovarian cancer. Applying her intellect and caustic wit, Vivian (a superb Emma Thompson) tries to make sense of a dehumanizing process. Christopher Lloyd effectively plays against type as her doctor.
Talk to Her (2002)
Pedro Almodovar’s provocative, fascinating film centers on two men, a male nurse and a journalist, who meet and learn that they both love and care for women who’ve fallen into comas. This study of male friendship won Almodovar a best screenplay Oscar.
More: Corona Watch List — 10 Documentaries to Stream While You're Social Distancing
