What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Intouchables
Film · 2011
If you loved The Intouchables, start with The Upside (Neil Burger, 2019) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Intouchables across media.
You were drawn to The Intouchables by the way disparate lives collide to create profound, transformative bonds across social divides.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Upside
Neil Burger · Film · 2019
Books on the same thread
The Stranger (L'Étranger)
Albert Camus · Book · 1942
Explores: Absurdity of Life, Alienation, Indifference.
Much like the stark social contrasts in The Intouchables, this novel explores the alienation of an ordinary man, challenging your perception of morality through a lens of existential absurdity.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Laura Hillenbrand · Book · 2010
Explores: Resilience, Survival Against the Odds, The Power of Forgiveness.
If the resilience found in The Intouchables moved you, this true story of survival and redemption will resonate as it chronicles one man's journey against overwhelming odds and adversity.
The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry · Book · 1943
Explores: Friendship, Loss of innocence, Spiritual journey.
The Intouchables captures the beauty of an unlikely connection, a theme mirrored here as a celestial traveler learns the true value of friendship and the importance of imagination.
Les Misérables
Victor Hugo · Book · 1987
Explores: Redemption, Social injustice, Poverty.
Just as The Intouchables highlights the bridge between two different worlds, this classic narrative tracks a man's struggle for redemption and dignity against the harsh backdrop of social injustice.
Series on the same thread
The Odd Couple
Garry Marshall · Series · 1970
Shares a thread with The Intouchables: Buddy Comedy.
You will recognize the quintessential odd couple dynamic from The Intouchables in this sitcom, which finds humor in the inevitable friction between two men with completely opposite lifestyles.
Entourage
Doug Ellin · Series · 2004
Explores: Friendship, Celebrity Lifestyle, Coming of Age.
Much like the central relationship in The Intouchables, this show focuses on the unwavering loyalty of a close-knit group of friends navigating life's challenges within a unique social environment.
The Untouchables
Quinn Martin · Series · 1959
Explores: Good vs Evil, Corruption, Law Enforcement.
While The Intouchables explores personal growth through an unexpected friendship, this series mirrors that intensity by showing how a dedicated team forms an unbreakable bond while fighting systemic corruption.
The Persuaders!
Robert S. Baker · Series · 1971
Explores: Odd Couple, Culture Clash, Jet Set Lifestyle.
This series mirrors the culture clash and buddy dynamic of The Intouchables, pairing an aristocrat with an outsider to solve crimes while navigating the complexities of their different worlds.
Podcasts on the same thread
Prends Un Break
Podcast
Explores: Humor, Brotherhood, Friendship.
If the genuine brotherhood in The Intouchables was your favorite element, you will appreciate this podcast for its candid focus on humor and the authentic spirit of male friendship.
This American Life
This American Life · Podcast · 2026
Explores: The human condition, Personal narrative, Social observation.
Just as The Intouchables uses personal narrative to explore the human condition, this show delivers intimate stories that balance humor and feeling to capture the essence of being alive.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Upside the same story as The Intouchables?
Yes, The Upside is an adaptation of the 2011 film The Intouchables. Both movies are based on the true story of a quadriplegic aristocrat who hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver after a paragliding accident.
What is the true story behind The Intouchables?
The Intouchables is based on the true story of a wealthy aristocrat who became a quadriplegic following a paragliding accident. The film depicts his unlikely friendship with a young man from the projects who is hired to assist him with his daily needs.
Should I watch The Intouchables before watching The Upside?
You can watch them in any order as they are separate adaptations of the same true story. The Intouchables is the 2011 original film, while The Upside is the 2019 adaptation. Both focus on the relationship between an aristocrat and his caregiver.
Is The Intouchables based on a book or a real event?
The Intouchables is based on a true story rather than a book. It follows the life of a quadriplegic aristocrat injured in a paragliding accident and his connection with a young man from the projects who becomes his personal caregiver.