You can probably use one hand to count the blockbuster movie franchises which have the same stars all the way through and continue to thrill audiences decades in. We thought that one such big-screen action series, Bad Boys, was going to be a given to continue, even though the 2025 movie schedule isn’t set to bring us another entry. However, it sounds like a hiccup in the real relationship between stars Martin Lawrence and Will Smith might be putting a crimp in possible plans for Bad Boys 5.

What’s Being Said About Bad Boys 5 And The BTS Relationship Of Martin Lawrence And Will Smith?

There’s no denying that the Bad Boys franchise is one of our most-beloved, and one of the reasons for that is the chemistry between Martin Lawrence and Will Smith as the titular leads, Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey. The men who portray the Miami police detectives have always seemed to have a close friendship in real life, with Lawrence being the one to convince Smith to sign on to the 1995 hit without a script.

A new report from Radar Online, though, is suggesting that we actually might not get the expected sequel to 2024’s mega-hit, Bad Boys: Ride or Die because the comedian and the rapper have very different lifestyles now. As an insider told the outlet:

While I don’t necessarily know if any of their fans did think that the duo were “best friends” in real life, it has certainly seemed that they at least enjoyed working together and got along well enough to like spending downtime together during the long hours on set. Plus, from the actors admitting they “blew” the title of Bad Boys 3, to the Oscar winner giving Lawrence a sweet tribute and having previously shouted out their decades of friendship, it certainly didn’t appear that either of them were denying that there was a bit of a bromance going on.

As we know, though, people change and so do their lives, and you can be friends with someone and eventually have a lifestyle that doesn’t really jive with theirs. Allegedly, this is where the Big Momma’s House talent and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star are right now. The insider continued:

Alright, this isn’t exactly a positive potential update, but it’s also not the death knell of the franchise, either. Even if this rumor is accurate, it would take some time to get Bad Boys 5 off the ground, seeing as how the actors hadn’t had any conversations about the story for the possible sequel by the time the 30th anniversary of the franchise rolled around this April.

There were four years between the third and fourth entries, so Lawrence could, theoretically, hang out without his on-screen partner for three-ish years then gear up to rejoin him. Hopefully, if there is trouble in Bad Boys paradise, that will be enough time for them to find “a reason” for the sequel and continue to give fans what we want.

There are a number of franchises that run out of gas after a few years, but the love for Bad Boys has seemed to only grow with time. It was a full three decades ago this month that the original directed by Michael Bay arrived in theaters, and last year's Bad Boys: Ride Or Die successfully crossed $400 million at the worldwide box office. There is clearly still a hunger for more adventures featuring Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, and star Martin Lawrence feels that as long as there is demand, there should be consistent supply.

Currently promoting the new animated comedy Sneaks (which is now in theaters), Lawrence spoke with Entertainment Tonight about the current status of the Bad Boys franchise. He has a great passion for the legacy of the franchise, which really began when he asked Will Smith to sign on for the first film without seeing the script, and he is as impressed as anyone by the love expressed by movie-goers. Said the actor,

Bad Boys can be counted as a landmark film in the history of action cinema, as it launched Michael Bay's career making blockbusters, brought Martin Lawrence's career to a whole new level, and turned Will Smith into a bona fide movie star. There was a long 17 year stretch between 2003's Bad Boys II and 2020's Bad Boys For Life, but Bad Boys: Ride Or Die cut that gap down to four years, and ticket sales suggest that the studio shouldn't waste any time making a fifth chapter.

As for that fourth sequel, Martin Lawrence and Will Smith apparently haven't had any kind of sit down to talk about story ideas or new developments for their characters, but he does confirm that the decision-makers as Sony Pictures are actively discussing Bad Boys 5. Said Lawrence,

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die is a film that digs into the canon of the franchise in development of the plot, as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are put in a position of clearing their names after being accused of corruption, and it feels like it could have been used as a conclusion for the franchise – but it seems there is too much love for the movies to let the series end. Will Smith expressed interest in making more sequels almost immediately after the release of Bad Boys 4, so Bad Boys 5 definitely feels like it's inevitable.

Obviously we don't know at this present time when we will actually get to see the next Bad Boys movie, but stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for all of the latest news about the future of the franchise.

Last summer, Bad Boys fans celebrated the 30th anniversary of the original film in the series going into production, and the principal reason why the series has lasted as long as it has is because of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The duo's chemistry has been the key ingredient that has let scores of people fall in love with the four movies – and anyone who has seen any of them will not be shocked to learn that the stars are close friends in real life.

Case in point: the new Instagram post from Smith celebrating Lawrence's birthday. Today, the actor arguably best known for playing Detective Marcus Burnett is 60 years old, but his pal has poked fun at him with a behind-the-scenes photo and a caption mocking his friend's milestone age. You can check it out below.

Will Smith is younger than his Bad Boys co-star... but his proximity in age to Martin Lawrence arguably sets up some "glass houses" commentary here. It's true that Smith hasn't hit the big 6-0 yet, but he will be 57 in December – which means he'll be celebrating his sixth decade of existence the same calendar year that we see the release of Sam Mendes' recently announced four-film Beatles epic.

As for the origins of the photo that Will Smith posted, there are suggestions in the comments section that Martin Lawrence's costume – replete with robes and a long beard – is from a deleted scene from Bad Boys: Ride Or Die (though I can't find any evidence of that personally).

The origin story of the Bad Boys stars first coming together began with Martin Lawrence signing on to the action movie first, and he was put in the unenviable position of trying to get Will Smith to sign on without reading the screenplay first. Smith, who was multiple seasons into his hit series Fresh Prince From Bel Air at that point, was dubious initially, but he let his confidence in Lawrence's talents overwhelm his doubts. The film was a box office smash that has since produced three sequels, it launched Michael Bay's career as a feature film director, and it turned Smith into a big screen star (paving the way for follow-up hits Independence Day and Men In Black).

As for the future of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence being back together as Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, a Bad Boys 5 has not been announced – but it would hardly be a surprise if we got news about it relatively soon (the stars aren't getting any younger!). The two actors went on the record last year prior to the release of Bad Boys: Ride Or Die saying that they have one more movie in them, and Sony Pictures doesn't want to stop the money train. Both 2020's Bad Boys For Life and Bad Bad Boys: Ride Or Die managed to make over $400 million during their big screen box office runs, demonstrating plenty of enthusiasm.

Let's also not forget that Will Smith and Martin Lawrence just have a lot of fun when they work together.

While we wait for news about more Bad Boys movies, fans can enjoy streaming both Bad Boys and Bad Boys 2 by signing up for Peacock, Bad Boys For Life with a Hulu account, and Bad Boys: Ride Or Die with a subscription to Netflix.

Whether it’s movies like Heat bringing massive stars together to create one of the best ‘90s movies, all-time great romantic comedies allowing America’s sweethearts to show off in front of adoring fans, or legendary sci-fi flicks showcasing the skills of up-and-comers and established stars, there have been a lot of movies that brought two heavyweight actors together.

Below are 32 such movies that brought such an incredible one-two punch, we still can’t believe they actually happened. But luckily, these castings did happen and they were pulled off really, really well.

Heat (Robert De Niro & Al Pacino)

Though they were technically both in The Godfather Part II, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino wouldn’t share a scene until more than 20 years later in Heat. Sure, their shared time on screen was minimal (this was a cat-and-mouse game, you know), but this Michael Mann epic was made all the better with these two heavyweights together at last.

Escape Plan (Sylvester Stallone & Arnold Schwarzenegger)

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger had one of the biggest rivalries in Hollywood throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s as they competed for box office supremacy with all kinds of action movies. Well, they finally started working together in the 2010s with a series of movies that includes Escape Plan. Though The Expendables came first, that was more of an ensemble affair and Schwarzenegger was relegated to a brief cameo.

Collateral (Jamie Foxx & Tom Cruise)

When it comes to movies set in Los Angeles, few are as cool or thrilling as Collateral. Michael Mann’s 2004 thriller stars Jamie Foxx (just months before he won an Oscar) and Tom Cruise (one of his most menacing performances) as a cab driver and assassin, respectively, on a night neither will forget.

Fast Five (Vin Diesel & Dwayne Johnson)

Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson would go on to have one of the strangest Hollywood feuds in the years that followed, but the two Hollywood heavyweights first came together for Fast Five in 2011. A movie that forever changed the course of the Fast & Furious franchise, this wild heist adventure saw the two beefed-up and bald actors go at it in one of the series’ best fights.

You've Got Mail (Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan)

While it is true that You’ve Got Mail was the pair’s third movie together, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan weren’t really the massive stars they were when making Joe Versus the Volcano and Sleepless in Seattle. Hanks had earned two Oscars and Ryan had led several more rom-coms between their early films and this 1998 romantic comedy.

Waiting To Exhale (Angela Bassett & Whitney Houston)

Waiting to Exhale has a great cast from top to bottom (as well as a great original song), but it was wild seeing Angela Bassett and Whitney Houston share the screen in this iconic 1995 dramedy about a group of women navigating love, life, and friendship with each other by their sides.

A Few Good Men (Tom Cruise & Jack Nicholson)

Rob Reiner’s A Few Good Men has a cast that includes Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, Cuba Gooding Jr., and so much more. But then you have Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson at the top of the list. Though they don’t share the screen for all that long, they were both part of the now iconic “You can’t handle the truth” courtroom scene, which has gone on to become one of the most universally known quotes of all time.

True Romance (Dennis Hopper & Christopher Walken)

The “Sicilian Scene” from True Romance will forever be remembered as one of the greatest cinematic moments of the 1990s, and that’s thanks to Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken (two absolute legends) giving it their all. Yeah, Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette are the core of Tony Scott’s 1993 romantic crime drama, but these two heavyweights stole the show.

Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (Paul Newman & Robert Redford)

Paul Newman and Robert Redford could very well be one of the best on-screen pairings in Hollywood history. While The Sting is great and all, we have to talk about Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid bringing these two legends together. From the start of the flick to that iconic ending (you know what we’re talking about), this movie is in a league of its own.

The Departed (Leonardo DiCaprio & Jack Nicholson)

Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, one of the best 2000s movies, has one of the director’s best group of actors, which is saying something. The two megastars at the top of the list? Well, none other than Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson, who are outrageously great together. No wonder this won Best Picture.

Bad Boys (Will Smith & Martin Lawrence)

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do when Will Smith and Martin Lawrence come for you? Well, moviegoers found out with the 1995 release of Bad Boys, a landmark buddy cop movie starring two of the biggest names on the planet at the time. Still on the rise, Smith and Lawrence became even bigger stars after his great Michael Bay movie came out.

Thelma & Louise (Susan Sarandon & Geena Davis)

Thelma & Louise is one of those movies that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it. And while we would love to give Ridley Scott all the credit, or say Brad Pitt’s small part made a difference, let’s be real and acknowledge the work of Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as two on-the-run women with nothing but the open road (and open sky) ahead of them.

Marriage Story (Scarlet Johansson & Adam Driver)

Marriage Story brought together Scarlet Johansson and Adam Driver together in 2019, the same year they starred in box office juggernauts Avengers: Endgame and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, respectively. And if we’re being honest, this Netflix original was actually the best of those three films.

Lethal Weapon (Mel Gibson & Danny Glover)

Lethal Weapon, the first in a franchise of legendary buddy cop movies, brought together Mel Gibson and Danny Glover for an outrageously funny and action-packed crime story about two cops from different walks of life trying to solve a case (and not kill one another). Riggs and Murtaugh are still one of the best duos, even after all these years.

Life (Eddie Murphy & Martin Lawrence)

Though both appeared in Boomerang earlier in the decade, Martin Lawrence was a star on the same level as Eddie Murphy when they teamed up for Life. This rude, crude, and incredible 1998 comedy about two convicts making the most out of life sentences is full of hilarious and unforgettable moments.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Harrison Ford & Sean Connery)

There are some out there who think Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the best of the franchise, and they wouldn’t be entirely wrong. With Sean Connery coming on to play Harrison Ford’s on-screen dad, this 1989 adventure film was bigger, grander, and more epic than anything that came before it in this beloved franchise.

The Mexican (Julia Roberts & Brad Pitt)

Gore Verbinski’s The Mexican may not be the best movie or even the most successful to feature Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt, but these two were at or near the peak of their fame when this 2001 crime film was released. Coming out nine months before they shared the screen in Ocean’s Eleven, this oft-forgotten romance film brought the pair together.

Bruce Almighty (Jim Carrey & Morgan Freeman)

After both became two of the biggest stars of ‘90s Hollywood, Jim Carrey and Morgan Freeman shared the screen in 2003’s Bruce Almighty, with the latter playing God (can you imagine anyone else playing the divine being?). Though they didn’t have all that much time together, these two legends made the most of it to create some utterly hilarious moments.

Night At The Museum (Ben Stiller & Robin Williams)

The Night at the Museum movies have all kinds of great pairings, but the original did it best with Ben Stiller as a lowly nighttime security guard and the late Robin Williams as a wax figure of a former United States President that comes to life at night. We could watch these two riff until the sun comes up, and luckily that’s what happened in two subsequent sequels.

Men In Black (Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones)

Here comes the Men in Black! This 1997 comedy, which came out a few years into Will Smith’s unprecedented run at the box office, saw the Fresh Prince share the screen with Oscar winner Tommy Lee Jones. The pair of secret agents tasked with protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats have since become one of the best onscreen duos and two characters that’ll never get old.

The Fugitive (Harrison Ford & Tommy Lee Jones)

Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones came together for one of the best 1993 movies when they shared the screen in The Fugitive. This great movie based on a classic TV show saw Ford’s Dr. Richard Kimble on the run after being falsely convicted of murdering his wife with Jones Samuel Gerard leading a team of U.S. Marshals to find him.

Mamma Mia! (Meryl Streep & Pierce Brosnan)

Mamma Mia! had great songs, unforgettable moments, and one of the best casts of the 2000s. While we could talk about Stellan Skarsgård, or Amanda Seyfried, or even Colin Firth, we have to point out that this Abba-influenced musical brought Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan together on screen, and it was marvelous.

The Nice Guys (Russell Crowe & Ryan Gosling)

Shane Black gave the world one of the great modern buddy crime flicks in 2016 with the release of The Nice Guys. Featuring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as a pair of down-on-their-luck guys tasked with solving a mystery, this throwback was so much fun. It’s a shame we never got a sequel.

Ocean's Eleven (George Clooney & Brad Pitt)

The ensemble cast from Ocean’s Eleven has talent up and down the roster and has some heavyweights from multiple generations of Hollywood. But let’s be real, this movie brought George Clooney and Brad Pitt together, a relationship that has given us nearly a half-dozen other great films in the 24 years since its release.

La La Land (Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone)

The third time’s the charm, right? Well, that was the case for Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who were electric in Damien Chazelle’s La La Land. Taking on the roles of two young lovers forced to decide between following their dreams and having a great relationship, these two sing, dance, and shine throughout this beloved musical.

Independence Day (Will Smith & Jeff Goldblum)

Years before Jeff Goldblum became one of social media’s favorite (and strangest) stars, he was something of a Hollywood leading man. Between his first two stints as Dr. Ian Malcolm in the Jurassic Park franchise, Goldblum shared the screen with Will Smith in Independence Day, aka, one of the highest-grossing films of 1996. These two, who were on top of their game, became an unlikely duo.

Batman Returns (Michael Keaton & Danny DeVito)

Michael Keaton, as Batman, and Danny DeVito, as the Penguin, in 1992’s Batman Returns, was one of the oddest pairings of the ‘90s. But don’t let this make you think it didn’t work, as these two Hollywood heavyweights were oddly great together in Tim Burton’s second and final comic book movie set in Gotham.

How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey)

Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson were two of the biggest stars on the planet when they teamed up in 2003 for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. This wildly funny rom-com, which preceded their Fool’s Gold adventure comedy by five years, further helped both actors rise through the ranks of Hollywood.

Jungle Cruise (Emily Blunt & Dwayne Johnson)

It’s crazy we never got a movie starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson before 2021’s Jungle Cruise, but we’re glad these two electric stars shared the screen. One of the best movies based on a Disney attraction, this throwback adventure film had action, peril, humor, and some romance before it was all said and done.

Central Intelligence (Dwayne Johnson & Kevin Hart)

Love them or hate them, there’s no denying Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart’s on-screen chemistry. Shortly before they starred in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, these two shared the screen in Central Intelligence. A good movie? No, not really, but these two had so much fun together.

Face/Off (John Travolta & Nicolas Cage)

John Travolta and Nicolas Cage are two of the most unforgettable actors (for better or worse) in the history of Hollywood, and they crossed paths and swapped faces in John Woo’s Face/Off. This absurdly awesome action flick about an FBI agent and global terrorist swapping faces is as ridiculous as it sounds.

Righteous Kill (Robert De Niro & Al Pacino)

Those who were mad about Robert De Niro and Al Pacino never having a face-to-face interaction (at least on screen) in Heat were in for some good news when Righteous Kill hit the big screen in 2008. Is it a great movie? No, not really. But hey, it has two of the biggest actors of all time sharing scene after scene.

As the new year kicks off, there’s drama afoot within the NBA, and I’m not just talking about the war of words between Charles Barkley and JJ Redick, the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. There’s also the matter of Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, who’s been at the center of trade rumors in recent weeks. Butler himself even made comments that seemingly contributed to him being suspended. Now, amid the drama, fans believe a Bad Boys promo that Butler participated in months ago foreshadowed this entire situation.

How Did The Bad Boys Promo Seemingly Predict The Heat’s Situation?

Summer 2024 marked the release of the latest installment in the Bad Boys saga (which we ranked), Ride or Die. With that, a marketing campaign was launched, and there was even some cross-promotion between the film and the NBA. One promo saw Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their roles as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, respectively. During the ad, they learn that Jimmy Butler is aiming to leave the Miami Heat and, as a result, the six-time All-Star rolls up to their pad seeking to join their ranks. Check it out:

Even I have to admit that’s quite the coincidence. The Olympic gold medal winner’s theoretical departure from the Florida-based team is obviously portrayed humorously in the context of the clip. However, it’s a bit eerie considering what’s been going down in real life as of late. I’m not the only one who thinks so, by the looks of it, some fans were lost for words after a portion of the promo was recently shared to X:

• Oh my😭 - @Samuelt20_
• They knew… - @Size13Bnard
• OMG that‘s some foreshadowing sh** 😨😅 - @Emcee30mc
• Na thats crazy. - @dm001770

I still find the video as a whole to be funny, but it’s now difficult not to place it within the context of the Miami Heat’s current conflict. On the bright side, as mentioned by at least one fan, the ad ends with the former Marquette player returning to his NBA squad. However, given what’s been happening as of late, it’s unclear as to whether life will imitate art in that way.

Where Does Jimmy Butler Currently Stand With The Miami Heat?

At the end of December 2024, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Jimmy Butler wanted to be traded by the Heat. However, both Butler’s agent as well as the organization itself denied those claims. However, that tune changed days ago, following comments that the athlete made following a loss to the Indiana Paces. When asked if he could find joy on the court again by staying in Miami, Butler simply said, “probably not.” The team subsequently shared on X that Butler had been suspended seven games due to “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.” And, on that same day, it was confirmed that the team would listen to trade offers.

So that leaves one to wonder just what lies ahead for the 35-year-old basketball player. There are certainly multiple possibilities for him, though something I can’t see happening is him joining Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s box office-dominant Bad Boys franchise. (After all, a fifth film in the saga hasn’t even been announced, though Smith isn’t opposed to one.) Sports fans like me will probably be anxious to see what lies ahead for Mr. Butler but, in the meantime, I just have to marvel at the retroactive awkwardness of the commercial.

As previously mentioned, there are no Bad Boys films lined up for the 2025 movie schedule, but you can still stream Ride or Die now using an active Netflix subscription.

At this point, Will Smith has long been a fixture within the Hollywood landscape and has managed to endear himself to not only fans but to the people he’s worked with as well. Some of his co-stars have spoken highly of him over the years, with some making note of the energy he possesses while on set. It seems that he can also be “intense” at times, though, according to John Salley, Smith’s co-star in the Bad Boys movies. Additionally, Salley shared the funny reason why he couldn’t look Smith in the eye whenever they filmed.

Former NBA player John Salley played the role of the imposing hacker-turned-technician-turned artist Fletcher in three of the four Bad Boys films. So he’s had plenty of experience working with the Six Degrees of Separation star over the years. Salley recently discussed their on-set dynamic with fellow pro-basketball veteran Byron Scott on the Fast Break podcast (which is on YouTube). After referencing the Independence Day star’s intensity, Salley explained that his co-star possesses a specific acting quirk:

This actually isn’t the first time Will Smith’s tendency to mouth lines has been brought up. During the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion, actresses Karyn Parsons and Tatyana Ali recalled how Smith would mess up scenes by mouthing their lines to them. Of course, the leading man didn’t mean to confuse them because, as John Salley explained, that’s how the star remembered his own lines. I can imagine how that would be a bit weird on set, but it’s hard to argue with Smith’s methods, especially since he has an Oscar.

Ahead of the former Detroit Piston, other members of the Bad Boys cast have opened up about what it’s like to work alongside the Hancock star. Eric Dane, who played the antagonist in Ride or Die, opened up about that topic several months ago. During the discussion, Dane praised Will Smith for his commitment on set and gave kudos to co-star Martin Lawrence for that same reason. Franchise newcomer Melanie Liburd also praised Smith and Lawrence for helping to cultivate a healthy and fun set. As for series OG Joe Pantoliano, he thanked Smith for facilitating his return in the fourth film.

One has to remember that there’s a reason Will Smith’s been such a sought-after actor in the entertainment business for decades now. He surely has the talent and on-screen presence, as he’s proven multiple times. Additionally, though, it also seems that people just enjoy working with him and appreciate his professionalism. Later in his interview, John Salley even praised Smith

As for the Seven Pounds star’s tendency to mouth his co-star’s lines to them, I’m not sure if that habit is going to be dropped at this point. Should that be the case, he could continue to humorously throw off co-stars in the way that he confused John Salley and others. I suppose everyone simply has their own method for remembering lines. On that note, can we please get some b-roll of the star actually doing this on set, because I’d love to witness it for myself.

You can see Will Smith (not mouthing lines) in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which is now available to stream with a Netflix subscription.The first two films in the franchise are also available on that platform, while the fourth is available to Hulu subscription holders.

When it came to Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Martin Lawrence brought his usual charm and humor to the role of Marcus Burnett. However, the veteran comedian was also called upon to help add some fresh ingredients to Marcus’ characterization. That included a wild wedding stunt that Will Smith posted about on social media recently. Since then, Lawrence himself has now spoken about performing that major on-set feat, and I have to say that I love the Big Momma’s House star’s take even more than I enjoy the video of him filming the impressive stunt.

The Martin Lawrence Stunt Will Smith Posted About On Social Media

The latest addition to the series of Bad Boys movies (which we’ve ranked) kicks off with a wedding, as Mike ties the knot with the newly introduced Christine. Mike’s best man, the emotional Marcus, gives a hilariously sweet toast to his buddy and his bride. From there, Marcus begins to party hard and, while tearing it up on the dance floor, suffers a mild heart attack – which leads to a near-death experience. That latter portion is visualized as Marcus falling into an ocean before entering the “other side,” where he meets his late boss, Captain Howard.

As revealed by Will Smith on Instagram, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah achieved the falling sequence by strapping Martin Lawrence to a tilting contraption. It’s a cool behind-the-scenes clip that you can check out below:

One might be tempted to assume that the Martin star would feel a way about having to be locked in and perform such a stunt. However, you may be surprised to hear his true feelings on the matter.

How Martin Lawrence Felt About Performing The Stunt For Ride Or Die

The Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins star recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he discussed the success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die. It was during the interview that the eponymous host showed off the same clip Will Smith shared. Martin Lawrence then revealed that he ultimately shot that sequence “about seven” times. For some, the sheer notion of having to do that several times might be daunting. Funny enough, though, Lawrence explained that he enjoyed it and laughed off any notion that he didn’t:

The 59-year-old actor is a true champ, and what I appreciate even more is another brief comment he made in the YouTube clip. Jimmy Kimmel mentioned that earlier this year, he spoke with Eddie Murphy, who spoke about performing stunts for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. The host asked the Wild Hogs star if he experienced moments on the Ride or Die set in which he opted not to perform a requested stunt, and he said he didn’t have any situations like that crop up. Sure, he’s getting paid millions of dollars to do the work, but I still appreciate the beloved funnyman’s commitment, especially at his age.

Some are probably wondering whether Bad Boys 5 will happen. Will Smith spoke on the possibility of doing a fifth film with Martin Lawrence, though he’s seemingly of the thinking that there needs to be a good reason to do another one, which makes sense. If there is a fifth movie, I’m not sure if the director(s) would have Lawrence perform a stunt like the one from the wedding scene. However, based on his delightful thoughts on taking part in such a scene, I think he’d be down for more.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is now available on digital platforms and is available to own on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. Also, check out the 2024 movie schedule for info on films that are now playing in theaters or will be heading to cinemas.

Months ago, Bad Boys: Ride or Die rocked the box office, a development that solidified its place as one of the major blockbusters on the 2024 movie schedule. It’s easy to understand why the film has proven to be such a hit with audiences. The film features an impeccable cast led by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence and there’s also plenty of action, heart, humor and so much more. Since the flick’s release, some of the cast and crew have discussed their experiences on the set, and they’ve been very positive. Now, one star is sharing a particular element that really made a difference amid filming.

British actress Melanie Liburd was one of the newest additions to the Bad Boys series (which we’ve ranked), taking on the role of Mike Lowrey’s new wife, Christine. With that, the Power Book II alum had no prior experience working on a set related to the hit action franchise. In promotion of the home release of the film, Liburd spoke to Screen Rant about her time working on the movie, and she seems to have really enjoyed herself. She credits that to the leading man fostering a positive environment:

The This Is Us alum is certainly correct in her assertion that the atmosphere on a set starts at the top. Directors and/or lead actors can truly make a film shoot a tremendous experience or an unpleasant one. It’s wonderful to hear that Melanie Liburd had no problem while in production on the latest Bad Boys movie. That’s a true testament to not only filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (who helmed the film) but also to Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. And Liburd isn’t the only cast member who’s praised either of the leading men.

Eric Dane discussed working with Martin Lawrence and Will Smith and had nothing but praise for the two. The actor, who plays the film’s antagonist (James McGrath) specifically lauded his co-stars’ commitment and ability to create a good work environment. Someone else who’s shouted out the two is franchise OG Joe Pantoliano, who recently talked about changes that have occurred across the franchise. The actor – who’s seen Smith and Lawrence rise from actors to producers – has nothing but love for the stars. Said feelings appear to be reciprocated as Smith helped bring Pantoliano back in the role of Captain Howard for Ride or Die.

Both of the two leading men themselves also enjoy each other’s company. Following the film’s release, the I Am Legend alum posted about how he has “so much fun” with his longtime co-star. Given their bond and great working relationship, one has to wonder if a fifth Bad Boys film might be in the cards. The Emancipation star is open to it but only if there’s a compelling storytelling reason to pursue such an installment.

Should Ride or Die end up being the final flick in this beloved series, it’s, at the very least, comforting to hear that many of those involved in making it enjoyed themselves. We’ll just have to wait and see if a fifth film comes to fruition and, if it does, I’d imagine that Melanie Liburd would answer the call, considering her first experience.

You can own Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which will be released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on September 24. If you’d like to check it out right now, though, it’s currently available to own on digital platforms.

The 2024 movie schedule has been full of action and suspense; partially thanks to the explosive thrills seen in directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah’s latest Bad Boys legacy-quel. As part of that experience, the two worked with the likes of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, which can be super intimidating on a normal day, and practically mythic when that task includes helping to propel the series that started as one of the best ‘90s movies. And no matter where you sit on the Eric Dane “generational war,” his recollection of working with Smith and Lawrence on Ride or Die is super relatable.

While being interviewed by his Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi for Interview Magazine, Eric Dane eventually discussed his experience playing Bad Boys: Ride or Die antagonist James McGrath. Dane aimed not to be "offensive" towards anyone while sharing his take. And, ultimately, based on his thoughts, the shoot was a complex experience, and he made some kind observations about Will Smith as well:

For as formidable as the Grey's Anatomy alum appears to be in Bad Boys 4, it’s kind of crazy to learn about him having those specific “notes” to hit in scenes of intense threats and/or physical violence. Aside from that, The Last Ship alum’s praise for Will Smith’s abilities as an actor only reinforces what most people would tell you about the Academy Award winner’s work ethic.

At the same time, you could see why Eric Dane is worried about offending someone, as that exact process could feed the presumption that the I Am Legend star is a controlling perfectionist. That surely doesn't seem to be the case though, especially with Dane being so proud of his work that he's seen the motion picture twice.

Whoever stars as the heavy in the potential potential Bad Boys 5 could probably learn a thing or two from the One Fast Move star's account shared above. Since many actors relish playing the villain in a project such as this, the seasoned actor's words can surely help guide whomever the hypothetical baddie in the next chapter happens to be.

Anyone who has to pretend to threaten Will Smith or his on-screen crew in a future installment would really have to bring their A-game. Given that this Jerry Bruckheimer-produced thrill ride of a franchise would be entering its fifth round of explosive mayhem, a fresh big bad would definitely be necessary. Let's hope that should the movie happen, the person cast as the villain will hear Eric Dane's thoughts and take them to heart.

Should you be looking to revisit the latest of the Bad Boys movies or check it out for the first time, Ride or Die is currently available to rent or own through PVOD and Digital HD. But if you still need to catch Bad Boys For Life before jumping into the more recent installment, a Hulu subscription is all you need to stream it. Not to mention all of you Grey’s Anatomy fans can revisit Eric Dane’s time on the hit ABC drama through that same membership; so consider it a win-win.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die represents not only one of the 2024 movie schedule’s summer successes, it’s also the continuation of the legacy to one of the best action movies ever. Legacy-quels such as this need a deft touch, especially when bringing back classic characters that have previously been slain in the line of duty. Actor Will Smith understands this, and thanks to a recent interview from co-star/acting legend Joe Pantoliano, we know a little more about how Captain Howard got to say a proper goodbye to one of his “bad boys.”

How Will Smith Played A Part In Bringing Back Bad Boys’ Captain Howard

Promoting the PVOD release of Bad Boys 4, Pantoliano’s surprise reprise of the late Captain Howard came up in conversation. It’s a natural question to ask as even after seeing him appear in Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’s first trailer, fans were probably wondering how or why this idea was even brought into being. included his presence.

And as Joey Pants told ComicBook, Will Smith played the following role in making it happen:

While our own Bad Boys: Ride or Die review was part of the split critical reactions to directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah’s second entry into the series, I think you might be hard pressed to find anyone who didn’t welcome Joe Pantoliano back into the fold. A character that’s been there since the beginning, the man is practically the M to Marcus and Mike’s collective James Bond.

Which, in turn, makes it fitting that the good Captain would appear in a posthumous video with instructions for their next adventure, a la Judi Dench’s M from Spectre. But that’s only part of the story about how Captain Howard’s total Bad Boys resurgence came to be. And for the next part of the story, we’ll need to bring in another Ride or Die participant to flesh things out a little further.

The Story Behind How Ride Or Die Screenwriter Will Beall Helped Crack Captain Howard’s Appearance

Not too long ago I was able to speak with screenwriter Will Beall, who is credited along with Chris Bremner for their efforts on making Bad Boys 4 what it turned out to be. Adding to the presence that Pantoliano would have in the picture’s story, Beall came up with an idea that was partially inspired by his own brush with death.

In Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Marcus (Martin Lawrence) has a heart attack that sends him briefly to the afterlife, which reunites him with Captain Howard for a moment of divine inspiration. The health scare was inspired by an incident of cardiac arrest that Beall had gone through himself; but as he told CinemaBlend during that interview, it led to this further push of inspiration:

Between Will Smith’s dedication and loyalty and Will Beall’s personal touch, having Joe Pantoliano back for another ride feels like it was one of the easiest decisions in the world. While it took a bit of work to hammer out, the story for Ride or Die provided a good way in, leaving the world with what could be the Captain’s final message. Unless, of course, a potential Bad Boys 5 has Marcus playing psychic detective, with Captain Howard by his side. It could work.

If you’re looking to get in on the action with Mike and Marcus yet again, you can pre-order Bad Boys: Ride or Die on Amazon on physical media, as well as rent or buy the film through PVOD. And while we don’t know exactly when Bad Boys: Ride or Die will hit subscription streaming, Sony’s current deal with Netflix strongly tips that the platform for its eventual arrival is already set. So be sure to keep your badge (and your Netflix subscription) current.

Spoilers for Bad Boys: Ride or Die lie ahead, so read on with caution.

Like so many others, I had a good time watching the widely entertaining Bad Boys: Ride or Die. What I think I’ve been enjoying even more, though, are the behind-the-scenes videos that Will Smith has been sharing since the movie hit theaters. All of the clips are not only cool but interesting in that they provide a peak behind the filmmaking process. The latest clip that Smith dropped on social media was captured while he and his co-stars were filming a fiery stunt. I found myself sweating just a bit while I was watching the clip, and you might have the same reaction.

There are a number of cool moments within the latest entry in the Bad Boys saga (which we’ve ranked). A particularly wild sequence sees Mike Lowrey, Marcus Burnett and Mike’s son, Armando Aretas, trying to escape criminals after a bounty is placed on their heads. At one point, the trio try to flee their pursuers in a van that is set on fire by a molotov cocktail. Will Smith provided fans with a bit of insight into what it was really like to film that sequence, and it looks wild even with the blue screens and faux vehicle. Check out the video he shared to Instagram:

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me? But, seriously, there’s a lot going on in that video. You have the actors sitting in the prop van while fire blazes on the front of it. A smoke machine is also present on set to add to the effects and, all the while, the camera is capturing the footage from varying angles. This video is a reminder that moviemaking is definitely a collaborative process that’s made up of many moving parts. Also, it should prompt people to remember that when you’re dealing with fire on a set, you should have extinguishers on hand as needed.

This latest BTS clip from the actor who plays Mike Lowrey is especially surreal when you watch the finished scene. It’s a wild chase sequence that includes plenty of gunplay as well as some funny lines delivered by both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. You can check it out for yourself down below:

As previously mentioned, Will Smith’s BTS social media posts have been very illuminating. Shortly before Ride or Die was released in June, he shared a video that showed how one of the movie’s biggest gun fights was filmed. What was most interesting about the clip is that it showed how directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah seamlessly captured those first-person shots of the actors. Smith also shared just how that wild wedding moment with Martin Lawrence was shot. And, funny enough, the I, Robot star also skewered the infamous 360 Bayhem shot. As someone who enjoys movies, I just can’t get enough of these snippets from the set.

One could definitely say that the latest Bad Boys movie proved to be a success and that the stunts performed by the cast and crew were not done in vain. Ride or Die was mostly well reviewed and it proved to be a hit at the box office. Those facts may have some wondering whether another film might be on the horizon. While that’s unclear at this point, Mr. Smith is open to a fifth movie, should a worthy story be on the table. Honestly, if another installment would result in even more fiery BTS clips like the one above, then I’d be totally down for it.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die, in all its fiery glory, is now available to own on Digital HD via various platforms. Those who want to experience this 2024 movie release on the big screen, though, can also still check it out in theaters.

A lot has changed within the Bad Boys movies (which we’ve ranked) since the action/comedy saga began back in the ‘90s. And I’m not necessarily just talking about the developments that have played out on screen. The series’ two lead actors, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, have seen evolutions with their careers since that 1995 flick hit theaters. Fellow franchise OG Joe Pantoliano explained how he’s witnessed the changes that have taken place across all four movies and, quite frankly, his perspective really shows just how Hollywood works.

Joe Pantoliano has the rare distinction of not only having been able to work with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence on four major productions but also collaborating with them on a single film property. The Matrix alum seems to work quite well with his co-stars, though one must also make mention of the fact that they’ve become much more than his scene partners. While speaking with Vanity Fair, Pantoliano discussed the progression of his working relationship with Lawrence and Smith and the specific dynamics that have changed over the past several decades: 

Fans should remember that the two leads of this franchise weren’t the massive Hollywood stars that they are today. Years ago, they were on the rise, attempting to parlay their success with the TV sitcoms The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Martin into film careers. They ultimately proved to be successful, as the first Bad Boys movie took them to new professional heights. Since then, both have moved into the producing space, which is why either one or both of them held the aforementioned duties on For Life and the recently released Ride or Die.

The comments that Joe Pantoliano shared truly speak to how an actor’s professional standing in Hollywood can change over time after finding success. A number of stars have been in that position, from Denzel Washington and Reese Witherspoon to Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise. It has indeed been interesting to watch Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s careers evolve, and it’s hard not to be happy for the success they’ve achieved. And, as far as their signature buddy cop franchise goes, they’ve definitely been helping to stir it in the right direction. Of course, they haven’t done that alone in front of or behind the camera. Joe Pantoliano, during his interview, spoke to the creative impact of another certain big-name producer: 

Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and co. keep finding ways to surprise audiences and keep them invested in this franchise. For instance, I was genuinely surprised when the Bad Boys: Ride or Die trailer revealed that Joe Pantoliano’s Captain Howard would reappear following his death in 2020’s For Life. That continued popularity is why some may be wondering if another installment is on the way. Will Smith discussed a fifth film just recently, saying that he’s open to it if there’s a story worth telling. Of course, considering how busy Smith and Lawrence are in Hollywood right now, making the scheduling work could be easier said than done. Though I’m sure the actors/producers would make time for it and, if they do, I hope they can somehow bring Pantliano back for the ride as well.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die, one of the biggest titles on the 2024 movie schedule, is still playing in theaters now. You can also stream For Life if you have access to an active Hulu subscription.

Spoilers for Bad Boys: Ride or Die lie ahead, so proceed with caution.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s recently released Bad Boys: Ride or Die has made waves since it hit theaters over a month ago. Not only has it seen hit at the box office, but the film has also received mostly positive reviews from critics. As much as I enjoyed the movie, what I’ve arguably loved more are the behind-the-scenes tidbits that the two lead actors have been sharing. Smith, in particular, has dropped a couple of sweet nuggets. His most recent share really takes the cake, though, as it shows how a “crazy” scene with Lawrence was shot – and I just can’t stop watching the video.

In the latest of the Bad Boys movies (which we’ve ranked), Martin Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett has a near-death experience. The ordeal happens during the wedding of his main man, Mike Lowery and causes him to meet up with the late Captain Howard in the afterlife. Part of that scene is depicted by a wild shot which shows Marcus shifted from the wedding and through an ocean, before making his way to the other side to see Howard. Anyone wondering exactly how the first part of that sequence was filmed need only to look at Will Smith’s recent Instagram post. Check it out:

One can definitely understand why the Big Momma’s House veteran would’ve “hated” being hooked onto that contraption for the big scene. I’m honestly not sure how I would’ve felt being suspended in such a position. But I suppose that, at the very least, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were able to get the shot as needed. That particular moment also looked good on camera, so the Martin star’s efforts certainly paid off.

As crazy as the scene was to see on the big screen, it actually served a purpose in the mostly well reviewed Ride or Die. Marcus’ brush with death encourages him to take on a somewhat more carefree (if not reckless) demeanor. Without going deep into spoiler territory, his run-in with Captain Howard factors into the third act of the film. This subplot, as a whole, was not only interesting, but it was also a way to keep the narrative fresh, especially as Marcus was concerned.

Those who haven’t been following Will Smith on social media might want to if they’re looking for sweet behind-the-scenes content related to Bad Boys. Weeks ago, he shared a clip from a gun fight sequence, which showed the awesome way that the camera captures the actor’s first-person perspectives. Smith also dropped a funny piece of footage, through which he took a playful jab at the infamous 360 Bayhem shot. As a fan of the franchise and filmmaking in general, this is the kind of content I live for, and I’m glad the Oscar winner is sharing it.

Given the box office success of Ride or Die, some may be wondering if another installment might be on the way. Nothing is set in stone just yet, though, Will Smith is open to a fifth film, if there’s a story worth telling. I, for one, would love to see him and Martin Lawrence team up again for another hilarious and action-packed chapter in this saga. And, that way, fans could not only get another fun flick but even more cool BTS clips from Smith and co. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to watch this clip from the wedding scene a few more times.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die, a major title on the 2024 movie schedule, is still playing in theaters. Fans can also check out the latest installment, Bad Boys for Life, using a Hulu subscription.

Before it officially hit the 2024 movie schedule, the highly anticipated Bad Boys: Ride or Die’s Hollywood red carpet premiere was the place to be. Stars of the excellent action movie series and key figures from the franchise gathered for a night filled with excitement and nostalgia. One standout among the crowd was the original franchise director, Michael Bay, the visionary filmmaker who helped launch the comedy phenomenon led by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The Transformers moviemaker’s presence was a poignant reminder of the franchise's storied past as he reflected on the journey of his "baby" that started it all.

The Armageddon helmer, renowned for his explosive and visually stunning cinematic style, directed the original Bad Boys film in 1995. This movie not only launched a successful franchise but also catapulted Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Bay himself into stardom, as it was his directorial debut. In a video posted on Instagram, Michael expressed his deep connection and admiration for the series despite not directing this latest installment.

In the video you can watch above, Bay shared the mix of pride and sentimentality he felt while attending the event. He said:

It's fascinating to see the frequently stoic director of Ambulance share such a heartfelt message with his fans. The Rock filmmaker's role as the franchise's foundational architect is undeniable. While Smith and Lawrence are the stars, Michael's distinctive style and tone set the foundation for the entire series. His signature blend of high-octane action, humor, and heart is evident throughout the franchise.

Although Bay's absence in the director's chair might have been a concern before the third movie's release, his endorsement of El Arbi and Fallah provided a reassuring seal of approval. If you need a reminder of how great that first movie is, you're in luck—one of the best '90s films is currently streaming on Hulu.

Michael Bay’s praise for the new directors seems well-deserved, as Bad Boys 4 had a triumphant opening weekend. This success has set high expectations for the series' future, especially with some intriguing developments in the latest film. The ending leaves plenty of room for Mike and Marcus to quickly return to theaters, raising hopes for a fifth movie in the franchise.

Considering how quickly Ride or Die was greenlighted after the blockbuster success of Bad Boys for Life, it wouldn’t be surprising if a sequel were announced soon. For now, we’ll have to see how well Bad Boys: Ride or Die performs throughout its entire theatrical run. It’s interesting to speculate on what role Bay might play if another movie is greenlit.

In the meantime, you can catch up on the previous installment, Bad Boys for Life, with a Hulu subscription.

One of the most iconic Black detectives in pop culture history is also one of Eddie Murphy’s funniest characters, Axel Foley, whom he's reprised in the 2024 Netflix movie, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. To celebrate Axel’s latest return to 90210, let’s take a look back at more of our favorite Black detectives from movies and TV shows, starting with the man of hour.

Axel Foley (Beverly Hills Cop)

The original Beverly Hills Cop from 1984 and its sequels are some of the funniest Eddie Murphy movies ever, particularly for Axel Foley’s blistering wit. Yet, he is also the right kind of detective you would want on your side for his commitment to getting the job done, even if he has to break a few rules along the way.

Virgil Tibbs (In The Heat Of The Night)

In 1967, trailblazing Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier gave one of his most inspiring performances in the Best Picture Oscar winner, In the Heat of the Night, as Virgil Tibbs, who falls prey to racial prejudice when he is wrongfully accused of a murder while visiting his mother in a small Mississippi town. However, the Philadelphia cop’s arrival proves to be a godsend, as Chief Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger) would have never solved the crime without the expert investigation skills and resilience of the one they call “Mister Tibbs.”

John Luther (Luther)

The title character of the long-running British crime drama, Luther, could be called the Sherlock Holmes of his time, in the sense that his unusual methods of investigation and alienating personality traits often rub his colleagues the wrong way and even put him in legal trouble. Audiences, however, cannot get enough of the Detective Chief Inspector — who returned for Netflix’s feature-length spin-off, Luther: The Fallen Sun — his brilliant criminal perception and the charming Idris Elba’s captivating, Golden Globe-winning performance.

John Shaft (Shaft)

The crown jewel of Richard Roundtree’s best movies is Shaft — the story of a suave, streetwise detective from New York City. The Oscar-winning 1971 classic and its sequels made this bad mother— “shut yo mouth” — the undisputed king of the Blaxploitation era.

Mike Lowery And Marcus Burnett (Bad Boys)

As the title — borrowed from Inner Circle’s 1987 reggae hit — suggests, Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) from director Michael Bay’s directorial debut, Bad Boys, are not ones to be messed with. What really makes the 1995 buddy cop movie favorite and its sequels such a fun time is the two detectives’ unbreakable bond, both on and off duty.

Faith Mitchell (Will Trent)

When GBI Special Agents Will Trent (Ramon Rodriguez) and Faith Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) were forced to work together, they could not stand each other, with Faith being especially ticked off by his uptight attitude and connection to her own mother’s stunted law enforcement career. However, the title hero of ABC’s fun detective drama came to respect and admire his partner — a single mother to a college student with a big heart, a strong intuition, and a powerful kick — just as she warmed to him for his keen eye for evidence.

Ricardo Tubbs (Miami Vice)

One of the most dynamic duos in the history of TV cop dramas is that of Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) and James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) on one of the best mystery TV shows of the ‘80s, Miami Vice. Between the two, Tubbs was the one whom audiences would hope to identify with the most, being the more laid back undercover detective.

Alex Cross (Kiss The Girls)

As a forensic psychologist, Dr. Alex Cross knows how to get into the mind of the most disturbing criminals in Washington D.C., which often comes in handy during the many times the perpetrators make his cases a personal matter. Author James Patterson’s flagship character was first brought to life on screen by Morgan Freeman in 1997’s Kiss the Girls and again in Along Came a Spider four years later, before Tyler Perry took over the role in Alex Cross in 2012.

William Somerset (Se7en)

Two years before he became the (first) face of Alex Cross, Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman was cast in David Fincher’s breakthrough masterpiece, Se7en, as William Somerset — a veteran detective showing the younger David Mills (Brad Pitt) the ropes while working on what is meant to be his last case. However, despite how much the increasingly unsettling investigation tears him up inside, Somerset apparently decides to stay on the force by the end, based on his agreement with the second half of Ernest Hemingway’s belief that “the world is a fine place and worth fighting for.”

Misty Knight (Luke Cage)

One of the most influential comic book characters with a disability is Mercedes “Misty” Knight, who became equipped with a bionic right arm after losing it in an attempt to defuse a bomb. The brave, intuitive, hard-fighting New York detective was portrayed wonderfully on Luke Cage by Simone Missick.

Easy Rawlins (Devil In A Blue Dress)

One of the few and most esteemed Black characters in old-fashioned noir fiction is Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins — first introduced in Walter Mosley’s 1990 novel, Devil in a Blue Dress. In the book’s 1995 adaptation, Academy Award winner Denzel Washington portrayed the World War II veteran who falls into the world of private investigation when his street smart intellect gets him enlisted to find a politician’s missing lover.

Roger Murtaugh (Lethal Weapon)

We wish we had a nickel for every time Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) proclaimed he was “getting too old for this shit” in one of the all-time greatest action movies, 1987’s Lethal Weapon, and its sequels. However, despite his age and no matter how uproarious his cases with his loose-canon partner, Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), would get, the L.A. cop continued to fight.

Neal Washington (Hill Street Blues)

One of the best cop dramas of its time, if not all time, is Hill Street Blues, which boasted a diverse cast of characters, including standout Neal Washington (Emmy nominee Taurean Blacque). Known for his trademark toothpick and cap, the undercover veteran officer was a stern individual, but with a track record that earned him much respect and admiration from his peers.

Cleopatra Jones (Cleopatra Jones)

While the aforementioned John Shaft was the King of Blaxploitation, its queen would have to be… well, Pam Grier, who never actually played a cop in any of her most iconic roles from the era. However, when it came to ass-kicking Black females in official law enforcement positions in the 1970s, no one was better and badder than the title character of Cleopatra Jones — an undercover government agent played by Tamara Dobson in the 1973 hit and its 1975 sequel, Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold.

Ron Stallworth (BlacKkKlansman)

In the early 1970s, Ron Stallworth became the first Black cadet at the Colorado Springs police department before going on to lead a secret operation to infiltrate the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. He later chronicled this previously classified operation in his memoir, which was adapted into director Spike Lee’s Oscar-winning film, BlacKkKlansman, in which Stallworth was portrayed by John David Washington.

These are only some of our favorite examples of Black detectives in pop culture. Follow the clues and seek more of them out!

Though it wasn’t the best Bad Boys movie, Ride or Die has been a hit with critics and one of the first big wins of the summer box office, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising that fans are already asking when we’ll see Will Smith and Martin Lawrence again, after diving into one of the biggest releases on the 2024 movie schedule. The fourth entry initially sounded like the end of the franchise, but it now seems like a case of when instead of if we’ll see Bad Boys 5.

That said, we’ve scoured through countless interviews, news stories, and other comments to figure out what’s going on with the franchise and what’s been said about Bad Boys 5 so far. This is an extremely fluid situation, so make sure to keep checking back as we learn more about when we’ll see Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett tear it up once again. 

Before The Release Of Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, Martin Lawrence Said He'd Carry On As Long As His 'Brother Carries On'

In the leadup to Bad Boys: Ride or Die’s release, Martin Lawrence sat down for an interview with Empire Magazine where he talked not only about the fourth entry in the franchise but also the future and if he plans on stopping. In the chat, the star, who really went for it with Ride or Die, had this to say about a fifth movie:

It would be hard to imagine Lawrence making another Bad Boys movie without Will Smith, even though the actor originally wanted Eddie Murphy as his co-star way back when. That said, hopefully, the powers that be will come up with a good reason to bring them back. Speaking of which…

In June 2024, Will Smith Said He'd Make Bad Boys 5 'As Long As There's A Reason' 

Though the Bad Boys movies are viewed by some as pointless buddy action movies filled with ridiculous “Bayhem” 360-degree shots, chase sequences, and comedy that you either love or hate, each of the movies has had some kind of reason for being made. If the franchise continues, Smith said that needs to once again be the case, as he told EW in June 2024:

Having a reason to make a fifth movie is important to Smith, and for good reason. But, that isn’t the only thing he and his longtime co-star need to keep the franchise going.

At The Same Time, Martin Lawrence Is Down For A Fifth Movie If 'The Demand Is There'

Anyone who’s watched Bad Boys: Ride or Die in theaters knows that it’s a wild experience, one that has a lot for diehard fans of the franchise. It’s those fans, and their love of the movies, that would make Lawrence down to return for a fifth movie, as he told EW in the same June 2024 chat:

With Ride or Die hitting all kinds of box office milestones through its run so far, it’s clear as the eye can see that this franchise is as popular as ever and the demand is, in fact, still there.

Jerry Bruckheimer Has Said That Discussions For Bad Boys 5 Have Happened But Wants To See How Ride Or Die Performs

Jerry Bruckheimer has been a major player in the Bad Boys franchise since the very beginning, back when two SNL stars were attached to play the leads, so it’s safe to say he knows much more than your average person when it comes to the fifth movie. When speaking with Deadline in June 2024, the legendary Hollywood producer made it seem like there were ongoing conversations about Bad Boys 5, saying:

As of late June 2024, Bad Boys: Ride or Die has made close to $300 million worldwide, per BoxOfficeMojo, which should be a sign that audiences still care about the franchise and want more. But, what about directors Adil and Bilall?

After Bad Boys: Ride Or Die's Release, Directors Adil And Bilall Revealed They'd Like A Fifth Film To Go 'International'

Outside of going to Cuba in Bad Boys II or the swamps and waterways of Florida throughout the franchise, Mike and Marcus have largely stayed within the city of Miami over the years. But if Bad Boys 5 does happen, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have stated they’d like to take things “international,” as Fallah put it when speaking with Variety:

Watching Marcus freak out on an international flight or in Paris could be hilarious and lead to some insane moments. The same can be said for Mike and his killer heroics and skills behind the wheel (and gun).

The Directors Have Also Expressed An Interest In Making A Bad Boys Spinoff 

There has been talk of a Bad Boys spinoff involving Reggie McDonald (Dennis Greene), especially after Marcus Burnett’s son-in-law stole the show with one of the wildest scenes in Ride or Die. If you thought Will Smith sharing a fan-made movie poster with the silent assassin, was just some kind of joke, comments made by co-director Adil El Arbi in the aforementioned Variety interview about a movie involving Reggie and Armando Aretas (Jacob Scipio) may change your tune:

The pairing of these two undeniably badass characters could lead to some great movie moments, especially for those in the Justice for Reggie camp. Sure, it would have to have a different dynamic than the Mike/Marcus pairing, but it'd be fun nonetheless.

The conversation surrounding Bad Boys 5 is one that probably won’t go away anytime soon, so make sure to check back as we learn more about the next sequel to one of the best ‘90s action movies.

Warning: spoilers for Bad Boys: Ride or Die are in play. So if you haven’t cracked Mike and Marcus’s latest case just yet, you’ve been warned.

As the 2024 movie Bad Boys: Ride or Die enjoys its time at the box office, it’s not hard to see why die-hard fans and newcomers are enjoying the Will Smith/Martin Lawrence starring legacy-quel. But even in counting myself as someone who’s enjoyed the most recent exploits of Mike Lowry and Marcus Burnett, there was a moment that I wanted to know more about: the finale sequence involving a certain gator. And, when I had the chance to speak to screenwriter Will Beall about his contributions to the story, he filled me in on how his own fandom of the James Bond movies inspired the original take on this sequence. Which, in hindsight, makes a lot of sense.

I like to call the central creature of this climatic scene the “Gator ex Machina” but, per the lore of Bad Boys’ latest entry, he's called Duke. A gigantic albino alligator, he acts as judge, jury and executioner throughout the final fight in directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah’s latest action flick. On the surface, his sequence is wild but, as I discovered, there was an excellent method to the screenwriter's madness.

How Roger Moore’s James Bond Inspired A Bad Boys: Ride Or Die Set Piece

The final showdown in Bad Boys: Ride or Die takes place in Gatorland, a fictional abandoned theme park that has… well, gators. And its prime attraction is none other than Duke, who at this point in our story has become a bit of an urban legend. Apparently, he lurks on the park grounds, waiting to show up whenever he feels like saving the Bad Boys: Ride or Die cast … or chowing down on specific evil doers in the last act.

So, of course, a huge shootout reminiscent of a Call of Duty map (which also includes that “cathartic” Bad Boys 4 slap scene that may have been a nod to Will Smith’s infamous Oscar altercation) would be the event to summon the Duke. Much was revealed when I spoke with writer Will Beall, on behalf of the two action/adventure films he has out this summer; the other being Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Speaking with CinemaBlend, Mr. Beall addressed the massive gator's existence by first giving the following explanation as to how this sequence was created in the first place:

007 fans obviously know where this is going, but I can run through a simple description for the uninitiated. In the first of Roger Moore’s James Bond movies, Live and Let Die, Commander Bond squares off against the villainous Dr. Kanaga (Yaphet Kotto); a.k.a. “Mr. Big.” One such thrilling scene that takes place in their battle of wits is a moment where James has to escape his adversary’s alligator farm.

You can see part of that sequence for yourself, in the video below:

Given Will Beall's Bond fandom, which he established right at the top of our interview, I’m not surprised that he took this scene as a perfect chance to throw some gator action into Bad Boys: Ride or Die’s third act. And it's probably good that the moment was retrofitted into a finale, because how do you top the Gatorland shootout in this movie?!

Further discussing that moment, the screenwriter -- whose work ranges from Gangster Squad to Zack Snyder’s Justice League -- gave credit where credit was due. And that’s where good old Duke comes in again, as his presence and this third-act shift came courtesy of another party.

The Specific Skills Bad Boys: Ride Or Die Writer Will Beall Also Compliments His Co-Writer For

Further explaining how this Ride or Die scene changed, Will Beall mentioned that co-writer Chris Bremner’s collaboration was key to bringing this gigantic alligator into the mix. And, as he cited that contribution, Beall also shared with CinemaBlend a rather unique skill that helped balance the tone of the fourth entry in the Will Smith and Martin Lawrence-led film saga:

It certainly feels like a kinder, gentler Bad Boys vibe has taken the forefront in the more recent installments. Ride or Die delves into that a little further, thanks to Martin Lawrence’s Marcus having a heart attack in the first act that causes him to reunite with the late Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) for a brief moment in the afterlife. While we see the revived Marcus engaging in risky behavior as a consequence, the laughs also lead to him showing more concern for his partner’s well-being than ever before.

Between Will Beall and Chris Bremner’s skills with character and action, the movie represents another satisfyingly exciting intersection between those two realms. Should the franchise continue to ride beyond this point, here’s hoping that Beall is part of the writer’s room when it does. If only so we can see what other James Bond-inspired tricks he has up his sleeves for further adventures.

If you somehow haven’t seen Bad Boys; Ride or Die, the film is currently in theatrical release. And those of you wanting to revisit 2020’s Bad Boys for Life beforehand only need consult your Hulu subscription to do so.

In the history of cinema, there have been plenty of famous duos and, when discussing them, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence should absolutely be in the conversation. The on-screen chemistry between the two actors has been highlighted for decades via the Bad Boys movies (which we’ve ranked). Of course, aside from being great scene partners, they’re even better friends in real life. That’s evidenced by the amount of love they show each other from time to time. Smith recently shouted out Lawrence by posting a video tribute, and it’s just as sweet as you’d imagine. 

Will Smith has been sharing a lot of cool behind-the-scenes posts amid the release of Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Among his posts are clips of cool gun fights as well as a playful jab at the 360 Bayhem shot. More recently, Smith took to his Instagram to share a compilation of sweet BTS moments shared between him and Martin Lawrence across the various films. The footage shows the two palling around in between shooting, and it’s a sweet sight to behold. Check it out for yourself: 

The aspect of this post that’s particularly sweet is the Oscar winner’s caption, which begins with him declaring, “I have so much fun with this dude.” Based on the memories shared in his post, that definitely seems to be the case. It’s honestly no wonder that the two have such great chemistry in the films, given how well they seem to get along in real life. If you ask me, I’d say that these two have a certified bromance, and you love to see it. There’s nothing quite like having a good friend that knows you well and can bring out the best in you. 

As previously alluded to this is far from the first time that one of these beloved actors has paid tribute to the other. It was in late 2022 that Will Smith penned an emotional tribute to Martin Lawrence and shared sweet footage of the both of them. The following April, Smith highlighted their decades of friendship again on Lawrence’s birthday. And, just days later, Lawrence shouted out “Big Willie” during his own Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony. Seriously, if these two aren’t friendship goals, then I don't know what they are. 

What’s also been interesting to see over the years is not only how the actors’ personal relationship has developed but how their characters' connection has as well. Martin Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett and Will Smith’s Mike Lowery have certainly been through their fair share of ups and downs. Each movie also puts a new wrinkle in their friendship that ultimately deepens it. For example, 2003’s Bad Boys 2 created a little bit of friction between the two by having Mike secretly date his partner’s sister. Ride or Die changes up the dynamic as well, as Marcus’ near-death experience and subsequent fearless attitude cause headaches for Mike. I honestly don’t know what I enjoy watching more: the bond between the characters or the one that exists between the stars that play him. 

Given how beloved the saga’s titular heroes and the fact that the two lead actors are still so close, one has to wonder if another installment in the series might be made at some point. The I Am Legend star recently addressed the notion of doing a fifth movie with his longtime buddy and, while he doesn’t seem opposed to it, he does believe there needs to be a story worth telling. It wouldn’t be surprising if one comes together, given how Ride or Die was a box office win for summer 2024. 

There’s, of course, always the possibility that another movie in the Bad Boys saga might not be made. Such a notion is sad, but that could happen. Even if that’s the case though, I’d imagine that Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will remain close regardless. Here’s to many more years of friendship for the hilarious pair, and here’s hoping that they continue to pay such sweet tribute to each other. 

You can see the two action stars in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which is still playing in theaters, and you can stream the first three movies using a Hulu subscription. And, for more information on upcoming flicks, be sure to check out the 2024 movie schedule.

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die brings back the classic dynamic between Detectives Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), and it features a number of badass action sequences, but if we're going to dub Most Valuable Player honors on anybody, it's Reggie McDonald, played by Dennis Greene (credited as Dennis McDonald). The character has been a part of the franchise since Bad Boys II back in 2003, but in the latest sequel in the series finally gives him a proper opportunity to shine. Could a spinoff be next?

If we're counting stamps of approval for the idea, it seems that Will Smith has given it his blessing. The actor recently took to social media to share a fan poster made by Instagram user @mrdesignjunkie23, and Smith captioned the post with "Hahaha, let him cook! (the chicken)." You can check it out below:

SPOILER WARNING: From this point forward in this article, there will be spoilers about Bad Boys: Ride Or Die. If you have not yet seen the film, proceed at your own risk!

Reggie McDonald was reintroduced to the Bad Boys franchise in Bad Boys For Life, where he graduated from Marcus' daughter's boyfriend to Marcus' son in law, and it was established that he enlisted as a Marine staff sergeant. While he is normally a silent, emotionless character, he demonstrates some exceptional military-trained skills in Bad Boys: Ride Or Die. The film's villains attempt a bit of home invasion and abduction as a way to get at the protagonists, but Reggie takes down a full squad of masked criminals without breaking a sweat.

At the end of the film, Mike and Marcus finally show some respect for Reggie by letting him get some time on the grill at a cookout (hence Will Smith's joke about letting Reggie cook "the chicken."

Part of what's fascinating about Reggie is that the character represents the entire filmography of the actor playing him. Michael Bay cast him in Bad Boys II (where he was credited as Dennis Greene), and after nearly two decades of not doing any other film or television work, he was brought back to the big screen by directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.

All joking aside, the idea of Bad Boys getting at least some kind of spinoff movie doesn't sound totally preposterous at the moment, as Bad Boys: Ride Or Die is presently doing exceptionally well at the box office, and one can imagine that executives at Sony Pictures are scrambling for ideas on how to take advantage of the blockbuster's heat. We haven't yet heard about Bad Boys 5 getting the official greenlight from the studio, but that feels inevitable at this point.

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die is presently playing in theaters everywhere, and the three previous Bad Boys movies are all available to stream with a Hulu subscription.

He has become, without question, the breakout star of the 2024 summer movie season. Dennis McDonald’s legendary character Reggie, first introduced in Michael Bay’s Bad Boys II, has become a staple of the series ever since. Normally, he’s on the receiving end of the ridicule dispensed by Marcus (Martin Lawrence) and Mike (Will Smith), because he made the mistake of trying to date Marcus’s daughter and then – in Bad Boys for Life – get the young woman pregnant. But the best part about the new Bad Boys films is how the scripts evolve the main characters – Reggie included – and we are now learning that one key Reggie scene wasn’t even in the original Bad Boys: Ride or Die script.

We are going to have to get into spoilers for the new movie Bad Boys: Ride or Die, so stop reading now if you haven’t seen the movie and want to go in fresh.

Early on in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, one of the best in the series, Marcus suffers a heart attack during Mike’s wedding. Once out of the hospital, he heads home to recuperate, and ridicule Reggie (Dennis McDonald) for not having a job. Reggie reminds his father-in-law that he’s a U.S. Marine, to which Marcus says, “Well then you need to deploy.”

Marcus ends up singing a different tune later in the story, when armed goons invade the Burnett household, and Reggie snaps into fully Call of Duty mode to single-handedly dispatch an army of enemies. It’s one of the loudest cheer moments at the movies this summer, and one that McDonald told EW he trained for religiously. The actor said:

The scene works because it’s so believable. And it’s hilarious because when we first met Reggie, he was a timid boyfriend being bullied by Mike and Marcus. And now he’s a military force, capable of stepping up and defending his family. It’s a magnificent arc for a character that the Bad Boys crowd has embraced. It’s a big part of the reason why this movie has been critically acclaimed since it opened.

And it’s apparently why the directors chose to include an unscripted scene with Reggie that ends the film. It takes place in a Florida park, around a grill. Marcus is ready to cook for everyone, but Reggie steps up and offers to make chicken. And because of his bravery, Mike and Marcus hand him the “keys” to the grill. McDonald says he was just as surprised as everyone that he got the final scene in the movie, telling EW:

It’s a terrific ending, and one of more than a handful of emotional moments in Bad Boys: Ride or Die that help make the sequel special. Bad Boys 4 and Inside Out 2 are pulling the summer box office back to relevancy after a mild May. We have a number of upcoming 2024 movies that can continue the hot streak, including Despicable Me 4 and Deadpool & Wolverine. But for now, the summer belongs to Mike and Marcus. And certainly to Reggie.

Will Smith is known around the world as an acclaimed movie star, and his blockbuster success can be linked back to his role in Michael Bay's 1995 film Bad Boys. By that point in his career, he was already a well-known name thanks to his music and starring role on The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, but Bad Boys led to Independence Day, Independence Day led to Men In Black, and so on. It was the gateway project that turned him into a true A-lister, with the Bad Boys franchise still going strong to this day.

Reflecting on the last 30 years, Smith has a lot to be grateful for in regards to Bad Boys – and a lot of that gratitude should go to Martin Lawrence, who was actually the person who got him to sign on for the movie in the first place.

Martin Lawrence Convinced Will Smith To Sign On For Bad Boys Without Reading A Script

There has been a lot of Bad Boys-related hype in the air recently thanks to the theatrical arrival of the fourth Bad Boys movie a.k.a. Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, and Will Smith recently look to Instagram to share the story of how it all started. With a promo photo of himself and Martin Lawrence, he posted a caption noting that it was 30 years ago – in June 1994 – that cameras started rolling on the production, and he reflected on how his co-star first got him involved with the film that would ultimately change his life. 

According to Smith, he first learned about Bad Boys during a scheduled dinner with Martin Lawrence, and was excited about the movie from the get-go... but there was a significant catch involved: he had to sign on for the project without reading the script. The actor wrote,

That's a pretty big ask. There are many terrible movies that began with a terrific premise, and the whole thing could have easily blown up in his face. Fortunately, the story has a happy ending.

Continuing, Smith noted in his post that there was reticence, but that he trusted Martin Lawrence:

If you're wondering just how long Will Smith hemmed and hawed about the decision, the answer is apparently "not very long." During a guest spot on The Ellen Show in December 2019, Martin Lawrence shared his own version of the story, saying, 

At this point, the idea of doing a Bad Boys movie without Will Smith and Martin Lawrence seems preposterous, as the two actors have made the characters Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett standout heroes in the action movie genre... but what you may not know is that the project originally had two totally different stars attached.

Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Were Not The Original Bad Boys

Can you imagine Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett being played by Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz? Had the original vision of Bad Boys been executed, that's exactly what audiences would have gotten back in the mid-1990s.

Will Smith shared this bit of behind-the-scenes trivia during a January 2020 guest spot on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. He explained that while Martin Lawrence was involved with Bad Boys before he was, Lawrence only landed the gig after the original stars ended up dealing with with scheduling issues:

It's a shame that multiverse travel doesn't exist so that we can visit a parallel reality where the Carvey/Lovitz version of Bad Boys got made (perhaps a reality where Eric Stoltz starred in Back To The Future). One can imagine it being a wildly different finished work.

If you now find yourself feeling nostalgic for the original Bad Boys, the film is available to stream with a Hulu subscription. And if you haven't already seen it, Bad Boys: Ride Or Die is now playing in theaters everywhere (and just had a terrific second weekend at the domestic box office).

Ahead of its debut, the recently released Bad Boys: Ride or Die was predicted to become a solid summer hit, but it’s been that and more thus far. The 2024 movie schedule entry has performed well at the box office and, after a strong opening weekend, it’s even catapulted the franchise as a whole to a global $1 billion haul. Will Smith, who marked the milestone by sending a sweet message to the fans, has seemingly been living his best life as of late. He’s really been taking in the love that’s been shown for the film, and he now has another reason to celebrate. That’s because following the sequel’s success, he’s landed yet another acting gig. 

What’s The Movie That Will Smith Has Lined Up?

It would seem that Sony still wants to be in the “Big Willie” business, as the studio behind the Bad Boys franchise is also producing the Oscar winner’s newly earned project. Will Smith is teaming up with the studio again for Resistor, a science-fiction film based on Daniel Suarez’ 2014 novel, Influx. As of this writing, a director is not attached to the film though, as noted by Deadline, discussion on finding a filmmaker will get going soon. Also, a script has been penned, with Zak Olkewicz (Bullet Train) and Eric Warren Singer (Top Gun: Maverick) both having taken separate passes at it. 

Exact plot details are not available at this time, meaning that we can only look to the source material for an idea on what the story will entail. Influx centers around a physicist by the name of Jon Grady, who finds himself in conflict with a covert organization known as The Bureau of Technology Control. Following Grady and his team’s conception of a device that reflects gravity, the bureau seeks to recruit the scientist. Yet he refuses and is thrown in prison as a result. While there, Grady must join forces with fellow inmates to take on a dark and dangerous enemy.

This honestly fits perfectly into Will Smith’s wheelhouse, as the star is no stranger to science fiction tales. He’s starred in the Men in Black films (which we’ve ranked), Independence Day, I, Robot, I Am Legend and Gemini Man. It’ll certainly be great to see him return to the genre after being away from it for a few years. As noted by Deadline though, this likely won’t be Smith’s next film, as he has other work on his plate. One such project is Smith’s upcoming thriller, Sugar Bandits, which is penned by The Town scribe Chuck Hogan. Regardless of when Resistor releases, it’s understandable just why Sony would want to join forces with Smith again. And a lot of that has to do with the expectations and eventual performance of the latest addition to the series of Bad Boys movies. 

How Has Ride Or Die Been Performing At The Box Office?

Bad Boys: Ride or Die’s opening weekend at the box office weeks ago was strong. Over those first three days, the Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah-directed action/comedy earned $56 million domestically and $46.6 million internationally. Those two figures combined to make an impressive $104.6 million global haul. And, as of this writing, the film has amassed over $215 million worldwide. That’s quite impressive, and it could bode well for the future of the franchise. 

Speaking of that topic, the studio has yet to confirm whether another entry in the buddy comedy series will be produced at some point. Will Smith did, however, share thoughts on possibly doing a fifth film with Martin Lawrence. Though the actor didn’t shoot down the notion of such a project, he did stress that there would need to be a good “reason” for him and Lawrence to revisit the characters Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. Given the financial receipts though, it definitely feels like the door isn’t completely closed. 

Yet the Emancipation star’s busy schedule could table any potential follow-up, should one even be greenlit at all. Resistor should mark yet another intriguing notch in the star’s professional belt, and I hope it ultimately proves to be entertaining. Based on the performance of his latest movie, it would seem that the actor is still profitable at the cinema, and it seems he’s far from finished adding to his resume. 

You can see Bad Boys: Ride or Die in theaters now, and you can also stream the first three installments using a Hulu subscription. 

The summer movie season is heating up and, just recently, one highly anticipated flick managed to provide a well-needed spark. I’m talking about Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which opened with an impressive haul at the global box office. As we speak, the fourth entry in Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s blockbuster franchise is still raking in the dough. It’s because of that that the long-running film series has now notched a major financial milestone. Smith is, of course, aware of that fact and, once the benchmark was hit, he took to social media to share a message for the fans. 

Since 1995, the Bad Boys movies (which we’ve ranked) have consistently managed to draw people to cinemas around the world. The cast and crew already had a lot to be proud of in regard to box office receipts but, now, they have something truly momentous to celebrate. Thanks to Ride or Die’s performance thus far, the franchise as a whole has officially amassed a total of $1 billion globally. Only select movie series have been able to hit this special benchmark, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Transformers and Harry Potter. Upon learning of this accomplishment, Will Smith took to Instagram to share the following post: 

It’s not hard to understand the Oscar winner’s enthusiasm, given how special this is. I’d imagine that this has to be gratifying for him, considering how much work he, Martin Lawrence and their colleagues have put in over the years. Heck, for the I Am Legend star, it may even be somewhat surreal, considering that years ago, Lawrence originally wanted Eddie Murphy for the role of Mike Lowrey. It’s surely cool that he’s now able to celebrate this momentous occasion, and it’s surely sweet that the rapper-turned-actor took time to thank the fans. 

To give you some background on Bad Boys’ box office history, the first installment, which was helmed by Michael Bay, earned over $140 worldwide by the time its run was finished. Bay’s 2003 sequel ultimately raked in more, collecting $273 million globally. And, released shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic rocked Hollywood, Bad Boys for Life hit box office milestones that year. The film – the first in the series to be helmed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah – finished its run with $426 million across the globe. With that, it not only became the franchise’s highest grossing entry but also the highest grossing film of 2020.

Ride or Die has had an impressive theatrical run thus far as well. During its opening weekend, the 2024 movie schedule entry overperformed, earning $56 million domestically in its first three days. It also raked in $46.6 million overseas and, that number combined with the former, gave the sequel a global debut of $104.6 million. One would think that positive word of mouth has been helping the film along as well, and it could’ve effectively factored into this latest milestone for the franchise. 

All the while, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have been enjoying their press tour and soaking in the love from fans. Just recently, Smith went viral on TikTok for surprising moviegoers following a showing of the new movie. The two actors have also been sharing cool and funny social media posts related to the franchise. For instance, through a social media post, both poked fun at the 360 “Bayhem” shot that’s become synonymous with the franchise. 

Considering how successful the movies have been, some are probably already wondering if a fifth Lawrence and Smith-led film is on the table. Smith recently discussed the notion, and he seems open to the idea of another installment – should there be a good reason to make one. I don’t know if there’s a creative incentive to make another but, based on this $1 billion milestone, there’s definitely a financial one. We’ll see what the future holds but, for right now, let’s celebrate what the action/comedy series has accomplished. 

You can catch Bad Boys: Ride or Die in theaters now, and stream the first three films in the series with a Hulu subscription.

Though they’re not everyone’s favorites, I can’t get enough of the Bad Boy movies, and it’s been that way for about as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve watched Will Smith’s Mike Lowrey and Martin Lawrence’s Marcus Burnett pull off some crazy feats, nab some bad guys, and solve various crimes in and around the greater Miami metropolitan area. From the franchise starter back in 1995 to the most recent addition, you could say I’m a ride-or-die fan of this buddy cop action series, and I’ll be one for life.

That said, after watching Bad Boys: Ride or Die in theaters (an experience that was wild as hell), I decided to go back and rewatch the entire franchise and rank them from worst to best. But, don’t let the term “worst” fool you, as I am a big fan of all four movies and will be there on opening day if Bad Boys 5 happens.

4. Bad Boys: Ride Or Die (2024)

I don’t really see this as last place because the movie is just so much fun, but I have to start things off with the most recent entry in the franchise, Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Though I didn’t think the movie was as bad as described in CinemaBlend’s official Bad Boys: Ride or Die review, it felt like some things were missing while others felt rushed or heavyhanded. 

Working against Ride or Die are things like characters disappearing between movies with no explanation, key events from previous films being retconned to work within the plot, and Mike getting married to a woman we’ve never met before who's treated like a familiar face. However, the action sequences are great thanks to Adil & Bilall’s unique style, the banter between Smith and Lawrence is top-notch, and the short runtime makes this a rather straightforward affair that doesn’t let off the gas.

Though it was a breath of fresh air for the underperforming 2024 box office, had some oddly cathartic moments, and had some of the greatest hits, Bad Boys: Ride or Die at times felt like a compilation instead of a continuation. 

3. Bad Boys II (2003)

If Bad Boys II was about 25-30 minutes shorter, it would be in the number-one spot on this list, but man, is this movie bloated. Clocking in at a little under two-and-a-half hours, this Michael Bay-directed 2003 summer blockbuster includes so many scenes that could have either been shorter or left out entirely (I’m looking at you electronics store scene). Hell, Mike and Marcus don’t even cross paths with Jordi Mollà's Johnny Tapia until nearly an hour into the movie.

When Bad Boys II is working, it’s WORKING! The action is wild and ups the ante so much that it makes the first film look like a made-for-TV movie. The highway chase (one of three in the summer 2003 blockbuster season alongside 2 Fast 2 Furious and The Matrix Reloaded), the attack on the KKK rally that opens the film, and quite possibly the best Michael Bay hero shot of the franchise, you could make an argument for this being one of the best action movies of all time.

However, with so many characters, so many bits, and so many subplots holding it down and extending the runtime, it’s impossible to put Bad Boys II ahead of the original Bad Boys or For Life. 

2. Bad Boys (1995)

For the longest time, I was in the “Bad Boys II is better than Bad Boys” camp, after watching all four movies in the span of a few days, I have to admit that I’ve changed my mind. While the first sequel has the GOAT of hero shots (look at it and soak in the awesomeness), a thrilling chase sequence, and perhaps the franchise’s most over-the-top villain, its predecessor is a lean, mean, buddy cop action movie machine that’s pretty much all killer and no filler. So much happens in its sub-two-hour runtime, but it never feels bloated, slow, or bogged down in any way. In fact, it could have had a few extra minutes and I would have been fine.

There are a few things that really sell this movie, and chief among them is the pairing of Mike and Marcus. They’ve already been partners for some time when we are introduced to them in the hilarious opening scene, but we immediately feel like we’ve known them and there’s no need for an origin story slowing things down in the first act. Second, Tea Leoni’s Julie Mott is not only a great character with a tremendous story, but she also provides so much exposition and fleshes out the Lowrey/Burnett dynamic. 

However, a lot of the movie feels underdeveloped and rushed, but this might be a case of “hindsight is 20/20” as I look back nearly 30 years later. But, because this is Michael Bay’s directorial debut, I’m willing to overlook the movie’s short list of shortcomings.

1. Bad Boys For Life (2020)

Fans of the series had to wait a long time between Bad Boys II and Bad Boys for Life, and a lot of that was because Will Smith didn’t want to wreck the franchise. It appears that the long break was worth it, as it was not only one of the biggest 2020 box office draws, it’s also the best entry in the franchise so far. 

Directors Adil & Bilall, who took over the reins from Michael Bay, added so much style to the Bad Boys franchise while also adding a lot of substance and emotion to the story as well. First, the action, which was turned up a notch and modernized from what had come before, created a fresh and unique spin and pushed Smith and Lawrence (and the rest of the cast) to their limits, and it worked masterfully. There’s still that signature style the franchise has always had, but the young directors honored that while also treading new ground.

Everything about Mike's story in Bad Boys For Life is great as well. From him getting shot and left for dead to finding out that the shooter was a son he never knew about to coming to terms with his past, so much happens in under two hours. The decorated detective with a trust fund experiences so much character growth over the course of the story, and it takes him in a new direction that was further explored in Ride or Die and hopefully will do the same in the future.

Like I said at the beginning, I love all four of these movies and will be there day one when the next installment finally hits the big screen. Until then, make sure to check out our 2024 movie schedule for all the latest on the big releases landing in theaters (and on streaming services) this year.

Sony has a summer hit on its hands with Bad Boys: Ride Or Die. The action comedy that reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s Miami cops just had a great opening weekend at the box office, and now celebrities like LeBron James and Jamie Foxx are going out of their way to show support for one of the latest of the 2024 movies!

While Ride Or Die left critics split, the fourth Bad Boys movie has been tracking really well with moviegoers, with audiences rating it an A- on Cinemascore, for example. As it turns out, NBA legend LeBron James is one of the vocal fans of the movie too. As he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter):

James made the comment on his social media in the light of the news that Ride Or Die made an impressive $104.6 million worldwide over the weekend, making it one of the most successful movies of the year already! Smith reposted the praise on his Instagram, adding the “🙏🏾” in reaction. Additionally, Jamie Foxx took some time to share a good word about the Bad Boys sequel on his own Instagram post while also sharing the successful numbers. Here’s what he wrote:

Smith and Foxx are friends in real life! Previously, Foxx supported his buddy when Smith released Emancipation by going to an early screening and hyping up the film as well. In the comment section, Smith penned this in response:

Will Smith has been doing the most as of late to get the word out for the newest Bad Boys movie, between going viral for surprising fans at a screening, to traveling all over the world to promote it as well. Martin Lawrence also reacted to Foxx’s kind words by saying this:

The Bad Boys movie looks like it will do pretty well for itself this weekend too amidst Pixar set to have the “biggest opening of the year” with Inside Out 2’s release, per Variety. The projections report the movie will still pull $28 million this weekend despite Inside Out 2 tracking at around $80 to $90 million.

For those hoping to see more Will Smith and perhaps even a fifth Bad Boys movie, the success of Ride Or Die is a great sign. Following the actor’s controversial Oscars slap back in 2022, it wasn’t clear if audiences would show up for the actor, but the masses are proving to say they are ready and happy to see Smith back in action again! He has too many real “ride or dies” to have a Bad Boys sequel go up and flop!

Continuing a franchise of one of the best action movies to ever play the game, Bad Boys: Ride or Die looks to be a hit with audiences all over. With that in mind, two natural follow up questions come to mind when assessing the future of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s buddy cop comedy: how successful will Ride or Die be, and will these misbehaving gentlemen want to return for another round?

Will Smith certainly has thoughts on a fifth movie, and he shared them recently in an interview with EW. Now while the man’s no stranger to summer blockbusters, sequels, and the crossroads where both concepts meet, Smith has some very specific points to address.With that in mind, here’s what he had to say about a potential Bad Boys 5:

No matter what happens at the box office, the desire of leads like Will Smith to return to a franchise like Bad Boys is a key stone in the foundation of any potential sequel. While Bad Boys: Ride or Die did sneak in a recasting of Theresa, Marcus’s wife, replacing either of the marquee leads would be even more noticeable.

Reading Will Smith calling this long spanning saga "an absolute joy" definitely helps sell his dedication to continue making Bad Boys movies. That admiration seems to be mutual, thanks to the reactions to directors Adil & Bilall’s latest. With fans like CinemaBlend’s own Phillip Sledge praising Ride or Die’s “big screen experience,” the conditions certainly feel right for Miami’s streets to experience yet another dose of law enforcement mayhem and comedy.

Bad Boys 4’s triumphant opening weekend certainly helps fuel the expectations for this series to continue, especially with some of the developments that took place. Also, the film’s ending does leave things pretty open ended for Mike and Marcus to speed back into theaters.

Considering how fast Ride or Die was greenlit after the blockbuster performance of Bad Boys for Life, it wouldn’t even be that shocking if a sequel was announced in the weeks to come. Again, we’ll just have to wait and see how successful Bad Boys: Ride or Die is, as it’s currently playing in its theatrical release. In the meantime, you can revisit the previous chapter, Bad Boys for Life, through access to a Hulu subscription.

Never did I assume, coming out of Michael Bay’s Bad Boys back in 1995, that we’d still be talking about the franchise nearly 30 years later… or that the discussion would encompass so many fascinating and human subjects. What started as a typical buddy cop movie has grown with the characters and the actors, and now addresses larger philosophical topics like family, retirement, parenting, legacy, and more. I finally caught up with Bilal and Adil’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die after seeing how well it did at the box office. What I didn’t expect to see, however, was a vulnerable, raw scene that seemed – in my interpretation – to address Will Smith’s controversial slap at the Academy Awards, and the feelings he wrestled with after the fact. 

We all know that Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars after the comedian poked fun at Jada Pinkett Smith from the stage. The incident isn’t addressed directly in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, but there’s a facet of the new story that I think is meant to deal with the slap, and its emotional repercussions. 

Stop reading now if you do not want to know any spoilers for the current hit, Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

Throughout the fourth Bad Boys movie, the overly confident Mike Lowrey finds himself suffering from panic attacks. Like many who suddenly face anxiety, Mike denies it, and pretends it isn’t happening. But in the middle of various fights, Mike freezes up. 

As it turns out, Mike blames himself for his captain (Joe Pantoliano) getting murdered in the previous film, Bad Boys for Life. It’s not helping that Captain Howard’s daughter, Judy (Rhea Seehorn), blames Mike’s son, Armando (Jacob Scipio), for the assassination. Yes, this series has become a soap opera with guns, but still, I commend it for embracing emotional topics facing men as they get older. 

As for The Slap, it popped into my mind during the third-act shootout. Mike again freezes up, right when his longtime pattern Marcus Burnett needs him most. This time, Mike sees his former captain in a vision. And Pantoliano essentially tells Will Smith, “It’s OK. It’s not your fault.” 

Mike (and also Smith) is being forgiven. He’s being told it’s OK to move on. But it’s what happens next that made me think of Smith’s unfortunate public meltdown. In order to wake him out of his trance, Marcus slaps Mike, and tells him – I’m paraphrasing here – “Stop this shit. You have to move on. Just because you did something back doesn’t make you a bad person.” The dialogue is overdubbed, as it takes place in the middle of a firefight, so you know that the lines were intentionally included. And it’s not that Marcus slaps Mike as he tells him this. It’s the fact that Marcus slaps Mike a second time. And then a third. 

It was then that I realized, “Oh, this is Will Smith’s penance.” Mike is being told that something he thinks he did wrong isn’t his fault. Which many movie characters face up to. But it was the three slaps, delivered by Martin Lawrence as he tells Will Smith “you’re not a bad person,” that made me realize the A-lister was trying to come to terms with what he had done. And trying to move past the guilt he likely was feeling. 

And doing it in the middle of a $100 million sequel. 

When Bilal and Adil took over the Bad Boys franchise from original director Michael Bay, they injected more character development alongside the Bay-hem. We still get explosions and car chases. But the third and fourth Bad Boys movies find our heroes confronting their mortality, wrestling with the growing needs of their families, and their enduring love for each other. As Marcus claims to Mike in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, these men are soul mates. They are bad boys for life. 

The new Bad Boys injected life into the box office, and kind of showed that audiences were ready to accept Will Smith as a movie star once again. Did anyone else see that scene in Bad Boys: Ride or Die and see it as a therapeutic release, the act of a celebrity hoping to forgive himself for one bad deed? That’s how I read it, and I was shocked – but pleased – to see it in the movie. 

Avid Bad Boys fans surely know that there are more than a few signature elements of the franchise. There are usually plenty of massive action sequences, jokes (which can be raunchy) and quick editing. Another tradition is the infamous 360 “Bayhem” shot, which figuratively (and literally) revolves around series leads Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. These shots are practically baked into the DNA of this film saga, and it’s likely that a number of fans have come to expect them. Despite that though, it looks like Lawrence and Smith don’t mind poking some fun at the camera technique. That’s because the two hilariously roasted it in a recent social media post. 

Throughout the duration of the press tour for the recently released Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the two lead actors have been sharing cool BTS tidbits on social media. In a recent Instagram post, the two leading men – along with YouTuber Max Goodrich – shared a key piece of information on the Bayhem shot. The post includes a video that begins with cuts of every time the shot occurs in one of the four BB movies. It then cuts to segment that humorously gives fans an idea of what the actors apparently see when being filmed in those moments, and the result is too funny:

While these moments may look cool on the big screen, they’re definitely not as sleek when they’re being crafted on the set. The two lead actors are definitely professionals, but one has to think that even they can find that process a little awkward. As fun as these action movies are, I can’t help but chuckle over the fact that they’re poking fun at one of the franchise’s biggest traditions. Also, if we’re to be serious about this, the people that wield the camera during these moments deserve a lot of credit for their work. 

These “Bayhem” moments derive their name from the director who kicked off this blockbuster series – Michael Bay. While his filmmaking techniques can be divisive, a number of his fans have come to appreciate his 360 shots, which are present in a number of his movies. Among the titles to make use of this hero tracking shots are The Rock, Transformers, Armageddon and The Island. And, while Bay didn’t direct Bad Boys for Life or Ride or Die, directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have managed to seamlessly recreate his cinematic style – while adding their own personal touches, of course. 

One could definitely argue that the Ms. Marvel directors have managed to up the ante from a production standpoint. That’s certainly the impression one would get from another behind-the-scenes post that Will Smith shared to social media. Smith shared footage from an intense gun fight sequence, which shows how a camera is mounted to his body – and connected to his prop gun – to provide a first-person perspective for a scene. It’s definitely the kind of BTS footage that will make a person look at such an action sequence differently. 

Whether or not everyone can appreciate camera moves like that one or the Bayhem shot is unclear, but it would seem that plenty of folks made the trip to see the movie. Bad Boys: Ride or Die’s opening weekend at the box office proved to be a triumph for the summer movie season. The sequel overperformed, earning $56 million domestically and sits at $104.6 million globally. Fans also seem to be enjoying it, and CinemaBlend’s own Philip Sledge called it a big-screen experience you don’t want to miss.

Having seen the film myself, I can also say that it’s definitely a thrill ride that’ll have audiences on the edge of their seats. And yes, the Bayhem shot does look good in the context of the film. I will say, though, that after seeing Will Smith and Martin Lawrence taking a playful jab at it, it’ll be hard for me not to chuckle whenever I see the 360 shot moving forward. 

Check out Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which is now playing in theaters as part of the 2024 movie schedule. Anyone who wants to relive any Bayhem or experience it for the first time can stream the first three installments in the franchise with a Hulu subscription.

The summer blockbuster season is starting to heat up, and Will Smith is among the many A-listers who have major titles on the schedule of 2024 movie releases. He reprises his role of Mike Lowrey alongside Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys: Ride or Die! Smith really seems to be soaking it all in and recently did so in tremendous fashion. A TikTok video, which has gone viral, shows the actor in a theater, where he reveals himself to moviegoers after their screening of the movie ends. It's a sweet moment, the comments section can't get enough of it.

Amidst conversations recently arising about how the success of the Bad Boys movie could affect Smith’s future in Hollywood future, a fan shared this sweet two-minute video. Patrons were walking out of a showing of Ride or Die at a Cinemark theater in Baldwin Hills, California on Friday night. That's when the actor nonchalantly surprised fans, and the video of the encounter is sure to leave a smile on your face:

What truly makes this clip work is the casual the Oscar winner is when revealing himself. As he began talking to a fan about being “glad” she liked the movie, other people around him started to take notice that he was in their presence and became super starstruck. Before Will Smith knew it, there was a frenzy of fans in a crowd around him with their phones out as he shook hands, handed out hugs and took photos with them. Check out some of the great comments from TikTok:

• They knew who he was before he finished his first syllable. Love it. - @grateful_scott
• One thing about him though he always been a real one to his fans 🤗❤️ - @dat1scorpiogirl
• I would’ve cried 😂 - @joe_doom
• The way I would be cheesing 😂😂 - @ladyemjay93
• Love how people are getting hugs - @alternativepause
• No security, no entourage. Just a real man with real fans. - @jerzee_girl

Fans really appreciated seeing Will Smith going out to see Ride Or Die and how he handled the swarm of fans coming his way so quickly. He treated everyone very warmly, and fans online were super jealous of the audience from that screening casually sharing an evening with the movie star. Will Smith shared his own video of the appearance on Instagram:

As he revealed, he was sitting in the back corner of the theater by himself wearing a face mask during the screening. The crowd looked like they were having an absolute blast with the Bad Boys movie, and the I Am Legend star must have really enjoyed the experience of sneaking into the theater and seeing the real reactions of people experiencing it for the first time.

As Will Smith said, he has a “ritual” of going to the theater to see his movies on the opening Friday night, Saturday and a Sunday matinee. Clearly, he was met with open arms by the crowd of people who had just seen one of the latest new films to hit cinemas, and you love to see it!

While critics are split on Ride or Die, its looking like the Bad Boys sequel could be a big hit this weekend, considering Deadline just reported it racked in $21.6 million on Friday and is heading into a $53 million opening weekend. The movie also is tracking well with audiences, earning an A- on Cinemascore. If it’s a big hit, it’s likely we’ll get to see Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their roles for a future installment. Check it out in theaters now, and stream the first three installments using a Hulu subscription.

In the months following Jason Kelce’s retirement from the NFL and leading up to him joining ESPN, he’s been living it up online and getting into all sorts of humorous debates. Most recently, the former Philadelphia Eagles center got into it on X about whether or not you should wash your feet. Now, as Martin Lawrence and Will Smith promote their movie on the 2024 film schedule, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, they’ve been asked to share their thoughts on this whole situation, and they hilariously did not mince their words. 

What Jason Kelce Said About Not Washing His Feet 

Jason Kelce got into quite the dispute on X about whether you should wash your feet or not, and it swiftly went viral. For just a taste of his opinion on the matter, here’s one of his highly-viewed posts about this hot topic that also seemingly took a crack at Harrison Butker’s viral “homemaker” comments:

Later, on his podcast New Heights, Jason stood his ground explaining further why he thinks it's silly to wash your feet, telling his brother Travis Kelce:

So, all this has become a massive topic of discussion on the internet, and now Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are getting in on it. 

How Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Feel About Jason Kelce’s Feet Comments

To put it bluntly, the Bad Boys: Ride of Die stars were not here for Jason Kelce’s comments about not washing his feet. They immediately looked a bit disgusted and passionately disagreed with the former NFL center, as you can see in the hilarious clip below:

Here’s some important context for their reactions: on the show 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony & The Kid Mero they have a segment called “Fuckin’ With It or Fuck Outta Here.” So, the hosts asked the Bad Boys cast members about this whole Jason Kelce washing feet discourse, and Martin Lawrence did not hesitate to say:

Meanwhile, Will Smith added the slightest bit of  reasoning to his “fuck outta here” as he said:

The guys then went on to talk about hygiene and Smith’s feelings about feet in general (which aren’t great) leaving their thoughts about Kelce at the simple yet funny explicit answers you saw above. 

All around, like various other debates Jason Kelce has been part of (I'm thinking about the NFL team name situation), this entire situation is quite silly. And while all three men’s responses had a lot of gusto behind them, they all seem to not be taking it that seriously either. 

If more comes up regarding this very odd internet debacle, we’ll be sure to keep you posted. To keep up with Jason Kelce, you can listen to New Heights every Wednesday and watch him on ESPN when the football season restarts on the 2024 TV schedule. You can also catch Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys: Ride of Die – which got a two-star review from CinemaBlend, however, the fourth Bad Boys movie split critics – in theaters now. 

Crafting a massive blockbuster is no small feat, as the filmmakers go to pain-staking lengths to pull off wild stunts and action sequences. Unfortunately, we don’t always get to see the hard work that’s done on those fronts. But, thanks to stars like Will Smith, we occasionally get peeks behind the curtain, so to speak. The fan-favorite star has been sharing behind-the-scenes clips from the upcoming Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and he just dropped another one. The snippet depicts a gun fight being filmed and, after seeing it, I don’t think I’ll ever look at such a massive big-screen sequence the same way again. 

Will Smith shared this latest piece of footage on his Instagram account, and it shows the star – while in character as Mike Lowrey – acting in a scene. Once you watch the clip, what will probably stand out to you is the fact that the A-lister is wearing a harness of sorts that has a camera attached to it. Not only that, but the same piece of equipment also holds his prop gun and is able to rotate as Smith moves the weapon. Honestly, you just have to see all of this clip for yourself, which also includes a camera feed that shows what the directors are seeing on the monitors:

I’ve seen more than a few great action sequences in my time and, at times, I’ve certainly wondered how they were pulled off from a filmmaking standpoint. This particular video is incredibly enlightening and conveys the complexities of such a scene production-wise. Some may also be excited by the Oscar winner’s caption, which seems to suggest that viewers don’t know what they’re getting into with this one. I was already excited to see what this fourth installment has in store but, now, I’m just downright pumped. 

As mentioned, this isn’t the only BTS tidbit that Will Smith has shared. He also recently shared another post that highlights the technical aspects of filming. For example, the clip below gives the sense of how a drone was utilized for one specific action sequence: 

Based on the Bad Boys: Ride or Die trailer, it’s been clear that directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are going all out for this latest chapter in the blockbuster franchise. It sees Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) going on the run after being implicated in a false conspiracy involving their late boss, Captain Conrad (Joe Pantoliano). With that, the humorous duo must evade the authorities, and they ultimately receive help from Mike’s illegitimate son, Armando (Jacob Scipio). 

Spectacle is definitely a key element of this film saga but, as Will Smith has also mentioned, it’s “important” that the movie have an emotional base. For years, at the core of these stories has been the brother-like relationship between Mike and Marcus. And, now that the two find themselves with their backs against the wall, that bond will be more important than ever.

Of course, don’t fret, because there’s still going to be plenty of action, and that one gun fight sequence alone looks insane. I’m certainly ready to see Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and their cohorts back in action. And you can also bet that when I finally see the finished fight, I’ll be thinking about the awesome camera work that made it possible.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die opens in theaters on June 7 as part of the 2024 movie schedule. You can also prepare for the flick by streaming the first three films using a Hulu subscription.

The newest installment of Bad Boys finally hit the big screen today, and it is a pleasure to have Marcus and Mike back in our lives. After two mega-hit films, the loveable duo was gone for seventeen years, but they returned for the well-received and popular Bad Boys For Life in 2020 and are back again for another go this summer. Their trademark blend of comedy and action works perfectly for the summer movie season, and not surprisingly, fans will have a chance to catch their exploits in IMAX®.

Ahead of the film’s release in partnership with AMC Theatres, we sent a camera crew to the premium format giant’s headquarters to learn all we could about the science behind The IMAX Experience®. While there, we discussed movies like Bad Boys: Ride Or Die and why they feel different when you’re watching them in IMAX. It turns out the answer is not just because the screen is bigger. The answer is because it’s an entirely separate version of the movie. Here’s what Sr Manager of Digital Mastering Jeff Dunant told us…

That was the larger central theme in all our conversations with IMAX. It’s not about literally showing a movie on a nicer screen, nor is it about turning up the volume or adding more bass. It’s about working side-by-side with the filmmaker to figure out what the individual movie actually needs. Sometimes that means using IMAX cameras to literally shoot the movie. Other times that means working with the filmmaker the entire way to help create a conversion that serves the specific movie’s goals. With Bad Boys 4, you’ll notice that means making the action sequences pop in a certain way and the comedic banter pop in an entirely different way.

You can watch a summary of some of those conversations with IMAX experts in the video below…

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die is officially in theaters June 7th, and there’s no better way to experience it than in IMAX at an AMC Theatre. Tickets are available right now. 

This summer, when Bad Boys: Ride of Die hits theaters, will it be the end of the road for Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s iconic buddy cop partnership? While I suspected the title spoke for itself and was hinting at an upcoming finale, it turns out I could be wrong.

The fourth Bad Boys movie has Smith’s Detective Mike Lowrey and Lawrence’s Marcus Miles Burnett riding side by side once again to investigate corruption within the Miami PD by helping clear the name of Joe Pantoliano’s late Captain Conrad Howard. When the pair of funny actors attended the Bad Boys premiere, they were asked about if they might be ready to pass the torch of the franchise. Here’s what they told The Hollywood Reporter:

Will Smith: "We might have one more in us before we hand it off, but we got a lot of young seeds in there."

Martin Lawrence: "The back ain’t went out quite yet, so before we do that — we ain’t going to pass it off just yet."

Well, there you have it! It sounds like the pair of Bad Boys leads are interested in keeping their names on the action series... that is until one of their backs goes out. I guess I stand corrected on Ride Or Die signaling the end of the Bad Boys.

Of course, perhaps the best indicator of the future of Bad Boys is how it does when it comes out this summer. When Adil & Bilall directed Bad Boys For Life (prior to coming back for Ride Or Die), the filmmakers have actually recalled titling it as they did because they thought it would be the final movie for the Bad Boys franchise. To their surprise, the movie was a huge success, becoming the highest grossing installment in the franchise and making $424 million off of a production budget of $90 million.

I don’t know about you, but imagining a Bad Boys movie without Smith and Lawrence just doesn’t feel right. Of course, I could see Hollywood going that route someday, but why do so when these two are still having fun with their iconic characters? Now that I think about it more, Ride Or Die could more be referring to the buddy cops who do everything in their power to clear the bill of their captain, even after his death. You can check out the Bad Boys: Ride Or Die trailer below:

Bad Boys: Ride or Die was actually screened for the first time a couple of weeks ago to high praise. Some of its first audiences called it a “total blast,” “a perfect blend of old-school and new hip culture” and even the “BEST Bad Boys movie ever” by one viewer. You can look forward to the movie hitting theaters on June 7, and check out what other 2024 movies are on the way here on CinemaBlend.

One thing Bad Boys fans can count on seeing in the film series is seeing Will Smith's Mike Lowrey driving (and destroying) an impressive car. And, after watching the Bad Boys: Ride or Die trailer, one might be even more hyped to see Lowery’s latest ride. However, nothing compares to the original Porsche from the first film. And, following the trailer’s release, Smith revealed his reunion with Lowery’s Porsche, and it's as fresh as you'd image

It's honestly too cool that Will Smith finally got a chance to sit in the iconic movie ride, nearly three decades after the original Bad Boys hit theaters. The Oscar winner took a moment to document the long-overdue reunion on his Instagram account. Watch the Hollywood A-lister strike a pose in the nostalgia-inducing clip below:

After getting a look at that video, it's hard for your mind not to drift back to the year 1995. At the time, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star was the epitome of cool as swinging bachelor police officer Mike Lowrey (and he honestly still is today). His top-notch luxury car only added to his cool factor -- and could probably make many guys envious. And to think, the star initially wasn't Martin Lawrence’s original choice for the character. It's been said that a car doesn't exactly make a man, but the Independence Day lead is well complimented by that sweet set of wheels.

In the viral clip, Will Smith effortlessly struck the same pose while sporting a more modern all-black outfit. He effectively captured the old-school vibe, and can we talk about just how ageless he seems? The Emancipation star looked practically the same (if not, better) considering the film was shot three decades ago. What also hasn't changed is that he's still a bonafide action star, and that's more than apparent in the latest Ride or Die trailer. Check it out down below:

The actor has been dropping a number of tidbits related to the franchise in recent months. He posted stills from the threequel after filming wrapped. And the pics really captured the "important approach taken with the film, as Mike and Marcus Burnett's decades-long partnership is really put to the test. This seemingly worked, as the first reactions to Bad Boys 4 have been very positive thus far, with many praising the action and humor

The hype for the film speaks to the franchise’s staying power after three decades. The original film was a surprise hit in 1995, scoring over $141 million worldwide. The first and second sequels did even better at the box office, grossing over $273 and $426 million worldwide, respectively. The success of the IP even led to a TV spinoff, L.A.’s Finest, starring Gabrielle Union as Syd Burnet from the franchise's second film.

While the franchise continues to evolve, what I love is that some things stay the same. And that includes Will Smith cruising (and posing) around a sweet ride whether he's in or out of character. You can see him and his whip when Bad Boys: Ride or Die finally hits cinemas on June 5 as part of the 2024 movie schedule. In the meantime, watch the first three movies using a Hulu subscription  

You can’t think about the best action films of the ‘90s without Will Smith and Martin Lawrence coming to mind in Bad Boys. The 1995 buddy cop film started a franchise that combined humor, action and plenty of iconic movie quotes that have endured over the decades. Now Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are back in the new sequel Bad Boys: Ride or Die, showing off more of the actors’ A+ chemistry. The fourth movie in the franchise has screened, and those who were able to catch a showing ahead of its June 7 release date are hitting social media with their first reactions.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die sees Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s characters turning their sights on the MIami Police Department in a twist involving legacy character Captain Conrad Howard. Though the captain died in 2020’s Bad Boys for Life, he’s posthumously accused of having been involved with the drug cartel, and our heroes set out to clear his name. Drew Taylor of The Wrap certainly seemed to enjoy it, noting one of the newcomers to the cast. The critic writes: 

The outlet Atom agrees Will Smith and Martin Lawrence aren’t merely taking a victory lap with this sequel. The site goes so far as to say this installment is the best in the franchise. In Atom’s words: 

Maurice Moyer writes that Bad Boys: Ride or Die checks the boxes of everything you’d want out of a movie in this genre, rating it a perfect 10/10. Moyer tweets: 

It’s more than just action and comedy, though, according to Bill Bria of SlashFilm. The critic says directors Adil & Bilall have included emotion to balance the excitement and explosions. Bria’s post reads: 

It’s no hot take that Shika Sweetie thinks the second film of the franchise is the best, but fans might be excited to hear that Ride or Die exceeds even that 2003 classic in her mind. She writes: 

Owen Danoff of ScreenRant agrees with Shika Sweetie and is one of many to give Dennis Greene props as Marcus’ son-in-law Reggie. Danoff also points out that moviegoers don’t need to be familiar with the first three films to enjoy this one. The critic tweets: 

Entertainment writer Shanelle Genai says there’s no shortage of entertainment when it comes to the fourth Bad Boys movie, and while the emotion is definitely there, Ride or Die is first and foremost about fun. In Genai’s words: 

Unfortunately the movie isn’t for everyone. Russ Milheim of The Direct admits it wasn’t his cup of tea, though he notes his fellow moviegoers were having fun and fans of the other Bad Boys movies likely won’t be disappointed. 

Those who have seen the other Bad Boys movies likely know a little of what to expect with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s humor and chemistry. Most of the critics seem to agree that Bad Boys: Ride or Die does not disappoint. While we wait for the movie to hit the 2024 movie calendar on June 7, you can refresh your memory on the franchise, with the first three Bad Boys movies being available to stream with a Hulu subscription. 

The forthcoming Bad Boys: Ride or Die will be here in less than a month, and the hype surrounding the 2024 movie release is steadily ramping up. Based on the footage that’s been released thus far, it looks like the flick is set to deliver all of the action, thrills and comedy fans have come to expect from this franchise. Despite that, it doesn’t sound like we should expect the filmmakers to rest on their laurels with this newest installment. Lead actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence recently conveyed that very sentiment while teasing the creative swings the sequel will take. 

What Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Said About Ride Or Die And Sequels

Sequels are very tricky endeavors. On the one hand, the cast and crew ideally want to maintain the elements that make a franchise so popular. On the other hand though, a team should aim to use a follow-up to inject fresh elements into the proceedings. Both Martin Lawrence and Will Smith have seen and starred in their fair share sequels over the years. Smith shared his thoughts on such movies, explaining why they shouldn’t be concerned with playing the greatest hits, so to speak: 

He makes a fair point in that there are those follow-ups that tend to serve as “victory laps” and coast on what its predecessors did. As a result, many of these kinds of productions end up being sequels we wish were never made. So it’s encouraging that the Men in Black star shared the sentiments above with Empire. During the interview, the Oscar winner went on to explain how he and his collaborators are looking to change things up this time. He also teased a change-up of sorts for a particular character: 

Martin Lawrence, who plays Marcus, agreed with his longtime co-star’s assessment. He echoed the idea that the team is mixing up the formula this time around: 

All in all, these comments are intriguing, especially as far as the character of Marcus Burnett is concerned. If anything, they just make me more excited for what’s to come and, based on what’s known about the plot, returning directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and co. are really planning to flip the script with this latest entry in the action-comedy series.

How Bad Boys: Ride Or Die Will Be Different From Previous Installments?

The first Bad Boys 4 trailer showed off the impeccable chemistry between the two leads, and it also presented a premise that puts Marcus and partner Mike Lowery in a dangerous position. Both learn of a conspiracy involving their deceased boss, Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) and, as part of a set-up job, they become wanted men. (Interestingly, that legacy character twist ties into past movies.) As a result, they must rely on help from Mike’s illegitimate son, Armando (Jacob Scipio). I’d say this is a solid way to subvert the usual “cops pursuing bad guys” approach that the franchise is known for. 

Don’t worry, though, the film still seems as though it’s going to deliver what fans have loved about the franchise for nearly 30 years now. I’m talking about the high stakes, massive set pieces and great jokes. We’ll soon see whether the production does indeed manage to avoid the victory lap trap that so many others fall into.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die opens in theaters on June 7 and, while you wait for it, you can stream the first three installments with a Hulu subscription.

When the first trailer for Bad Boys: Ride Or Die premiered back in March, fans were surprised to see one particular familiar face. Joe Pantoliano's Captain Conrad Howard was memorably assassinated in Bad Boys For Life, and yet the character is back in the sequel and a principal player in the plot. As it turns out, it's part of a larger effort on the new movie's behalf to tie details from the past into the present.

A summer preview from Entertainment Weekly features an interesting quote from star Will Smith about the creative process behind making the fourth installment of the Bad Boys series. Instead of inventing a fresh mystery for heroes Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, an effort was made to go back into the previous movies and further develop certain details – or as Smith puts it, "tiny seeds." The actor explains,

Written by Chris Bremner (who was a co-writer on Bad Boys For Life), Bad Boys: Ride Or Die finds Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) on a mission of redemption. The deceased Captain Conrad Howard is posthumously accused of being part of a criminal conspiracy, but the heroes know that he was an honest and good man, and they fight together to clear his name. Smith added that the story stretches back two decades and that those responsible for the frame job are colleagues in law enforcement:

Vanessa Hudens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Jacob Scipio, and DJ Khaled are all back reprising their roles from Bad Boys For Life, and Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Melanie Liburd and Tiffany Haddish have all joined the franchise in the latest sequel. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, collectively known and Adil & Bilall, are back directing their second Bad Boys movie, matching the number made by Michael Bay.

If you haven't done so already, you can watch the Bad Boys: Ride Or Die trailer below:

Bad Boys: Ride Or Die only just completed filming back in March, the production having been interrupted by the Hollywood labor battles in 2023, but it is on track to be one of the big releases of the this year's summer blockbuster season. Fans can anticipate seeing the film in theaters on June 7 – and you can get a preview of everything else on the way to the big screen and streaming in the coming weeks with our 2024 Movie Release Calendar.

Thanks to their work on the Bad Boys movies, Martin Lawrence and Will Smith have made up one of the most iconic big-screen duos for decades now. Fans surely love the thrills that the action movie saga offers, though I’d argue that it's the chemistry between the two leads that’s really made this franchise shine. So it’s somewhat hard to imagine anyone else but Smith and Lawrence playing the roles of Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, respectively. However, it turns out that Lawrence initially wanted someone else to be his co-star: Eddie Murphy. The actor recently explained why Murphy didn’t end up joining up with him and shed light on what convinced him that Smith was the right choice. 

Most fans are surely aware that Sony Pictures’ box office hit of a franchise began back in the mid ‘90s. What they may not be aware of, though, is the fact that it was first offered to Martin Lawrence as a potential big-screen vehicle. The veteran actor reflected on that while appearing at a Q&A alongside Will Smith in promotion of the upcoming Bad Boys: Ride or Die. It was at that point that he revealed his initial desire to have Eddie Murphy play his on-screen partner. He also humorously divulged the (understandable) reason why Murphy wasn’t cast: 

Of course, Will Smith was ultimately the person to get the gig. Martin Lawrence went on to say in the YouTube clip from Funny Marco that he “picked the right person.” As for how he was encouraged to seek out the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star, he cited two key moments: 

I’d have to agree that everything turned out just fine. Otherwise, I’m not sure the pair would be marking the release of a fourth installment in the series about 30 years after making the first. And, based on the first trailer for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the two stars’ chemistry is as strong as it’s ever been. On top of that, they’re off-camera bond seems to still be strong as well. Nearly a year ago, while they were filming the movie, Will Smith highlighted his friendship with Martin Lawrence while wishing him a happy birthday. And, shortly after, Lawrence shouted out “Big Willie” amid his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. 

They may not have gotten to work together on the 1995 movie, but Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy are still connected. They starred alongside each other in the 1992 rom-com Boomerang and would team up again for the 1999 prison comedy Life. Additionally, Murphy’s son and Lawrence’s daughter are engaged, and the two have exchanged funny takes on who’s paying for the wedding. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious as to what Murphy would’ve brought to the series, I’m certainly glad that Will Smith was picked as the co-leading man.

You can see the hilarious duo on the big screen together once again when Bad Boys: Ride or Die opens on June 7 as part of the 2024 movie schedule. You can also stream the first two installments using a Hulu subscription.

The Bad Boys franchise has become a fan favorite amongst moviegoers since it launched back in 1995 with the Michael Bay-helmed first installment. With that, I’ve been awaiting details on the highly anticipated fourth installment in the series. Details have occasionally dropped in recent months but, now, we’ve been graced with the first official trailer for the flick. As you’d expect, it shows off more of the A+ on-screen chemistry between the lead actors – Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. However, after seeing the fresh footage, I’m more focused on the fact that a legacy character has surprisingly been integrated into the story. 

What’s so fun about this first trailer for the upcoming Bad Boys: Ride or Die is that it quickly drops viewers back into the rarely boring lives of veteran police officers Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett. The first sequence is reminiscent of the prologue to 2020’s For Life, in which the two are racing to witness the birth of Marcus’ first grandchild. This time around, the two are dressed dapperly and seemingly headed for another event, when Burnett wants to stop to get a drink. Of course, while indulging in even more snacks at the store, the place is held up. It’s great seeing Mike jump in to provide the assist, but it’s the banter the two share during what should be a tense moment that really makes this scene pop.

What really has my attention, though, is the surprising reveal that viewers will see the return of the duo’s late boss, Captain Conrad Howard. The law enforcement official was notably killed by Mike’s illegitimate son in For Life. Howard’s legacy takes center stage here, as he’s been posthumously accused of collaborating with cartel bosses. With that, Joe Pantoliano reprises his role as Howard, who recorded messages for Marcus and Mike before his death. It appears these clips will lead them towards the truth of his allegiances. I must say, it's great to see Pantoliano back.

Another interesting development is that the quest to reveal the truth about Howard sets the two protagonists’ primary mission in motion and apparently turns them into fugitives. That’s an excellent change of pace, as this’ll be the first film in which they’re public enemies. Not only that but, while they’re on the lam, they’ll have to rely on help from Mike’s formerly convicted son, Armando. (The parenting dynamics there are going to be wild.) While we’ll still have to wait to see the film, at first glance, these are some exciting plot threads that could come together to create an entertaining flick.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die was officially confirmed in January 2023, during which the lead actors admitted to screwing up the title of the third film. Just days after that announcement, fans got even better news when it was confirmed that filming was already in progress. The film not only brings back Will Smith and Martin Lawrence but also reunites them with For Life alums Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Jacob Scipio, Paola Núñez, DJ Khaled and the aforementioned Joe Pantoliano. Franchise newcomers include Rhea Seehorn, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd and Tasha Smith. Also, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who helmed the third movie, resume their director duties.

Although this trailer is, on the whole, just a small taste of what’s to come, it definitely has me pumped. It’s absolutely fun to see longtime friends Martin Lawrence and Will Smith back in the saddle and doing what they do best. The teases of the action sequences are also exciting to behold and have me thinking I should check this one out in IMAX. The icing on the cake, though, is the return of Joe Pantoliano’s Captain Howard, and I’m so glad the writers found a way to include him.

The summer blockbuster season should really heat up when Bad Boys: Ride or Die hits theaters on June 7 as part of the 2024 movie schedule. While you wait for its release, stream the first three installments using a Hulu subscription.

The Bad Boys franchise was so widely loved that that calls for sequels persisted nearly two decades after its 2003 sequel. The long wait paid off for fan, as the elusive threequel, Bad Boys for Life, finally released in 2020 and became a box office hit. And, soon after, it was revealed that there were plans for Bad Boys 4. Fans are still waiting for that fourth movie, and details on it are slim right now. But they'll surely be happy to hear an update from Will Smith, who has announced that filming should be concluded in just over a week.

Will Smith took to Instagram to announce that the upcoming action movie, which is currently in production, has about eight days left of filming in Miami. From there, it'll move into post-production. The Bad Boys 4 release date is currently set for later this year, so this is a big step forward for the blockbuster ahead of that. Based on the responses to the post, a lot of people weren’t even aware the movie was happening so, if this is news to you and you’re a big fan, congratulations. Check out what Smith had to share:

The actor even jokes that he hurt himself in the video. The fact that he and Martin Lawrence are significantly older now than they were while making the first two films played into the third film. Now, it seems likely that will be the case with this upcoming installment as well.

Right now, we know that Bad Boys 4 has a release date of June 7 on the 2024 movie schedule, which is only going to give the movie about three months of post-production time. However, one assumes that since the franchise utilizes a lot of practical effects, there isn’t a great deal of post-production CGI work that will need to be done compared to some other major films. As such, it’s certainly possible that the Paramount Pictures flick will be ready to go by June.

BB for Life crushed at the box office and has the somewhat dubious distinction of being the highest-grossing movie of 2020. The film was released in January, just a week before theaters shut down due to the global pandemic. To be sure, the film's box office intake was definitely significant and more than enough to warrant a follow-up. Though it’s unlikely it would have been at the top of the heap under normal circumstances. 

While specific plot details are still being kept under wraps, Bad Boys For Life's ending perfectly set up the sequel, and let's just say, it could feature an uneasy truce. It's been a bit of a wait for a movie that did so well at the box office, it'll hopefully all be worth it.

The biggest question now revolves around the film's name. Unfortunately, Bad Boys 4 Life won’t work, but it's been said that Ride or Die may be the actual title, but that hasn't been confirmed. Regardless of that though, it's just great to hear that filming is nearly completed and that progress is being made. While you wait for the film to drop, stream the first two installments using a Prime Video subscription.

Earlier this month, the broadcast of the Super Bowl offered a whole lot of treats for movie fans. In addition to exciting footage from titles that have already debuted footage (like the new Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes trailer), audiences were also served up a first look at Deadpool & Wolverine and a very early preview of Twisters. Sadly, one upcoming 2024 blockbuster that didn't showcase any new marketing materials during the big game was Bad Boys 4... and while that tested fan patience, a new Instagram post from star Will Smith is also doing nothing to quell anticipation.

This weekend, Will Smith attended a Kevin Hart standup performance at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theater in Atlanta, and the two stars were joined in a backstage photo by a very familiar face: Martin Lawrence. Check out the post below, which includes the short caption, "Damn! My guy @kevinhart4real was on FIRE tonight!!"

Bad Boys 4, which still doesn't have an official title (why did they waste Bad Boys For Life?!), was first announced back in January 2020 following the blockbuster success of the series' third installment. A whole lot of stuff has happened in the world since then – including the COVID-19 pandemic and the infamous Will Smith slap at the 2022 Oscars – but production on the feature finally got up and running last spring. There was a hiccup during principal photography due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, but the feature is now in post-production.

Bad Boys 4 will not only see the return of Will Smith's Mike Lowrey and Martin Lawrence's Miles Burnett, but Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez and DJ Khaled will all also be back to reprise their roles from Bad Boys For Life. Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane (a.k.a. McSteamy) is reportedly playing the villain in the film, though plot details are being kept a secret for now. Other franchise newcomers include Ioan Gruffudd and Better Call Saul star Rhea Seehorn.

Chris Bremner, who co-wrote Bad Boys For Life is back to write the script for Bady Boys 4, and filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (who are collectively credited as Adil & Bilall) are directing the feature as their first project since Warner Bros. cancelled the release of Batgirl.

It's unknown when we'll get our first look at the film, but Bad Boys 4 is set to be one of 2024's big summer tentpoles and is scheduled to hit theaters on June 14 (the same weekend as Pixar's Inside Out 2 ). Stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for more updates about the exciting sequel, including news about its title and word on when we will finally get a debut trailer.

Let’s say that you wanted to watch a sweet romantic drama called Hearts on Fire and put it on, only to realize a little too late that you accidentally selected an intense horror flick also called Hearts on Fire. While we made that particular movie up, this sort of scenario is quite plausible, considering how many pairs (or groups) of films there are that might have very little in common in terms of their plots, but are identical in name. Not counting remakes, of course, let’s take a look at some of the most notable, intriguing, and even hilarious examples of movies that are almost entirely, but happen to share the same title.

Child's Play (1972, 1988)

Everyone knows about the classic '80s slasher movie that introduced the world to Chucky, a doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer, voiced by Brad Dourif. However, less might know about Sidney Lumet's Child's Play, a mystery thriller starring Beau Bridges in which a gym teacher becomes embroiled in a strange feud between two colleagues at an all-boys prep school.

The Aviator (1985, 2004)

One of the best Martin Scorsese movies, The Aviator, is an engrossing portrait of the life of Howard Hughes, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The biopic is predated by a 1920s-set adventure epic of the same starring Christopher Reeve and directed by George Miller (but not the George Miller who created Mad Max).

Gladiator (1992, 2000)

In the early ‘90s, future Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and Twin Peaks cast member James Marshall starred alongside each other in a boxing drama called Gladiator. Less than a decade later, director Ridley Scott and star Russell Crowe released a brutal period epic of the same that went on to win the Best Picture Oscar in 2001.

Drive (1997, 2011)

Most people probably recognize Drive as a neo-noir thriller starring Ryan Gosling as an unnamed Hollywood stuntman by day and getaway driver by night. It is also the name of a sci-fi action movie starring Mark Dacascos as a genetically enhanced man on the run and Kadeem Hardison as his reluctant companion.

The Kid (1921, 2000)

The title of writer, director, and star Charlie Chaplin’s classic silent film era dramedy, The Kid, refers to an orphan of whom Chaplin’s “The Tramp” becomes the adoptive father. The title of Disney’s The Kid refers to Spencer Breslin’s role as a '60s-era child who meets his grown-up self (played by Bruce Willis) at the turn of the century.

Black Sheep (1996, 2006)

In 1996, Chris Farley and David Spade followed up the success of Tommy Boy with another buddy comedy with a more political edge called Black Sheep. Ten years later, a New Zealand-based film of the same name, a horror-comedy about killer sheep, was released.

Bug (1975, 2006)

Two major horror movies called Bug were released more than three decades apart. The earlier thriller is more of a straightforward creature feature about a swarm of fire-starting cockroaches, while the newer film is a paranoid psychological thriller from director William Friedkin and starring Michael Shannon and Ashley Judd.

Catch Me If You Can (1989, 2002)

The title Catch Me If You Can is associated with quite a few features, actually. The two most notable, however, are a coming-of-age action-comedy about car race gambling and a drama from director Steven Spielberg based on the alleged life of elusive check fraud criminal Frank Abagnale Jr. (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and also stars Tom Hanks as the FBI agent trailing him.

Twilight (1998, 2008)

The title Twilight will forever be remembered by mainstream audiences as the adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's phenomenally successful YA novel about a girl (played by Kristen Stewart) falling in love with a vampire (played by Robert Pattinson). Yet, just a decade earlier, Paul Newman starred in another movie called Twilight as a retired detective who accepts a deadly new case.

Crash (1996, 2004)

David Cronenberg's Crash earned controversy and an NC-17 rating for its bizarre story of a couple who discover automobile accidents have an unusual effect on them. Paul Haggis' Crash, focusing on racial tension in L.A. from multiple perspectives, earned controversy for winning the Best Picture Oscar over Brokeback Mountain.

Criminal (2004, 2016)

Whether you are in the mood for something light and funny or bizarre and earnest, there is a movie perfect for either occasion called Criminal. One is a comedy about con artists starring John C. Reilly, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Diego Luna and the other is a sci-fi thriller starring Kevin Costner as a convict who becomes implanted with the memories of a slain CIA agent played by Ryan Reynolds.

Inside Out (1975, 1986, 2005, 2011, 2015)

We found five movies called Inside Out. We have a comedic crime thriller starring Telly Savalas, a drama that stars Elliot Gould as an agoraphobic man, one about a suburb affected by a mysterious doctor (played by Eriq La Salle), and an action flick starring wrestler Triple H. The best-known, however, is a Pixar movies favorite following the personified emotions of an adolescent girl.

Bad Boys (1983, 1995)

Michael Bay's directorial debut starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is now a buddy cop movie classic and, easily, the more recognizable movie called Bad Boys, given it became a franchise. However, it is predated by Rick Rosenthal's drama starring Sean Penn as a teen sent to reform school after committing manslaughter.

Frozen (2010, 2013)

Frozen, Disney's retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale, "The Snow Queen" became an Oscar-winning, record-breaking cultural phenomenon. A horror movie also called Frozen, in which a young trio (played by Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, and Kevin Zeger) become accidentally trapped on a ski lift, was released just three years earlier.

Australia (1989, 2008)

Director Baz Luhrmann’s sweeping, romantic period piece, Australia, starring real-life Aussie actors Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, was later recut into a Hulu-exclusive miniseries called Faraway Downs. It is unlikely we will ever see the earlier movie named after the Land Down Under, a Belgian, post-WWII-era drama starring Jeremy Irons as a wool dealer, given the same treatment any time soon.

Venom (1981, 2005, 2018)

We found three movies called Venom. One from the early ‘80s is an aptly named creature feature about snakes; the second is another, less-aptly named horror movie about teenagers targeted by a man possessed with 13 evil souls; and the most recent is a Sony Marvel flick starring Tom Hardy as the titular Spider-Man villain.

Jack Frost (1997, 1998)

This pair of films is a special case because each involves a snowman possessed by a dead man's spirit. The 1997 Jack Frost, however, is a ridiculously cheesy holiday horror movie and the one from the following year is a family film starring Michael Keaton, Kelly Preston, and Joseph Cross.

Kicking and Screaming (1995, 2005)

It is actually quite easy to tell the difference between writer and director Noah Baumbach’s debut, Kicking and Screaming, and the Will Ferrell-led Kicking & Screaming. The first is a dramedy about the perils of post-college adulthood and the second is a family-friendly sports comedy that also uses an ampersand in its title.

Bad Company (1972, 1995, 2002)

There are actually three star-studded major motion pictures with the name Bad Company that we know of, the earliest being a Jeff Bridges-led Western. The other two are both CIA thrillers released under Disney’s Touchstone banner — one from the mid-'90s with Laurence Fishburne and Ellen Barkin, and the other from director Joel Schumacher and starring Anthony Hopkins and Chris Rock in dual roles as a slain operative and his twin brother.

Legend (1985, 2015)

Ridley Scott's Legend is an Oscar-nominated fantasy epic starring Tom Cruise as a young hero seeking to save his love (played by Mia Sara) from the Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry). Thirty years later, director Brian Helgeland released a film of the same name, a ‘60s-era, British crime biopic starring another famous Tom (Hardy) as notorious twin gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray.

Life (1999, 2015, 2017)

Life could refer to the title of three entirely different films. One is a period dramedy starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence as two imprisoned rivals-turned-friends, another is a James Dean biopic with Dane DeHaan as the actor and Robert Pattinson as a LIFE magazine photographer profiling him, and the most recent (released just two years after the last) is a sci-fi thriller with Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds, and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Mother's Day (1980, 2016)

Mother’s Day is a Troma movie that came out of the holiday-oriented slasher trend of the time in which two brothers carry out their mom's murderous bidding. It is also the name of one of director Garry Marshall’s holiday-oriented, ensemble rom-coms from the time starring the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts.

Project X (1987, 2012)

In the late 1980s, Matthew Broderick starred in Project X as a pilot involved in a mysterious experimental program involving chimps. Another film with the same title — a raunchy, found footage style comedy and one of the craziest party movies ever made — was released more than two decades later.

Running Scared (1986, 2006)

Both of the films that we know of called Running Scared technically count as crime thrillers, but their respective tones are the differentiating factor. One is a funny buddy cop comedy starring starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines and the other, released 20 years later, is a gritty drama starring Paul Walker as a thug given a task by a mobster that goes horribly wrong.

Sisters (1972, 2015)

Co-writer and director Brian De Palma’s Sisters is a murder mystery thriller about formerly conjoined twins played by Margot Kidder and Jennifer Salt. Director Jason Moore and writer Paula Pell’s Sisters is a comedy starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as grown-up siblings who throw a party at their childhood home before their parents put it on the market.

The Babysitter (1995, 2017)

Both of these are horror movies starring one of the most popular, blonde-haired stars of their respective generations. However, 1995's The Babysitter is more earnest in tone and stars Alicia Silverstone as the victimized protagonist, while the latter, more comedic Netflix original sees Samara Weaving playing a more villainous role.

The Host (2006, 2013)

One of the most acclaimed monster movies of its time is The Host, a South Korean horror favorite from Bong Joon-ho, the director of Parasite. There also exists an adaptation of Twilight author Stephenie Meyer's sci-fi YA novel, The Host, in which most of mankind is taken over by an alien parasite.

Crossroads (1986, 2002)

Both major films known as Crossroads involve aspiring musicians chasing their dreams. However, the one from the '80s is about a young blues guitarist (played by Ralph Macchio) seeking mentorship from an older musician (played by Joe Seneca) and the one from the early 2000s is a road trip comedy starring Britney Spears.

Man of the House (1995, 2005)

In Man of the House, the Disney dramedy starring Chevy Chase and Jonathan Taylor Thomas, the title refers to a battle of wits between a lawyer and his girlfriend’s rebellious son. In Man of the House, a Tommy Lee Jones-led comedy released 10 years later, the title refers to a Texas Ranger sharing a living space with college cheerleaders he is assigned to protect after they witness a murder.

The Night Before (1988, 2015)

Years before he became a beloved action movie hero, Keanu Reeves starred in The Night Before as a teen trying to piece together a disastrous prom night he forgot. After they had already established themselves as A-list stars, Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie led a different movie called The Night Before, which is also a raunchy comedy, but does not involve amnesia and takes place on Christmas Eve.

Suicide Squad (1935, 2016)

Most audiences today know of Suicide Squad as the first live-action, feature-length adaptation of a DC comic about supervillains forced into completing dangerous tasks in exchange for reduced jail sentences. More than 80 years earlier, a film of the same name was released that follows the dangerous tasks of a group of daredevil firefighters.

Christine (1983, 2016)

John Carpenter's adaptation of Stephen King's novel about a killer car is a great scare, but Christine starring Rebecca Hall is even more unsettling. It dramatizes the final days of 1970s TV reporter Christine Chubbuck, who took her own life live on air.

Let this be a lesson to check a film’s synopsis carefully before you watch it and do not go off of the title alone. You could be in for quite a surprise.

Having long been part of the Hollywood ecosystem, the action genre truly took off with blockbuster verve during the 1980s, leading to many of the best movies in the 1990s serving as timeless action-packed romps. It was the decade when Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage became bona fide mega-stars, when Jackie Chan’s stunt work became internationally renowned, and when the world met Robert Patrick’s T-1000. Truly a golden age of badassery. (Those interested in more modern flicks can check out CinemaBlend’s take on 2023’s best action movies, as well as the best examples from 2022.)

While laying out such definitive lists is never easy, here are arguably the best of the best action movies that came out during the 1990s, with all the harrowing car chases, pulse-pounding heists, and deadly shootouts that audiences could hope for. And yes, a whole lot of Michael Bay, explosions, and Will Smith one-liners. 

Goldeneye

The James Bond franchise’s current level of prestige can make it easy to forget how buoyed optimism was for Pierce Brosnan’s debut as the secret agent for 1995’s GoldenEye, but Martin Campbell’s action-packed spy caper was just what Bond fans were looking for after years without a new film. Starting with that jaw-dropping bungee jump in the opening sequence, GoldenEye delivers one thrill on top of the next, from close-up fisticuffs between Brosnan and Famke Janssen’s Xenia Onatopp to the large-scale wreckage of the tank scene. Really, it just took the words “tank scene” to sell me, but “boss fight inside a giant satellite dish” didn’t hurt.

Blade

A decade before the MCU’s arrival, Wesley Snipes and director Stephen Norrington delivered what remains one of Marvel’s darkest live-action tales with Blade, one of the most action-packed vampire movies of any decade. The 1998 hit remains beloved amongst fans in part due to the A+ fight scenes that cemented Wesley Snipes’ legacy as genre fave, from the blood-soaked battle in the night club to Blade’s final act battle with Stephen Dorff’s Deacon Frost. 

Heat

Regardless of what happens with Michael Mann’s plans for Heat 2, his 1995 opus’ reputation can never be tarnished. While technically more of a crime drama, Heat is long enough that a tight action movie could feasibly be crafted through clever editing. With a stellar cast headed up with Godfather panache by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, Heat keeps the high-stakes intensity going from beginning to end, and Val Kilmer delivers another one of his many too-cool performances.

Point Break

Kathryn Bigelow’s fourth feature, 1991’s Point Break, was crafted around an unmistakably 1990s action movie formula: an undercover cop experiences Stockholm syndrome for a zen criminal guru leading a group of skydiving bank-robbers, with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze starring as the respective cop and robber. The Hot Fuzz-inspiring Point Break is full of cool shoot-outs, hectic robberies, chases and more, but the skydiving scenes and POTUS masks take it to the next level. Did I mention Reeves’ character name is Johnny Utah? 

The Rock

Michael Bay’s 1996 romp The Rock is the epitome of the “Michael Bay 1996 movie” concept, centering on a team headed up by Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage that has to break into the infamous island prison Alcatraz in order to stop a terrorist plot. It really serves as a greatest hits reel for the director, with tons of gorgeously shot set pieces that keep the tension and manic energy flowing throughout, and without ever tipping over into complete farce. 

Speed

Jan de Bont’s directorial debut Speed is an action movie so inspirational with its high-concept formula that movies years afterward were sold as “Speed on a ___.” Watching Keanu Reeves’ Jack Traven attempt to get one step ahead of Dennis Hopper’s bomber antagonist would be a joy even without the rest of the ensemble featuring Sandra Bullock, Jeff Daniels and Alan Ruck, but they help keep the stakes palpable. From the elevator to the bus to the subway, Speed zips from one giant sequence to the next, and the fact that Speed 2: Cruise Control was so bad helps prove how special this one is.

Mission: Impossible

With more than a half-dozen entries, the Mission: Impossible franchise is currently quite distanced from Tom Cruise’s 1996 debut as Ethan Hunt. But that doesn’t stop Brian de Palma’s spy flick from standing out as one of the best action movies of the decade, as it serves up mystery thrills on top of its pulse-pounding stunts, while helping to set the groundwork for its star’’s persona as a risk-embracing star. And part of what makes M:I’s action great is the fact that Cruise wasn’t yet in polished superhero mode, adding to the stakes. 

Hard Boiled

Despite being released in 1992, Hard Boiled remains a genre classic whose action sequences remain as impressive as ever, both within director John Woo’s filmography and among cinema as a whole. His final Hong Kong film ahead of Woo’s transition to Hollywood, Hard Boiled stars Chow Yun-Fat as a cop whose solution to getting bogged down in a gang war is basically to fuck up everyone else’s shit. From the tea house carnage to the hospital shootout to the one-shot warehouse stunt-show, the critical darling paved the way for Woo’s Face/Off. 

Starship Troopers

Even if Paul Verhoeven possibly went a bit overboard with the satirical propaganda at the heart of 1997’s Starship Troopers, causing some critics and audiences to completely misunderstand its messaging, his adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel is every bit as destructive and intense as one could expect from a Verhoeven alien invasion movie. Though the huge budget meant it was considered a bit of a financial bust at the time, so much money going into the CGI of the Arachnid aliens means the visuals hold up way better than some other sci-fi films of the time. 

Face/Off

A movie that at times feels like a stuffed-to-the-gills trailer stretched out to nearly 140 minutes, Face/Off is a roller coaster ride on a track made entirely out of John Travolta and Nicolas Cage’s performance energy. (And the strength of the villain moniker Castor Troy.) Based on the bonkers-proof concept of a cat-and-mouse chase involving a federal agent and criminal swapping faces, Face/Off boasts director John Woo, whose excellence went a long way in keeping the 1997 flick from becoming an instant punchline. 

Last Action Hero

While viewed as a disappointment upon its 1993 release, John McTiernan’s genre-aping comedy Last Action Hero has gained a more proper following over the years, even if it still remains underappreciated amidst star Arnold Schwarzenegger and screenwriter Shane Black’s respective filmographies. As much an ode to the movies as an action-adventure itself, Last Action Hero makes fictional detective Jack Slater’s universe as familiar as real-world franchises, and I’m still mad we never got any sequels. 

Con Air

Con Air is one of those movies where there’s no half-assing one’s fandom of it, in that you either don’t like Con Air, or you know with all your mind and body it’s a goddamned treasure. Nicolas Cage and John Malkovich are in perfect form as the respective hero and villain Cameron Poe and Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom, with an all-star cast backing the Jerry Bruckheimer production. To pinpoint Con Air’s best moments is to take time away from enjoying the entirety of the thing. Beware the Marietta Mangler.

Independence Day

Roland Emmerich’s 1996 smash hit Independence Day falls more clearly into the action genre than his other disaster-laden films, while still adhering to his signature over-the-top mayhem. Featuring some of the ‘90s best on-screen explosions in any capacity, the alien invasion epic helped solidify Will Smith as a blockbuster action star in the wake of Bad Boys, while also bringing the laughs with Jeff Goldblum and Judd Hirsch among others. 

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Widely considered to be one of cinema’s biggest and best sequels of all time, Terminator 2: Judgment Day also holds the distinction of being one of the best action films of any era. Director James Cameron set the film’s nuclear stakes from the jump, and introduced an impressively frightening (and oft-parodied) villain in Robert Patrick’s liquid metal T-1000. Add in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s protagonist turn as T-800, the endless badassery of Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor, and the further nightmares of Skynet, and T2 remains a daunting genre entry.  

True Lies

The Matrix

It’s hard to think of any ‘90s movie that inspired the whole of culture (not just pop culture) the way that The Matrix did, from the fashion choices to the slow-mo bullet time to the electronica soundtrack and beyond. And amidst all the “red pill or blue pill?” debates and conversations about perspectives on reality, the Wachowskis weaved together a masterful action movie that broke new ground for martial arts combat and gunplay. In Neo we trust, but give me Trinity any day. 

The Long Kiss Goodnight

Lethal Weapon screenwriter Shane Black spent the ‘90s penning a trio of underrated genre faves, including 1996’s The Long Kiss Goodnight, which paired superstars Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson as an amnesiac schoolteacher and a struggling P.I., respectively, who stumble into a deadly conspiracy. With plenty of laughs and eye-popping explosions to go around, The Long Kiss Goodnight’s action is made all the more enjoyable with co-stars such as Brian Cox and David Morse. 

The Mummy

Rather than aiming for the creeping and dread-tinged horror of the Universal Monsters’ heyday, Stephen Sommers’ The Mummy is a rollicking big-budget action-adventure headed up by the always affable and fun to watch Brendan Fraser. The first film of the spinoff-sparking franchise seemingly came out of nowhere in 1999, despite a lengthy development process, and took over the box office with its s goofy one-liners, big battles and video game logic. There isn’t a mummy army out there that I wouldn’t watch watch Rick O’Connell fight off.

The Legend Of Drunken Master

1994’s The Legend of Drunken Master, a sequel to 1978’s Drunken Master, remains as endlessly impressive as much of star and martial arts master Jackie Chan’s fight-tastic career. So many different fighting styles and techniques were utilized throughout the film, as well as a variety of different weapons and physical props, but it’s the Drunken Fist maneuvers that truly make this stand out among the bulk of ‘90s action romps, and the consistent sense of humor only helps. 

Total Recall

Arnold Schwarzenegger kicked off the ‘90s with one of the decade’s wildest and twistiest sci-fi thrillers, teaming up with Paul Verhoeven for the effects-filled mindbender Total Recall. Even when most of the action is happening squarely on the hulking lead’s face (which is only barely hyperbole), this is an action fan’s quease-inducing dreamscape. From Sharon Stone kicking ass in pink spandex to Schwarzenegger blowing baddies away with ease, Total Recall is a relic whose magic can't be replicated through any kind of modern remakes.

Die Hard With A Vengeance

So many ‘80s and ‘90s hits spawned instantly forgettable sequels, but Die Hard with a Vengeance is one of the rarities, with much of that credit going to returning Die Hard director John McTiernan, as well as the additions of Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Irons. This third outing for Bruce Willis’ terrorist-dropping John McClane is arguably the last must-see within the franchise, as it’s a total blast to see him and Jackson’s Zeus following a wave of destruction throughout New York City. 

Bad Boys

Boasting one of the genre’s best partnerships in Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, 1995’s franchise-sparking Bad Boys is partly unhinged Michael Bay at his best, and is the rare action movie that’s as hilarious as it is exciting. It perfectly set the stage for the madness to come in 2003’s Bad Boys 2, and it’s all the more ridiculous to reflect on Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz being two of the original actors pitched. For my money, the shootout-turned-chase alone would make Bad Boys worthy of inclusion here.

Check out everything coming to theaters soon to see if any upcoming 2024 movie releases will stand tall against all the excellence listed above!

We all watch action movies for the... well, action. But we also watch actions for the memorable lines that they produce. The lines that we trade back and forth with friends for a laugh, or to make a point. Great lines in action movies can even be more quotable than those in comedies. So here are our choices for some of the best quotes from action movies that never get old. 

"I feel the need... the need for speed!" - Top Gun

Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Goose (Anthony Edwards) in Top Gun are a classic action movie duo. As best friends and work buddies, they do everything together and nothing sums up their friendship better than this line, as the adrenaline courses through their bodies after a flight in their F-14 Tomcats and they do the cool double high five thing. 

"100% pure adrenalin" - Point Break

The Kathryn Bigalow-directed cult classic Point Break wasn't the easiest film to get made, but it's turned into a stone-cold classic. It has some of the most quotable lines from any movie of its era and the line Bohdi (Patrick Swayze) delivers to Johnny (Keanu Reeves) tops the list. 

"Get to da choppah!" - Predator

You know a quote has made the big time when it becomes one of the biggest memes around, and "Get to da choppah!" from Predator has certainly achieved that. The Arnold Schwarzenegger quote is so meme-able, in fact, that it has surpassed the movie that it comes from in popularity and gets tacked on to lots of different Schwarzenegger faces across the internet. 

"When you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too." - The Equalizer

Robert McCall, the protagonist in The Equalizer franchise is as thoughtful as he is dangerous. When you've got an actor like Denzel Washington delivering the lines, you know they will be cool and quotable, just like this gem from the first movie. 

"The name is Bond, James Bond." - James Bond Series

James Bond has given us some of the most iconic lines in action movie history. "Shaken, not stirred," and all his quips after baddies get their comeuppance are classics. Nothing is more iconic though, than the way he introduces himself. It may be the most legendary line in all of cinema.  

"I'll be back." - The Terminator

Arnold Schwarzenegger has used the line "I'll be back" in at least eight of his films, but it all started with that confrontation at the police station in The Terminator (1984).  It has also been used in multiple movies in the Terminator franchise, said by other characters. It's incredible that the line almost didn't happen that way when Schwarzenegger suggested "I will be back," instead. Thankfully director James Cameron didn't let him change the script and movie history was born. 

"You've never seen me very upset." - Mission: Impossible

This is one of those lines you feel like anyone could use in everyday life. The Mission: Impossible series has grown into one of the most successful franchises of all time, but it's way back in the very first one that provided the series' most iconic line. 

"Warriors, come out and play." - The Warriors

One of the biggest cult classics of all time is undoubtedly The Warriors (1979). While it's filled with quotable lines, none are more so than this one, which comes towards the end, as the titular gang makes it back to their home turf at Coney Island only to find Luther (David Patrick Kelly) and his rival gang, The Rogues, waiting for them. Clink, clink, clink...

"You've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?" - Dirty Harry

Clint Eastwood's character "Dirty" Harry Callahan is one bad man. He carries a lot of firepower and he's not afraid to use it. He proves that in the very beginning of the first film in the series, Dirty Harry asks a would-be bank robber how lucky he feels. 

"Welcome to the party, pal." - Die Hard

Everyone's favorite Christmas action movie is Die Hard. In a lot of ways, it defines the modern breed of action movie, and a big part of that is all of John McClane's (Bruce Willis) quips, like the one he utters after shooting up Powell's (Reginald VelJohnson) car.

"Yeah, I guess I'm back." - John Wick

All John Wick (Keanu Reeves) wanted to do was live his life in peace after leaving the underworld. Unfortunately, his plans didn't work out. When asked if he was getting back into the game, he reluctantly replied with this now-iconic line.

"They drew first blood" - First Blood

It's the line that basically launched a franchise. When cornered in a cave, John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) tells his former commanding officer Col. Trautman (Richard Crenna) why he's doing what he's doing. We get our first glimpse into what drives the now-iconic character. 

"I have a bad feeling about this." - Star Wars

The most iconic franchise of all time deserves one of the most iconic catchphrases of all time and Star Wars has it. "I've got a bad feeling about this" is said in every Star Wars film and is part of most of the canon outside of film as well. Naturally, it was first uttered by the biggest character in the series, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in the very first movie as they first approach the Death Star. 

"I would like to have seen Montana." - The Hunt For Red October

The Hunt For Red October is one of Sean Connery's best movies, but it's Sam Neill's character Vasily who has the best line. After explaining early in the movie that he wants to settle in Montana after the crew arrives in America, it's what's on his mind when he meets his demise. 

"Say hello to my little friend!" - Scarface

In the decades since Tony Montana (Al Pacino) first yelled this line at the police bringing him down, it's become one of the most quoted lines from any action movie ever. It works for so many occasions, not just police raids. 

"Hasta la Vista, Baby." - Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Arnold Schwarzenegger is always good for a great catchphrase and in Terminator 2: Judgment Day that line is something he learns from young John Connor. It's a way Connor hopes will make him more laid back. It doesn't make the terminator more relaxed, but it does work to make him sound pretty cool. 

"Game over, man. Game over." - Aliens

The great Bill Paxton was taken from us way too young, but not before he delivered this no iconic line from Aliens. When everything seems to be lost, and the alien is closing in on the remaining people left, Paxton's character Hudson delivers this line with a level of fear that everyone watching feels. 

"Khaaaaan!" - Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan

It's the line that has launched a million memes. Who doesn't know this iconic line from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan? The answer is nobody. William Shatner's James T. Kirk will live well into the far future, and this one line will always be a part of that legacy. 

"Go ahead, make my day." - Sudden Impact

In the fourth Dirty Harry movie, Sudden Impact, Clint Eastwood, as Dirty Harry Callahan, utters one of the most famous, and quoted, lines in movie history. The line was written by John Milius, a well known script doctor who also wrote some of the most famous lines in Jaws and The Hunt For Red October. 

"Welcome to the Rock" - The Rock

Sean Connery is responsible for an endless amount of great lines. Even in movies that aren't among his best reviewed, like The Rock, he still delivers. After he and Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage) land on Alcatraz Island, Connery's Mason welcomes him to the island Mason called home for a time. 

"Never change the deal." - The Transporter

Frank (Jason Statham) is the best getaway driver in the world in The Transporter and as a driver-for-hire, he has three rules. No names, never look in the package, but #1 and most importantly, "Never change the deal." The man is not only a great driver, but he's true to his word and if you hire him, you better be too. 

"I'm dropping the hammer!" - Days Of Thunder

Director Tony Scott teamed up again with Tom Cruise after Top Gun for Days of Thunder, which was pretty much Top Gun in a race car. The action sequences are amazing, and the dialog produced one true classic when Cruise's Cole Trickle decides to go for it on a practice lap. 

"I expect and demand your very best. Anything less, you should have joined the Air Force." - Crimson Tide

Crimson Tide has a lot of great dialogue between submarine captain, Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) and his XO, Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington), but it's a line very early in the movie that sums up how the naval captain feels about serving on a submarine. He wants and expects only the best. 

"I hate snakes." - Indiana Jones and The Raiders Of The Lost Ark

There isn't much that stresses the great Indiana Jones out in Raiders of the Lost Ark, except one thing. Little does he know that later in his adventure he will face hundreds of snakes when he jumps in the prop plane at the beginning and finds one harmless snake in his seat, and lets the pilot know how he feels about the reptiles. 

"Put... the bunny... back... in the box." - Con Air 

In Con Air Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) is a paroled prisoner on his final flight back home after serving an 8-year-sentence. He's bringing home a present for his daughter, a stuffed bunny. It's the most important thing to him on the "con air" flight and everyone knows it when he explains where the stuffed animal needs to go. 

"I Live My Life a Quarter Mile at a Time." - The Fast And The Furious

It can't be argued that the Fast and Furious franchise isn't one of the biggest of all time. It also can't be argued that it hasn't produced some iconic lines, none of which are more famous than when Dominic Toretto explains to Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) how he lives his life. It's not day to day or hour to hour; it's a quarter mile at a time. 

"That Woman Deserves Her Revenge." - Kill Bill

There is one thing on Beatrix's (Uma Thurman) mind in Kill Bill: revenge. Bill (David Carradine) wants to stop her, but another member of their former crew, Budd (Michael Madsen) has other thoughts. He thinks she's justified in her anger. It sums up the whole movie in one sentence.

"You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes." - The Matrix

What if I told you that the line most people think is the most famous line from The Matrix isn't actually in The Matrix? That's right, Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) never says the line that has been made famous in memes. He does, however, utter the famous line about what the red pill can do for someone.

"The action is the juice." - Heat

When Heat first came out in 1995, it was the epitome of cool. Tom Sizemore's character, Michael Cheritto, was part of the very cool crew led by Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro). When Neil asks Michael if he's up for the bank robbery, Michael says yes, and tells him why: it's what he lives for. 

"You know you drive almost slow enough to drive Miss Daisy." - Bad Boys

We've all been there. There is nothing worse than getting impatient with a slow driver and in 1995's Bad Boys, Michael (Will Smith) lets his new partner Marcus (Martin Lawrence) have it when he gets fed up with what he thinks is slow driving. It's a line that would have been way out of place if the original casting ideas hadn't changed.  

"What a lovely day." - Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road was an instant classic and while there isn't a whole lot of dialogue (who needs it?), there is one very famous line yelled by Nux (Nicholas Hoult) as the army or cars scream across the desert in one of the coolest car chase sequences ever filmed. 

"You're the disease, and I'm the cure." - Cobra

In the mid-'80s, Sly Stallone made a lot of cool movies, with a lot of cool lines. One of the most under-appreciated movies is Cobra, which he wrote based on the original script for Beverly Hills Cop, believe it or not. The best line in that script explains the main character's entire ethos. 

You can't have a great action movie without great dialogue and this list proves it. 

The success of the Bad Boys franchise can be boiled down to two main pillars. Between the keen eye of creative types like producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay, and the acting talents of stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, one of the best action movies was born. Bur looking back at 1995 film’s development history makes this combination of forces even more valuable.

As it turns out, there were a couple of important pivot points in Bad Boys history where other talents could have fronted the project. Everyone from high profile SNL vets to a talk show legend was considered, which leads us to the stories of all the actors who almost starred in this action-comedy classic. 

The Original Bad Boys Choices, According To Jerry Bruckheimer

It’s certainly no secret that Bad Boys went through a lot of changes. Even Smith and Lawrence recalled the original casting, which originally centered around SNL vets Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz. The story floated around for a while in the history of the project with its own healthy life in the world of trivia surrounding this blockbuster of Bayhem.

What really anchored this tale in reality was when producer Jerry Bruckheimer told the story of this original variation on the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe in 2020. After Jon Lovitz himself alluded to the story in a previous episode, Lowe asked his guest for his take on the saga. In his own words, this is how the Top Gun producer recalled that fateful tale: 

It may shock you that Bad Boys was originally set up at Disney, but this was back when the lucrative subsidiary Hollywood Pictures was still around. With that shingle originating the project, the journey had begun, albeit with a vastly different pairing. Sure enough, if you go back to a 1993 write up from The Los Angeles Times, you can see that Lovitz and Carvey were attached to the movie that had been kicking around since 1986. 

With the original script (entitled Bulletproof Hearts) being transformed into what would become Bad Boys, the SNL duo would eventually move on once the project hit this setback. And so too would Michael Bay’s directorial debut, which would next be set up with the good folks at Sony; leading to another huge “what if” in the casting world.

Why Arsenio Hall Passed On Bad Boys

As Jerry Bruckheimer continued to recall on his Literally! Interview, Sony was in love with making Bad Boys. Fortune was smiling on this project again, but it was going to take some creative casting to get those sports cars flying in the air. And yet again, it was all about getting the right star power into the driver’s seat; which at that time in the business wasn’t Will Smith.

Bruckheimer revealed this next round of casting chronicles to hinge on two parties: Martin Lawrence and talk show host/Coming to America star Arsenio Hall. Here’s how that dance went down, and how Lawrence won: 

Now what’s really interesting is that according to Jerry Bruckheimer’s story, it sounds like Arsenio could have been considered for the role of Detective Sergeant Marcus Burnett. But in his own recollection with THR in 2013, Hall specified that he was actually up for Will Smith’s role of Detective Sergeant Michael Lowery. 

No matter which story happened to be true, Arsenio Hall’s regret for passing up on Bad Boys was apparent, as here’s how he told his side of the story:

The crazy past of the Bad Boys franchise could have seen a myriad of different choices that could have come to pass, giving us a radically different movie each time. But the stars aligned, and the still beloved classic is still very much in the hearts of those involved, and the fans they love to show off for. 

What we know about Bad Boys 4, or Bad Boys Ride Or Die if co-director Adi El Arabi's recent comments are accurate, is that it’s pretty far along in the process. As principal photography reportedly wrapped before the SAG-AFTRA strike, the film’s position on the 2024 release schedule might be intact. We’ll have to wait and see if any further updates come out of this production that alter the course, but for now Bad Boys 4 is scheduled to take its place at the box office on June 24, 2024. 

If there is anything more irresistible in entertainment than romance, it has to be bromance. A bond between male friends almost as strong as a love between life partners is truly a beautiful thing, which is why it has been a staple in pop culture for decades. If you cannot take our word for it, just take a look at these essential, world-famous duos from movies and TV shows as proof.

Bert And Ernie (Sesame Street)

There are Sesame Street characters whom we love on their own, such as Big Bird and Elmo, and then are those we cannot separate from one another, particularly Bert and Ernie. Some have theorized that the roommates are really in a romantic relationship, but that could also just be a sign of just how strong their "bromantic" relationship is. 

Bill And Ted (Bill & Ted Movies)

The aspiring San Dimas-based musicians known as Wyld Stallyns — Ted “Theodore” Logan (Keanu Reeves) and Bill S Preston, Esq. (Alex Winter) — have a friendship defined by a philosophy to be excellent to each other and “party on, dude!” It is no wonder that the time-traveling pair from the Bill & Ted movies went on to make music that ensured a most non-heinous future.

Bing Crosby And Bob Hope (Road To… Movies)

Throughout and 1940s to the early 1960s, the multi-talented Bing Crosby and comedy legend Bob Hope were one of Hollywood’s most dynamic duos, appearing in several hilarious adventure movies together and as a different set of characters each time. The Road To… movies, as they came to be collectively known, would also star Dorothy Lamour to help add a little romance among the road trip comedies’ central bromance. 

Butch And Sundance (Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid)

While undisputed legends of cinema on their own, some would say that Paul Newman and Robert Redford were at their best when sharing the screen together. Case in point, their eponymous roles as a pair of desperate outlaws on the run in early 1900s Wyoming from 1969’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Chandler And Joey (Friends)

Some use their Max subscription to revisit Ross and Rachel’s bumpy relationship or Chandler and Monica’s aspirational romance, but I think the beloved sitcom’s most essential couple is Chandler and Joey. With how seamlessly they maintain a close bond even after their tenure as roommates ends, could there be a better duo in the Friends cast than Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry’s characters?

Cory And Shawn (Boy Meets World)

The transition from adolescence all the way to adulthood is a profoundly challenging time that's hard to survive without help from friends — something the Boy Meets World cast demonstrated beautifully. This is especially true in the way Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) relied on each other for support almost completely without fail, despite coming from entirely different walks of life.  

Crockett And Tubbs (Miami Vice)

In the ‘80s, there was no cop pairing on TV cooler than James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) on Miami Vice. The detectives’ unexpected collaboration in the pilot turned into a trusting partnership against drug trafficking and other crimes that lasted five years.

Drake And Josh (Drake & Josh)

The titular teens from this popular Nickelodeon sitcom are the only duo on our list of bromances who are actually brothers… legally, that is. If their respective mother and father had not married, Drake (Drake Bell) and Josh (Oppenheimer cast member Josh Peck) — who could not have been more different upon meeting — might not have become so inseparable.

George And Grover (Silver Streak)

In one of the best movies set on a train, 1976’s Silver Streak, book editor George Caldwell (Gene Wilder) finds himself forcibly marooned when he witnesses a murder that he is later accused of. His only hope to make it back on board to his new lover (Jill Clayburgh) is street smart thief Grover T. Muldoon (Richard Pryor) in the first of many beloved collaborations by the comedy legends.

Hank And Manny (Swiss Army Man)

Before Best Picture Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All At Once made them household names, filmmaking duo DANIELS made their feature-length debut with another great A24 movie about a friendship like no other. The title of 2016’s Swiss Army Man refers to the inexplicable arsenal of magical abilities that reanimated corpse Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) possesses, which helps Hank (Paul Dano) survive the wilderness in this hilarious, highly inventive fantasy adventure.

Harold And Kumar (Harold And Kumar Movies)

Whether they are desperate for some fast food, desperate to flee prison, or desperate to save Christmas, Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) stick by each other through thick and thin. We would love to see another Harold and Kumar movie just to see more of the stoner buddies’ friendship continue to thrive.

Harry And Lloyd (Dumb And Dumber)

As Jeff Daniels recalled on Off Camera with Sam Jones, Jim Carrey had already been cast as Lloyd Christmas in the Farrelly Brothers' classic 1994 comedy, Dumb and Dumber, and had to fight to get and keep Daniels a Harry Dunne -- a role the studio wanted a real comedian for. Casting the actor -- primarily known for drama -- resulted in a beautiful onscreen bond that made these otherwise hopelessly infantile pals hard not to like.

Harry And Ron (Harry Potter Franchise)

The Harry Potter movies (and books that inspired them) have one of pop culture’s strongest trios in the titular wizard (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). However, the group’s core bromance may be even more iconic on its own in the astonishing loyalty Harry and Ron have toward one another and the way they bring out each other’s best qualities.

Holmes And Watson (Sherlock Holmes)

Out of the various onscreen iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law’s versions may be the most definitive. The Guy Ritchie movies depict the detective and his flatmate/assistant/biographer as almost more than friends with genuine affection for one another despite their constant bickering.

Jay And Silent Bob (Various)

The shared universe of Kevin Smith movies that include Clerks, Chasing Amy, and more is anchored by its two most important, most dynamic, and most hilarious characters: Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith). Usually stoned and rarely seen doing much of anything productive, the inseparable pair have still managed to make a lasting impression on pop culture even beyond the View Askewniverse without saying much, in Bob’s case at least.

J.D. And Turk (Scrubs)

One of the first times I ever heard the word “bromance” was by Zach Braff’s Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian to describe his relationship with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Christopher Turk (Donald Faison). Rarely have a pair of sitcom characters reflected the term so definitively and it helps that the Scrubs cast members have reunited on camera in recent years, as reflected in their T-Mobile ads lately.

Kenan And Kel (Kenan & Kel)

It was not until I recently rewatched Kenan & Kel that I realized these classic Nickelodeon characters (played by All That’s Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, who are reuniting for Good Burger 2) had such an aspirational relationship. Only friends who truly wholeheartedly care for one another would be able to put with up the insurmountable trouble they get each into on a regular basis.

Mike And Marcus (Bad Boys)

Detective Mike Lowery (Will Smith) is a well-to-do player, while his partner, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), is a committed family man. What makes the heroes of the Bad Boys movies (which have a fourth installment on the way) such a strong pair despite their different lifestyles is a shared commitment to fighting crime, even if it means breaking a few rules.

Mike And Trent (Swingers)

When struggling actor Mike (writer Jon Favreau) is dumped by his longtime girlfriend, his buddy, Trent (Vince Vaughn), goes out of his way to help him get back on his feet. It is this strong inclusion of supportive friendship as a central theme amid the raunchy comedy that makes director Doug Liman’s Swingers so “money.” 

Murtaugh And Riggs (Lethal Weapon)

While buddy cop action films had already existed before the Lethal Weapon movies did, director Richard Donner’s 1987 classic is easily the most quintessential example. If not for the brotherly bond between the otherwise unlikely pairing of widowed, sharp-shooting maverick Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and by-the-book veteran detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), the film might not have spawned a four-part franchise. 

Pedro And Man (Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke)

The many stoner buddies on our list likely would have never existed if not for Cheech Marin and Thomas Chong — the legendary comedy duo collectively known as Cheech & Chong. In their most esteemed cinematic achievement (and one of the best ‘70s movies), 1978’s Up in Smoke, they star as the motor-mouth Pedro (Marin) and slower-witted “Man” (Chong), who become fast friends and, eventually, bandmates over their mutual admiration for greens.

Peter And Sydney (I Love You, Man)

When straight-laced real estate agent Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) gets engaged, he suddenly realizes that he has no male friends to ask to be his best man, but finds the perfect choice instantly in outspoken investor, Sydney Fife (Jason Segel). I Love You Man was Rudd’s third collaboration with Segel and it certainly shows in how seamlessly their chemistry meshes in this instant classic “bromantic comedy.”

Schmidt And Jenko (21 Jump Street)

While they were enemies in high school, when Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) reunite at the police academy, they become brothers. Their new kinship certainly comes in handy when they soon have to go undercover as teenage siblings when leading the cinematic 21 Jump Street cast in 2012.

Shaun And Ed (Shaun Of The Dead)

Real life best friends and flatmates Simon Pegg and Nick Frost made their film debuts together playing best friends and flatmates in the classic horror-comedy movie, 2004’s Shaun of the Dead. Said friendship between our title hero (Pegg) and the aimless Ed (Frost), is not without its dysfunctions, but strong enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, even when one succumbs to a bite.

Shawn And Gus (Psych)

Charming con artist Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez) has been best friends with the nervous Burton “Gus” Guster (Dulé Hill) since they were children, as seen in nearly every cold open from the long-running USA dramedy, Psych. That likely explains why, despite Gus’ reluctance, he becomes Shawn’s business partner after convincing the Santa Barbara police that he is psychic.

SpongeBob And Patrick (SpongeBob Squarepants)

With the exception of Squidward, anyone would be lucky to have a friend like SpongeBob Squarepants (voiced by Tom Kenny) — case in point, his life-long pal and neighbor, Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke). The square, yellow fry cook does not just accept the dim-witted starfish for who he is, but is almost oblivious to anything beyond his positive character traits, which is something I think everyone hopes to find in a friend.

Steve And Bucky (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Before he received the chance to become Captain America, the only person who ever believed in Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) potential as a hero was his good friend, James Buchanon “Bucky” Barnes. After Bucky was discovered decades later to be a brainwashed assassin, Steve returned the favor by fighting for his protection, even if that meant antagonizing his fellow Avengers in one of the best Marvel movies, Captain America: Civil War.

Troy And Abed (Community)

It is not very common for a college student (even a community college student) to find a friend who brings out your inner child, but Troy Barnes (Donald Glover) and Abed Nadir (Danny Pudi) are a clear and most heartwarming exception. From participating in intense “Floor Is Lava” challenges, to hosting their own imaginary talk show, and more of their iconic Community moments, this duo defined the kind of friendship you hope to find once you reach adulthood and, together, were the heart and soul of Greendale.

Ted, Marshall, And Barney (How I Met Your Mother)

There are not very many trios in this list, but there was no way we were going to exclude all three of the inseparable boys from the How I Met Your Mother cast. While Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) has a longer history with Marshal Eriksen (Jason Segel) and Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) had his selfish tendencies, you could argue that he really did help teach his bros “how to live,” even if they were reluctant to take his advice most of the time.

Phil, Stu, Alan, And Doug (The Hangover)

Even though they are partially to blame for Doug Billings’ (Justin Bartha) disappearance during his bachelor party, Alan’s claim that he, Phil Wenneck (Bradley Cooper), and Stu Price (Ed Helms) are the “three best friends that anyone could have” is not so incorrect, considering the trouble they endure for his benefit in The Hangover. Though we see most of the main trio in this blockbuster comedy, it would be wrong to not count Doug as part of The Wolfpack.

Bromance is in the air and here to stay!

After two very successful Bad Boys movies with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, it took a surprisingly long time to get Bad Boys 3 into production. That movie was also a hit, technically the highest-grossing film of 2020, though certainly a global pandemic happening shortly after had a lot to do with that. But even with all the delays caused by the pandemic, Bad Boys 4 is still moving forward. And it may at least have a title, which is a solid title, considering they accidentally wasted the best option on the last movie.

Speaking with The Playlist Bad Boys 4 co-director Adi El Arabi says that the title the directors like is Bad Boys Ride or Die. That title apparently hasn’t been signed off on yet, but it sounds like that’s what the new movie will be called since the most obvious title has already been used. El Arbi explained… 

As titles go, Ride Or Die sounds pretty good. Considering that our heroes are getting up there in age, riding or dying sounds like things that could actually happen in the film. Although, since the director indicates that the new movie will likely be funnier than the last, we can probably assume it won’t go so dark as to kill off any of our main characters.

It seems pretty much everybody agrees that calling the new movie Bad Boys 4 Life would have been the way to go, but apparently, the directors didn’t want to risk not being able to use the title at all if the fourth film did not materialize. 

The situation surrounding Bad Boys 4 is nearly as confusing as the one surrounding Bad Boys For Life. As early as 2015 it was reported that two sequels in the Bad Boys franchise were planned. But it seems that by the time the third film was actually being made, which took a few more years, the guarantee of a fourth film was gone. Instead, we saw an official Bad Boys 4 announcement hit shortly after the opening weekend of the third film, where the movie exceeded expectations, making the success of a fourth film far more likely.

Fans of the franchise will be glad to know that Bad Boys 4 was able to complete principal photography prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike beginning. While one assumes that reshoots will be needed, as they almost always are, they likely won’t be happening for months, so there is certainly hope that the strike will be resolved by then. Bad Boys Ride Or Die, as we’ll just assume it will be called for now, is currently set for a June 2024 release, and it seems unlikely a delay will be needed due to the current strikes. 

The SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes are in full effect and, in the interim, most Hollywood movies and TV shows have been shut down due to union regulations. Though some have kept work going to waivers or more creative methods (as is the case with Gladiator 2). Given the circumstances, there’s been some uncertainty regarding the production statuses of some major titles. Bad Boys 4, which began filming months ago, is such a film that fans have had questions about. While its filming schedule has been uncertain, we now know whether Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s latest collaboration wrapped before strikes began. 

Sony Pictures finally confirmed last week that the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced film would make its way to the big screen during Father’s Day 2024. On its own, that news is sure to perk up fans, but Deadline also reports that the blockbuster managed to complete principal photography before the actors started hitting the picket line. That can be viewed as a significant win for the studio, considering the current state of the industry. The trade didn't divulge dditional production details, but one would assume that the buddy cop film is in post-production. 

Bad Boys 4 was officially announced in January 2023, with its two leading men sharing the news on their respective social media accounts. While that was enough to get franchise devotees hyped, even better news arrived the following month. Questlove revealed during the 2023 Grammy Awards that the project had already commenced principal photography. The musician was in the know, because he’d asked Will Smith to participate in a 50th anniversary tribute to hip-hop. Smith ultimately had to decline because he was working on the film, which was shot in both Atlanta and Miami.

Specific plot details have yet to be announced, and an official title has not been announced as of this writing, either. What we know about Bad Boys 4, though, is that it’ll see the Fresh Prince and Martin alums reprising their roles as Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett, respectively. It’ll also mark the returns of For Life alums like Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig. Joining them will be franchise newcomers Tasha Smith, Eric Dane, Ioan Grufford and Rhea Seehorn. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah – the directors of the 2020 threequel – are also back to stir the ship.

Amid filming, Will Smith provided an update from the set, which was shared with CinemaCon attendees earlier this year. Smith has been relatively mum on the highly anticipated movie since, though he hasn’t been totally silent since the SAG-AFTRA strike began. Less than a week ago, Smith opened up about his acting journey in a sentiment post and showed love to up-and-coming performers. He also made it clear that he stands in solidarity with the members of his guild.

He, Martin Lawrence and their castmates won’t be able to publicly promote the movie until the strike is over. In the short run, that wouldn’t be too much of a problem for the studio, since the flick won’t be released until next summer. There’s no telling when more updates on the blockbuster will arrive. At this point though, I’d imagine that Sony is just pleased the blockbuster is in the can.

Bad Boys 4 will open in theaters on June 24 as part of the 2024 movie schedule. In the meantime, you can stream the previous three films using a Hulu subscription.

You know, some of the best action movies of all time are those not afraid to have a little fun and insert some humor to ease the tension a little bit. Over the years, James Cameron movies like True Lies, buddy cop action movies like 48 Hours, and several of the greatest sci-fi films have proven to be funnier than you’d guess.

We’ve put together a list of more than 20 action movies that are funny in some way, either intentionally like some of the Jackie Chan flicks found below, or happy accidents like several of the Nicolas Cage movies from the mid ‘90s. 

Armageddon (1998)

The disaster movie genre got a fresh coat of paint and some much-needed laughs with the release of Michael Bay’s Armageddon. You would think that a movie about a last-ditch effort to blow up an asteroid before it obliterates Earth would be a tense and dramatic affair, not one with more laughs than destroyed buildings. But that’s exactly what we get thanks to iconic performances from the likes of Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Michael Clark Duncan, Steve Buscemi, and a young Owen Wilson.

Face/Off (1997) 

John Woo’s Face/Off probably isn’t the first movie you think of when it comes to funny action movies, which is what makes the unintentional comedy so great in this film about an FBI agent swapping places, and faces, with an unhinged terrorist. A lot of that absurd humor comes from Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Castor Troy, who is just over-the-top in every way possible, creating some of the actor’s most unglued moments in the process. 

Rumble In The Bronx (1995)

Jackie Chan would become a staple of the buddy cop action comedy genre in the late ‘90s with Rush Hour, but one of his classic Hong Kong films that’s just as hilarious is Rumble in the Bronx. This is highlighted by the apartment fight scene where Chan’s Keung keeps getting thrown more painful weapons to take on a ponytailed henchman. The goon takes several punches and a football helmet like nothing, but cowers when Keung pulls out a massive wrench.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Secret Service is a movie full of great style, gadgetry, and gratuitous violence, but it is also a film with a distinct sense of very, very dark humor. Whether it’s Samuel L. Jackson’s absolutely wild Richmond Valentine, the deadpan delivery of Mark Strong’s Merlin, or Taron Egerton dropping some hilarious lines as Eggsy, there are great funny moments. There’s also the “exploding heads” scene at that dirty sex joke poking fun at James Bond.

True Lies (1994)

Though not the best James Cameron movie, the Academy Award winner’s 1994 action comedy, True Lies, is one of the best representations of the director’s body of work. Sure, there are plenty of great action sequences that stand toe-to-toe with his previous work, but there’s also this great sense of humor. And no, not just the “You’re fired,” line from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Harry Tasker. The subplot involving Bill Paxton’s grifter, Harry trying to act like he’s a business software salesman, or anything with Tom Arnold is quite funny, looking back. 

48 Hrs. (1982) 

Often considered the first and one of the best buddy cop movies of all time, Walter Hill’s 48 Hrs. is also one of the funniest Eddie Murphy movies. While the humor had a bit of a harder edge than some of the comedian’s films that would follow, the pairing of Murphy and Nick Nolte is actually quite funny. The movie doesn’t skirt around the racism of the era, but instead turns it on its head and creates one hilarious interaction after another, especially the “Redneck Bar” scene. 

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

Guy Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. appears to be another film adaptation of a classic spy TV series from yesteryear, but upon watching the 2015 movie, you quickly realize that this movie has a ton of comedy peppered throughout. Just look at the scene where Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) are bicking over a dress while Gaby (Alicia Vikander) tries on clothes. There’s a sigh and look of disdain on Napoleon’s face at one moment that's just too good.

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)

The film noir genre has been parodied time and time again over the years, with one of the best examples being Shane Black’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The movie, starring Robert Downey Jr. as a two-bit crook who accidentally wins a role in a mystery film, has this deadpan humor to it that seems more like a comedic tribute to Hollywood’s golden age. Sure, there’s a lot of crime and violence in the movie, but it also has a lot of humor throughout.

The Nice Guys (2016)

Shane Black's 2016 neo-noir buddy cop action film, The Nice Guys, is another movie that’s actually funnier than you’d think. This one centers around a private eye (Ryan Gosling) and a violent enforcer (Russell Crowe) as they reluctantly team up to find a missing teenager. This has a lot of the dark and self-deprecating humor that’s been a part of Black’s signature style for decades, and it feels right at home here.

Big Trouble In LIttle China (1986)

John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China, one of the filmmaker’s best offerings, also happens to be one of his funniest. This 1986 fantasy action romp follows truck driver Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) as he gets in way over his head in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Up to this point in his career, Carpenter was more known for horror movies like Halloween and The Thing, but he proved with this one that he had the chops for comedy.

Bad Boys (1995)

Michael Bay took the buddy cop genre to new heights in 1995 with Bad Boys, a movie that also took WIll Smith and Martin Lawrence to new heights. In the movie, the two play Miami police detectives get wrapped up in a massive heroin conspiracy while also protecting a woman whose best friend was killed by a former cop. It has a lot of high stakes, but also a great sense of humor, especially when it comes to Smith and Lawrence’s character clashes.

Police Story (1985)

Years before Jackie Chan became an international superstar, he cut his teeth in Hong Kong cinema, which led to movies like 1985’s Police Story. Though more dramatic than movies that would follow later on, this thriller about a young cop accused of murder has flashes of what the actor would become a decade later. 

Bullet Train (2022)

When the first trailer for David Leitch’s Bullet Train came out, it looked like the 2022 thriller was going to be a straight-forward action flick with maybe a twist at the end. While that is true, the movie is also incredibly funny, especially whenever Brad Pitt’s hapless Ladybug keeps killing people by complete accident.

Romancing The Stone (1984)

One of the best romantic comedies of all time, Robert Zemeckis’ Romancing the Stone, is far funnier than you’d think. The movie centers on romance writer Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) as she travels to Colombia to find her kidnapped sister with the help of Jack T. Colton (Michael Douglas). Though the two leads have their fair share of comedic moments, a lot of the comedy comes from Ralph (Danny DeVito), a smuggler who gets into all kinds of trouble while looking for Joan in the jungle.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle was a throwback to old martial arts films. Though the movie does pay homage to those that came before it, it also has multiple throwbacks to classic comedy series like Looney Tunes and other cartoons. It also has a great sense of humor and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Doug Liman’s Edge of Tomorrow is one of those sci-fi action movies that also has a great sense of humor. This is especially true when Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) keeps dying and reliving the same day over and over again. The way the movie plays on this concept brings a lot of light and life to the dark movie about an alien invasion that could wipe out all life on the planet.

The Rundown (2003)

Peter Berg’s 2003 action comedy, The Rundown, follows Beck (Dwayne Johnson), a bounty hunter who goes deep into the jungle to find Travis Walker (Sean William Scott), the missing son of his employer. Though the wrestler-turned-actor’s acting chops weren’t quite at the levels that they are now, The Rock puts on a great comedic effort, which is made better thanks to Scott’s presence. 

Commando (1985)

Directed by Mark L. Lester, the 1985 Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick, Commando, is one hell of a ride. After his daughter is kidnapped by a deposed dictator, John Matrix (Schwarzenegger) goes on a one-man rescue mission that is straight-up bonkers, in all the best ways. Action, intensity, drama, senseless violence, and one of Schwarzenegger’s best lines – “I lied” – make this a fun watch.

The Last Boy Scout (1991)

Tony Scott’s 1991 action thriller, The Last Boy Scout, pairs Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans as two disgraced men who come together to solve a murder before uncovering a massive conspiracy involving professional sports betting. Known for its absolutely insane opening scene, the Shane Black-penned movie also has some hilarious scenes, which is no surprise considering its two stars.

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

Richard Donner’s Lethal Weapon 2 took what worked with the original and added a hilarious yet obnoxious character to the mix to create a funnier buddy cop action movie. In the film, Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are charged with protecting federal witness Leo Getz (Joe Pesci). While it’s not shocking for one of the Lethal Weapon movies to be funny, the addition of Pesci took it up a notch.

The Last Dragon (1985)

The Last Dragon could very well be one of the most ridiculous martial arts movies you’ll ever see. This 1985 movie centers around Leroy Green (Taimak), a young martial artist who embarks on a journey to unlock the power of “The Glow” and follow in the footsteps of his hero, Bruce Lee. But a series of obstacles stands in his way, including the self-proclaimed “Shogun of Harlem,” Sho’nuff (Julius Carry). Seriously, just watch the trailer and see for yourself.

Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

Raiders of the Lost Ark, a.k.a., the best Indiana Jones movie, is a fun, daring, and dashing action-adventure film that introduced us to one of Harrison Ford’s most iconic characters. On top of having some heart-pounding action, a whole lot of drama, and one classic movie moment after another, this Steven Spielberg film is also remarkably funny. Whether it’s the scene where Indy kicks a pesky Nazi and steals his hat, Karen Allen’s character hitting him with a mirror, or the classic “gun to a sword fight” shot, this movie slaps.

The Rock (1996)

We started with a Nic Cage movie, so why not end with one as well? Michael Bay’s 1996 action thriller, The Rock, follows an FBI weapons specialist (Cage) and former British Special Forces officer (Sean Connery) as they try to prevent a rogue group of Marines from unleashing a nerve gas agent in San Francisco. Though this is a more serious movie than Face/Off, there are still some funny moments, especially all those Connery zingers.

This has been quite a ride, one that has taken some twists and turns along the way and exposed us to some of the funniest action movies around. And, who knows, maybe some of the upcoming action flicks on the 2023 movie schedule will find their way on this list soon.

Bad Boys For Life was the highest-grossing movie of 2020, and while that certainly was largely due to it being the only major franchise to open before a global pandemic shut down theaters, it has to be said that the long-awaited third entry in the Bad Boys franchise was embraced by fans and critics alike. So it’s not that big a surprise that Sony isn’t making us wait for Bad Boys 4 nearly as long. 

Bad Boys 4 was a confirmed project alongside Bad Boys 3, but between the fact that it took years for the third film to actually become realized, a global pandemic, and delays that may o may not have been due to Will Smith’s Oscars debacle, it was far from clear what was going on with the film. However, Sony played a video from Smith during the studio’s CinemaCon presentation from Smith, at Cinemablend was in attendance. While stars often appear in person at the show to hype their films, Smith could not because Bad Boys 4 is currently filming. Smith stated…

While Bad Boys 4 is four weeks into shooting, we have no idea just what the movie is going to be about. Bad Boys For Life did have a mid-credits scene, regarding the son of Will Smith’s Mike Lowry, so it’s possible that tease will factor into the new film in some way, but even it was pretty vague, leaving the door open to basically any plot that the filmmakers put together.

This will be Smith’s biggest step back into the public eye since his infamous Oscar slap moment from over a year ago. Several of Will Smith’s upcoming movies were canceled or delayed following the incident and while not every decision to do so was directly tied to the actor’s public perception, the end result was for the star to fade from view, regardless of intent. The next Bad Boys movie may be a big indication of where the audience stands regarding Smith right now. 

While Bad Boys 4 is in production, it doesn’t yet have an official release date. Depending on the amount of post-production work that will be needed the film could come out as early as the end of this year, but considering Bad Boys For Life had a strong box office, even in January, it seems like a safe bet that January 2024 is the release window currently being targeted.