Beverly Hills Cop Turns 35: 5 Buddy Cop Action Films with Black Leads to Watch with Your Bestie
It's been 35 years since Eddie Murphy first appeared as the wisecracking Detective Axel Foley in the 1984 classic "Beverly Hills Cop." The iconic film catapulted the stand-up comedian into superstardom and became a staple of the buddy-cop genre.
As we celebrate this milestone, fans have another reason to rejoice: the release of the latest installment, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which is now streaming on Netflix.
In "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," Murphy returns to his beloved role as Axel Foley. This time, the stakes are higher than ever as Foley's daughter's life is threatened. The plot thickens as Foley teams up with an unsuspecting new partner and reunites with old pals, including Judge Reinhold. Kevin Bacon also joins the star-studded cast, adding an extra layer of excitement to this much-anticipated sequel.
In honor of the latest movie, we're highlighting five buddy cop films with Black leads. These films showcase the dynamic chemistry, humor, and action that have become staples of the genre, much like the "Beverly Hills Cop" series.
So, grab your popcorn, stream "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" on Netflix, and celebrate 35 years of laughs, action, and the enduring legacy of Axel Foley.
“Bad Boys”
Starring: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence
Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) team up to retrieve a stolen cache of heroin worth $100 million. Their chemistry and hilarious banter make this action-packed film a must-watch. Smith and Lawrence deliver a perfect blend of comedy and action, solidifying "Bad Boys" as a genre-defining classic.
If you haven’t had the chance to, check out the fourth and latest installment, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” in theaters now.
“Rush Hour”
Starring: Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan
Carter’s (Tucker) and Lee’s (Chan) adventure starts when the daughter of a Chinese diplomat is kidnapped in Los Angeles. The mismatched detectives, Carter and Lee, team up to rescue her, combining martial arts and comedic timing for an entertaining experience. Tucker’s fast-talking humor and Chan’s martial arts prowess create an unforgettable, entertaining dynamic.
Rumors have been swirling about a potential fourth film. While there is no official production date yet, Chan has indicated in interviews that discussions about a possible script are underway.
“Ride Along”
Starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart
Security guard Ben Barber (Hart) goes on a ride-along with his girlfriend’s brother, (Cube), a tough cop, to prove he’s worthy of marrying her. The comedic chemistry between Cube and Hart is surprisingly pleasing.
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“Central Intelligence”
Starring Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson
Mild-mannered accountant Calvin Joyner (Hart) reconnects with an old high school friend who’s now a CIA agent (Johnson). The chemistry between Hart and Johnson, mixing humor with thrilling action, makes this film a standout in the genre.
“Lethal Weapon”
Starring: Danny Glover and Mel Gibson
Veteran officer Roger Murtaugh (Glover) is paired with the unpredictable Martin Riggs (Gibson). Together, the duo tackles a dangerous case involving drug trafficking and learns to trust one another through a series of high-stakes encounters. Glover and Gibson arguably set the standard for buddy-cop films, combining intense action sequences with memorable comedic moments.
