Is Upgrade Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Upgrade is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Upgrade Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, Upgrade emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A brutal mugging leaves Grey Trace paralyzed in the hospital and his beloved wife dead. Unlike standard genre fare, Upgrade attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Upgrade features a noteworthy lineup led by Logan Marshall-Green . Supported by the likes of Betty Gabriel and Harrison Gilbertson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Upgrade (2018) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.5/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Upgrade Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Upgrade is a Action, Thriller, Science Fiction film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. A brutal mugging leaves Grey Trace paralyzed in the hospital and his beloved wife dead. A billionaire inventor soon offers Trace a cure — an artificial intelligence implant called STEM that will enhance his body. Now able to walk, Grey finds that he also has superhuman strength and agility — skills he uses to seek revenge against the thugs who destroyed his life. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Thematic Depth
Beyond the spectacle, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cost of violence. It questions whether the ends justify the means and examines the personal toll of heroism.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Upgrade Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Upgrade resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Upgrade demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Upgrade?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Action cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate spectacular action sequences and intense confrontations
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Upgrade Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $17.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Upgrade Budget
The estimated production budget for Upgrade is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Upgrade
- Logan Marshall-Green – Grey Trace
- Betty Gabriel – Detective Cortez
- Harrison Gilbertson – Eron Keen
- Melanie Vallejo – Asha Trace
- Benedict Hardie – Fisk
Top Highlights
Logan Marshall-GreenGrey Trace
Betty GabrielDetective Cortez
Harrison GilbertsonEron Keen
Melanie VallejoAsha Trace
Benedict HardieFisk
Linda CropperPamela
Simon MaidenStem (voice)
Steve DanielsenJeff Handley
Richard CawthorneSerk
Christopher KirbyTolan
Where to Watch Upgrade Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Zee5
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Upgrade is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and global collection metrics, Upgrade stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upgrade movie hit or flop?
Upgrade is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Action, Thriller, Science Fiction movies.
Is Upgrade worth watching?
Yes, Upgrade is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Action, Thriller, Science Fiction cinema.
Where can I watch Upgrade online?
Upgrade may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Upgrade
How Upgrade Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Upgrade
_We... Are Stenom..._ Based on the trailer alone, I was pretty sure _Upgrade_ was gonna be a movie I enjoy. But after those last couple of minutes? Now? I'm pretty sure this is gonna be my favourite movie of the year. _Final rating:★★★★ - Very strong appeal. A personal favourite._
Low budget, but well done sci-fi. It's not overly cerebral; there's a consistent amount of action throughout. Worth a watch.
Upgrade is Blumhouse's first entry into science fiction and it is outstanding. Disturbing twists, fast-paced action (on speed), cool sci-fi technology, and an outstanding performance by Logan Marshall-Green, the unlucky visitor on Prometheus and in The Invitation.
**Overall : A fresh action standout with unique characters and excellent fight sequences. The Accountant's numbers just add up!** The Accountant was an unexpected action thriller with unique character choices. Ben Affleck's Chris Wolff is a highly capable and efficient hitman with high functioning autism that leads a double life as a forensic accountant-not a typical main character in an action movie and is handled brilliantly well. However, the true highlight of this movie is the writing making each moment and character feel fresh and memorable. Fantastic action sequences and an outstanding cast, along with the exceptional writing, elevates The Accountant well above average action flicks to a special must-see action standout.
**Overall : Unique. Innovative. Fresh. Action-packed. Surprising! Why haven't you seen this yet?!** Upgrade BLEW MY MIND in every way. The fight scenes, the camera work, the writing, the acting, and the twists, were all incredibly well done! Upgrade blends sci-fi, action, mystery, and thriller with moments of horror and humor, producing one EXCELLENT film with twists and turns I never saw coming. Logan Marshall-Green's performance grounds the far-fetched concept in reality with charm, and Leigh Whannell is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors. I can't say enough about this one. One of the best movies of the past five years with a little bit of something for everyone.
_Upgrade_ is a visually appealing cyberpunk story with plenty of twists and turns. From the beginning, I was pretty hooked. The setup for this film is done so well, I was really into it. Visually, this movie is a treat. So many creative shots made the film feel fresh and fast paced. The combat is brutal and the way the choreography was crafted in conjunction with the diverse camera angles made each fight feel real and visceral. The plot was really well done, although I could not help but feel a lot of the main story points were taken from Ex Machina, but there is enough diversity that it still feels original. The ending was pretty predictable, but despite that it was still incredibly fun to get there. Overall, I had a great time with this film. It was a fast paced and brutal experience which I am one hundred percent here for. **Score:** _85%_ | **Verdict:** _Great_
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
Browse All Box Office ReportsGlobal Hit-or-Flop VerdictsIs it Worth Watching? GuideIs Upgrade Worth Watching?Upgrade Box Office VerdictUpgrade Collection & BudgetWhere to Watch Upgrade OnlineBest Movies of 2018Top Rated Action MoviesMore Action MoviesMore Thriller MoviesLogan Marshall-Green Movies & Hits
