The latest film in the popular “Bad Boys” action comedy franchise has found an audience on a major streaming service. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the fourth installment in the series starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, will be available to stream on Netflix starting October 8, 2024.
Released in theaters in June 2024, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” earned $403.9 million globally against a $100 million budget. This strong box office performance cementing it as a commercial success. Under the direction of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the film reunited detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett as they work to clear the name of their late police captain. The movie also features Eric Dane, Vanessa Hudgens, Paola Núñez, and Jacob Scipio in supporting roles.
Critics reviews for “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” have been mostly positive. It currently holds a 65% approval rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile, audiences strongly embraced the film, shown by its 97% audience score on the site.
Netflix will make “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” available alongside the original “Bad Boys” from 1995 and its 2003 sequel “Bad Boys II.” Notably, the third entry “Bad Boys for Life” streams on Hulu. This positioning of the movies on Netflix means most of the popular franchise can now be viewed in one place.
The continuing success of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” leaves the door open for more installments. While a fifth film is not officially greenlit, Smith and Lawrence have reportedly expressed interest in reprising their roles. The directors have also hinted at taking the characters abroad in future films. Some predict an announcement about “Bad Boys 5” before year’s end, with filming potentially starting in 2026 for a 2027 debut. However, fans will have to wait for an official studio statement to know for certain.
As “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” begins streaming, its multi-platform performance demonstrates the endurance of both the franchise and its leading actors. Balancing high-speed car chases with comedic moments appears to satisfy longtime fans while also drawing in new viewers. Only time will tell if Lowrey and Burnett will hit the road again.
