My Favourite Buddy Cop Films (and similar Films)
I love the buddy cop genre, there have been many buddy cop films, perhaps too many, the genre also receives a lot of criticism, but I don't care, I find them very enjoyable.
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- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverGary BuseyTwo newly paired cops who are complete opposites must put aside their differences in order to catch a gang of drug smugglers.Yes, buddy cop films existed prior to this movie, but until Lethal Weapon, there wasn't too many of them, this film is the blueprint of buddy cop genre, without Lethal Weapon, we wouldn't have gotten the barrage of buddy cop films that followed it. I used to own Lethal Weapon on VHS, now I have the directors cut on DVD and the Blu-Ray, I love this film, I love the characters and the action, even the saxophone, there's also a dark tone to it. The movie opens with a suicide and Rigg's contemplating suicide, but there are funny moments too, that don't seem out of place, the end fight is also intense and enthralling. I don't think that the chemistry between Riggs and Murtaugh will ever be outmatched, I think they're the ultimate duo.
- DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsGene HackmanRoy ScheiderFernando ReyA pair of NYPD detectives in the Narcotics Bureau stumble onto a heroin smuggling ring based in Marseilles, but stopping them and capturing their leaders proves an elusive goal.One of my favourite films, technically I'd have to say that it's a better film than Lethal Weapon, but Lethal Weapon takes the top spot, mainly for sentimental reasons. This is a more gritty film than most buddy cop films, a lot of modern film fans seem to think that it's too slow, but I think that was the style then, it's probably a style that I prefer, it's a slow burner at times, but it builds the tension brilliantly. This movie is most well remembered for the car chase, one of the best car chases in movie history, I myself prefer the chase in Bullitt and even the one in The Seven Ups, but make no mistake, the chase in this film is fantastic. The ending is also memorable, featuring a tense shooutout and a cliffhanger ending, the partnership on display is between Popeye Doyle and Cloudy Russo, played by Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider and they make for a pretty good team.
- DirectorCurtis HansonStarsKevin SpaceyRussell CroweGuy PearceAs corruption grows in 1950s Los Angeles, three policemen - one strait-laced, one brutal, and one sleazy - investigate a series of murders with their own brand of justice.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsMorgan FreemanBrad PittKevin SpaceyTwo detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.
- DirectorDavid AyerStarsJake GyllenhaalMichael PeñaAnna KendrickShot documentary-style, this film follows the daily grind of two young police officers in LA who are partners and friends and what happens when they meet criminal forces greater than themselves.
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsBruce WillisJeremy IronsSamuel L. JacksonJohn McClane and a Harlem store owner are targeted by German terrorist Simon in New York City, where he plans to rob the Federal Reserve Building.When I saw this film for the first time, it was after reading about how underrated and unappreciated it was by the critics, so I was expecting great things, I enjoyed it, but I still felt that Die Hard 2 was better. However, after watching it for the second time, I truly appreciate it, it does have a Michael Bay explosion fest style, but the Simon Says plot is clever and I really enjoy the chemistry between McClane and Zeus (Willis and Jackson).
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverJoe PesciRiggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of South African diplomats who are using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.Not quite as good as the first film, but it still has some great moments, Riggs and Murtaugh are fantastic together and the characters were played so well, I don't know how you can be bored watching them, but I guess more than a few people are. Adding Joe Pesci to the franchise was a great move in my opinion, Pesci was brilliant as Leo Getz, annoying the cops, but entertaining the audience, but he wasn't just a joker, this character had a heart, he could take a beating if he had too, which is one reason why I love the character. Patsy Kensit looked beautiful as Rigg's girlfriend, her character was killed off, which was the trigger that made Riggs crazy again and set up a great showdown with the South African drug dealers, top film.
- DirectorBarry SonnenfeldStarsTommy Lee JonesWill SmithLinda FiorentinoJames, an NYC cop, is hired by Agent K of a secret government agency that monitors extraterrestrial life on Earth. Together, they must recover an item that has been stolen by an intergalactic villain.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggNick FrostMartin FreemanAn overachieving London police sergeant is transferred to a village where the easygoing officers object to his fervor for regulations, all while a string of grisly murders strikes the town.
- DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsWilliam PetersenWillem DafoeJane LeevesA fearless Secret Service agent will stop at nothing to bring down the counterfeiter who killed his partner.
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsDenzel WashingtonEthan HawkeScott GlennA rookie cop spends his first day as a Los Angeles narcotics officer with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears to be.
- DirectorJohn FrankenheimerStarsGene HackmanFernando ReyBernard Fresson"Popeye" Doyle travels to Marseille to find Alain Charnier, the drug smuggler who eluded him in New York.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverJoe PesciMartin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh pursue a former LAPD officer who uses his knowledge of police procedure and policies to steal and sell confiscated guns and ammunition to local street gangs.The tag line was the magic is back again and I cannot disagree, the magic is still there to see, Riggs and Murtaugh are still entertaining, as is Leo Getz and this time Riggs falls in love with Lorna Cole, a cop played by Rene Russo. There are some funny scenes, but also some serious scenes, Roger accidentally killing his friends son, who was shooting at him, so they go after the people who supplied the gun and take them down, a good third film in the franchise and slightly better than its rating suggests.
- DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsPatrick SwayzeKeanu ReevesGary BuseyAn F.B.I. Agent goes undercover to catch a gang of surfers who may be bank robbers.
- DirectorMichael BayStarsWill SmithMartin LawrenceLisa BoyleTwo hip detectives protect a witness to a murder while investigating a case of stolen heroin from the evidence storage room from their police precinct.I used to own this on VHS, then I owned it on DVD and now I have the Blu-Ray, it's an enjoyable movie, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are one of my favourite buddy cop duos, they spend a lot of time arguing, but they have great chemistry and they make for a very funny team, with Julie added in to the mix, it makes it even more funny. However, the film can be gritty at times, there's a dark tone to it, Fouchet is a psychopath, played well by Tchéky Karyo, he's a great villain, the action is great in this film, the climax is enjoyable, a fun popcorn muncher. Overall I prefer it to Rush Hour, I prefer the villain, I prefer the duo, I prefer the darker tone.
- DirectorShane BlackStarsRussell CroweRyan GoslingAngourie RiceIn 1970s Los Angeles, a mismatched pair of private eyes investigate a missing girl and the mysterious death of a porn star.
- DirectorLen WisemanStarsBruce WillisJustin LongTimothy OlyphantJohn McClane and a young hacker join forces to take down master cyber-terrorist Thomas Gabriel in Washington D.C.
- DirectorShane BlackStarsRobert Downey Jr.Val KilmerMichelle MonaghanAfter being mistaken for an actor, a New York thief is sent to Hollywood to train under a private eye for a potential movie role, but the duo are thrown together with a struggling actress into a murder mystery.
- DirectorBrett RatnerStarsJackie ChanChris TuckerJohn LoneCarter and Lee head to Hong Kong for a vacation, but become embroiled in a counterfeit money scam.
- DirectorBrett RatnerStarsJackie ChanChris TuckerKen LeungA loyal and dedicated Hong Kong Inspector teams up with a reckless and loudmouthed L.A.P.D. detective to rescue the Chinese Consul's kidnapped daughter, while trying to arrest a dangerous crime lord along the way.
- DirectorDennis HopperStarsSean PennRobert DuvallMaria Conchita AlonsoAn experienced cop and his rookie partner patrol the streets of East Los Angeles while trying to keep the gang violence under control.
- DirectorTom DeyStarsJackie ChanOwen WilsonLucy LiuA Chinese man travels to the Wild West to rescue a kidnapped Princess. After teaming up with a train robber, the unlikely duo takes on a Chinese traitor and his corrupt boss.Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson team up, as Chon Wang and Roy O'Bannon, they become friends and fight to rescue Princess Pei Pei, they have a lot of chemistry and the film is very funny. It isn't a typical buddy cop film, but it can be included in the genre, as the two characters become sheriffs at the end, I feel that Shanghai Noon is slightly underrated, it's one of Jackie Chan's funniest films and it's very entertaining, nearly as good as Rush Hour.
- DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsJonah HillChanning TatumIce CubeA pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.
- DirectorJohn Michael McDonaghStarsBrendan GleesonDon CheadleMark StrongAn unorthodox Irish policeman with a confrontational personality is partnered with an uptight F.B.I. agent to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring.
- DirectorMartin BrestStarsEddie MurphyJudge ReinholdJohn AshtonA freewheeling Detroit cop pursuing a murder investigation finds himself dealing with the very different culture of Beverly Hills.
- DirectorRenny HarlinStarsGeena DavisSamuel L. JacksonYvonne ZimaSamantha Caine lives in a small town with her daughter. Eight years ago she emerged, two months pregnant, from a nearby river with no memory of her past or who she is. However, she's getting closer to finding out about her past.
- DirectorBarry SonnenfeldStarsWill SmithTommy Lee JonesJosh BrolinAgent J travels in time to M.I.B.'s early days in 1969 to stop an alien from assassinating his friend Agent K and changing history.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsBruce WillisDamon WayansChelsea FieldA private detective's protected female witness is murdered, prompting him and the victim's boyfriend to investigate the crime that leads to a corrupt politician and a crooked football team owner.Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans team up, Willis plays a private eye called Joe, Wayans plays a former professional football player called Jimmy. I enjoy the performances of the lead stars, particularly the performance of Bruce Willis, who plays a cynical, care free character, though of coarse he cares a lot about his daughter, who is kidnapped. The Last Boy Scout is a fun watch, gritty at times, with some great action and some good acting, though I don't feel that Joe and Jimmy have the best chemistry.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsNick NolteEddie MurphyAnnette O'TooleA hard-nosed cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him in order to track down a killer.
- DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsChanning TatumJonah HillIce CubeAfter making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college.
- DirectorBarry ShearStarsAnthony QuinnYaphet KottoAnthony FranciosaTwo New York City cops go after amateur crooks who are trying to rip off the Mafia and start a gang war.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverJoe PesciWith personal crises and age weighing in on them, LAPD officers Riggs and Murtaugh must contend with deadly Chinese triads that are trying to free their former leaders out of prison and onto American soil.Possibly the least entertaining film in the franchise, but it's still a fun watch and it still has heart, the Lethal films were not just run of the mill action films, in this film Murtaugh shelters slaves, one of which he cannot keep from being murdered. I find Chris Rock a bit annoying, but Pesci was brilliant as Leo Getz, as he is in two and three, the dentist scene is one of the funniest scenes I think I've ever seen in an action film, Jet Li also makes his American film debut, as a villain and he plays it pretty well. Overall, Lethal Weapon 4 is a fitting end to a highly enjoyable franchise, featuring the best buddy cop duo.
- DirectorRichard RushStarsAlan ArkinJames CaanLoretta SwitSan Francisco police detectives Freebie and Bean are determined to bust local crime boss Red Meyers at any cost, even if this means destroying the whole city in the process.
- DirectorMichael BayStarsWill SmithMartin LawrenceGabrielle UnionTwo loose-cannon narcotics cops investigate the flow of Ecstasy into Florida from a Cuban drug cartel.
- DirectorPierre MorelStarsCyril RaffaelliDavid BelleTony D'AmarioIn the ghettos of Paris in 2010, an undercover cop and an ex-thug try to infiltrate a gang in order to defuse a neutron bomb.
- DirectorBaltasar KormákurStarsDenzel WashingtonMark WahlbergPaula PattonTwo hardened criminals get into trouble with the US border patrol after meeting with a Mexican drug lord, and then revelations start to unfold.
- DirectorBruce MalmuthGary NelsonStarsSylvester StalloneRutger HauerBilly Dee WilliamsWhen one of Europe's most lethal terrorists shows up in New York, an elite undercover cop is assigned to take him down by any means necessary.I read a negative review, which was slating Tango & Cash, the reviewer called Tango & Cash Stallone's first crack at doing a buddy cop film, which of coarse is nonsense, as this film was released years earlier and I think it's a fairly underrated, enjoyable watch. Wulfgar is a good villain, he is evil and he doesn't give a damn about civilians, Rutger Hauer delivers a good performance, DaSilva and Fox have good chemistry and the foot chase is very good, the ending is also memorable, although perhaps a little silly.
- DirectorPeter HyamsStarsElliott GouldRobert BlakeAllen GarfieldDefying orders to lay-off the case, two Los Angeles vice-squad cops go after a local mobster and use unorthodox methods to achieve results.Busting is a more gritty film than a lot of 80's and 90's buddy cop films, at times it's fierce and aggresive, but the humour is there, only unlike a lot of buddy cop movies, the humour doesn't feel forced and it is never out of place. Elliot Gould and Robert Blake have a lot of chemistry, more than quite a few buddy cop duos that I have seen, I particularly like Elliot Gould's performance, the ending is also a memorable one, the final crescendo to what is a pretty cynical film. Busting has become more or less forgotten over the years, but I'd advise fans of the buddy cop genre to seek it out, especially if you're looking for a more gritty buddy cop experience, before the genre really took off. I feel that it's one of the most underrated films that I've seen, the 6.2/10 score is a crime.
- DirectorOssie DavisStarsGodfrey CambridgeRaymond St. JacquesCalvin LockhartTwo Harlem cops investigate a robbery, believing that a reverend has staged it in order to steal the money he's collected for a local fundraiser.
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerF. Murray AbrahamArt CarneyWith the help of a magic ticket, a young movie fan is transported into the fictional world of his favorite action movie character.This is one of Arnold's most underrated films, in my opinion, I don't think that the critics or fans alike expected this kind of movie from Arnold. I think they wanted a typical Schwarzenegger action film, but I believe the story was unique and without going in to detail, if you pay attention you'll see that there are lots of subtle references, some viewers may miss them. Slater lives in an empty apartment for instance, a reference to the fact that a lot of the characters played by Arnold have no backstory and they are more or less empty characters, or it's a reference to action characters in general, it's really a more clever film than its given credit for, a gem.
- DirectorPeter HyamsStarsGregory HinesBilly CrystalSteven BauerTwo street-wise Chicago cops have to shake off some rust after returning from a Key West vacation to pursue a drug dealer who nearly killed them in the past.Running Scared was released the year before Lethal Weapon, it's not in the same league as Lethal Weapon, but it's still an enjoyable buddy cop film. Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal are actually brilliant in this film, in fact without them, I'm not too sure that this film would have succeeded, they play officers Ray and Danny, unlike a lot of buddy cop movies, they are great friends from the beginning, they have a lot of chemistry and their friendship is a joy to watch. Running Scarred has a good mix of humour and serious action, in some buddy cop films, you don't see the same balance, but it is perfect in this film. I disliked a few of the scenes, the holiday scenes didn't seem to fit in to the movie, but overall, I still like this film, it's not one of my top favourites, but Ray and Danny are easily one of my favourite duos.
- DirectorRuggero DeodatoStarsMarc PorelRay LovelockAdolfo CeliFred and Tony are members of an elite 'special squad' of police in Rome, Italy, who are licenced-to-kill, undercover cops who thrive on living dangerously.This is a good Italian buddy cop film, it's probably the most violent buddy cop film, Fred and Tony are a brutal duo, they are two undercover cops who pull no punches, their methods are extreme, they will not hesitate to kill any criminal in sight. The duo in this film are unlike any other duo that I have seen, the bike chase is a standout sequence, but the rest of the film has some enjoyable moments.
- DirectorGordon ParksStarsRon LeibmanDavid SelbySheila FrazierThe true story of two New York City cops. Greenberg & Hantz fought the system, became detectives and were known on the streets as "Batman & Robin".
- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsRichard DreyfussEmilio EstevezMadeleine StoweTwo detectives observe an escaped convict's ex-girlfriend, but complications set in when one of them falls for her.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsEddie MurphyJudge ReinholdJürgen ProchnowAxel Foley returns to Beverly Hills to help Taggart and Rosewood investigate Chief Bogomil's near-fatal shooting and the series of "alphabet crimes" associated with it.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsMichael DouglasAndy GarciaKen TakakuraTwo NYC cops arrest a Yakuza member and must escort him when he's extradited to Japan.
- DirectorAdam McKayStarsWill FerrellMark WahlbergDerek JeterTwo mismatched New York City detectives seize an opportunity to step up like the city's top cops, whom they idolize, only things don't quite go as planned.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsBruce WillisYasiin BeyDavid MorseAn aging alcoholic cop is assigned the task of escorting a witness from police custody to a courthouse 16 blocks away. There are, however, chaotic forces at work that prevent them from making it in one piece.
- DirectorJack SholderStarsKyle MacLachlanMichael NouriClaudia ChristianA cop and an FBI agent race for answers after law abiding people suddenly become violent criminals.
- DirectorPatrick AlessandrinStarsCyril RaffaelliDavid BellePhilippe TorretonDamien and Leito return to District 13 on a mission to bring peace to the troubled sector that is controlled by five different gang bosses, before the city's secret services take drastic measures to solve the problem.
- DirectorRawson Marshall ThurberStarsDwayne JohnsonKevin HartDanielle NicoletAfter he reconnects with an awkward pal from high school through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage.
- DirectorOliver ParkerStarsRowan AtkinsonRosamund PikeDominic WestJohnny English goes up against international assassins hunting down Chinese Premier Xiang Ping.I like the first film, but I feel that the second film has more gags and although it's just brainless fun, it's hilarious at times, with non stop action and some very funny scenes. There is no Bough in the sequel, it would have been nice to see him, but Daniel Kaluuya plays the partner of English, Agent Tucker, I liked him in this film, I remember enjoying his performance in Psychoville. Tucker was kind of a silly reference to Chris Tucker in Rush Hour, but still I enjoy the duo, though it isn't as good as English and Bough, but it's a funnier film.
- DirectorGraham BakerStarsJames CaanMandy PatinkinTerence StampIn 1988, Earth makes the first contact with an alien civilization. In 1991, these aliens, known as Newcomers, slowly begin to be integrated into human society after three years of quarantine.This is a fun buddy cop film, James Caan and Mandy Patinkin deliver good performances and the characters Sykes and George have surprisingly good chemistry. This film is darker than some people might expect it to be, there are funny moments, but those moments are few and far between and the film isn't about a range of wacky aliens, it focuses solely on one race who have come to earth. Sykes has to team up with an alien cop, to avenge his partners death, of coarse reluctantly, but it is interesting to see their friendship progress throughout the film and I enjoyed the scene where they just talked, I also thought that the ending was well done, George hurting himself, to aid Sykes. I feel that the aliens look a bit ridiculous and yes, it can be cheesy, but it's an enjoyable film, with a dark tone, which I can appreciate.
- DirectorPeter HowittStarsRowan AtkinsonJohn MalkovichNatalie ImbrugliaAfter a sudden attack on MI5, Johnny English, Britain's most confident, yet unintelligent spy, becomes Britain's only spy.This film is a fun action comedy, featuring Rowan Atkinson, it is a spy spoof, with Atkinson playing the part of Johnny English, the man who thinks that he's James Bond, but he always makes a fool of himself, the film focuses on English, but he has a partner called Bough and I think that they make for a funny duo. I've always felt that this film gets far too much criticism, it's better than its rating suggests.
- DirectorAndrey KonchalovskiyAlbert MagnoliStarsSylvester StalloneKurt RussellTeri HatcherFramed by their ruthless arch-nemesis, a pair of mismatched LAPD officers must put their differences aside to get even with the brutal crime baron who sent them to rot in a maximum-security prison.Sometimes I like a big slab of cheese and this has to be one of the cheesiest buddy cop movies of all time. By the end of the film you can almost smell the cheese coming out of the screen, when Tango and Cash slap hands, but just take it for what it is, it's an enjoyable movie and if you're fans of both actors, then you'll like it even more.
- DirectorDavid DobkinStarsJackie ChanOwen WilsonFann WongWhen a Chinese rebel murders Chon's estranged father and escapes to England, Chon and Roy make their way to London with revenge on their minds.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsEddie MurphyNick NolteBrion JamesJack Cates once again enlists the aid of ex-con Reggie Hammond - this time to take down The Iceman, a ruthless drug lord operating in the San Francisco bay area.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerJim BelushiPeter BoyleA tough Russian policeman is forced to partner up with a cocky Chicago police detective when he is sent to Chicago to apprehend a Georgian drug lord who killed his partner and fled the country.Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a Russian cop named Ivan Danko, he traces a killer to America and he teams up with Art Ridzic, an American cop played by Jim Belushi. This is an enjoyable film, Danko and Ridzic may not be the best buddy cop duo, but they do have an odd chemistry, Victor is a good villain and Gina Gershon was good in her role, until Cat Manzetti was killed off. Apparently this film has a cult following in Russia, due to the weak Russian language in the film and the way that the Russians are portrayed, I enjoy the action sequences in the film and it does have its funny moments, I feel it's slightly underrated, it's better than other films that are rated higher.
- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsMichael J. FoxJames WoodsStephen LangAn action movie star researching a role is allowed to tag along with a hardboiled New York City policeman, who finds him superficial and irritating.
- DirectorMark WarrenStarsGodfrey CambridgeRaymond St. JacquesPeter De AndaSequel to Cotton comes to Harlem. Another bad influence is hitting Harlem and Gravedigger and Coffin Ed are the two cops who will stop it. Charleston Blue was a prohibition era black gangster, dead 4 decades. When he seems to have reappeared, once again slitting throats with his Blue straight edge razors, the two cops begin a complicated search for some answers.
- DirectorJoseph RubenStarsWesley SnipesWoody HarrelsonJennifer LopezA vengeful New York City transit cop decides to steal a trainload of subway fares. His foster brother, a fellow cop, tries to protect him.This film is one of my guilty pleasures, I used to own this film on video tape, so I feel compelled to stick up for it, is it really that bad? Okay, it isn't great, but I like the chemistry between the two actors and it's not a bad little popcorn muncher, it's a film that's sadly hated by too many people, I don't hate it at all, in fact I would put this film just ahead of Rush Hour 3.
- DirectorBrett RatnerStarsJackie ChanChris TuckerMax von SydowAfter an attempted assassination on Ambassador Han, Lee and Carter head to Paris to protect a French woman with knowledge of the Triads' secret leaders.Not in the same league as the first two Rush Hour films, but it still has its moments, there are some funny scenes and some decent action, though it's the chemistry of Lee and Carter that makes it enjoyable, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are brilliant together.
- DirectorPhilip KaufmanStarsSean ConneryWesley SnipesHarvey KeitelWhen an escort girl is found dead in the offices of a Japanese company in Los Angeles, detectives Web Smith and John Connor act as liaison between the company's executives and the investigating cop Tom Graham.
- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsRichard DreyfussEmilio EstevezRosie O'DonnellTwo immature detectives are joined by a pesky assistant district attorney in staking out a lakeside home where a Mafia trial witness is believed to be heading.
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsEddie MurphyJon TenneyJoey TravoltaAxel Foley, while investigating a car theft ring, comes across something much bigger than that: the same men who killed his boss are running a counterfeit money ring out of a theme park in Los Angeles.