Bad Boys Movies: Release Order
The Bad Boys franchise is a high-octane action-comedy series that has followed Miami narcotics detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) for nearly three decades. Known for its explosive action sequences, witty banter, and the evolving dynamic between its two leads, the series showcases their crime-fighting adventures against drug cartels and criminal organizations.
This Release Order watch list presents all four films in their natural progression, following Mike and Marcus as they age and their partnership deepens through various career challenges. Each film builds directly on the events and character development from previous entries, making this chronological viewing order the best way to experience their complete journey from the mid-90s through the 2020s.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
Bad Boys
Two mismatched Miami cops have 72 hours to recover stolen drugs from their own police station. To get help from the only witness to a murder, they must pretend to be each other, complicating their already dangerous mission.
Bad Boys II
Miami detectives Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey must stop a dangerous Cuban drug lord from flooding the city with ecstasy while dealing with personal tensions when Marcus discovers Mike is secretly dating his sister.
Bad Boys for Life
Miami detectives Marcus and Mike team up with an elite police unit to take down a ruthless drug cartel leader while dealing with career changes and midlife challenges.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Miami detectives Lowrey and Burnett find themselves on the run while trying to clear their late captain's name after he's posthumously framed for corruption.
Other Film Series
Armor of God
Jackie Chan's globe-trotting adventure trilogy following treasure hunter Asian Hawk on international quests for ancient artifacts.
In the Line of Duty
A landmark Hong Kong action franchise featuring female police officers in intense martial arts and stunt-heavy adventures.
No Retreat, No Surrender
A trilogy of standalone martial arts action films connected only by title and shared themes of underdog fighters facing overwhelming odds.
Ocean's
A heist franchise spanning from the Rat Pack era to modern ensemble capers.
Police Story
A Hong Kong action film series created by and starring Jackie Chan, known for its spectacular stunts and innovative action choreography across multiple eras and reboots.
The Roundup
A South Korean crime action franchise following Detective Ma Seok-do as he takes on increasingly dangerous criminal organizations.