Latest additions: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Most divisive: Red Heat
Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Very Best Buddy Cop Movies
List of the best buddy cop movies. On this page, you will find the rankings of the greatest buddy movies about cops that have ever graced the silver screen. What are two of the best genres for a film? Boom! Cop movies and buddy movies. That is why some of the funniest or most dramatic movies in the history of cinema are buddy cop films.
On the comedy side, people have 21 Jump Street as well as 22 Jump Street, with the unlikely pair of Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as police officers. Just like that film, many of these movies ranked here feature undercover detectives because they can make for hilarious or brutally intense storylines. Just ask the Wayans Brothers, also known as the White Chicks. But are you looking to watch an intense movie about friendship and crime-fighting? Then stay away from Rush Hour and turn on Die Hard or Training Day for some great buddy cop drama.
1In Lethal Weapon, we're thrust into the high-stakes world of two Los Angeles police detectives. Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a volatile maverick reeling from his wife's death, pairs up with seasoned detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). As they navigate the city's gritty underbelly, their contrasting styles and personalities create an undeniable dynamic. The movie, a blend of action and crime genres, is punctuated by thrilling car chases, explosive confrontations, and compelling character development. Directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon has become a quintessential buddy cop film. Despite its intense action sequences, it remains grounded in the reality of its characters' lives.- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Richard Donner
Dig Deeper Surprising Facts Most People Don't Know About 'Lethal Weapon'
Also ranks #1 on The Most Legitimately Heartwarming Friendships In Action Movies- Also ranks #2 on The Best Movies Ever to Come Out in March
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2South African smugglers find themselves being hounded and harassed by Riggs and Murtaugh, two mismatched Los Angeles police officers. However, the South Africans are protected by diplomatic immunity, and so the two are assigned to witness-protection duty in an attempt by their captain to keep his job. It is only when this witness reveals to them that he has already dealt with the smugglers that the trouble really starts.- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Richard Donner
3When a Chinese diplomat's daughter is kidnapped in Los Angeles, he calls in Hong Kong Detective Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) to assist the FBI with the case. But the FBI doesn't want anything to do with Lee, and they dump him off on the LAPD, who assign wisecracking Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker) to watch over him. Although Lee and Carter can't stand each other, they choose to work together to solve the case on their own when they figure out they've been ditched by both the FBI and police.- Released: 1998
- Directed by: Brett Ratner
- Also ranks #24 on The Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- Also ranks #1 on The 50+ Best Police Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Black Comedy Movies Of The '90s
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4In the action-comedy film Beverly Hills Cop, street-smart Detroit cop Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) lands in the swanky streets of Beverly Hills. His mission? To solve his best friend's murder. Not your average law enforcer, Foley's unorthodox methods and brash approach ruffle feathers within the local police department, notably with by-the-book detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold). As Foley navigates this foreign territory, he uncovers a network of criminality that runs deeper than expected. Winning a People's Choice Award for Favorite Motion Picture, Beverly Hills Cop combines suspense with humor in a unique blend that keeps viewers on their toes.- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Martin Brest
- Also ranks #1 on Things You Didn't Know About The Making Of '80s Action Movies
- Also ranks #2 on Movies Where The Collateral Damage Way Outweighs The Cost Of Saving The Day
- Also ranks #3 on The 50+ Best Police Comedy Movies
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5Renegade cop Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) pulls bank robber Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) from a federal prison on a 48-hour leave to help him capture Hammond's old partner, Albert Ganz (James Remar). Having escaped from a prison work crew, Ganz is on a killing spree around San Francisco, on the trail of half a million dollars that went missing after one of his robberies. The cocky Reggie knows where the money is, but spars with the hotheaded Jack as he enjoys his temporary freedom.- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Walter Hill
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Movies Of 1982
- Also ranks #6 on 13 Movies That Launched Their Own Genre
- Also ranks #6 on The Best Cop Movies Of The 1980s
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- 6In the sci-fi comedy flick, Men in Black, we meet Jay (Will Smith), a New York City cop, and Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), a seasoned agent from a covert organization. This clandestine outfit, known as Men in Black, silently guards Earth from extraterrestrial threats. Jay is recruited into this secretive world after an alien encounter. The duo's mission? Safeguard our planet from an intergalactic terrorist (Vincent D'Onofrio). With clever gadgets and sharp wit, they tackle cosmic challenges. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, this film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup. A blend of humor and action that keeps viewers enthralled without revealing too much of the universe's mysteries.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Dig Deeper 15 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Men in Black'
- Also ranks #17 on The Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- Also ranks #1 on The 100+ Best Movies Of 1997
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7Miami-Dade detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) blow a fuse when $100 million worth of heroin they recently confiscated is heisted from station headquarters. Suspecting it was an inside job, Internal Affairs gives them five days to track down the drugs before they shut down the narcotics division. Action meets farce when Marcus is compelled to masquerade as his partner in order to gain the trust of a call girl (Tea Leoni), a key witness in their investigation.- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Michael Bay
- Also ranks #5 on The Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
- Also ranks #8 on 12 Actors That Totally Stole Movies From Their Co-Stars
- Also ranks #11 on Things You Didn't Know About The Making Of '90s Action Movies
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8In Point Break, adrenaline-charged action meets the thrilling world of crime. Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), a young FBI agent, infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes led by the charismatic Bodhi (Patrick Swayze). The athletes are suspected of carrying out unprecedented corporate heists under the veil of extreme sports. As Utah ventures deeper into Bodhi's lifestyle, his own loyalties are tested. This electrifying blend of action and crime, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, keeps viewers on the edge with its stunning stunts and high-stakes drama.- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
- Dig Deeper Things About Point Break That Are Too Weird Not To Address
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies About Stealing Money, Ranked
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Beach Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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9As a former London constable, Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) finds if difficult to adapt to his new assignment in the sleepy British village of Sandford. Not only does he miss the excitement of the big city, but he also has a well-meaning oaf (Nick Frost) for a partner. However, when a series of grisly accidents rocks Sandford, Nick smells something rotten in the idyllic village.- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Edgar Wright
- Dig Deeper 20 Small But Hilarious Details In 'Hot Fuzz'
- Also ranks #1 on 15 Silly Comedies That Are Shockingly Violent
- Also ranks #2 on 16 Parodies That Are Just As Good As (Or Even Better Than) The Real Thing
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10Police officers Ray Tango (Sylvester Stallone) and Gabe Cash (Kurt Russell) are narcotics experts working to bring down drug lord Yves Perret (Jack Palance). In an attempt to stymie their efforts, Perret sets up Tango and Cash, making it look as if they've killed an FBI agent. Arrested and put in prison, the two cops formulate an escape plan and, once out, team up with Tango's exotic dancer sister, Katherine (Teri Hatcher), in order to clear their records and take down Perret once and for all.- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Andrey Konchalovskiy
- Also ranks #5 on 21 Forgotten '80s Movies That Still Totally Rock
- Also ranks #6 on Cheesy Action Movies That Still Pack A Serious Punch
- Also ranks #8 on The Best Cop Movies Of The 1980s
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11When cops Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) join the secret Jump Street unit, they use their youthful appearances to go under cover as high-school students. They trade in their guns and badges for backpacks, and set out to shut down a dangerous drug ring. But, as time goes on, Schmidt and Jenko discover that high school is nothing like it was just a few years earlier -- and, what's more, they must again confront the teenage terror and anxiety they thought they had left behind.- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
- Also ranks #4 on The Best Movies About Millennials (So Far)
- Also ranks #4 on 16 Reboots And Revivals That Seemed Like A Bad Idea - But Turned Out Great
- Also ranks #5 on Pretty Good Movies Based On TV Series
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12After an explosion at the US Embassy in Hong Kong kills two customs agents investigating currency smuggling, Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) and James Carter (Chris Tucker) search for the mastermind. Ricky Tan (John Lone), head of the Fu-Cang-Long Triad, sends out his minions to insure that Carter and Lee don't solve the case.- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Brett Ratner
- Also ranks #1 on The Best PG-13 Action-Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #2 on The 50+ Best Police Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #3 on The Best Black Comedy Movies Of The 2000s
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- 13In the vibrant, gritty heart of 1970s Los Angeles, The Nice Guys unfolds, a rollicking neo-noir comedy-thriller directed by Shane Black. The film's unlikely duo, rugged enforcer Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) and struggling private eye Holland March (Ryan Gosling), are forced to collaborate in order to solve the case of a missing girl and the seemingly unrelated death of a porn star. This labyrinthine plot thickens into a world of conspiracy and corruption. It's an engaging blend of humor, action, and mystery, punctuated by the chemistry between its leads and their navigation through a captivatingly chaotic era.
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Shane Black
- Also ranks #1 on The Most Underrated Comedies Of The 2010s
- Also ranks #1 on 14 Underrated Ryan Gosling Movies That Deserve More Credit
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Action Mystery Movies
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- 14Police drama about a veteran officer who escorts a rookie on his first day with the LAPD's tough inner-city narcotics unit. "Training Day" is a blistering action drama that asks the audience to decide what is necessary, what is heroic and what crosses the line in the harrowing gray zone of fighting urban crime. Does law-abiding law enforcement come at the expense of justice and public safety? If so, do we demand safe streets at any cost?
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
- Dig Deeper The Best 'Training Day' Quotes That Have Us Yelling 'Boom!'
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies About Corrupt Cops
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- 15When retiring police Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) tackles a final case with the aid of newly transferred David Mills (Brad Pitt), they discover a number of elaborate and grizzly murders. They soon realize they are dealing with a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) who is targeting people he thinks represent one of the seven deadly sins. Somerset also befriends Mills' wife, Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow), who is pregnant and afraid to raise her child in the crime-riddled city.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: David Fincher
- Dig Deeper Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Se7en'
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies Of 1995
- Also ranks #1 on 14 Details That Foreshadow Huge Movie Deaths
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16Unlike their heroic counterparts on the force, desk-bound NYPD detectives Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) garner no headlines as they work day to day. Gamble relishes his job as a paper pusher, but Hoitz is itching to get back on the street and make a name for himself. When a seemingly minor case turns out to be a big deal, the two cops get the opportunity to finally prove to their comrades that they have the right stuff.- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Adam McKay
- Also ranks #6 on The 50+ Best Police Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #6 on Stupid Comedies That Actually Deal With Really Serious Issues
- Also ranks #9 on The Best Michael Keaton Movies, Ranked
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- 17Down-on-his-luck private eye Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) gets hired by cartoon producer R.K. Maroon (Alan Tilvern) to investigate an adultery scandal involving Jessica Rabbit (Kathleen Turner), the sultry wife of Maroon's biggest star, Roger Rabbit (Charles Fleischer). But when Marvin Acme (Stubby Kaye), Jessica's alleged paramour and the owner of Toontown, is found murdered, the villainous Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd) vows to catch and destroy Roger.
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
- Dig Deeper Adult Jokes From 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' That You Missed As A Kid
- Also ranks #1 on '80s Movie Fan Theories
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Movies About Movies
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18In the 1989 comedy-drama, 'Turner & Hooch', Scott Turner (Tom Hanks), a meticulous detective, finds his orderly life turned upside down when he inherits Hooch, a slobbering French Mastiff. The large and unruly dog was the only witness to the murder of his owner, Amos Reed (John McIntire). As Turner investigates the crime, he learns to adapt to the chaos Hooch brings into his life. The film is a delightful mix of mystery and humor as man and dog form an unlikely partnership to solve the case.- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode
- Also ranks #2 on Every Tom Hanks Movie Of The '80s, Ranked By Rewatchability
- Also ranks #6 on The Best Dog Movies That Make You Cry
- Also ranks #8 on The Best Dog Movies to Stream on Amazon Prime Right Now
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19When a string of brutal murders terrorizes London, it doesn't take long for legendary detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his crime-solving partner, Dr. Watson (Jude Law), to find the killer, Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). A devotee of the dark arts, Blackwood has a bigger scheme in mind, and his execution plays right into his plans. The game is afoot when Blackwood seems to rise from the grave, plunging Holmes and Watson into the world of the occult and strange technologies.- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Guy Ritchie
- Also ranks #1 on 16 Times A Supernatural Plot Winds Up Having A Rational Explanation
- Also ranks #3 on The Best "Netflix and Chill" Movies Available Now
- Also ranks #3 on 16 Retro Action Movies That Make History Fun As Hell
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- 20Welcome to Shanghai Noon, a unique blend of action, adventure, and comedy. The tale revolves around Chon Wang (Jackie Chan), an Imperial Guard from the Forbidden City who finds himself in the Wild West. His mission? Rescue Princess Pei Pei (Lucy Liu) from captivity. Enter Roy O'Bannon (Owen Wilson), a small-time outlaw with big dreams and an improbable ally to our hero. Together, they navigate a world of cowboys and bandits, testing their mettle in gunfights and barroom brawls. Their camaraderie is woven with humor, adding a light touch to the thrilling journey. This East-meets-West saga offers a fresh spin on classic Western tropes while paying homage to martial arts cinema.
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Tom Dey
- Also ranks #4 on The Best Martial Arts Movies Streaming on Hulu
- Also ranks #4 on The Best Sports Movies Streaming on Hulu
- Also ranks #4 on The 35+ Best PG-13 Martial Arts Movies
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21Ray and Danny (Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal) are two Chicago police detectives hot on the trail of drug kingpin Julio Gonzales (Jimmy Smits). They manage to nab the drug lord, but the bust is messy, and the two are suspended. While vacationing in Key West, Fla., they decide to retire from the police force and open up a bar. But when they return to Chicago and find out that Gonzales has been released on bail, they vow not to quit the force until the dangerous dealer is behind bars for good.- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Peter Hyams
- Also ranks #23 on The Best Cop Movies Of The 1980s
- Also ranks #25 on The 50+ Best Police Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #27 on The Best Movies of 1986
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22Ocean's Eleven, a stylish heist film, revolves around the suave mastermind Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his handpicked crew of specialists. The team, including the likes of Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) and Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), embarks on an audacious mission. They aim to simultaneously rob three Las Vegas casinos - Bellagio, Mirage and MGM Grand - all owned by ruthless tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Director Steven Soderbergh expertly weaves this intricate plot with wit and slick dialogue, earning the film five nominations at the 2002 BAFTA Awards. With its blend of crime, comedy, and suspense, Ocean's Eleven is a cinematic rollercoaster ride in the world of high-stakes thievery.- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Movies About White Collar Crimes, Ranked
- Also ranks #1 on The Greatest Heist Caper Movies, Ranked
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Con Artist Movies Of All Time
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23Police detectives Chris Lecce (Richard Dreyfuss) and Bill Reimers (Emilio Estevez) are on the hunt for escaped prisoner "Stick" Montgomery (Aidan Quinn). When the trail dries up, the pair are put on around-the-clock surveillance of the fugitive's former girlfriend, Maria (Madeleine Stowe). What starts as a boring assignment monitoring the woman with binoculars quickly turns into something more exciting when romance -- and Maria's gun-toting ex -- arrive on the scene.- Released: 1987
- Directed by: John Badham
- Also ranks #22 on The Best Cop Movies Of The 1980s
- Also ranks #28 on The 50+ Best Police Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #36 on The Best Touchstone Pictures Movies List
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24A Moscow detective (Arnold Schwarzenegger) shows his local police escort (James Belushi) how to hunt a Soviet drug smuggler in Chicago.- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Walter Hill
- Also ranks #2 on 19 Forgotten Comedies Of ’80s Movie Stars
- Also ranks #5 on 13 Underrated Second-Tier Movies From '80s Action Heroes
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Jim Belushi Movies, Ranked
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25Although they made their way through high school successfully, an investigation at a local college brings big changes for undercover officers Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill). When Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art-major scene, both men begin to question their partnership. Not only do they have to crack the case, but now the two overgrown adolescents must learn how to behave like adults.- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Movies About Fraternities
- Also ranks #7 on 16 R-Rated Comedies That Were More Successful Than We Realized
- Also ranks #9 on 12 Comedy Sequels That Might Actually Be Better Than The Originals
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26Starsky & Hutch is a tongue-in-cheek action comedy, reviving the 1970s cop drama series. The movie orbits around two unconventional detectives, David Starsky (Ben Stiller) and Ken Hutchinson (Owen Wilson), who are polar opposites in their approach to law enforcement but form an unlikely alliance. Their mission: to thwart a major drug ring led by the suave Reese Feldman (Vince Vaughn). The film is directed by Todd Phillips, known for his adeptness at comic storytelling. It's a rollercoaster of suspense, humor, and car chases that pays homage to its TV roots while carving its own cinematic identity.- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Todd Phillips
- Also ranks #8 on The Funniest Frat Pack Movies, Ranked
- Also ranks #9 on Pretty Good Movies Based On TV Series
- Also ranks #13 on 21 Movies Based On Live-Action TV Shows Ranked By Their Accuracy
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27East meets West again when the assassination of Ambassador Han leads to the reunion of Lee (Jackie Chan) and Carter (Chris Tucker). In Paris, the pair must stay one step ahead of Chinese gangsters, and Lee's childhood friend (Hiroyuki Sanada), as they track down an envelope containing the identity of a powerful crime lord.- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Brett Ratner
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Chris Tucker Movies
- Also ranks #15 on The Best PG-13 Action-Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #15 on The 35+ Best PG-13 Martial Arts Movies
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28Boozy and world-weary, NYPD Detective Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis) draws a routine assignment to transport trial witness Eddie Bunker (Mos Def) to the courthouse by 10 a.m. The task quickly becomes a deadly game of cat-and-mouse when some of Jack's fellow officers arrive to kill Eddie so that he cannot testify against them. Jack sees a way to redeem his wasted life by protecting the affable Eddie from the would-be assassins.- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Richard Donner
- Also ranks #10 on The Best Movies That Take Place in Real Time
- Also ranks #11 on Every Movie About Witness Protection, Ranked
- Also ranks #12 on The Best Movies About Corrupt Cops
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29Longtime LAPD partners and friends, Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Peña) patrol one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Though they may bend the rules, their honor and dedication to the job are unquestioned. Taylor and Zavala always have each other's back, even if Taylor's surreptitious filming of their daily activities for a college course is a bit ill-advised. All hell breaks loose for the officers when they run afoul of a vicious Mexican cartel.- Released: 2012
- Directed by: David Ayer
- Also ranks #1 on The 80+ Best Movies About Police, Ranked
- Also ranks #1 on The 25 Best Movies Like 'Ambulance', Ranked By Fans
- Also ranks #4 on 15 Jake Gyllenhaal Action And War Movies, Ranked By How Much They Get Your Heart Pounding
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- 30No-nonsense Los Angeles detective Sgt. Joe Friday (Dan Aykroyd) is partnered with the wisecracking Pep Streebeck (Tom Hanks), a hip upstart cop, and the mismatched duo is ordered to investigate a strange series of ritual killings. Though Friday and Pep do their share of quarreling, they eventually trace the clues to an ominous cult, and the officers interrupt a violent ceremony. Friday then begins a romance with near-victim Connie Swail (Alexandra Paul), but it could hinder his police work.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Tom Mankiewicz
- Also ranks #7 on Every Tom Hanks Movie Of The '80s, Ranked By Rewatchability
- Also ranks #8 on 21 Movies Based On Live-Action TV Shows Ranked By Their Accuracy
- Also ranks #8 on The 70+ Best Movies With Dan Aykroyd
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31Vietnam veteran and drifter John J. Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) wanders into a small Washington town in search of an old friend, but is met with intolerance and brutality by the local sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy). When Teasle and his deputies restrain and shave Rambo, he flashes back to his time as a prisoner of war and unleashes his fury on the officers. He narrowly escapes the manhunt, but it will take his former commander (Richard Crenna) to save the hunters from the hunted.- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Ted Kotcheff
- Also ranks #1 on War Movies That Are Actually About The Aftermath
- Also ranks #3 on Movies Where Major Characters Didn't Survive The Original Endings
- Also ranks #4 on The Best Movies Of 1982
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- 32A quick-tempered cop who's recovering from eye surgery recruits a mild-mannered Uber driver to help him catch the heroin dealer who murdered his partner. The mismatched pair soon find themselves in for a wild day of stakeouts and shootouts as they pursue violent criminals through the seedy streets of Los Angeles.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Michael Dowse
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33Charlie (Woody Harrelson) is a New York City transit cop with a mountain of gambling debts, and John (Wesley Snipes) is his responsible, and frequently exasperated, foster brother. They compete amicably for the affections of fellow officer Grace (Jennifer Lopez), but things become more serious when Charlie decides to rob the "money train" that carries the Transit Authority's daily proceeds. John must decide whether to prevent Charlie's crime or to join in on the heist.- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Joseph Ruben
- Also ranks #4 on The Best Black Heist Movies
- Also ranks #9 on Spiritual Sequels That Bring The Same Team Together With Completely Different Characters
- Also ranks #11 on 14 Times Actors Reunited On Screen But Couldn't Recapture The Magic
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- 34In the action-comedy film The Heat, uptight FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) is paired with testy Boston cop Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) to take down a ruthless drug lord. The duo's clashing personalities make for an unconventional partnership, but their shared determination to bring justice is undeniable. This unexpected team navigates through dangerous crime scenes and hilarious situations, all while dealing with their own personal issues. Directed by Paul Feig, this movie offers a unique blend of high-stakes action and comedic relief, brilliantly brought to life by its leading ladies.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Paul Feig
- Also ranks #1 on 20 Movie Posters That Ridiculously Photoshop Actresses
- Also ranks #2 on The 11 Best Police Movies On Hulu
- Also ranks #8 on The 100+ Best Female Comedy Movies
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35The wife and son of a Mexican drug lord embark on a vengeful quest to kill all those involved in his trial and imprisonment -- including Miami Detective Mike Lowrey. When Mike gets wounded, he teams up with partner Marcus Burnett and AMMO -- a special tactical squad -- to bring the culprits to justice. But the old-school, wisecracking cops must soon learn to get along with their new elite counterparts if they are to take down the vicious cartel that threatens their lives.- Released: 2020
- Directed by: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
- Also ranks #3 on The 11 Best Police Movies On Hulu
- Also ranks #4 on All 4 Bad Boys Movies, Ranked
: The Best of Miami's Wildest Cop Duo
- Also ranks #7 on The 14 Best Action Movies Set In Miami That Bring The Heat
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36In the thrilling adventure, Last Action Hero, young movie buff Danny Madigan (Austin O'Brien) finds himself transported into his favorite action film. This cinematic world is inhabited by fearless detective Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who battles villains with unparalleled bravado. His journey takes an unexpected turn when the line between reel and reality blurs, and both he and Slater must confront real-life danger. Directed by John McTiernan, this metafictional action-comedy cleverly satirizes genre conventions while delivering explosive thrills. Despite its box office underperformance, it remains a unique entry in Schwarzenegger's filmography.- Released: 1993
- Directed by: John McTiernan
- Dig Deeper 'Last Action Hero' Is A Bizarre Fever Dream That's Way Smarter Than You Remember
- Also ranks #2 on 15 Movies Where Actors Poked Fun At Their On-Screen Persona
- Also ranks #3 on 15 Times '90s Stars Took Big Swings In Movies Too Weird To Be Appreciated In Their Time
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- 37For the past year, DEA agent Bobby Trench (Denzel Washington) and U.S. Navy intelligence officer Marcus Stigman (Mark Wahlberg) have been working under cover as members of a narcotics syndicate. The twist: Neither man knows that the other is an undercover agent. When their attempt to infiltrate a Mexican drug cartel and recover millions goes haywire, the men are disavowed by their superiors. Trench and Stigman must go on the run lest they wind up in jail or in a grave.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Baltasar Kormákur
- Also ranks #7 on The Best Black Heist Movies
- Also ranks #9 on Underrated Action Movies Based On Graphic Novels
- Also ranks #10 on The Best Movies You Didnt Know Were Based on Comics
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38In Los Angeles circa 1991, humans live alongside extraterrestrial humanoid beings whose spaceship crash landed three years earlier. This coexistence is not always harmonious, as exemplified by segregated slums and the uneasy partnership of police detective Matthew Sykes (James Caan) with new humanoid partner Sam Francisco (Mandy Patinkin). However, the pair begin to overcome their differences as they investigate a slum drug ring led by the slippery William Harcourt (Terence Stamp).- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Graham Baker
- Also ranks #15 on The Best Alien Movies Of The '80s
- Also ranks #26 on The 70+ Best Alien Invasion Movies
- Also ranks #43 on The Best Cop Movies Of The 1980s
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- 39Brixton Lorr is a cybernetically enhanced soldier who possesses superhuman strength, a brilliant mind and a lethal pathogen that could wipe out half of the world's population. It's now up to hulking lawman Luke Hobbs and lawless operative Deckard Shaw to put aside their past differences and work together to prevent the seemingly indestructible Lorr from destroying humanity.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: David Leitch
- Also ranks #5 on Movies Starring Kevin Hart And Dwayne Johnson That Totally Rock
- Also ranks #6 on 17 Charismatic Action-Thrillers Like 'The Gray Man'
- Also ranks #9 on Every 'Fast and Furious' Movie, Ranked By Fans Who Care About Family
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40A ruthless crook, Walker (Lee Marvin), is betrayed by his partner, Mal Reese (John Vernon), who leaves him for dead on Alcatraz Island. Having survived, Walker returns years later to get revenge. He gets his first lead when a mysterious man (Keenan Wynn) tells him that Reese is now part of a vast criminal organization and dating Walker's wife's sister, Chris (Angie Dickinson). But after contacting Chris, Walker discovers that in truth she loathes Reese and is willing to help him get justice.- Released: 1967
- Directed by: John Boorman
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41A police officer who has been wrongly dismissed from his job, Frank Dooley (John Candy) finds work as a security guard, along with Norman Kane (Eugene Levy), an inept lawyer. Unfortunately, the company that employs Frank and Norman is involved in some shady dealings, and it's up to the bumbling guards to foil the plans of the corrupt leaders, most notably tough mobster Michael Carlino (Robert Loggia), who isn't happy to have his profitable scheme threatened.- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Mark L. Lester
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42Mourning his partner who recently died in the line of duty, Drug Enforcement Administration agent John Hatcher (Steven Seagal) confesses to his old pal Max (Keith David), a high school football coach, that he has decided to retire. Then Chicago drug lord Screwface (Basil Wallace) puts out a hit on Hatcher's family. Now, thirsty for vengeance, this grizzled man of action fearlessly returns to the fray, and, when the skittish Screwface flees to Jamaica, Hatcher and Max are in hot pursuit.- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Dwight H. Little
- Also ranks #11 on The Best Action Movies of 1990
- Also ranks #35 on The Best Martial Arts Movies Of The '90s
- Also ranks #53 on The Best Movies About Twins, Ranked
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43A case involving drug lords and murder in South Florida takes a personal turn for undercover detectives Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx). Unorthodox Crockett gets involved romantically with the Chinese-Cuban wife of a trafficker of arms and drugs, while Tubbs deals with an assault on those he loves.- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Michael Mann
- Also ranks #8 on 17 Gritty Reboots Of Popular Franchises That No One Asked For (Or Wanted)
- Also ranks #11 on Everything Leaving Netflix At The End Of August
- Also ranks #14 on The Most Underrated Action Movies Of The 2000s
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44An American with a Japanese upbringing, Chris Kenner (Dolph Lundgren) is a police officer assigned to the Little Tokyo section of Los Angeles. Kenner is partnered with Johnny Murata (Brandon Lee), a Japanese-American who isn't in touch with his roots. Despite their differences, both men excel at martial arts, and utilize their formidable skills when they go up against Yoshida (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), a vicious yakuza drug dealer with ties to Kenner's past.- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Mark L. Lester
- Also ranks #6 on The Best Martial Arts Movies Of The '90s
- Also ranks #27 on The Best 90's Cop Movies Ranked
- Also ranks #63 on The Best Movies Of 1991, Ranked
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45Earl Montgomery (Martin Lawrence), a bombastic police academy reject, and Hank Rafferty (Steve Zahn), a disgraced, mild-mannered cop, can't seem to escape each other. They met on opposite sides of the law during a routine traffic stop that escalated out of control; now as lowly security guards they're thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Dennis Dugan
- Also ranks #13 on The 50+ Best Police Comedy Movies
- Also ranks #26 on The Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
- Also ranks #35 on The 70+ Best Comedy Crime Movies, Ranked
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- 46Two FBI agent brothers, Marcus (Marlon Wayans) and Kevin Copeland (Shawn Wayans), accidentally foil a drug bust. As punishment, they are forced to escort a pair of socialites (Anne Dudek, Rochelle Aytes) to the Hamptons, where they're going to be used as bait for a kidnapper. But when the girls realize the FBI's plan, they refuse to go. Left without options, Marcus and Kevin decide to pose as the sisters, transforming themselves from African-American men into a pair of blonde, white women.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Keenen Ivory Wayans
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Black Comedy Movies Of The 2000s
- Also ranks #19 on The Funniest Movies About People Who Are Pretending to Be Someone Else
- Also ranks #21 on The Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
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47A former government operative renowned for his stealth, Jack Cole (Steven Seagal) is now a Los Angeles police detective. When a series of horrible murders occurs in the metro area, Cole is assigned to the case, along with tough-talking fellow cop Jim Campbell (Keenen Ivory Wayans). Although the two men clash, they gradually become effective partners as they uncover a conspiracy linked to the killings, which also involves terrorism and organized crime.- Released: 1996
- Directed by: John Gray
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- 48Mafia flunky Joey Gazelle (Paul Walker) is ordered to dispose of the guns that killed a pair of policemen. He hides them in his basement, where they are found by Oleg (Cameron Bright), the kid from next door, who uses one to shoot his brutal stepfather, a Russian mobster. The boy runs off, and Joey pursues him into the criminal underworld, desperate to retrieve the incriminating weapon. Meanwhile, corrupt detective Rydell (Chazz Palminteri) is following Joey's trail with his own agenda.
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Wayne Kramer
- Also ranks #3 on 14 Great Movies With One WTF Subplot
- Also ranks #8 on 15 Underrated Hyper-Stylized Action Movies
- Also ranks #12 on The Most Underrated Action Movies Of The 2000s
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49French police officer Alain Moreau (Jean-Claude Van Damme) makes an astonishing discovery: Mikhail, a man who died recently in a breakneck car chase, is the twin brother he never knew. Alain then uncovers a web of family secrets that lead him to New York City, where his brother was involved with the Russian Mafia. Teaming up with Mikhail's lover, Alex Minetti (Natasha Henstridge), Alain must now assume his twin's identity and go undercover to avenge Mikhail's death.- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Ringo Lam
- Also ranks #20 on The Best Action Movies of 1996
- Also ranks #40 on The Best Martial Arts Movies Of The '90s
- Also ranks #52 on The 75 Best Romance Action Movies, Ranked
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- 50When their late police captain gets linked to drug cartels, wisecracking Miami cops Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett embark on a dangerous mission to clear his name.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
- Also ranks #2 on All 4 Bad Boys Movies, Ranked
: The Best of Miami's Wildest Cop Duo
- Also ranks #9 on The 14 Best Action Movies Set In Miami That Bring The Heat
- Also ranks #11 on Reboots, Reunions, And Revivals Nobody Asked For In 2024
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51Shoot to Kill is an adventure thriller movie released in 1988 starring Sidney Poitier, Tom Berenger, Clancy Brown, Andrew Robinson and Kirstie Alley. The film was directed by Roger Spottiswoode.- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode
- 52In Wild Wild West, Captain James West (Will Smith) partners with the eccentric inventor, Artemus Gordon (Kevin Kline), on a mission to save President Ulysses S. Grant (also Kline) from a nefarious plot. The unlikely duo navigates an alternate 1869 America, populated by steampunk contraptions and unusual villains, including Dr. Arliss Loveless (Kenneth Branagh), a mad scientist bent on disuniting the States. This action-comedy amalgamation of western and science fiction genres won a Razzie for Worst Picture but remains notable for its unique premise and inventive production design.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Also ranks #9 on 12 Epic '90s Soundtracks That Are Better Than The Actual Movie
- Also ranks #11 on 14 '90s Movies That Tried (But Failed) To Launch Franchises
- Also ranks #12 on 14 Silly Comedies With Special Effects That Had No Business Being So Good
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53A string of murders have taken place in Washington, D.C., but the officers assigned to the case, Mac (Gene Hackman) and Ellis (Dan Aykroyd), have to deal with their own conflicts first. The grizzled Mac is perpetually annoyed by the undeniably brilliant yet troubled Ellis, who, in times of stress, tends to blackout and adopt the personalities of pop culture icons. And the investigation sure gets stressful, as the cops trace the killings to German politician Von Metz (Robert Prosky), an ex-Nazi.- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Bob Clark
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- 54After his daughter's life is threatened, wisecracking Detective Axel Foley teams up with a new partner and some old pals to turn up the heat on a conspiracy.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Mark Molloy
- Dig Deeper The 10 Best Quotes From ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,’ Ranked By Fans
- Also ranks #3 on Every 'Beverly Hills Cop' Movie, Ranked By Pure Action Mayhem
- Also ranks #8 on '80s Movie Sequels Hollywood Has Been Obsessed With Making
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55A legal-aid lawyer (Peter Weller) and an undercover officer (Sam Elliott) check a drug dealer's story of police corruption.- Released: 1988
- Directed by: James Glickenhaus
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- 56Police partners descend into the criminal underworld after they are suspended for assaulting a suspect on video.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: S. Craig Zahler
- Also ranks #17 on The Best Thriller Movies of 2019
- Also ranks #29 on The Best Action Movies of 2019
- Also ranks #38 on The 50+ Best Bank Robbery Movies
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57Detectives Thomas Cowan (Robert De Niro) and David Fisk (Al Pacino), 30-year veterans of the NYPD, investigate the murder of a pimp. The crime resembles a case they solved many years earlier. As the body count rises, they realize they're dealing with a vigilante taking over when the police fail. The similarities between past and present crimes leads the detectives to wonder if they put the wrong man behind bars.- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Jon Avnet
- Also ranks #4 on 14 Times Actors Reunited On Screen But Couldn't Recapture The Magic
- Also ranks #5 on The 25 Best Movies And Shows Like Tulsa King, Ranked
- Also ranks #8 on The Best 50 Cent Movies, Ranked
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- 58In an alternate present day, humans, orcs, elves and fairies have been coexisting since the beginning of time. Two police officers, one a human, the other an orc, embark on a routine night patrol that will alter the future of their world as they know it. Battling both their own personal differences as well as an onslaught of enemies, they must work together to protect a young female elf and a thought-to-be-forgotten relic, which, in the wrong hands, could destroy everything.
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: David Ayer
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Fantasy Movies On Netflix
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Action Movies Streaming On Netflix
- Also ranks #7 on Movies That Would’ve Worked Better As TV Shows
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59Officer Alex Kearney (Anthony Edwards) patrols an upscale neighborhood in Philadelphia, where he pulls over a well-connected white collar executive who promises to get even with the policeman. Soon, Kearney learns that he is off the cushy suburban beat and must now work in the deadliest precinct in Philly, where he is partnered with tough veteran cop Dennis Curran (Forest Whitaker). Tensions are high between them, but Kearney soon proves he can play just as rough as the crooks.- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Richard Benjamin
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60Wife and mother Valerie Plame (Naomi Watts) has a double life as a CIA operative, hiding her vocation from family and friends. Her husband, Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn), writes a controversial article in The New York Times, refuting stories about the sale of enriched uranium to Iraq, Then Valerie's secret work and identity is leaked to the press. With her cover blown and other people endangered, Valerie's career and personal life begin to unravel.- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Doug Liman
- Dig Deeper Every '00s News Story That Became A Movie Or TV Show In The 2010s
- Also ranks #12 on 14 Underrated Spy Movies Based On Real Spies
- Also ranks #13 on Underrated Movies About Historical Scandals
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61A maverick policeman, Norris, fights with his canine partner while probing bombings linked to extremists.- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Aaron Norris
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62No-nonsense police detective Katie Coltrane (Whoopi Goldberg) lives in a futuristic world where dinosaurs coexist and communicate with humans, thanks to the wonders of science. However, Katie isn't too thrilled when she is teamed up with a goofy dinosaur partner named Theodore Rex (George Newbern). As they slowly learn to get along and appreciate each other, they investigate a series of murders that are connected to a much bigger and even more dangerous scientific development.- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Jonathan R. Betuel
- 63Four sadistic thieves (Kevin Gage, Sage Stallone) brutalize two teenagers looking for drugs in the woods.
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: David DeFalco
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