Movies like The Ups and Downs (1914)
The best movies like The Ups and Downs (1914) are Thunderstruck (2012), Driver's Ed (2026) and Cadet Kelly (2002). If The Ups and Downs hooked you with its comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
The Ups and Downs
Quick picks
- Highest ratedStewie Griffin: The Untold Story (2005)6.9/10 from 449 votes
- NewestSpa Weekend (2026)Released 2026
Thunderstruck (2012)
After NBA star Kevin Durant switches talent with 16 year old Brian, the teenager becomes the star of his high school team, but Durant starts struggling and eventually learns an important lesson.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDriver's Ed (2026)
A group of teens hit the road in a stolen driver's ed car, racing against time to help a lovesick high school senior track down his college-freshman girlfriend and win her back.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCadet Kelly (2002)
Hyperactive teenager Kelly is enrolled into a military school when her new stepfather becomes the Commandant. At first she has problems fitting in and taking orders until she tries out for the drill team.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMe Time (2022)
With his family away, a devoted stay-at-home dad enjoys his first me time in years by joining his hard-partying old friend on a wild birthday adventure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe F**k-It List (2020)
After a prank blows up a studious high school senior's life, he shares a list of certain things he wishes he'd done differently — and maybe still can.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNo Time for Sergeants (1958)
Georgia farm boy Will Stockdale is about to bust with pride. He’s been drafted. Will’s ready. But is Uncle Sam ready for Will?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTaking Care of Business (1990)
An uptight advertising exec has his entire life in a filofax organizer which mistakenly ends up in the hands of a friendly convict who poses as him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMuch Ado About Nothing (2013)
A modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic comedy about two pairs of lovers with different takes on romance and a way with words.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAli Wong: Single Lady (2024)
After a whirlwind couple of years, Ali Wong returns to the stage to dish on the highs, lows and surprises of dating post-divorce.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPerfect Day (1929)
Two families embark on a pleasant Sunday picnic but manage to run into a variety of issues with their temperamental automobile. Each incident requires repeated exits and reboardings by Laurel, Hardy, their wives and grouchy, gout-ridden Uncle Edgar.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisShanghaied (1915)
A shipowner intends to scuttle his ship on its last voyage to get the insurance money. Charlie, a tramp in love with the owner's daughter, is grabbed by the captain and promises to help him shanghai some seamen. The daughter stows away to follow Charlie. Charlie assists in the galley and attempts to serve food during a gale.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Love My Dad (2022)
A hopelessly estranged father catfishes his son in an attempt to reconnect.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisJim Jefferies: High n' Dry (2023)
No topic is off limits for Jim Jefferies as he muses on stoned koalas, his dad’s vasectomy confusion and choosing between his hair and his sex drive.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSextuplets (2019)
Father-to-be Alan is shocked to learn that he was born a sextuplet. With his newfound brother Russell riding shotgun, the duo sets out on a hilarious journey to reunite with their remaining long-lost siblings.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSeriously Single (2020)
While her free-living bestie urges her to embrace singlehood, a commitment-craving social media expert can't stop following the life of a former love.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisShane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs (2023)
In a rowdy stand-up set, Shane Gillis riffs on his girlfriend's Navy SEAL ex, touring George Washington's house and being bullied by an Australian Goth.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStewie Griffin: The Untold Story (2005)
The maniacal baby of the Griffin family, Stewie, meets his future self. In doing this he discovers that his future image is not what he has anticipated because of a near death experience.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSpa Weekend (2026)
Four lifelong friends escape to a luxury spa retreat to reconnect, unwind and rediscover themselves, but their weekend of relaxation soon turns into a series of wild adventures and bad decisions.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die (2024)
Comedian and actress Nikki Glaser is back in her second HBO special, diving into a wide range of topics including why she doesn't want kids, the harsh realities of aging, her sexual fantasies and more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJim Jefferies: Freedumb (2016)
Returning for a second Netflix comedy special, Jim Jefferies unleashes his famously ferocious black humor to a packed house in Nashville, Tennessee.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDon't Call Me Little Girl (1921)
Joan Doubleday is a shy spinster, who has been engaged to Monty Wade for 12 years, is secretly adored by Peter Flagg. Her young niece, Jerry, arrives and sets out to capture Monty. On the wedding day, Jerry announces that the grooms have exchanged places and that Peter will marry Joan. A quarrel prevents preparations for the wedding, but Jerry finally convinces Joan that she was meant for Peter.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Double Speed (1920)
Auto racer Speed Carr enters a marathon race across the United States, from New York to Los Angeles. He encounters numerous obstacles not related to the race and must switch identities and vehicles before he can finish.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Goat (1918)
Chuck McCarthy, an intrepid young ironworker, longs to become an actor, despite the protests of his girl, Molly O'Connors, and his family. In dashing up the frame of a building to catch actress Bijou Lamour's runaway pet monkey, he attracts the attention of the studio managers, who make him a stuntman. For a time Charles is happy executing life-risking feats and strutting around in new clothes, although the company laughs at him behind his back. When leading man Marmaduke X. Caruthers refuses to perform a particularly dangerous stunt in a war film, Chuck doubles for him and is seriously injured. The studio manager, who recognizes in the incident an opportunity to promote his star, quickly wraps Marmaduke in bandages and sends him to the hospital, while Chuck is secretly removed through the back door. The next day, the Filmcraft Company sends Chuck a check for $1,000 to keep quiet about the accident. He and Molly use the money on their honeymoon to Niagara Falls.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Marriage of Kitty (1915)
A young woman who agrees to a sham wedding with Lord Riginald Belsize because his inheritance prohibits him from marrying his girlfriend who is an actress. Belsize is convinced if he marries someone else and hires that woman to be his "wife" he can hide his relationship with his girlfriend.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Putting It Over (1919)
Jack Trevor, an automobile salesman who takes the place of the recently deceased heir, Horace Barney, after a train crash. Trevor, who has a striking resemblance to Barney, finds himself at the mansion where he falls in love with Barney's cousin and rightful heiress, Helen. He must then expose the fraudulent scheme of Barney's guardian and his accomplices to save the estate and win Helen's love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Come Again Smith (1919)
Joe Smith Jr., the son of a millionaire, is challenged by his father to earn his own living instead of depending on his father's money. One year later Joe is broke, dirty, homeless and hanging out with other derelicts on a New York City park bench. A chance meeting with businessman Ned Stervens results in Joe being invited to stay in Stevens' house for a week, to make Stevens' point to his acquaintance Frank Overton---a shady stockbroker--that given a chance, even a tramp like Joe can better himself. Joe finds himself in love with Stevens' sister Lucy and unwittingly becomes party to a scheme by Overton to swindle Lucy out of her money.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Prairie Trails (1920)
Tex Benton (cowboy star Tom Mix) wants to marry Janet McWhorter (Kathleen O'Connor), but her father (Charles K. French) will give his blessings only if Tex works on his sheep ranch. Tex, a cattleman through and through, refuses and gets his aggressions out by stirring things up at the local saloon.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Molly Go Get 'Em (1917)
Young and wealthy Molly Allison can't be "presented" into society until her older sister Julia is married, but that doesn't stop Molly from pursuing her usual wild ways. She finds herself in turn pursued by Count Renaud, unaware that he is a criminal interested in swindling her out of her money. To discourage the Renaud's attentions--and because she already has a boyfriend, Billy Wilcox--she tells Renaud that she is actually an Indian squaw who is just living in the Allison household. That doesn't stop the Count, however, and he turns his attentions to Molly's sister Julia.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Flitterwochen (1928)
Newlyweds Käthe and Max met while studying law. Trouble ensues when Max takes on his first case without telling his wife.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Help Yourself (1932)
A clever, out-of-work man through a series of misunderstandings and bold maneuvers, manages to pass himself off as a wealthy and influential figure. He uses this false persona to navigate high society and outwit various characters he encounters. The comedy centers on his efforts to maintain the facade while dealing with the romantic and financial complications that arise.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Ups and Downs?
The closest matches to The Ups and Downs are Thunderstruck (2012), Driver's Ed (2026) and Cadet Kelly (2002). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Ups and Downs?
Start with Thunderstruck (2012), the closest match to The Ups and Downs.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Ups and Downs?
Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story (2005), rated 6.9/10 by 449 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Ups and Downs?
Spa Weekend (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Ups and Downs?
Yes: Thunderstruck (2012), Driver's Ed (2026) and Cadet Kelly (2002).
How are movies similar to The Ups and Downs chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Ups and Downs, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.