If you loved
The Upside
Neil Burger · Film · 2019
What hooked you in The Upside was the way an unlikely bond across social boundaries facilitates profound personal transformation.
Start with the source
The source
The Intouchables
Film · 2011
Books on the same thread
Me Before You
Jojo Moyes · Book · 2012
If you enjoyed the shifting perspectives on disability and class in The Upside, you will appreciate this story of two people from different worlds finding meaning in their connection.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt · Book · 2022
Much like the intergenerational bond that defines The Upside, this novel explores how an unexpected friendship helps characters navigate grief and find a new sense of purpose in life.
The Goldfinch
Donna Tartt · Book · 2013
The Upside highlights the friction and growth found in class disparity, a theme mirrored here as a grieving protagonist is pulled into a world far different from his own.
Too Close for Comfort
La Jill Hunt · Book · 2006
If the complex relationship dynamics in The Upside kept you engaged, you will find similar tension here as characters navigate family drama and the challenges of building a new life.
Series on the same thread
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Park Shin-woo · Series · 2020
The Upside thrives on the healing power of an unconventional partnership, a theme central to this story as characters overcome deep emotional baggage through their mutual support and understanding.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Andy Borowitz · Series · 1990
This sitcom captures the same fish-out-of-water energy and class clash found in The Upside, showcasing how moving between two distinct worlds can lead to lasting, transformative family bonds.
Navillera
Series · 2021
This series mirrors the core dynamic of The Upside by pairing two people from vastly different stages of life who help each other overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams.
Upload
Greg Daniels · Series · 2020
Similar to the caretaker dynamic in The Upside, this show explores the intersection of wealth and struggle, highlighting how a cross-class connection can fundamentally change an individual's perspective.
Podcasts on the same thread
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
If you loved the candid, evolving friendship at the heart of The Upside, you will enjoy this deep dive into the nature of professional intimacy and the search for connection.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Umbrella · Podcast · 2026
The Upside succeeds because of its focus on human vulnerability, a trait that this podcast celebrates by encouraging honest, messy, and deeply personal storytelling between its host and guests.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Upside based on a true story or another film?
The Upside is an American remake of the 2011 French film titled The Intouchables. Both films follow the story of a wealthy man with quadriplegia who hires a struggling caretaker, leading to an unlikely friendship between two people from very different backgrounds.
Should I watch The Intouchables if I enjoyed The Upside?
Yes, if you enjoyed The Upside, you may appreciate watching The Intouchables. The 2011 film serves as the original source material for the 2019 version and explores the same central relationship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his new caretaker.
What is the primary plot of The Upside?
The Upside tells the story of Phillip, a wealthy quadriplegic living in a New York penthouse, who hires a parolee named Dell as his caretaker. The plot focuses on their developing friendship as Dell attempts to navigate his life and reconnect with his family.
How does the relationship in The Upside develop?
In The Upside, the relationship develops as Phillip and Dell bridge the gap between their two different worlds. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, the caretaker and his employer form an unlikely bond while navigating the challenges of their daily lives together.