Key Takeaways:
– Despite being nearly a 30-year-old franchise, the Bad Boys series has only produced four movies.
– Will Smith's rise to fame has made the sporadic return of the franchise a welcome event.
– The Bad Boys movies continue to entertain despite changes in directorship.
– This article aims to rank these movies from worst to best.
The Bad Boys franchise has been on our screens for almost three decades but surprisingly, we have only seen four movies from this series. Headlining big stars like Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the action-packed thrillers, despite their occasional release, have managed to keep fans entertained and in anticipation of what's next. Following is a ranking, starting from the worst to the best, of the four Bad Boys movies we've had so far.
“Bad Boys For Life” (2020)
Of all the four, my least favorite, surprisingly, is “Bad Boys For Life” which was released in 2020. A surprise not less because Michael Bay, who had been instrumental to the making of the franchise, left it, which affected the action quality. The new directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, directed the focus majorly to introducing a team (AMMO), making the movie look similar to the Fast and Furious franchise.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (2024)
Next up is “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”, the latest film in the franchise. Here, directors Adil and Bilall improved their game, making sure to bring the spotlight back to Will Smith and Martin Lawrence's characters, Mike and Marcus. The buddy cop feature, which was a popular attribute of the franchise, was again strengthened, and this was received well by the audience. The focus was much more on the main characters since the AMMO team had been established in the previous film.
“Bad Boys” (1995)
Stepping up on the rank, the originator of the franchise, “Bad Boys”, which was released back in 1995, has a special place in my heart. It made both Will Smith and Martin Lawrence bigger stars and transformed a simple action movie concept into a long-lasting franchise. Michael Bay's mastery in the execution and pacing of action scenes also played an indispensable role in making this movie a huge hit.
“Bad Boys 2” (2003)
Topping the list is “Bad Boys 2”, which premiered in 2003. Even though it received mixed reviews due to its excess violence and chaotic plot, I personally love it for what it is — a wild, thrilling, fast-paced ride. From an extreme shoot-out opening scene with the KKK to a war movie ending that seems borrowed from Black Hawk Down, this sequel takes you on a roller coaster journey of excitement and adventure.
Although it was only a modest financial success when it first released, “Bad Boys 2” remains one of the most enjoyable and memorable entries of the franchise. Its unusual and intense plot twists keep the audience hooked, and despite the violent portrayals, the roguish charm of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence keeps us rooting for more.
All in all, it's clear that every entry in the Bad Boys franchise has its unique flavor and charm. Whether it's the classic thrills of the Bay-directed films or the new direction taken by Arbi and Fallah, there's something in these movies for every action lover. But remember, this is only one perspective — which movie ruled your heart? Let us know in the comments!
