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Buddy cop movies have been around for a long time. And the success of the recently released Bad Boys: Ride or Die is proof that the demand is alive and well. The fourth title in the Bad Boys franchise marks the return of the beloved detective duo, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, played by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Both of them succeed in maintaining the witty banter that fans love.
Mike and Marcus are conflicted when their former captain, Conrad Howard, is accused of having ties to drug cartels. When they set out to prove his innocence, the corruption within the department came to light. In this movie by Adil & Bilall, most of the cast from the previous movies reprise their characters, with the exception of Theresa Randle, who is replaced by Tasha Smith.
Like the Bad Boys films, there are other engaging titles that explore the dynamics between two law enforcement officers who have opposing personalities. In this list, we take a look at some of the best buddy cop movies that are as entertaining as Bad Boys, if not more.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources. It contains some spoilers.
Lethal Weapon and five other buddy cop movies like Bad Boys that boast a great mix of action and witty humor
1) Running Scared (1986)
Billy Crystal, of When Harry Met Sally... (1989) fame, knows a thing or two about comedic timing. In this buddy cop movie, he is paired with Gregory Hines, and the duo have great chemistry together, which elevates the storytelling. Crystal and Hines play Danny and Ray, two Chicago police officers who always catch the perp, albeit with unconventional ways that always get them an earful.
However, after nearly being killed on duty, they decide to retire and open a bar together. But before they can hand in their badges, they have to track down the notorious drug dealer who almost took their lives. The plot isn't anything out of the ordinary, but the leads, like Mike and Marcus in Bad Boys, bring so much energy and enthusiasm that the audience can't help but feel invested in the story.
Viewers who enjoy the witty banter in Bad Boys will not be disappointed with the humorous dialogue in this classic buddy cop movie directed by Peter Hyams.
Where to watch: Running Scared can be streamed on Apple TV and Prime Video.
2) Lethal Weapon (1987)
In Bad Boys, Mike and Marcus may be a dream team when it comes to catching bad guys, but that doesn't mean that they don't have their differences. Bickering is part of their relationship dynamic, something that they have in common with Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, played by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in this well-known buddy cop movie.
Martin, a LAPD narcotics sergeant, is very good at his job, but the death of his wife comes as a big blow and makes him suicidal. When he is teamed up with Roger, a veteran officer, they don't think much of each other, which takes a toll on their teamwork. However, as they continue to work together, their relationship starts to evolve.
Action movie fans will certainly appreciate the perfectly choreographed action sequences. It is also interesting to see Martin and Roger rise above their squabbling and learn to trust one another, one step at a time.
Where to watch: This buddy cop movie is available for streaming on Prime Video.
3) Turner & Hooch (1989)
Even though fans of Bad Boys tune in film after film for the exciting action scenes, it cannot be denied that the hilarious dialogue also has a part to play. This buddy cop movie featuring Tom Hanks in the lead also has a witty screenplay that will make the audience laugh out loud.
Hanks plays Scott Turner, a police investigator who likes things in order. But chaos ensues when his friend, Amos, is brutally murdered, and he is forced to take charge of his French Mastiff Hooch. Scott is at his wit's end when Hooch keeps getting into trouble almost daily. But they soon start to bond and work together to avenge Amos.
No matter what the script calls for, Tom Hanks always delivers, and that is true with this classic buddy cop movie as well. His on-screen chemistry with Beasley the dog is the clincher that hooks the viewer in. It is also endearing to see how Hooch gives Scott a new perspective on life.
Where to watch: Turner & Hooch directed by Roger Spottiswoode can be viewed on Apple TV, Disney+, and Prime Video.
4) The Other Guys (2010)
In Bad Boys, both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence bring something unique to the table. In a similar way, in The Other Guys, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg combine their strengths to create a cinematic experience that is fresh and fun.
Ferrell plays a forensic accountant named Allen who doesn't like to ruffle feathers. He is partnered with Wahlberg's Terry, who is always itching for some action. Both of them are like outcasts in the precinct. When they are assigned a mundane task, a much bigger case falls into their laps. They plan to solve it together in order to prove their value.
This movie by Adam McKay cleverly parodies the common clichés of the genre to present the audience with a fresh perspective that is both fun and engaging. Ferrell has always been good at making people laugh, but this movie, in particular, shines a light on Wahlberg's comic skills that can match his co-star, who is often regarded as a comic genius.
Where to watch: This buddy cop movie is available on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.
5) Cop Out (2010)
Fans are drawn to the lead characters in Bad Boys because of their "ride or die" attitude. It is endearing to see partners who would do anything for each other. This loyalty also forms the core of this buddy cop movie, featuring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan in the lead.
Wills and Morgan play detectives Jimmy and Paul. Jimmy's daughter is getting married, so he decides to sell a one-of-a-kind 1952 baseball card. One thing leads to another, and pretty soon, the duo finds themselves on the hunt for a gangster who has a thing for memorabilia.
Jimmy and Paul are all about the banter. It is also fun to see how they come up with ingenious ways to trap the bad guys, just like Mike and Marcus in Bad Boys.
Where to watch: This buddy cop movie directed by Kevin Smith can be viewed on Apple TV and Prime Video.
6) The Heat (2013)
Mike and Marcus in Bad Boys don't always follow the rules. They like to keep the criminals on their toes, just like the leads in this buddy cop movie. Sandra Bullock plays Sarah Ashburn, an FBI Special Agent based in New York City. No one wants to work with her because of her arrogant personality, so her superior assigns her a case in Boston.
She then meets Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy), who is a loose cannon, so to speak. Although they have clashing personalities, they somehow find a way to work together. Their unconventional methods are a far stretch from the standard protocol, but they still get results.
McCarthy has great comedic timing, and Bullock complements her really well. The buddy cop movie by Paul Feig may seem a bit predictable at times, but he still finds a way to add enough variety to keep viewers entertained till the end.
Where to watch: The Heat is available for streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Fans of the Bad Boys franchise should make a point to check out these funny buddy cop movies that combine action-packed scenes with hilarious one-liners.
