Thursday, April 16, 2026
Death and Taxes: April 15 is Tax Day, and April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. They are two back-to-back reminders that paperwork isn’t just a bureaucratic nuisance, it’s a gift to your future self and everyone who cares about you.
As Benjamin Franklin famously put it, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” He didn’t mention paperwork, but he probably would have, if he’d ever tried to find a missing document at the worst possible moment.
Let’s take a look at how movies help bring these “certainties” to life, and why they matter more than we’d like to admit.
When Death Shows Up in a Boardroom
Meet Joe Black (1998) gives us a surprisingly charming take on Death, played by Brad Pitt in fine form, taking a break from his usual duties to experience human life.
He spends time with media mogul Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins), who’s approaching his 65th birthday and starting to feel the weight of mortality. In one memorable scene, Death attends a corporate board meeting. Nothing sharpens your perspective on business decisions like realizing your time is finite.
?? Watch the scene:
Making Medical Choices Before a Crisis
While Death might be curious and well-dressed in Meet Joe Black, the reality of end-of-life decisions is far less glamorous, and far more urgent.
Wit (2001)
In Wit, Vivian Bearing, a professor with advanced ovarian cancer, has a deeply human conversation with her nurse about what should happen if her heart stops. Her options:
- Full code: medical teams attempt resuscitation and intensive care
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR): allow natural death without intervention
It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that these decisions aren’t abstract. They’re personal, emotional, and best made before a crisis.
?? Watch the clip:
Grey’s Anatomy
Even TV doctors have to face real-life decisions. In this scene, Dr. Mark Sloan fills out his advance medical directives, specifying:
- Whether he wants resuscitation
- If he would accept artificial nutrition and hydration (tube feeding)
- How long life-sustaining treatment should continue without signs of recovery (he chooses 30 days)
It’s practical, specific, and exactly the kind of clarity your loved ones need if they ever have to speak for you.
?? Watch the clip:
Why This Matters Right Now
Taxes come due every year whether you’re ready or not. Healthcare decisions? Those tend to show up unannounced. National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) is the perfect nudge to:
- Complete your advance directives
- Talk with loved ones about your wishes
- Put your paperwork somewhere people can actually find it
Because while death may be certain, confusion and conflict don’t have to be.
Want More Movies That Tackle Mortality?
Just in time for Death and Taxes season, 98.6 Mortality Movies to See Before You Die is here! This collection features 142 films and TV programs, organized into thought-provoking categories like:
- Funerals and Funeral Directors
- Medical Treatment and End-of-Life Issues
- Death Fantasy and Afterlife Visions
- Grief and Growth
- Mortality and Living Fully
- Animated Films
- Estate Planning
- Documentaries and Television
- And even “The .6” — memorable scenes from non-mortality movies
There’s even a guide for hosting your own Mortality Movie Night, because sometimes the best way to talk about serious topics is with popcorn in hand.
?? Order your copy now!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sCqKae
AGoodGoodbye.com: https://agoodgoodbye.com/product/pre-sale-98-6-mortality-movies-to-see-before-you-die/
Death and taxes may be inevitable, but being prepared? That’s a choice. And it’s one worth making.
Related
Gail Rubin, CT, is author and host of the award-winning book and television series, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die, Hail and Farewell: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips, KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die and The Before I Die Festival in a Box™.
Rubin is a Certified Thanatologist (that's a death educator) and a popular speaker who uses humor and films to get the end-of-life and funeral planning conversation started. She "knocked 'em dead" with her TEDx talk, A Good Goodbye. She provides continuing education credit classes for attorneys, doctors, nurses, social workers, hospice workers, financial planners, funeral directors and other professionals. She's a Certified Funeral Celebrant and funeral planning consultant who has been interviewed in national and local print, broadcast and online media.
Known as The Doyenne of Death®, she is the event coordinator of the Before I Die New Mexico Festival and author of a guide to holding such festivals. Her podcast is also called The Doyenne of Death®. She produces videos about the funeral business and related topics. Her YouTube Channel features hundreds of videos!
Rubin is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, Toastmasters International and the National Speakers Association. Her speaking profile is available at eSpeakers.com.
Gail Rubin has been interviewed about funeral planning issues in national and local broadcast, print and online media. Outlets include The Huffington Post, Money Magazine, Kiplinger, CBS Radio News, WGN-TV, and local affiliates for NPR, PBS, FOX, ABC-TV, CBS-TV and NBC-TV. Albuquerque Business First named her as one of their 2019 Women of Influence.
Sign up for a free planning form and occasional informative newsletter at her website, AGoodGoodbye.com.