All 4 Bad Boys Movies In Order: The Definitive Timeline Of Mike And Marcus's Explosive Saga

The "Bad Boys" film franchise has become one of cinema's most enduring and explosive buddy-cop sagas, spanning three decades of high-octane action and signature comedic banter between stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. As of today, December 10, 2025, the franchise has four main theatrical releases, with the most recent being the critically and commercially successful *Bad Boys: Ride or Die* in 2024. For both new fans and longtime enthusiasts looking to relive the journey of Miami PD's finest narcotics detectives, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, understanding the correct chronological order is essential to follow their evolving partnership and personal lives.

This definitive guide provides the complete timeline of the "Bad Boys" universe, including the main films and the related television spin-off, offering a perfect watch order alongside updated details on box office performance and critical reception for a truly deep dive into the adrenaline-fueled series.

The Complete Bad Boys Franchise in Release Order

The best way to watch the "Bad Boys" saga is in release order, as each installment builds directly on the events and character development of the previous one. This timeline includes the three main theatrical films and the recent 2024 blockbuster, plus the TV series that expands the universe.

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• Bad Boys (1995)
• Bad Boys II (2003)
• L.A.'s Finest (TV Series, 2019–2020)
• Bad Boys for Life (2020)
• Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)

1. Bad Boys (1995): The Origin of the Buddy-Cop Duo

The film that started it all, *Bad Boys* introduced the world to the contrasting styles of Detective Mike Lowrey (Will Smith), the wealthy, smooth-talking ladies' man, and Detective Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), the committed, family-oriented partner.

The plot centers on the duo having to protect a witness while investigating a massive heroin heist from the Miami Police Department's evidence room. The film is notable as the feature directorial debut of Michael Bay, who established the franchise's signature style of fast cuts, stylish cinematography, and massive explosions.

• Release Date: April 7, 1995
• Director: Michael Bay
• Box Office Performance: Grossed $141.4 million worldwide against a modest $19 million budget, cementing Smith and Lawrence as action stars.
• Critical Reception: Critics gave it a mixed 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences were far more enthusiastic, giving it a 78% Audience Score, proving the chemistry between the two leads was a hit.

2. Bad Boys II (2003): The Michael Bay Sequel Spectacle

Released eight years after the original, *Bad Boys II* significantly upped the ante in terms of budget, action sequences, and sheer explosive chaos. Michael Bay returned to direct, delivering a sequel that is arguably the most controversial in the franchise due to its over-the-top violence and lengthy runtime.

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The plot sees Mike and Marcus investigating the flow of ecstasy into Miami, which leads them to a dangerous Cuban drug lord. The film also delves deeper into Mike and Marcus's personal lives, particularly Mike's secret relationship with Marcus's sister, DEA Agent Syd Burnett (Gabrielle Union).

• Release Date: July 18, 2003
• Director: Michael Bay
• Box Office Performance: A commercial success, grossing over $273 million worldwide, solidifying the franchise's global appeal.
• Critical Reception: This is the lowest-rated film in the series by critics, earning a dismal 23% on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences remained loyal with a 78% Audience Score.

3. L.A.'s Finest (2019–2020): The Spin-Off TV Series

While not a movie, the television series *L.A.'s Finest* is an official part of the "Bad Boys" universe and is set between *Bad Boys II* and *Bad Boys for Life*. It is an essential watch for fans who want the complete timeline and character context.

The series stars Gabrielle Union, reprising her role as Syd Burnett, who has left the DEA and moved to Los Angeles to become an LAPD detective. She is partnered with Nancy McKenna (Jessica Alba), and the show features the same high-energy action and buddy-cop dynamic as the films. The events of the series directly precede the third film, explaining Syd's whereabouts and career trajectory.

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• Release Dates: May 13, 2019 – September 9, 2020 (Two Seasons)
• Stars: Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba
• Connection: Syd Burnett is Marcus Burnett’s sister and Mike Lowrey’s ex-girlfriend.

4. Bad Boys for Life (2020): The Critical and Commercial Comeback

After a 17-year hiatus, *Bad Boys for Life* brought Mike and Marcus back to the big screen. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, largely credited to the fresh direction of Belgian filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who took over from Michael Bay.

The plot sees Mike confronting his past when an assassin from his history begins targeting him. Marcus, contemplating retirement, is pulled back into action for one last ride. The film introduces the new elite police unit, AMMO (Advanced Miami Metro Operations), which includes younger detectives like Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens), Dorn (Alexander Ludwig), and Rafe (Charles Melton), symbolizing the generational shift in law enforcement.

• Release Date: January 17, 2020
• Directors: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
• Box Office Performance: The highest-grossing film in the franchise, earning over $426.5 million worldwide, making it one of the biggest box office hits of 2020.
• Critical Reception: The best-reviewed film in the series, with a 76% Critics Score and an 89% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving the new directors found the perfect balance of action and heart.

5. Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024): The Latest Explosive Chapter

The most recent installment, *Bad Boys: Ride or Die*, was released in June 2024 and proved that the chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is as strong as ever. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah returned to direct, continuing the narrative established in *Bad Boys for Life*.

In this film, Mike and Marcus must clear the name of their late Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) after he is posthumously framed for corruption. The duo is forced to go on the run, becoming fugitives themselves as they work outside the law to expose the truth. This dynamic puts Mike and Marcus in a new, high-stakes situation, forcing them to rely only on each other. The film also features the return of the AMMO team.

• Release Date: June 7, 2024
• Directors: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
• Box Office Performance: A major success, grossing over $404.6 million worldwide, signaling a strong comeback for the summer blockbuster season.
• Critical Reception: Continued the positive trend with a 65% Critics Score and an outstanding 97% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest audience approval in the franchise's history.

The Bad Boys Franchise Timeline: Key Entities and Topical Authority

To fully appreciate the depth of the "Bad Boys" universe, it's helpful to recognize the recurring themes, characters, and creative forces that tie the films together. The franchise is a masterclass in the buddy-cop action genre, blending intense, large-scale action with improvised comedy.

The Directors: From Bayhem to Bilall & Adil

The distinct visual style of the first two films is defined by Michael Bay's signature "Bayhem"—a style characterized by 360-degree camera shots, slow-motion sequences, and excessive pyrotechnics. The transition to Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah for the third and fourth films was seamless, as they retained the high-octane action while injecting a more character-driven, emotionally resonant narrative, a key factor in the later films' higher critical scores.

The Core Characters and Supporting Cast

The heart of the franchise remains the dynamic between Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. However, the supporting cast provides essential continuity:

• Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano): Their perpetually exasperated, yet deeply caring, superior officer who appears in all four films. His death and subsequent framing drive the plot of *Ride or Die*.
• Theresa Burnett (Teresa Randle): Marcus's wife, whose desire for Marcus to retire is a running theme throughout the series.
• Syd Burnett (Gabrielle Union): Marcus's sister and Mike's former love interest, whose story is explored further in the *L.A.'s Finest* TV series.
• AMMO Team: The younger, tech-savvy team in *Bad Boys for Life* and *Ride or Die*—Kelly, Dorn, and Rafe—represent the next generation of the Miami PD, often clashing with Mike and Marcus's old-school methods.

The Future of the Franchise

Given the massive financial and critical success of *Bad Boys: Ride or Die*, speculation about a fifth film, potentially titled *Bad Boys 5*, is high. The ending of the fourth installment leaves the door open for future installments, ensuring that the legacy of the Miami PD's most famous duo will likely continue, further expanding the franchise timeline.