Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) is the fourth installment in the Bad Boys franchise, directed by Adil & Bilall and starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Following the events of Bad Boys for Life (2020), the story sees Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett clearing their late Captain Howard’s name after he is falsely accused of corruption. The duo teams up with Captain Rita Secada, AMMO members, and Mike’s son Armando to expose a conspiracy within law enforcement led by ex-DEA officer James McGrath.
The film blends action and comedy as the team navigates explosive gunfights and dramatic escapes, culminating in a showdown at an abandoned amusement park. The cast features returning stars Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, and Jacob Scipio, with new additions including Eric Dane as the villain McGrath and Tasha Smith replacing Theresa Randle as Theresa Burnett.
Filming began in April 2023 in Atlanta and Miami and concluded in March 2024, with a brief halt during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The movie premiered in Dubai on May 22, 2024, and grossed $404.2 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. Critics gave mixed reviews, praising Smith and Lawrence’s chemistry but noting a lack of internal logic. Audiences responded positively, earning the film a CinemaScore of “A–.”
With discussions of a fifth installment contingent on box office success, Bad Boys: Ride or Die remains a thrilling addition to the franchise, showcasing the enduring appeal of its leading duo.
