Let’s be real for a second. In 2014, if you told someone that the guy from N.W.A. and the "little man" from Scary Movie 3 would become the most bankable comedy duo in Hollywood, they might’ve laughed you out of the room. But then Ride Along hit theaters. It wasn't just a hit; it was a wrecking ball.
When you think of a kevin hart movie with ice cube, your brain immediately goes to that specific brand of "mismatched buddy cop" energy. You've got Ice Cube playing James Payton, a man whose resting face looks like he just smelled something sour, and Kevin Hart as Ben Barber, a guy who physically cannot stop talking even if his life depended on it. Which, in these movies, it usually does.
Why This Pairing Actually Worked
Honestly, the chemistry shouldn't have worked on paper. Cube is the king of the "straight man" role. He’s the anchor. Kevin is the kite caught in a hurricane.
The magic of Ride Along—and eventually its 2016 sequel—wasn't really about the plots. If we're being blunt, the plots were basically standard-issue police procedurals. High school security guard wants to marry the tough cop's sister? Check. Tough cop takes him on a "ride along" to scare him off? Check. They accidentally stumble into a massive arms dealing conspiracy involving Laurence Fishburne? Standard Friday night.
But the audience didn't care about the realism. They cared about Ben Barber’s "Black Hammer" gaming handle and James Payton’s sheer, unadulterated annoyance.
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The Numbers Don't Lie
- Ride Along (2014): Made roughly $154 million on a tiny $25 million budget.
- Ride Along 2 (2016): Pulled in over $124 million globally.
That’s a lot of money for movies that critics generally poked fun at. It proves a point: people love watching these two yell at each other. There’s a comfort in the formula.
What’s the Deal With Ride Along 3?
It’s been ten years since the last one. Ten. Years.
We’ve heard rumors for ages. Back in 2016, director Tim Story said they were working on a script. In 2018, Will Packer (the producer) mentioned it was still in the pipeline. Fast forward to 2026, and the "development hell" is real.
The biggest hurdle? Success.
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Kevin Hart isn’t just a stand-up comedian anymore; he’s a global conglomerate. Between his tequila brands, his production company (HartBeat), and his massive Netflix deal, finding a four-month window in his schedule is like trying to find a parking spot in downtown Atlanta on a Saturday night. Impossible.
And Ice Cube? He’s busy running the BIG3 basketball league and managing his own legendary legacy. To get them back in a police car together, the script has to be more than just "Ben is annoying again."
Common Misconceptions About the Duo
Some people think these two have done five movies together. Nope. Just the two Ride Along installments.
They’ve appeared in similar circles—like the Think Like a Man franchise (where Kevin starred and Cube's frequent collaborator Tim Story directed)—but the "Cube-Hart" brand is strictly tied to the Payton and Barber saga.
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There's also this weird myth that they didn't get along on set. Total nonsense. If you watch the "Ride Diaries" or their old Conan O’Brien segments, it’s clear they have a genuine mutual respect. Cube once told Refinery29 that Kevin is a "pro" who reminds him of the commitment Eddie Murphy used to bring to scenes. That’s high praise from a guy who doesn't hand out compliments for free.
What to Watch While You Wait
If you’re craving that specific vibe and you’ve already watched the kevin hart movie with ice cube collection for the tenth time, you have to look at the "ancestors" of this style.
- 48 Hrs. (1982): This is the blueprint. Nick Nolte is the "Cube" and Eddie Murphy is the "Hart."
- Rush Hour: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker essentially did the 90s version of this.
- The Man from Toronto: If you want more Kevin Hart being terrified of hitmen, this is your best bet on Netflix.
Actionable Steps for the Fans
If you're looking to revisit the franchise or stay updated on the mythical third movie, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Credits: Don’t just watch the movie; watch the blooper reels on the Blu-ray or Digital HD versions. The improv between Cube and Hart is often funnier than the scripted lines that made the final cut.
- Follow Will Packer: As the producer, he’s usually the first one to leak actual news about production starts. If a camera is going to roll on Ride Along 3, his social media will be the place it breaks.
- Deep Dive into the Gaming Subplot: The first movie’s use of the "Black Hammer" persona was actually ahead of its time for mainstream comedy. Re-watching those scenes through the lens of modern gaming culture makes Ben’s character feel surprisingly relatable.
The reality is that we might never get a trilogy. But even if the "Suburban Commando" and the "King of Atlanta" never team up again, they’ve already secured their spot in the buddy-cop Hall of Fame.