Kevin Hart has become a household name thanks to his infectious humor, boundless energy, and ability to dominate both stand-up comedy and the silver screen. Over the years, Hart has proven himself as one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, delivering blockbuster hits that showcase his unique comedic style, as well as his surprising range as an actor. From buddy cop films to action-packed comedies and heartwarming dramas, Kevin Hart has built a stellar filmography that appeals to a wide audience.
In this blog, we’re counting down the Top 10 Movies of Kevin Hart, ranked for their entertainment value, box office success, and fan appeal. Whether you’re a die-hard Kevin Hart fan or just looking for a laugh, this list will guide you through some of his best on-screen performances.
1. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Directed by: Jake Kasdan
Co-stars: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan
When it comes to Kevin Hart’s most successful films, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle easily claims the top spot. This action-packed adventure reboot of the 1995 classic took the world by storm, grossing nearly $1 billion at the global box office. In the film, Hart plays “Mouse” Finbar, the avatar of a high school football star who is transported into the dangerous world of Jumanji.
Hart’s dynamic chemistry with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and the rest of the cast brought a fresh and hilarious twist to the classic story. Hart’s comedic timing, along with his portrayal of the smaller, less powerful avatar, delivered some of the film’s funniest moments. This movie not only cemented Hart’s status as a blockbuster star but also showcased his versatility in the action-comedy genre.
2. Ride Along (2014)
Genre: Action, Comedy
Directed by: Tim Story
Co-stars: Ice Cube, Tika Sumpter
Ride Along is another defining film in Kevin Hart’s career, pairing him with Ice Cube in a classic buddy cop comedy. Hart plays Ben Barber, a fast-talking security guard who dreams of becoming a police officer. To prove his worth, he goes on a ride-along with his girlfriend’s intimidating cop brother, played by Ice Cube.
The comedic contrast between Hart’s nervous, talkative character and Ice Cube’s stoic, no-nonsense demeanor created a hilarious dynamic that resonated with audiences. Ride Along became a box office hit, grossing over $150 million worldwide, and led to a successful sequel, Ride Along 2 (2016). The movie remains a fan favorite and highlights Hart’s strength in the buddy comedy genre.
3. Central Intelligence (2016)
Genre: Action, Comedy
Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Co-stars: Dwayne Johnson, Amy Ryan
Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson are known for their incredible on-screen chemistry, and Central Intelligence is a prime example of their comedic partnership at its best. In this action-comedy, Hart plays Calvin Joyner, a mild-mannered accountant who is drawn into the world of espionage by Bob Stone, a former high school acquaintance played by Johnson.
The film’s combination of hilarious misunderstandings, action sequences, and heartfelt moments makes it one of the best films of Hart’s career. Hart’s portrayal of the straight-laced Calvin, trying to keep up with Johnson’s eccentric secret agent character, led to many laugh-out-loud moments. Central Intelligence was a box office success, further solidifying the duo’s popularity and setting the stage for future collaborations.
4. Think Like a Man (2012)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Directed by: Tim Story
Co-stars: Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson
Based on Steve Harvey’s best-selling book, Think Like a Man was a massive hit in the romantic comedy genre and helped elevate Kevin Hart’s career to new heights. Hart plays Cedric, one of a group of friends who find themselves in relationship dilemmas after their girlfriends start following advice from Harvey’s book.
Hart’s performance as the comedic centerpiece of the ensemble cast stole the show, and his character’s sharp wit and hilarious one-liners quickly made him a fan favorite. Think Like a Man was a box office success, earning over $90 million, and its success led to a sequel, Think Like a Man Too (2014). The film marked Hart’s breakthrough into mainstream stardom.
5. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Directed by: Jake Kasdan
Co-stars: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan
The sequel to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level brought Kevin Hart back into the world of video game adventure, with even more laughs and action. This time, Hart’s character, Mouse Finbar, takes on a new challenge as the avatar for a different player, leading to some of the funniest character swaps in the film.
Hart’s ability to embody different personalities within the same character showed off his comedic range and adaptability. The film was another box office hit, proving that the Jumanji franchise had staying power and that Hart’s performance was a key factor in its success.
6. The Upside (2019)
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Directed by: Neil Burger
Co-stars: Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman
In The Upside, Kevin Hart takes on a more dramatic role, showing that his talents extend beyond just comedy. Hart plays Dell Scott, an ex-convict who becomes a caregiver for a wealthy quadriplegic man, played by Bryan Cranston. The film is based on the true story of an unlikely friendship and was adapted from the French film The Intouchables.
Hart’s performance surprised many critics and fans, as he successfully balanced humor with heartfelt moments. His on-screen chemistry with Cranston brought depth to the film, making it a standout in his filmography. The Upside was a commercial success, grossing over $125 million worldwide and demonstrating Hart’s ability to tackle more serious roles.
7. Night School (2018)
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee
Co-stars: Tiffany Haddish, Rob Riggle
In Night School, Kevin Hart teams up with Tiffany Haddish for a comedy about second chances. Hart plays Teddy Walker, a high school dropout who returns to night school to earn his GED after losing his job. Haddish plays the tough and no-nonsense teacher determined to help him succeed.
The film’s humor stems from the mismatched group of night school students, each with their own quirks and challenges. Hart’s comedic chemistry with Haddish, along with the film’s relatable message about perseverance, made it a hit with audiences. Night School grossed over $100 million worldwide, further cementing Hart’s place as a comedy box office draw.
8. Get Hard (2015)
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Etan Cohen
Co-stars: Will Ferrell, Alison Brie
Get Hard is a buddy comedy that pairs Kevin Hart with Will Ferrell, creating a dynamic and hilarious partnership. Hart plays Darnell Lewis, a car wash owner who is hired by a wealthy investment banker (Ferrell) to teach him how to survive in prison after being sentenced for fraud.
Hart’s high-energy performance contrasts perfectly with Ferrell’s awkward, clueless character, leading to plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. While Get Hard received mixed reviews, it was a box office success, grossing over $111 million worldwide. The film is a fun and light-hearted comedy that showcases Hart’s ability to elevate any project with his unique brand of humor.
9. Soul Plane (2004)
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Jessy Terrero
Co-stars: Snoop Dogg, Tom Arnold, Method Man
One of Kevin Hart’s earlier films, Soul Plane has become a cult classic in the world of comedy. Hart stars as Nashawn Wade, a man who starts his own airline after receiving a large settlement from a personal injury lawsuit. The film is a parody of airline disaster movies, filled with over-the-top humor and absurd situations.
Although Soul Plane was not a critical success, it helped introduce Kevin Hart to a wider audience. His role as the lead character showcased his potential, setting the stage for his future success in Hollywood. The film remains a nostalgic favorite for many of Hart’s early fans.
10. Grudge Match (2013)
Genre: Sports, Comedy
Directed by: Peter Segal
Co-stars: Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone
In Grudge Match, Kevin Hart joins Hollywood heavyweights Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone in a comedy about two aging boxers who come out of retirement for one final fight. Hart plays Dante Slate Jr., the promoter who orchestrates the match.
While the film’s main focus is on De Niro and Stallone, Hart provides much of the comedic relief, injecting his signature fast-talking, high-energy humor into the story. Grudge Match is an entertaining sports comedy that shows Hart can hold his own alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.
Conclusion
Kevin Hart’s career is a testament to his incredible work ethic, versatility, and undeniable talent. From laugh-out-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas, he has consistently delivered memorable performances that have endeared him to fans around the world. Whether he’s starring in blockbuster hits or more intimate films, Hart’s charm and comedic timing make each movie a joy to watch.
These Top 10 Movies of Kevin Hart showcase the best of his on-screen work and highlight his growth from a rising star in comedy to a global entertainment icon. If you’re looking for a mix of humor, action, and heart, these films are the perfect introduction to Kevin Hart’s impressive filmography.
