Bad Boys movies in order Bad Boys Marathon
View Bad Boys movies in order
26 November 2025
Bad Boys: Ride or Die - 2024
504 Minutes
4
Grab your popcorn, throw on your shades (yes, even indoors), and get ready for a buddy cop binge like no other. The Bad Boys franchise stands as one of the most iconic action-comedy series ever. To truly enjoy it, you need to know the right order to watch. With four films, a spin-off series, and a hefty dose of Miami heat, it's time to plan the ultimate Bad Boys movie marathon. Whether you're a fan of Michael Bay's explosive action or the fresh vibe brought by directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, this marathon has it all: chases, laughs, bromance, and of course, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence at their best. We've lined up all the films and relevant media, so all you need to do is decide who's in charge of snacks.
504 Minutes 4 Movies
1
2
3
4
Let's start at the beginning: the original Bad Boys from 1995. This is vintage buddy cop action straight from the era of 1990s action films. Here, we meet Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) for the first time, showcasing why they're such an iconic duo. The snappy dialogue, explosive action (literally, thanks to Michael Bay), and the nonstop chemistry between Smith and Lawrence make this an instant classic. Plus, Joe Pantoliano as their perpetually frustrated Captain Howard steals every scene. It's the perfect kickoff for your Bad Boys movie marathon, and that unforgettable car chase? You won't forget it anytime soon.
Eight years later, but still as explosive: Bad Boys II takes everything to the next level. More explosions, more cars, more laughs, and more chaos in the ever-sunny Miami. This film embodies pure early 2000s action film energy, with Michael Bay at his most Bay-esque. The bond between Mike and Marcus deepens here, featuring hilarious arguments, intense shootouts, and an undercover operation that raises the stakes. This installment proves the franchise is more than just action; it's also about friendship in the craziest situations. And honestly? The highway chase might be one of the best in buddy cop action-comedy history.
Fast forward to the 2020s action-comedy era. Bad Boys for Life brings our favorite detectives back, older but not necessarily wiser. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the style is sharper, the action more modern, yet the franchise's soul remains intact. Mike and Marcus meet a new generation within the Miami Police Department: the AMMO unit, young, high-tech, and ready for the future. Still, it's all about that classic bromance with a few extra wrinkles and a host of new challenges. This film bridges nostalgia and innovation and is a must-see in your marathon.
The latest addition to the Bad Boys franchise continues the story of Mike and Marcus with more drama, more action, and yes, more explosions. Bad Boys: Ride or Die builds on the dynamic between our two heroes and their collaboration with AMMO, as tensions within the police force and beyond reach new heights. Adil & Bilall return as directors, delivering a film that works not only as a sequel but also as a new phase in this trilogy plus sequel. Don't watch this film in isolation; everything you've built up in the previous three parts comes together here. This is the payoff you've been waiting for—trust us, you want to be in the thick of it.
Okay, this isn't a "must" for your marathon, but if you want to go all-in, check out L.A.'s Finest, a TV series spin-off of the Bad Boys films. The series follows Syd Burnett (yes, Marcus's sister from Bad Boys II, played by Gabrielle Union) and her partner Nancy McKenna (Jessica Alba) in Los Angeles. It's a fresh take on the cop duo movie formula, with the same mix of humor, action, and drama. It technically runs parallel to the films, making it ideal to watch between the movies or as an epilogue after Bad Boys: Ride or Die. No Will or Martin, but enough crossover vibes to extend your Bad Boys binge.
The Bad Boys films in order of release also happen to be the correct chronological order, making it easy to dive in. Each film directly builds on the previous one, with recurring characters, references to past missions, and a clear timeline (including gray hairs and midlife crises). Watching Bad Boys in order not only gives you the full story of Mike and Marcus but also lets you see how the franchise's style and tone evolve from pure '90s chaos to sleek, modern action-comedy. Believe us: it's this evolution that makes the series so addictive.
Did you know there's also a Bad Boys video game released in the 2000s? Not great in terms of gameplay (consider yourself warned), but for true fans, it's a fun side quest if you're not done with Miami after the marathon. Also fun: dive into the work of Jerry Bruckheimer and Columbia Pictures if you're curious about how this franchise fits into the larger world of buddy cop classics. And yes, once you're down that rabbit hole, there are plenty of other buddy cop marathons you can plan next.
Plan wisely. Four films mean a hefty sit, so spread them over two nights or make it a weekend project. Arrange your couch strategically, stock up on messy snacks (nachos, wings, you know the drill), and crank up the speakers because the soundtrack rocks. And most importantly? Watch together. Because no cop duo movie gets better solo. So call your friends, hit play on that first film, and remind everyone: We ride together. We binge together. Bad Boys for life.