7 Movies to Watch After Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Bad Boys

It’s clear as day, but if you recently streamed Bad Boys: Ride or Die on Netflix without watching the earlier films, it’s highly recommended that you go back and catch up with them. While you don’t necessarily need to watch the other three in sequence, they are packed with entertainment and offer more depth to the story of Mike and Marcus in this latest installment.

As a die-hard gaming enthusiast who loves his action-packed movies, I can’t forget the thrilling ride that Michael Bay’s “Bad Boys” and its sequel “Bad Boys II” offered back in the ’90s and early 2000s. For almost two decades, it seemed like these boys were nowhere to be found. But boy, was I glad when they returned with the long-awaited “Bad Boys For Life” in 2020!

Lethal Weapon

In terms of buddy cop action-comedies, nothing beats the classic film Lethal Weapon. The dynamic duo, played by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, brought unparalleled cinematic magic to audiences during the 1980s, making it one of the most memorable action series of that era.

Just like the “Bad Boys” franchise, the “Lethal Weapon” series consists of four movies to enjoy. However, unlike “Bad Boys”, the later installments of “Lethal Weapon” don’t compare favorably to its initial two films.

Men in Black

In the Bad Boys series, Will Smith delivers a great performance, but his portrayal of Mike Lowery doesn’t top his most remarkable blockbuster character from the ’90s. The latter role, Agent J, was his finest.

Without a doubt, Men in Black is among the top, most enjoyable, and meticulously created blockbusters from the past 30 years. It never fails to impress upon rewatching. The characters are deeply developed, the alien designs are impressive, and it skillfully constructs its own universe with precision.

As far as gaming duos go, nobody quite compares to Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. They’re an amazing pair, each bringing out something unique in the other. Our bond deepens significantly across the first three games in the series, making our journey together even more captivating.

The Heat

If you’re seeking an outstanding screen pairing with contrasting vibes yet harmonious chemistry in a film, The Heat is just the ticket for you.

Paul Feig’s 2013 film, an engaging blend of action and comedy, paired Sandra Bullock with Melissa McCarthy, creating one of the top-notch action-comedy duos of the 2010s. Regrettably, we’re yet to enjoy multiple sequels from this movie.

21 Jump Street

One significant casualty in the Sony email leak incident was an ambitious project featuring a crossover between the Men in Black series and the Jump Street films, starring their respective casts. Regrettably, this collaboration never materialized; however, the prospect of blending elements from a popular Will Smith franchise demonstrates its potential for delivering action-comedy magic.

According to the popular TV show “21 Jump Street,” Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill portray young cops who disguise themselves as high school students to tackle a drug crisis. It’s filled with laughter and thrilling action, serving as an excellent companion piece to “Bad Boys.” The second installment, “22 Jump Street,” is almost as entertaining as the original, so do try to watch both if possible.

Midnight Run

Many classic 80’s buddy comedies spawned successful series, but “Midnight Run” didn’t. However, this doesn’t diminish its status as one of the finest examples within the genre.

Martin Brest, known for directing Beverly Hills Cop, presents Midnight Run – a film featuring Robert DeNiro as a bounty hunter pursuing a renowned mob accountant, Charles Grodin. Instead of choosing this adventure, they find themselves on an unwanted cross-country journey. Their unexpected teamwork results in a highly entertaining action-comedy that’s sure to be enjoyable every time you watch it.

Beverly Hills Cop

Discussing Martin Brest and “Beverly Hills Cop”, it’s hard not to mention the unexpected blockbuster that revolutionized the action-comedy genre.

A comedic action flick, starring a young comic from Saturday Night Live in Beverly Hills, wasn’t initially anticipated as a major success. However, Jerry Bruckheimer and some others recognized the undeniable leading man talent in Eddie Murphy, providing him with an opportunity to prove his worth, which he successfully did.

In a similar vein to how the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise received successful sequel remakes, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ has now followed suit, with the release of ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ on Netflix this past year.