Two men from opposite worlds build an unlikely friendship, and that’s the whole appeal here. Anyone searching for where to watch The Upside wants that same easy, feel-good chemistry between Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston. This guide covers exactly where the film streams, rents, or sells right now. Every detail here reflects current listings, not old data.
This film’s international rights moved to Amazon shortly after release, and that history still shapes access today. As a result, where to watch The Upside can differ by region more than expected. This guide separates subscription access from rental and purchase. It also checks for free options and breaks down availability across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. A cast rundown and the film’s award history follow, useful for anyone confirming they’ve found the right title.
Last Updated: July 2026
How This Guide Was Structured
- Verified subscription access at the time of writing
- Rental and purchase routes across major digital storefronts
- Regional availability patterns for the US, UK, Canada, and Australia
- Title identification and production background
- Box office performance and award recognition
- Related ForeverWatch viewing guides for further reading
About the Movie
The Upside follows Dell, a recently paroled ex-con, who takes an unlikely job as caretaker for Phillip, a wealthy quadriplegic. Neither man expects the friendship that follows. Director Neil Burger keeps the tone light without flattening the real stakes both characters face. That balance of humor and heart is exactly why the film fits so naturally among the site’s feel good movies.
- Genre: Comedy, drama
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime: 2 hours 6 minutes
- Age rating: PG-13
- Country of origin: United States
- Director: Neil Burger
Cast and Key Crew
- Kevin Hart as Dell Scott
- Bryan Cranston as Phillip Lacasse
- Nicole Kidman as Yvonne
- Golshifteh Farahani as Phillip’s assistant
- Director: Neil Burger
- Writer: Jon Hartmere, based on the French film The Intouchables
- Composer: Rob Simonsen
Hart plays against type here, trading his usual high-energy comedy for something more grounded. Cranston matches him with restraint, letting Phillip’s frustration and humor come through in small moments rather than big speeches. That pairing is part of why the film still holds up. It fits among the site’s best comedy movies built on chemistry rather than jokes alone.
Where to Watch The Upside (2019) Online
Anyone confirming where to watch The Upside right now will find the US route far clearer than the other three regions. For a broader look at similar titles, the where to watch movies hub covers more platforms beyond the ones listed here.
Subscription Streaming
Current listings show The Upside included with a Hulu subscription in the US, with DIRECTV Stream offering a second option. The UK, Canada, and Australia currently lack a confirmed subscription route. Confirming where to watch The Upside through a subscription is easiest in the US right now. Coverage elsewhere leans entirely on rental and purchase.
Rental and Purchase
For anyone who’d rather not subscribe, rental and purchase stay reliable across every region. In the US, that means Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. The UK, Canada, and Australia rely on similar storefronts. No confirmed free option currently exists in any of the four regions checked. These digital routes stay the steadiest way to settle where to watch The Upside whenever subscription access is limited.
Physical Media
The Upside has a standard physical media release, including DVD and Blu-ray editions from 2019. It’s a reasonable option for anyone who wants a permanent copy outside any streaming rotation.
Where to Watch The Upside (2019) by Region
Regional access for where to watch The Upside is far more settled in the US than elsewhere. The other three regions currently depend entirely on rental and purchase.
| Region | Typical Access | Common Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Subscription access confirmed on multiple services; no free option currently | Hulu, DIRECTV Stream, Amazon, Apple TV |
| United Kingdom | Subscription access unconfirmed at this time; rental and purchase confirmed | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Sky Store |
| Canada | Subscription access unconfirmed at this time; rental and purchase confirmed | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Australia | Subscription access unconfirmed at this time; rental and purchase confirmed | YouTube, Apple TV Store, Prime Video Store |
| Rest of World | Availability rotates by country and local licensing agreements | Varies by territory |
Release Performance and Reception
The Upside opened in US theaters on January 11, 2019, distributed by STXfilms. That release came after delays tied to its former distributor’s collapse. The film debuted at number one and grossed over $125 million worldwide against a $37.5 million budget. That result made it one of the surprise commercial success stories of early 2019, given the uncertainty around its release.
The film is inspired by the real friendship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou. That’s the same story behind the French hit The Intouchables. That true story connects it to the site’s movies based on a true story collection. It sits alongside other films built around real people rather than invented characters. Recognition stayed modest. The film picked up a Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award. It also won an audience award for favorite feature at an earlier festival stop.
Official Trailer
Before renting or buying, the official trailer offers a fast way to confirm the film’s tone and cast chemistry. This helps anyone deciding between this version and the original French film. It captures the humor without spoiling how Dell and Phillip’s friendship develops.
Viewers drawn to an unlikely friendship that reshapes both people involved might also appreciate Good Will Hunting. It’s another film built around one person helping another see their own life differently.
FAQs About Where to Watch The Upside (2019)
Is The Upside available on Netflix?
Not currently confirmed. Hulu is the more reliable subscription option in the US right now.
Where to watch The Upside for free?
No confirmed free option currently exists in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. Rental remains the most reliable no-subscription route.
Is The Upside included with a Hulu subscription?
Yes, current listings confirm it in the US.
How long is The Upside?
The film runs approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes.
What is The Upside rated?
It carries a PG-13 rating for suggestive content, drug use, and language.
Is The Upside based on a true story?
Yes. It’s inspired by the real friendship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, previously told in the French film The Intouchables.
Does The Upside’s availability differ by region?
Yes. The US currently offers a confirmed subscription route, while the UK, Canada, and Australia rely entirely on rental and purchase.
Can I buy The Upside on physical media?
Yes, it’s available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Did The Upside win any awards?
Yes, including a Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award and an audience award for favorite feature.
Will where to watch The Upside change again soon?
It’s possible. This film’s rights have already shifted once since release. Checking a current listing before relying on one platform stays the safest habit.
Final Thoughts
Hulu offers the most reliable subscription route for The Upside in the US, with DIRECTV Stream as a secondary option. The UK, Canada, and Australia currently depend on rental and purchase instead. That gap could close if a new subscription deal lands in those regions. The film’s real-life inspiration explains part of its appeal. Its easy chemistry between Hart and Cranston explains the rest, years after release. For a quick recap, Hulu covers where to watch The Upside in the US. Rental and purchase fill in everywhere else right now. Before finalizing a choice, double-check the displayed price or subscription status, since listings can lag behind what’s actually available.
