Buddy cop comedies are an age-old tradition, and they have remained incredibly popular throughout the decades. There’s just something about the tropes and genre that makes it endlessly endearing. Maybe it’s the often brilliant chemistry between lead characters/actors. Maybe it’s the unique blending of comedy, character work, and engaging crime story. Or maybe it’s the inventive action that can often be found within.
Either way, many fantastic buddy cop movies have been made throughout the years. Of course, numerous duds have been made as well, but they aren’t the ones remembered. These are the best of the best – the greatest that the genre has to offer.
48 Hrs. (1982) – 6.9
Even though it’s the lowest-rated movie on this list, 48 Hrs. may just be the most influential. It’s often referred to as the first buddy cop movie, starring Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte as a reluctant duo who have 48 hours to catch a pair of cop killers. Eddie Murphy plays a wise-cracking criminal who is serving time for armed robbery. He is temporarily paroled (for 48 hours) to work with Nolte’s Inspector Cates, as he used to work with one of the killers. The movie served as Murphy’s film debut, and while it didn’t make him a star, it did earn him his very first Golden Globe nomination.
21 Jump Street (2012) – 7.2
21 Jump Street was one of the greatest buddy cop comedies of the 2010s. Everyone collectively rolled their eyes when they heard a new 21 Jump Street movie was coming, as remakes of popular ’80s shows are almost always awful. However, this Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directed film took the smart approach (as their movies always do) by leaning into the ridiculous and recognizing just how stupid the concept is. 21 Jump Street wasn’t just hilarious – it was also hilariously aware of itself, which only made it all the funnier.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) – 7.2
It’s not often that a sequel can proudly stand with its predecessor, but Lethal Weapon 2 is one of the rare exceptions. The movie was a massive success, grossing $227 million at the box office and earning solid reviews from critics. Much of the praise centered around the undeniable chemistry between Gibson and Glover, but everyone already knew they were good together. What made this sequel work was the inclusion and introduction of Joe Pesci, who played the incredibly annoying Leo Getz. Getz would prove popular and became a staple of the series.
Men In Black (1997) – 7.3
Men in Black is a highly unique buddy cop film, blending the traditional genre tropes with an alien invasion story. Will Smith’s J and Tommy Lee Jones’s K aren’t police officers, but members of a secret government organization that protects the country from invading aliens.
As original as the story is, all the trappings of a traditional buddy cop movie are here, including J’s bumbling around and general ignorance of the situation, K’s staunch, professional demeanor, and their constant bickering. Plus, it has Vincent D’Onofrio as a giant cockroach. What’s not to love?
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) – 7.3
The movie that shot Eddie Murphy to stardom, Beverly Hills Cop was released in December of 1984 and earned a very respectable $316 million at the box office – making it the highest-grossing movie of the year. Murphy plays Axel Foley, a Detroit cop who travels to Beverly Hills to investigate a murder. Along the way, he teams up with Sergeant John Taggart and Detective Billy Rosewood. The movie was universally acclaimed upon release, with most of the praise going to the Oscar-nominated writing and Murphy’s lead and star-making performance as Foley.
The Nice Guys (2016) – 7.4
Unlike Beverly Hills Cop, The Nice Guys didn’t make much of a wave when it was released in 2016. It made just $62 million on a $50 million budget, although it earned exceptional reviews from critics for its performances and glorious period setting. The movie stars Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling and takes place in 1977 Los Angeles, three ingredients that undoubtedly make for a stellar movie. And The Nice Guys is indeed stellar, not to mention one of Shane Black’s best, smartest, and funniest films. And that’s saying something.
Midnight Run (1988) – 7.5
Midnight Run is an undeniable buddy cop classic, mainly owing to the outstanding chemistry between leads Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. Released in July of 1988, Midnight Run greatly impressed critics owing mainly to the chemistry and performances of the two leading actors.
De Niro plays Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter who is sent to find Grodin’s Jonathan Mardukas, an accountant who has embezzled millions from the Chicago mob. Very few buddy cop comedies can do what Midnight Run did.
Lethal Weapon (1987) – 7.6
Lethal Weapon may very well be the most popular buddy cop comedy ever released. Many of its tropes have been carried over to future films, including the old, grizzled family man cop paired with a younger, crazier one who isn’t afraid of resorting to violence. A large number of its quotes have also ingrained themselves within the wider cultural consciousness, perhaps most famously Danny Glover’s dejected declarations that he’s “too old for this s***.” Despite making “just” $120 million in 1987, Lethal Weapon has become an undeniable classic of the genre.
Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995) – 7.6
Die Hard with a Vengeance wasn’t supposed to be a Die Hard film, and that is very obvious from the way the movie is structured. This completely upended the traditional Die Hard formula, moving away from Christmas and enclosed areas to present an expansive story that runs throughout much of New York City. John McClane also isn’t alone – this time he has a partner, played wonderfully by Samuel L. Jackson. The formula was certainly risky, but it paid off in numerous exciting ways.
Hot Fuzz (2007) – 7.8
Hot Fuzz is a different kind of buddy cop comedy. Like 21 Jump Street, it’s a buddy cop comedy that is very aware of its own identity. Directed by Edgar Wright and co-written by Wright and Simon Pegg, Hot Fuzz hilariously throws up extravagant, bombastic, and boisterous cop movies like Bad Boys. It’s not necessarily a parody, but it does play with all the usual cop movie tropes in many hilarious and ingenious ways, all while telling a legitimately interesting and touching story. According to IMDb, it doesn’t get much better than Hot Fuzz.
