On January 11, 2019, American audiences were introduced to the heartwarming and hilarious story of an unlikely friendship in "The Upside." The film, an American remake of the 2011 French blockbuster "The Intouchables," premiered in theaters across the United States on this day. Despite facing a long road to release and mixed critical reviews, its debut was a surprising and resounding commercial success. It opened at number one at the domestic box office, unseating the seemingly unstoppable "Aquaman" and demonstrating the immense star power of its leads, Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston, and the audience's appetite for feel-good, character-driven comedy-dramas.
What it is
"The Upside" tells the story of Dell Scott (Kevin Hart), an ex-convict on parole who desperately needs a job. He stumbles into an interview to be a "life auxiliary" for Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston), a wealthy quadriplegic author. Despite his complete lack of experience and a brash attitude, Dell is hired by Phillip, who is tired of the coddling caregivers he usually encounters. The film follows the development of their bond as the two men from vastly different worlds learn from each other, challenge each other's perspectives, and ultimately form a deep, life-changing friendship, with help from Phillip's executive, Yvonne (Nicole Kidman).
How it came to be
The journey to create an American version of "The Intouchables" was protracted, beginning shortly after the original's massive success. The project was initially developed at The Weinstein Company with various actors and directors attached over the years, including Colin Firth and director Paul Feig. After years in development hell and the eventual collapse of The Weinstein Company, the film's distribution rights were acquired by STX Entertainment and Lantern Entertainment. Neil Burger directed the final version starring Hart, Cranston, and Kidman, which premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival but had its wide theatrical release delayed until this date in January 2019.
How many it sold
"The Upside" was a significant box office success, far exceeding industry expectations. In its opening weekend in North America, it grossed over $20 million, claiming the top spot and ending the three-week reign of "Aquaman." The film displayed remarkable staying power, buoyed by strong word-of-mouth from audiences. It went on to earn a domestic total of over $108 million and a worldwide gross of nearly $126 million against a production budget of approximately $37.5 million. This impressive financial return made it one of the most profitable releases for STXfilms and a bona fide hit of the winter movie season.
Why it resonated
The film's immense appeal stemmed directly from the magnetic chemistry between its two leads. Bryan Cranston brought depth and gravitas to the role of Phillip, while Kevin Hart delivered a performance that blended his signature comedic energy with surprising emotional vulnerability. Audiences connected with the universal themes of second chances, the power of human connection to transcend social and physical barriers, and the idea that friendship can be found in the most unexpected places. While critics were divided, audiences responded overwhelmingly positively, awarding it an "A" CinemaScore, proving that its uplifting and humorous message was exactly what many moviegoers were looking for.
Impact today
"The Upside" remains a popular and beloved film, often cited as a standout performance for Kevin Hart in a more dramatic role. It solidified the box-office viability of heartfelt, adult-oriented comedy-dramas, a genre that can often be overlooked in a market saturated with blockbusters. The film's success story—overcoming a troubled production history and middling reviews to find massive audience approval—serves as a reminder of the disconnect that can sometimes exist between critics and the general public. It endures as a feel-good movie that continues to find new audiences on streaming platforms, celebrated for its humor, heart, and the brilliant pairing of its stars.
Historical content researched and generated by Gemini 2.5 Pro.