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The Definitive Count: How Many Bad Boys Movies Are There, And Will Mike And Marcus Ride Again In Bad Boys 5?

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The "Bad Boys" franchise is officially a four-film saga, with a fifth installment already being discussed in Hollywood boardrooms. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the total number of released films starring the iconic duo Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) is four, with the latest, *Bad Boys: Ride or Die*, hitting theaters in 2024 and proving the buddy cop genre still has explosive box office power. The success of the recent sequels, especially after a long hiatus, has solidified the franchise’s status as a billion-dollar property and one of the most enduring action-comedy series in cinema history.

The journey of the Miami detectives began in 1995, establishing a formula of high-octane action, signature Michael Bay explosions, and the undeniable comedic chemistry between its two leading men. This article breaks down every film in the series, the key players who made it happen, and the freshest updates on the rumored *Bad Boys 5* that fans are clamoring for.

The Dynamic Duo: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Profile & Career Highlights

The heart of the *Bad Boys* franchise lies entirely in the electrifying, contrasting personalities of Detective Lieutenant Mike Lowrey and Detective Lieutenant Marcus Burnett, played by the legendary pairing of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Their careers are deeply intertwined with the success of this series, yet each star has an extensive, multifaceted filmography that defines modern Hollywood.

  • Will Smith (Mike Lowrey)
    • Born: Willard Carroll Smith II, September 25, 1968, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
    • Early Career: Began as a Grammy-winning rapper with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
    • TV Breakthrough: Starred as a fictionalized version of himself in the hit sitcom *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* (1990–1996).
    • Major Film Roles (Entities): *Independence Day* (1996), *Men in Black* (1997), *Ali* (2001), *The Pursuit of Happyness* (2006), *I Am Legend* (2007), and *King Richard* (2021).
    • Awards: Oscar winner for Best Actor (*King Richard*) and multiple Grammy Awards.
    • Role in Bad Boys: The smooth, wealthy, and reckless ladies' man.
  • Martin Lawrence (Marcus Burnett)
    • Born: Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence, April 16, 1965, Frankfurt, West Germany (military family).
    • Early Career: Stand-up comedian who gained recognition on *Star Search*.
    • TV Breakthrough: Hosted *Def Comedy Jam* (1992–1993) and starred in his own highly successful sitcom, *Martin* (1992–1997).
    • Major Film Roles (Entities): *House Party* (1990), *Boomerang* (1992), *Blue Streak* (1999), and the *Big Momma's House* trilogy (2000–2011).
    • Awards: Two-time winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
    • Role in Bad Boys: The family man, cautious, and prone to panic attacks, serving as the comedic foil.

The Complete List of Bad Boys Films (4 and Counting)

The action-comedy franchise, shepherded by veteran producer Jerry Bruckheimer, spans nearly three decades. It is a quintessential example of the "buddy cop" sub-genre, defining the Miami action movie aesthetic for a generation. Here is the definitive list of all four films, along with their key players and plot points.

1. Bad Boys (1995)

Release Date: April 7, 1995

Director: Michael Bay (Feature directorial debut)

Key Cast Entities: Téa Leoni (Julie Mott), Tchéky Karyo (Fouchet), Joe Pantoliano (Captain Howard).

Plot Snapshot: The film that started it all. Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett must protect a witness, Julie Mott, and recover $100 million worth of seized heroin that was stolen from a police vault. The central comedic premise involves the two detectives having to temporarily switch identities to maintain the witness's safety, forcing the wealthy Lowrey to pretend to be the family man Burnett, and vice versa. This film established the franchise's signature style: rapid cuts, 360-degree shots, and massive explosions.

2. Bad Boys II (2003)

Release Date: July 18, 2003

Director: Michael Bay

Key Cast Entities: Jordi Mollà (Johnny Tapia), Gabrielle Union (Syd Burnett), Peter Stormare (Alexei), Theresa Randle (Theresa Burnett).

Plot Snapshot: Eight years later, the sequel raised the stakes—and the budget. Mike and Marcus are investigating the flow of ecstasy into Miami, which leads them to a dangerous Cuban drug lord, Johnny Tapia. The plot thickens when they discover that Marcus’s sister, Syd Burnett (played by Gabrielle Union, Martin Lawrence's real-life sister-in-law), is an undercover DEA agent who gets caught in the crossfire. Known for its over-the-top, chaotic action sequences, including the infamous freeway chase involving a car carrier and a mortuary truck.

3. Bad Boys for Life (2020)

Release Date: January 17, 2020

Directors: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (Adil & Bilall)

Key Cast Entities: Vanessa Hudgens (Kelly), Alexander Ludwig (Dorn), Charles Melton (Rafe), Paola Núñez (Rita), Jacob Scipio (Armando Aretas).

Plot Snapshot: After a 17-year gap, the film was a massive critical and commercial success, proving the franchise still had life. Marcus is considering retirement, while Mike is facing a mid-life crisis. When a mysterious assassin begins targeting people from Mike’s past, the duo is forced to team up with AMMO, a new, younger, and more technologically savvy tactical unit led by Mike's former flame, Rita. The film introduced a major personal twist, revealing Mike’s secret son, Armando Aretas, who is the primary antagonist.

4. Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)

Release Date: June 7, 2024

Directors: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah

Key Cast Entities: Dennis Greene (Reggie), Eric Dane (James McGrath), Ioan Gruffudd (Adam Lockwood), Tasha Smith (Theresa Burnett, replacing Theresa Randle).

Plot Snapshot: The most recent installment sees Mike and Marcus on the run. When their beloved Captain Howard is posthumously framed for corruption and drug ties, the Bad Boys must go rogue to clear his name. They are forced to work outside the law, becoming wanted fugitives themselves, a dramatic reversal of their usual roles. The film balances intense action with Marcus’s hilarious journey through a near-death experience, leading to his newfound—and often misguided—fearlessness. The movie was a major box office hit, banking over $400 million globally, a huge win for the Will Smith-led action-comedy genre in a post-pandemic era.

The Future of the Franchise: What About Bad Boys 5?

The overwhelming success of *Bad Boys: Ride or Die* has quickly shifted the conversation from "will there be another movie?" to "when will *Bad Boys 5* be announced?"

The Current Status:

As of late 2025, *Bad Boys 5* is not officially confirmed or greenlit by Sony Pictures. However, all signs point to an inevitable fifth film. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have all expressed enthusiasm for continuing the series.

Why a Fifth Film is Likely:

  • Box Office Performance: The last two films, *Bad Boys for Life* and *Bad Boys: Ride or Die*, were global financial powerhouses, proving the franchise's enduring commercial appeal and ability to draw massive crowds.
  • Creative Momentum: Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have successfully modernized the franchise's tone, blending Michael Bay's signature visual style with stronger character development and emotional stakes.
  • The Chemistry: The on-screen chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remains the franchise's strongest asset, with critics and fans praising their mature, yet still hilarious, partnership.

If *Bad Boys 5* moves forward, it is expected that Adil and Bilall would return to direct, and the story will likely continue to explore the dynamic between the aging Mike and Marcus and the younger AMMO team members, Kelly, Dorn, and Rafe. Fans are also keen to see more of Reggie, Marcus's son-in-law, who has become a popular supporting entity.

Topical Authority: The Bad Boys Legacy and LSI Keywords

The *Bad Boys* franchise is more than just a series of action movies; it is a cultural touchstone that helped launch the careers of several major Hollywood figures and defined the 90s and early 2000s action cinema. The series is a masterclass in the "buddy cop" genre, relying on the perfect balance between action set pieces and comedic banter.

The films are synonymous with the Miami Police Department, the vibrant, sun-drenched, and often chaotic setting that provides the perfect backdrop for the high-speed chases and shootouts. Entities like Captain Howard (played by Joe Pantoliano), a recurring character, provided the necessary bureaucratic foil to the detectives' reckless antics.

The transition in directorial style, from the explosive maximalism of Michael Bay to the more character-focused, yet still action-packed, vision of Adil & Bilall (Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah), has allowed the franchise to remain relevant. The financial success, with the total Box Office revenue of the four films now exceeding $1 billion, ensures that Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett will likely be riding together for at least one more explosive mission.

how many bad boys movies are there
how many bad boys movies are there

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