Upgrade (2018)

Kernel Score: 86% · 4,874 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction

Released: 2018-05-31

Runtime: 100 minutes

Is Upgrade worth watching?

Must-watch. A man paralysed in a mugging gets an AI implant that lets him fight back. It's a lean, inventive sci-fi action film on a modest budget, with sharp fight scenes and a twist that works.

Watch it if you

  • like violent, clever sci-fi action
  • enjoy near-future thrillers
  • want a surprise hit

Skip it if you

  • dislike graphic violence
  • want a gentle sci-fi film

Best for: Solo night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Upgrade

  • Stream: Netflix
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

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.

Upgrade parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Upgrade is an R-rated sci-fi thriller featuring brutal AI-driven revenge violence.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Rated R with brutal mugging, murder, and violent revenge carried out via a cyborg implant.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Upgrade

If you liked Upgrade, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Terminator (1984) — 90%: Lean sci-fi action built around a machine threat.
  • RoboCop (1987) — 83%: Brutal sci-fi action about a man rebuilt as a machine.
  • Blade Runner (1982) — 94%: Moody near-future noir about technology and humanity.
  • Ghost in the Shell (1995) — 92%: Smart cyberpunk about mind, body and machine.
  • Her (2013) — 94%: A very different AI story, quiet and emotional.
  • The Invisible Man (2020) — 78%: Same filmmaker's tense, inventive thriller.

Director

Leigh Whannell

Cast

  • Logan Marshall-Green as Grey Trace
  • Betty Gabriel as Detective Cortez
  • Harrison Gilbertson as Eron Keen
  • Melanie Vallejo as Asha Trace
  • Benedict Hardie as Fisk
  • Linda Cropper as Pamela
  • Simon Maiden as Stem (voice)
  • Steve Danielsen as Jeff Handley
  • Richard Cawthorne as Serk
  • Christopher Kirby as Tolan

Upgrade FAQ

Is Upgrade worth watching?

Must-watch. A man paralysed in a mugging gets an AI implant that lets him fight back. It's a lean, inventive sci-fi action film on a modest budget, with sharp fight scenes and a twist that works.

Where can I watch Upgrade?

In the US you can stream Upgrade on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Upgrade OK for kids?

Upgrade is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Upgrade is an R-rated sci-fi thriller featuring brutal AI-driven revenge violence.

What movies are like Upgrade?

If you liked Upgrade, try The Terminator, RoboCop, Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell.