In the vast array of genres showcased in Hollywood, one cannot overlook the “buddy cop” film genre. For those unfamiliar with this genre, the common formula involves two distinct characters who must work together to solve a challenging case. Typically, one character is serious and analytical, while the other is more carefree and impulsive. Often, there’s a subplot featuring a rookie cop who learns the ropes from a more experienced partner. Through their journey, these two characters usually develop mutual respect and understanding.
Below, we will revisit 10 of the most captivating buddy cop movies from recent times:
10. The Other Guys
After detective Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) accidentally shoots the famous Derek Jeter during a World Series parade, he is paired with “the paper-pushing cop” Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) as punishment. Both must navigate their way through a series of absurd cases to crack a major fraud investigation. Despite their differences, they ultimately manage to overcome various challenges and together solve a significant crime.
9. Beverly Hills Cop
Beverly Hills Cop stars Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, a Detroit cop who investigates the murder of his best friend. After being sidelined by his superiors, Axel decides to go undercover in Beverly Hills. Despite being pursued by detectives Rosewood and Taggart, the trio ultimately teams up to solve the case successfully.
8. Starsky and Hutch
As a prequel to the television series of the same name, David Starsky (Ben Stiller) and Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson (Owen Wilson) are two detectives in 1975 California. Starsky is a straight-laced cop while Hutch is a laid-back undercover agent. They must work together to take down a drug lord.
7. Let’s Be Cops
This film features Justin Miller (Damon Wayans Jr.) and Ryan O’Malley (Jake Johnson), two friends who dress as cops for a costume party. However, they decide to keep up the charade when they discover they enjoy the attention. Their antics quickly spiral out of control when they get involved in a real case.
6. The Nice Guys
Set in 1977 Los Angeles, Holland March (Ryan Gosling) is hired to investigate the death of a porn star named Misty Mountains. He soon crosses paths with Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe), and they reluctantly team up to find a missing girl named Amelia, leading them into a web of crime.
5. 21 Jump Street
Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) go undercover as high school students to investigate a synthetic drug ring. Their comedic mismatches and high school antics lead to hilarious situations as they learn to navigate their old teenage world.
4. Hot Fuzz
Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is an overachieving cop reassigned to a sleepy village. While there, he teams up with the affable but bumbling Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) to uncover a sinister conspiracy lurking beneath the surface of the seemingly idyllic town.
3. Rush Hour
James Carter (Chris Tucker) is assigned to be an aide to Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) in a kidnapping case. Despite their cultural differences, they form a unique partnership to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a diplomat, filled with action and humor.
2. Bad Boys
Detectives Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) must retrieve a stolen shipment of heroin worth $100 million within five days. The film features thrilling action scenes combined with comedic banter between the two leads.
1. Lethal Weapon
Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), a seasoned cop, is partnered with Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a young officer with a death wish. Together, they investigate a series of murders connected to drug trafficking, combining their different approaches to law enforcement.
Source: Hollywood
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