Stand-up paved the way, but the funny man’s film catalog is another big part of his comedy legacy.

For over 20 years, Kevin Hart has worked hard to build a prolific career as one of the most successful stand-up comedians in the business. At the same time, the hilarious and charismatic comic has also taken on over a dozen movie roles that have turned him into one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars. Hart’s journey has come a long way, from being the funny side character in classic comedies to now being the leading man in his movies.

Beyond his comedy specials, the 2024 NAACP Image Award nominee has delivered many hilarious performances over the years. Check out seven film roles that define Hart’s comedic legacy.

Paper Soldiers

In 2002, Hart started his years-long Hollywood journey by starring in his first-ever movie, “Paper Soldiers.” The outrageous Roc-A-Fella Films comedy followed the comedian as a rookie thief seeking training from a crew of bungling burglars.

Soul Plane

“Soul Plane” was another one of Hart’s first leading roles that came along early in his career. In the 2004 comedy, he played a down-on-his-luck entrepreneur who used his settlement money to start his own airline after a freak plane accident. The star-studded film featured comedians like Mo’Nique, D.L. Hughley, Loni Love, and Sommore, as well as legendary rappers like Snoop Dogg and Method Man.

Fool’s Gold

Starring in the Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson-led action rom-com “Fool’s Gold” helped take Hart’s career to the next level. The big-budget film, in which the comedian played a villain, follows an estranged couple who rekindle their romance while searching for a long-lost treasure.

Think Like a Man

Hart worked his rom-com magic in the Will-Packer-produced blockbuster “Think Like a Man,” which follows the romantic woes of several couples as they try to use Steve Harvey’s relationship advice to one-up each other. The comic narrated the movie and starred alongside Michael Ealy, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, Regina Hall, Meagan Good, Terrence J, Romany Malco, and Jerry Ferrara. Everyone also reprised their roles for the sequel, “Think Like a Man Too.”

Ride Along

Hart put his spin on the buddy cop genre in the hilarious flick “Ride Along,” starring as an aspiring police officer who gets into all sorts of trouble while trying to impress his soon-to-be brother-in-law and fellow cop (played by Ice Cube). The amusing pair joined forces again for their sequel film “Ride Along 2.”

The Wedding Ringer

Hart played a one-of-a-kind businessman in the ​​laugh-out-loud comedy “The Wedding Ringer” with Josh Gad, posing as a faux best man for a lonely groom. The unlikely pair attempt to pull off the ultimate “Golden Tux” scheme to make it through the wedding events, but things quickly go haywire.

Central Intelligence

Hart found a winning match in his movie partner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson after the two starred in their action-comedy “Central Intelligence.” After reconnecting on Facebook, a former high school geek-turned-CIA operative lures a mild-mannered accountant into the dangerous world of international espionage. The 2016 film started the actors’ run of other films together, like the rebooted “Jumanji” franchise.

Source: bet.com