If you’re looking for a movie with Kevin Hart, you usually know exactly what you’re getting. High-pitched screaming. A lot of frantic running. Probably a taller co-star like The Rock or Will Ferrell looking down at him with mild confusion. It’s a formula that has made the guy one of the wealthiest people in Hollywood, but lately, something has shifted.
Honestly, the "funny little man" trope was starting to feel a bit thin. You can only watch a guy get chased by a CGI animal so many times before you start wondering if he’s got anything else in the tank. Then came 2021’s Fatherhood, and suddenly, critics realized he could actually act without a punchline every ten seconds. Now, in 2026, we’re seeing the peak of this evolution.
The 72 Hours Gamble and the Netflix Era
The newest movie with Kevin Hart everyone is talking about right now is 72 Hours. Released in the summer of 2026 on Netflix, it's basically the ultimate test of his "everyman" appeal. Here’s the wild part: the premise is incredibly relatable but also kind of a nightmare. He plays a 40-year-old guy who gets accidentally added to a group chat for a bachelor party weekend with complete strangers.
He goes anyway.
It’s directed by Tim Story, the same guy who did Ride Along, so you’d expect a pure slapstick fest. But it’s surprisingly grounded. Hart is surrounded by a fresh cast—Marcello Hernández from SNL, Mason Gooding, and Teyana Taylor. Instead of being the loud one, Hart plays the "straight man" to a group of younger, more chaotic dudes. It’s a flip of his usual dynamic.
✨ Don't miss: Cómo salvar a tu favorito: La verdad sobre la votación de La Casa de los Famosos Colombia
This film is part of that massive multi-year deal he signed with Netflix through his company, Hartbeat. They aren't just making comedies anymore. They’re building a library that feels more diverse, ranging from heist films like Lift (2024) to this new wave of ensemble comedies.
Why the Jumanji 3 Hype is Different This Time
We can't talk about a movie with Kevin Hart without mentioning the elephant in the room: Jumanji 3.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson finally confirmed that production is wrapping up for a December 2026 release. It’s supposed to be the "final adventure." For years, the chemistry between Hart (Mouse Finbar) and Johnson (Dr. Bravestone) has been the gold standard for buddy comedies.
- Central Intelligence (2016) proved they worked.
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) made nearly a billion dollars.
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) leaned into the body-swapping.
- Jumanji 3 (2026) is reportedly going to bring the game into the real world.
Think Pixels but, you know, actually good. The rumors suggest the avatars will finally meet the kids who play them. Watching Kevin Hart interact with a teenager who thinks he's a video game character is the kind of meta-humor he excels at.
🔗 Read more: Cliff Richard and The Young Ones: The Weirdest Bromance in TV History Explained
Moving Past the "Loud Guy" Label
People often forget that Hart actually started in gritty bit parts. Go back to Scary Movie 3 or even his brief, legendary scene in The 40-Year-Old Virgin. He’s always had timing. But the move into serious drama was a choice.
In an interview with Forbes around the release of Lift, he mentioned that he enjoys being serious just as much as being funny. You see that in True Story, the limited series with Wesley Snipes, and you see it in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. He’s playing characters with actual stakes now.
What to Watch Right Now
If you're scrolling through your apps tonight looking for a movie with Kevin Hart, don't just click the first thing you see. Depending on your mood, the "best" one varies wildly.
- For pure laughs: Get Hard with Will Ferrell. It’s problematic, sure, but the "prison prep" scenes are objectively some of the funniest physical comedy of the 2010s.
- For a family night: The Secret Life of Pets. His voice work as Snowball the bunny is arguably better than half of his live-action roles.
- For a "Wait, he can act?" moment: The Upside. Starring opposite Bryan Cranston, he plays a parolee who becomes a caregiver. It’s heart-wrenching in a way you wouldn't expect from the guy who did Soul Plane.
- The New Stuff: 72 Hours is currently the top-streamed comedy on Netflix for a reason. It’s fast, it’s short, and it doesn't overstay its welcome.
The Future: Hartbeat and Beyond
Kevin Hart isn't just an actor anymore; he’s a mogul. His production company, Hartbeat, is producing the 2026 film Deepfaking Sam Altman, which is a satirical look at the tech industry. He’s also executive producing a new Netflix stand-up competition series aimed at finding the next breakout comic.
💡 You might also like: Christopher McDonald in Lemonade Mouth: Why This Villain Still Works
The industry is changing. We’re seeing fewer $200 million theatrical comedies and more direct-to-streamer hits. Hart saw this coming years ago. By anchoring his career to Netflix, he’s ensured that he stays relevant even as the traditional "movie star" era fades.
Whether he’s playing a serious heist leader or a guy trapped in a video game, the appeal remains the same. He’s the underdog. He’s the guy who talks too much because he’s nervous. He’s us, just shorter and much richer.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Watch
If you want to catch up on the best of his recent work, start with Lift to see his transition into action-hero territory. Then, move to 72 Hours for a look at his 2026 comedic style. If you really want to prepare for the end of the year, re-watch the first two Jumanji reboots. They hold up surprisingly well because the chemistry between the four leads—Hart, Johnson, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan—is genuine. Keep an eye on the Netflix "Coming Soon" tab for the Jumanji 3 teaser trailer, which is expected to drop any day now.