The buddy cop movies genre, where two unlikely partners team up to solve a crime, thrived in the 1980s and 1990s. These films often featured contrasting personalities, humor, some of the world’s biggest movie stars and thrilling action sequences. A couple of the movies even include Christmas.
Here are some of the best examples:
1980s
Lethal Weapon (1987) This groundbreaking film introduced us to Riggs and Murtaugh, a grizzled veteran and a hot-headed rookie who form an unlikely partnership to stop a drug cartel led by mercenaries with ties to the Vietnam War. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover’s chemistry is undeniable and would help spawn three sequels.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley, a Detroit cop, heads to Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of a close friend and clashes with the local “by-the-book” police department. The film’s blend of humor and action made it a huge success that continued as a franchise with three sequels to follow Foley, Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), Taggart (John Ashton) and Jeffrey (Paul Reiser).
Die Hard (1988) While not a traditional buddy cop film, Die Hard features a strong partnership between John McClane (Bruce Willis) and Sgt. Powell (Reginald VelJohnson). Their camaraderie and mutual respect are essential to McClane’s survival. Alan Rickman shines as Hans Gruber, the “exceptional thief” that is responsible for the hostage situation inside Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas in Los Angeles. The Die Hard franchise would add four sequels and countless imitators.
Hear T.J. Rives and me in our podcast review of this classic action/thriller, “Die Hard” by clicking play below,
48 Hrs. (1982) Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte (fresh off his critically acclaimed role in North Dallas Forty) star as wise-cracking convict Reggie Hammond and detective Jack Cates, who team up to catch a killer on the streets of San Francisco. Known for being Murphy’s film debut, the film finished No. 10 in the 1982 box office with a gross of $78.9 million. Its sequel, Another 48 Hrs., would follow in 1990 and gross $80.8 million.
Running Scared (1986) Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal star as two tough Chicago police detectives who are contemplating retirement after a vacation to Key West, but have unfinished business with a drug dealer (Jimmy Smits) who tried to kill them prior to their trip
Midnight Run (1988) Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin star as a bounty hunter and a nervous accountant who must cross the country together to avoid a mob hit. Directed by Martin Brest, who also delivered the original Beverly Hills Cop and 1992’s Scent of a Woman starring Oscar winner for Best Actor, Al Pacino.
Tango & Cash (1989) Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell play two rival police detectives who are framed for a crime and must join forces to clear their names. The film’s over-the-top action sequences and comedic elements make it a classic for fans of the genre.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) Riggs and Murtaugh return in this action-packed sequel, which takes them to South Africa to investigate a drug smuggling operation. The film introduces Joe Pesci to the Lethal Weapon universe for his iconic role as Leo Getz.
1990s
The Last Boy Scout (1991) Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans star as a washed-up private detective and former NFL quarterback who team up to investigate the murder of an exotic dancer (Halle Berry) with information on the owner of the Los Angeles Stallions football team. The film’s dark tone and gritty atmosphere from director Tony Scott and screenwriter Shane Black set it apart from other action genre movies.
Bad Boys (1995) Martin Lawrence and Will Smith star as two Miami detectives with contrasting personalities who are tasked with recovering a stolen stash of heroin. The film is filled with action, comedy, and memorable one-liners and would lead to three sequels that were all hits at the box office for a franchise that has pulled in over $1 billion.
Rush Hour (1998) Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker star as a Hong Kong police inspector and a Los Angeles detective who must work together to rescue the Chinese ambassador’s daughter. The film’s blend of action, comedy, and cultural differences make it a unique and entertaining watch followed by two sequels.
Conclusion
These films represent just a few of the many great buddy cop movies that were released during the 1980s and 1990s. Their enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre.
