10 Best Buddy Cop Movies of the 2000s

The buddy cop subgenre saw a rise in popularity during the ’80s with films like 48 hours. And Beverly Hills Copand continued to find success decades later with some of the best examples of the 2000s. Although later films of the subgenre earned more criticism for being too derivative of earlier works, there are still plenty of entertaining examples to be found throughout the decade. Rush hour And Bad boys‘ Sequel films continued the adventures of fan-favorite buddy cop duos, while Films like Live free or die hard And 15 minutes Introduced completely new on-screen pairing.

A fundamental component of a buddy cop film involves two people working together to solve a crime. These films also typically fall into two genres: action or comedy. Although not always the case, both characters usually work in police departments and begin with opposing beliefs that merge with one another by the end of the film. The best examples of the decades of buddy cop films star charismatic and entertaining leads and prove that the subgenre is far from going out of style.

10

15 minutes (2001)

Robert De Niro and Edward Burns take down fame-obsessed killers

Andy Warhol is often credited as the originator of the idea of ​​”15 minutes of fame,” derived from a quote he said. There are many interpretations of Warhol’s words, especially as the media has evolved over the years, however The general idea is that people can get fame easily, even if it is short-lived. 15 minutesA satirical buddy cop film starring Robert De Niro and Edward Burns, plays with the concept as the film’s leading homicide detective and fire marshal track down two killers known for recording their crimes in hopes of gaining attention.

15 minutes Is intended to comment on sensationalism in the media, but fails to make any points the audience do not know. Moreover, such commentary is often lost in 15 minutes‘ action sequences. Still, De Niro and Burns are paired well together and the film is worth watching for their on-screen dynamic.

9

Brooklyn’s Finest (2009)

Don Cheadle, Richard Gere and Ethan Hawke work together

Bend the rules that come with the buddy cop subgenre, Brooklyn’s finest Has three caps for audiences to follow. The 2009 film is not director Antoine Fuqua’s best work, but it is a memorable buddy cop film of the 2000s thanks largely to the performances of its cast. Starring Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke and Don Cheadle as three NYPD cops, Brooklyn’s finest See their three characters come together under various stressful situations at a crime scene.

As an action-packed crime thriller, Brooklyn’s finest Check all the boxes. There’s enough of Fuqua’s signature unflinching tension and moments of violence for fans of his work to enjoy. The problem with Brooklyn’s finest It comes down to his character. Although the performances in Brooklyn’s finest Are strong, the characterization of the struggling cops has been seen countless times before, lending to a bit of predictability, which, fortunately, does not overshadow too much of the excitement of the rest of the film.

8

Bad Boys II (2003)

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return in a gritty action comedy

Under the direction of Michael Bay, Bad Boys II delivers an all-out action film that sees the return of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s detective characters, Mike and Marcus. Similar to the first film, Mike and Marcus investigate drug activity that makes its way to Miami. Although Bad Boys II Wasn’t a hit with critics, the film did pretty well with audiences.

While Bad Boys II Tends to be overstuffed at times, especially with his action, it’s all very fun to watch. Smith and Lawrence’s chemistry is beloved by fans And their comedic banter is amplified when placed in a loud, explosive film like Bad Boys II. Withstand the negative critical remarks made to the film, the fanfare and commercial success of Bad Boys II Allowed for two more sequel films in 2020 and 2024.

7

Miami Vice (2006)

Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx take on famous roles from the 80s

Received mixed reviews upon its release in 2006, Miami Vice Has become a cult favorite of many as the years have passed. In Michael Mann’s film adaptation of the ’80s TV show of the same name, Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx are paired as two detectives working against a drug trafficking operation. Farrell and Foxx tackle the serious roles with ease and give great performances as the two iconic characters portrayed by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas in the television series.

However, there is a bit of excitement missing from the pairing of Farrell and Foxx, which can be largely attributed to Miami ViceIt’s serious tone. Farrell was critical Miami ViceAgree with many of the critics of the film, especially its focus on visual style over writing and a serious script that did not leave room for the beloved fun and humor seen in the 80s series. However, the strong visuals and atmosphere created in Miami Vice have made it one of the most memorable buddy cop action films of its decade.

6

16 Blocks (2006)

Bruce Willis & Mos Def dodge vengeful police officers

Straying from the death-evading heroic character Bruce Willis’ John McClane became in the Die hard films, the actor tries a more subtle protagonist in Richard Donner’s 16 blocks. Willis portrays Jack Mosley, a burned-out detective, and stars alongside Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, who plays a trial witness named Eddie Bunker. Together, Jack and Eddie avoid corrupt officers trying to kill them.

Donner, known for directing Superman And the Buddy Cup franchise Lethal weaponHas an adept ability to capture characters and action scenes in an exciting way. Both elements are on full display in 16 blocks. Unfortunately, a cliché and unoriginal script never allowed 16 blocks To gain proper recognition. Still, Willis and Bay’s chemistry works as a duo and carries the weight of much of the 16 blocks‘ Achievements As their characters grow to work together despite their opposing backgrounds.

5

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

The clashing duo of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker returns

As is the case with most sequels, Rush hour 2 Was not as much of a success as his predecessor. Rush hour Introducing the comedy duo of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker as two police detectives from Hong Kong and Los Angeles, respectively. The beloved actors clicked and there was a lot of anticipation surrounding the return of their on-screen partnership, apparently by rush hour 2′s box office numbers – the highest in the franchise.

Unfortunately, the result was not what fans had hoped for. Rush hour 2Which follows the detectives in Hong Kong when they are in charge of working on a murder case, failed to be as funny as the first film and saw a lack of intense action sequences often associated with Chan’s work. luckily, The strength of Chan and Tucker’s chemistry remains strong throughout the film And helps Rush hour 2 of becoming completely unbearable.

4

Starsky & Hutch (2004)

Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson star in a prequel to the 70s TV show

A film adaptation of the ’70s TV show of the same name, Starsky & Hatch Gives lots of laughs with the duo of Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. The actors playing the titular cops – Stiller as Starsky and Wilson as Hutch – went undercover to take down drug criminals. In the 70s series, Starsky is easy going and Hutch adheres to the rules, but the film switches their personalities. Regardless of how each character operates, Starsky and Hutch are bad at their jobs.

Starsky and Hutch manage to get the job done, but not without a few comical missteps along the way. Although they have a cast of comic actors to back them up, Stiller and Wilson hold back Starsky & Hatch Well on their own. Starsky & Hatch Takes every opportunity to get silly without dumbing down the story, providing audiences with a really good time.

3

Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

Bruce Willis and Justin Long are a fun, mismatched duo

The Die hard Film series is undoubtedly Bruce Willis’ best franchise and has left a mark on the action genre. Spanning four sequels, the Die hard Films have turned into critical and commercial success. however, Live free or die hardThe fourth installment, is the highest-grossing in the series and received a positive response from fans and critics. Live free or die hard Watch John McClane team up with Justin Long’s Matt Farrell, an ethical hacker, to prevent an extreme cyberattack.

McClane and Farrell’s age gap makes for a pairing that works extremely well As the two have fun flirting and using their opposing ideologies to take down their common enemy. Willis and Long’s on-screen chemistry is set in an action-packed blockbuster that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats as they follow the thrilling adventure.

2

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Robert Downey Jr. & Val Kilmer get tangled up in a murder investigation

Known for writing Lethal weapon And The Long Kiss GoodnightShane Black made his directorial debut with Kiss kiss bang bang. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer lead the film as two characters who unexpectedly find themselves working together on a murder investigation. Downey plays Harry, a thief who is sent to Los Angeles to shadow Kilmer’s Perry, a cop, after a successful acting audition. Kiss kiss bang bang is a self-aware neo-noir film that successfully blends many genres.

A big part of that Kiss kiss bang bangThe dark comedy works so well because of Downey and Kilmer’s performances. Downey, who will later team up with Black, is a strong match for the film’s sharp script and Kilmer is undeniably hilarious. As a result, Downey and Kilmer quickly became one of the best duos of the genre.

1

Hot Fuzz (2007)

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost investigate murders in an English town

Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost came together once again for Hot fuzz Another very accomplished zombie comedy Shaun of the dead. As the second film in the Three flavors cornetto trilogy, Hot fuzz Follow the characters of Peg and Frost, two police officers investigating a series of crimes in a quiet English town. The model dynamic that defines buddy cap films can be found in Hot fuzz With Pegg playing the by-the-book Nicholas Angel and Frost as the spoiled Danny Butterman.

The polar opposite caps are incredibly well-balanced, largely due to Pegg and Frost’s natural connection as real-life friends. In addition to the leading duo, Hot fuzz Also works extremely well as an action film and parody of the buddy cop genre. Although Hot fuzz Is highly referential, it does not work against the film, instead, making it all the more enjoyable.