Our 10 Favorite Buddy Cop Movies
From explosive action sequences to hilarious banter, buddy cop movies have carved out a beloved niche in cinema. These films are built on the dynamic pairing of contrasting personalities, often blending crime-solving with moments of laughter-filled comedy. We'll explore the top 10 buddy cop movies that have defined the genre, showcasing the best-mismatched partnerships and the enduring appeal of unlikely alliances. Buckle up and get ready to revisit some classic films.
21 Jump Street (2012)
In 2012, "21 Jump Street" returned to screens in a riotous adaptation of the classic 1980s television series. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and starring Jonah Hill as Schmidt and Channing Tatum as Jenko, the film follows two former high school rivals who find themselves unlikely partners in the police force as they are enlisted in a revived undercover program at 21 Jump Street.
The Other Guys (2010)
"The Other Guys" burst onto screens in 2010, delivering a hilarious and action-packed take on the buddy cop genre. Directed by Adam McKay, the film offers a fresh perspective on the often over-the-top world of law enforcement. Starring Will Ferrell as Detective Allen Gamble and Mark Wahlberg as Detective Terry Hoitz, "The Other Guys" follows two mismatched detectives who are relegated to desk duty after a mishap during a high-profile case. While Gamble is content with his quiet administrative role, Hoitz is eager to prove himself as a capable cop. Available on Peacock
Rush Hour (1998)
Directed by Brett Ratner, "Rush Hour" raced into theaters, bringing audiences a side-splitting fusion of action and comedy. The film began a successful franchise that would captivate audiences worldwide. Starring Jackie Chan as Chief Inspector Lee and Chris Tucker as Detective James Carter, "Rush Hour" follows the unlikely partnership between a Hong Kong police officer and a wisecracking LAPD detective. When the daughter of a Chinese diplomat is kidnapped in Los Angeles, the two officers are reluctantly paired together to solve the case.
Bad Boys (1995)
One of our favorite buddy cop duos accompanied by our favorite theme song. Starring Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey and Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett, "Bad Boys" follows the explosive partnership between two narcotics detectives with contrasting personalities. Both cops are forced to put aside their differences when a drug heist goes awry, and $100 million worth of heroin is stolen from the Miami Police Department. Available on Hulu
Ride Along (2014)
How far would you go to prove yourself? Starring Ice Cube as tough-as-nails detective James Payton and Kevin Hart as his eager-to-impress future brother-in-law Ben Barber, "Ride Along," when Ben, an aspiring police officer, is invited on a "ride along" with James to prove himself worthy of marrying James's sister, chaos ensues. "Ride Along" proved to be a crowd-pleasing hit, earning praise for its entertaining premise. The film's success spawned a sequel and solidified Ice Cube and Kevin Hart as one of Hollywood's most dynamic comedic duos. Available on Netflix
The Heat (2013)
"The Heat" follows the unlikely partnership between two law enforcement officers with vastly different personalities and approaches to police work. When the two are forced to team up to take down a ruthless drug lord, they must overcome their differences and learn to work together to bring him to justice. Starring Sandra Bullock as uptight FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn and Melissa McCarthy as foul-mouthed Boston Detective Shannon Mullins, the film is filled with non-stop action and laugh-out-loud humor. Available on Hulu
Cop Out (2010)
Who knew a stolen baseball card would lead to a web of drug dealers, gangsters, and eccentric characters? Starring Bruce Willis as veteran NYPD detective Jimmy Monroe and Tracy Morgan as his quirky partner, Paul Hodges, "Cop Out" follows the misadventures of these two mismatched cops as they navigate the dangerous streets of Brooklyn on the hunt to find Jimmy's stolen baseball card. However, they end up finding a lot more.
K-9 (1989)
A beloved and tail-wagging buddy cop movie, "K-9," follows the duo as they team up to take down a drug lord terrorizing their city. Starring James Belushi as Detective Michael Dooley and a German Shepherd named Jerry Lee as his loyal canine companion, when Dooley is assigned a new K-9 unit partner to help him crack the case, he initially balks at working with a dog. However, he soon discovers that Jerry Lee is no ordinary police dog. Not only will this film have you on the edge of your seat, but it also will have you falling head over heels for our favorite police dog.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Moving out of the US and across the pond, directed by Edgar Wright, and starring Simon Pegg as dedicated police officer Nicholas Angel and Nick Frost as his bumbling partner, Danny Butterman, "Hot Fuzz" follows the two officers as they are reassigned from the bustling streets of London to the seemingly idyllic village of Sandford. Unfortunately for them, what initially appears to be a peaceful rural community soon reveals itself to be hiding dark secrets and a string of mysterious deaths.
Central Intelligence (2017)
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Bob Stone (formerly Robbie Weirdicht) and Kevin Hart as Calvin Joyner, "Central Intelligence" follows the reunion of two high school classmates who couldn't be more different. When Bob recruits Calvin's help to thwart a terrorist plot, the two embark on a wild journey that takes them across the globe and into the heart of danger. High school romance and a newly blossomed friendship take center stage in this movie as we follow one of our beloved movie friendships.
In conclusion, the world of cinema has been enriched by the dynamic and enduring appeal of buddy cop movies. Whether it's the thrilling adventures of mismatched partners navigating dangerous streets or the heartfelt bonds formed in the face of adversity, buddy cop movies continue to captivate viewers of all ages. As we celebrate the best of the genre, let us remember the timeless characters, memorable moments, and undeniable chemistry that have made these films beloved classics.
