---
title: "Bad Boys for Life"
year: 2020
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/bad-boys-for-life"
fi1m_id: "bad-boys-for-life"
imdb_id: "tt1502397"
tmdb_id: 38700
wikidata_id: "Q29021224"
fi1m_score: 68
critics_score: 63
critics_reviews: 26
published: "2026-10-05T15:28:41.840964+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T15:28:47.668975+00:00"
region: "FR"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Bad Boys for Life (2020)

Directed by Bilall Fallah, Adil El Arbi · 2h 04m · CNC TP · Thriller, Action, Crime

## Identity

Bad Boys for Life

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/bad-boys-for-life
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** bad-boys-for-life
- **IMDb ID:** tt1502397
- **TMDB ID:** 38700
- **Wikidata ID:** Q29021224
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1502397/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/38700, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29021224

**Fi1m score: 68** · Critics 63 from 26 reviews

*In a sentence:* Will Smith brings the swagger; Martin Lawrence looks as though he has been paying its insurance premiums

> Will Smith and Martin Lawrence remain good company in a serviceable sequel with an overworked crime plot. Their affectionate sparring supplies most of the pleasure; the attempts to give it greater weight are less reliable.

## Synopsis

In Miami, police partners Mike (Will Smith) and Marcus (Martin Lawrence) are getting older, and continuing as they always have is becoming harder to take for granted. A prison escape in Mexico is part of the trouble ahead, while Rita (Paola Núñez) and the AMMO team enter the story. Mike and Marcus face the task of staying useful in a job built around danger, speed and violence. Their familiar way of working depends on a friendship that now has to accommodate middle age, as well as the demands of another case.

## Review

*Bad Boys for Life* is at its most appealing when it lets its ageing partners consider how much longer they want to do this. The film finds some warmth in that question, then keeps interrupting it with a crime plot that grows more elaborate than it needs to be. We found it decent, uneven entertainment, with enough affection between the leads to keep the familiar business tolerable. It remains dependent on how much we enjoy watching these two together.

Martin Lawrence understands the value of letting the other man finish before registering his objection. As Marcus, he makes weariness funny without making the character seem merely useless, and his reactions give the swagger around him a necessary check. We laughed at the exasperation on his face, rather more often than the jokes themselves deserved. That pleasure depends on the timing between him and Will Smith, who remains happy to provide the confidence for someone else to puncture.

As Mike, Will Smith is also allowed some sadness and regret, which gives his performance a welcome uncertainty. The friendship feels sufficiently established for the quieter exchanges to matter. The difficulty is that the film keeps turning towards the next escalation before those exchanges can develop much further. Wanting these men to acknowledge their age is a promising reason to make another instalment, and the script only intermittently pursues it.

Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah make a sound practical choice in keeping the action legible. The pursuit sequences are easy to follow, with enough attention to where people are for the danger to register. Robrecht Heyvaert’s cinematography keeps the movement clear even when several things compete for our attention. Editors Dan Lebental and Peter McNulty maintain that momentum within the action, although the stretches between it can feel needlessly extended.

Jon Billington’s production design provides polished surroundings without giving them much character of their own. That suits the film’s preference for keeping our attention on its stars, but it leaves the settings feeling interchangeable. Lorne Balfe’s music does the expected work of pushing the excitement along; it rarely gives a sequence anything more distinctive. Little in the look or sound stays with us as readily as either lead’s comic reactions.

The screenplay by Chris Bremner, Joe Carnahan and Peter Craig is less sure of how much complication this partnership requires. The arrival of the AMMO team provides some welcome fresh company, but the plotting keeps asking for more attention than its familiar turns repay. There is also an awkwardness in asking us to take the men seriously while treating their violence so casually. For a buddy police film, that is hardly an unfamiliar failing, but the attempts at maturity make it harder to ignore.

At 124 minutes, there is more of it than the comic partnership can comfortably carry. Still, the warmth between the leads is worth something, especially when the film stops trying to prove how much action it can deliver. The directors have given their stars room to be older without losing all their foolishness. Come for the company, and allow for a case that demands more patience than it deserves.

*Fi1m score 68, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews lean towards qualified enjoyment, with mixed notices slightly outnumbering positive ones. Praise centres on Will Smith and Martin Lawrence: their banter, comic timing and convincing affection give the familiar partnership some life. Lawrence’s reactions draw particular approval, while several critics welcome the greater attention to ageing, regret and friendship. Even reviews that find the sequel tired tend to acknowledge the appeal of its leads.

The disagreement is sharper over the action and how much the series has changed. Empire praises the clear staging, while The AV Club misses the visual energy associated with Michael Bay. Reservations elsewhere cluster around the formula, overblown plotting and uneven finale. The spread runs from warm enthusiasm to outright rejection: Slant Magazine objects to the treatment of police brutality and finds that even Lawrence’s soulful performance is undermined by stale jokes.

## Straight answers

**Is Bad Boys for Life worth watching?**

*Bad Boys for Life* is worth considering if we enjoy Smith and Lawrence’s affectionate sparring enough to forgive an overworked crime plot; we score it 68 out of 100. The action is clear and the friendship has warmth, but at 124 minutes the film stretches their comic partnership further than it comfortably goes.

**How long is Bad Boys for Life, and what is it rated?**

*Bad Boys for Life* runs 2h 04m and is rated TP by the CNC in France. It is a thriller and action film.

**Where can I watch Bad Boys for Life in France?**

*Bad Boys for Life* is streaming on HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video in France, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from €3.99. It leaves HBO Max on 28 September. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Bad Boys for Life, and is it suitable for children?**

*Bad Boys for Life* carries a UK 15 certificate and is not suitable for children under 15, with police action built around danger, pursuits and violence. We find the action easy to follow and the danger clear, but the casual treatment of violence sits awkwardly beside the attempts to take the ageing partners seriously.

**How does Bad Boys for Life compare to Midnight Run?**

*Bad Boys for Life* is the more action-driven choice, but we recommend [*Midnight Run*](https://film.one/film/midnight-run) for sharper writing and a warmer, funnier bickering partnership. Smith and Lawrence remain good company despite an overcomplicated case; De Niro and Grodin get more room for their quarrelling to develop, though their pursuit also sometimes interrupts conversations we would rather keep hearing.

**What should I watch after Bad Boys for Life?**

After *Bad Boys for Life*, try [*Midnight Run*](https://film.one/film/midnight-run) (1988, Fi1m 88): A bickering pursuit with sharper writing and more affection than either man admits. Then [*Hot Fuzz*](https://film.one/film/hot-fuzz) (2007, Fi1m 84): Police professionalism meets village manners, with jokes that earn their elaborate payoffs.

### Reviews we read (26)

- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (85/100, inferred): McCarthy calls it the best entry in the series, praising its heart and crowd-pleasing mix of comedy and drama. He especially singles out Smith and Lawrence, whose chemistry and performances make the familiar partnership feel fresh. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/bad-boys-life-review-1269838/)
- **Empire**, Chris Hewitt (78/100, inferred): Hewitt calls it comfortably the best entry in the series, a reinvigorated and enjoyable sequel. He praises the action scenes for their clarity and easy-to-follow staging. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/bad-boys-for-life/)
- **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (B): Ehrlich finds the sequel a fun, thoughtful update that honors the franchise while making room for change. He especially praises the new AMMO team and its lively cast, while noting that some character deaths feel underdeveloped. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/bad-boys-for-life-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence-sequel-1202203377/)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (70/100, inferred): Gleiberman finds the sequel more engaging than its familiar, formula-heavy premise suggests, calling it high-powered trash with a human touch. He praises Smith and Lawrence’s performances, especially the middle-aged edge and camaraderie they bring to the action-comedy. [Read](https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/bad-boys-for-life-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence-1203466432/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (65/100, inferred): Chang finds the film stylish, derivative and intermittently fun, with enough action to satisfy fans despite its overblown plot. He especially praises Martin Lawrence’s comic instincts and grounding presence, which complement the chemistry between the leads. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-01-16/review-bad-boys-for-life-will-smith-martin-lawrence)
- **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The page returned a browser-check screen, so the critic’s verdict cannot be established. No praise or complaint from the review is visible. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/bad-boys-for-life-movie-review-2020)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (3/5): The critic finds the sequel surprisingly enjoyable, with a lighter mood and knowingly silly plot. She praises Will Smith and Martin Lawrence for poking fun at themselves with panache. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/going-out/bad-boys-for-life-review-will-smith-and-martin-lawrence-scoff-at-themselves-with-real-panache-a4336946.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Adam Woodward (2/3/2): The review treats the film as a melancholy farewell to the franchise’s aging heroes. It singles out their struggle to remain relevant as the source of its sadness. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/bad-boys-for-life)
- **The Guardian**, Jordan Hoffman (3/5): Hoffman finds the film’s story, politics and action weak, but says it remains an enjoyable watch. He singles out Martin Lawrence’s expressive comic reactions and the chemistry between him and Will Smith as its saving grace. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/jan/15/bad-boys-for-life-review-martin-lawrence-will-smith)
- **Time Out**, Michael Gingold (3/5): Gingold finds it disposable franchise entertainment rather than a meaningful reinvention. He notes it is less obnoxiously vulgar than the previous film, but still another installment. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/bad-boys-for-life)
- **Total Film**, Jamie Graham (3/5): Graham finds it a satisfying Friday-night action film and a welcome improvement over the previous installment. He praises the leads’ banter and chemistry, along with the film’s fresher direction and more self-aware tone. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/bad-boys-for-life-review/)
- **The AV Club**, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky (C): Vishnevetsky finds the sequel underwhelming, lacking the visual energy and confident movement associated with Michael Bay. He praises the grisly Mexican prison escape sequence as the film’s most confidently directed scene. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/without-michael-bay-at-the-helm-bad-boys-for-life-is-a-1841008693)
- **Radio Times**, Patrick Cremona (50/100, inferred): The review describes the belated sequel as flawed but not without appeal. It singles out the chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as a strength. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/bad-boys-for-life-review/)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (50/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the film mostly slick, serviceable junk, though its strong finish makes him more open to a fourth installment. He praises the late revelations for adding moral stakes and narrative unpredictability, while giving Martin Lawrence room to shine. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2020/01/bad-boys-for-life-review-new-bad-boys-movie.html)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (35/100, inferred): The standfirst suggests the film is an unoriginal continuation of the franchise. It singles out the return of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, but describes the franchise as far from fresh. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/bad-boys-for-life-review/5146199.article)
- **Slant Magazine**, Jake Cole (0.5/4): Cole argues that the film repeats the franchise’s toxic police-brutality politics, making its glib violence hard to excuse. He praises Martin Lawrence’s soulful performance, though he says the film ultimately turns it into material for stale jokes. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/bad-boys-for-life-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence/)
- **Digital Spy**, Jo Berry (90/100, inferred): Berry says the long-awaited sequel is better than the original and a welcome surprise. She praises the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence, while criticizing the rather dumb climax. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a30532101/bad-boys-3-review-for-life-will-smith-martin-lawrence/)
- **/Film**, Chris Evangelista (6.5 out of 10): The critic finds the film a surprisingly entertaining, heartfelt return that ends the franchise on a high note. They especially praise Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s lively, funny banter. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/571654/bad-boys-for-life-review/)
- **HeyUGuys** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel surprisingly successful, smart, funny, and emotional. They especially praise Martin Lawrence’s comic performance and the more character-focused writing. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/bad-boys-for-life-review/)
- **The Ringer**, Rob Harvilla (78/100, inferred): Harvilla finds the film loud, silly, and most enjoyable as a communal theater experience. He singles out the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence, especially their heartfelt camaraderie amid the mayhem. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2020/01/17/movies/bad-boys-for-life-review-opening-weekend)
- **Consequence**, Mike Vanderbilt (75/100, inferred): The review finds the film an entertaining, potentially affecting conclusion to the trilogy, despite some franchise-building missteps. It praises the kinetic action filmmaking and appreciates the quieter character moments. [Read](https://consequence.net/2020/01/film-review-bad-boys-for-life/)
- **Paste**, Dom Sinacola (6.0): Sinacola finds the film better than expected but short of what the franchise demands. He praises Will Smith’s ability to convey Mike’s sadness and regret, while faulting the film’s smaller, less visceral action and forgettable finale. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/bad-boys/bad-boys-for-life-review)
- **Film Stories**, George Nash (70/100, inferred): The review finds the sequel silly but more mature than its predecessors, with stronger emotional stakes. It particularly praises the goofy camaraderie between Smith and Lawrence. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/bad-bays-for-life-review-the-sequel-thats-grown-up-just-a-bit/)
- **NME**, Jordan Bassett (3/5): The critic calls it baggy and dumb but the best film in the trilogy. They praise its playful send-up of Michael Bay’s style and its entertaining action set-pieces. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/bad-boys-for-life-review-baggy-dumb-and-kind-of-pointless-but-still-better-than-the-last-two-films-2597991)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (55/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel an amusing throwback but also a tired retread, with its appeal resting on familiar pleasures. Smith and Lawrence’s comic chemistry stands out as the film’s brightest spot. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/bad-boys-for-life-film-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence-3-2020/)
- **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (2.5/5): Kaye finds the film exhausting and mostly empty, despite occasional crowd-pleasing moments. He praises the directors’ clearer, more coherent action, especially a showstopping vehicular pursuit. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/bad-boys-for-life-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Bilall Fallah, Adil El Arbi
- **Director:** Bilall Fallah, Adil El Arbi
- **Screenplay:** Joe Carnahan, Chris Bremner, Peter Craig
- **Story:** Joe Carnahan, Peter Craig
- **Cinematography:** Robrecht Heyvaert
- **Editor:** Dan Lebental, Peter McNulty
- **Music:** Lorne Balfe
- **Production design:** Jon Billington
- **Costume design:** Dayna Pink
- **Producer:** Jerry Bruckheimer, Doug Belgrad, Will Smith
- **Cast:** Will Smith as Mike; Martin Lawrence as Marcus; Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly; Alexander Ludwig as Dorn; Charles Melton as Rafe; Paola Núñez as Rita; Kate del Castillo as Isabel Aretas; Nicky Jam as Zway-Lo
- **Runtime:** 2h 04m
- **Certificate (CNC):** TP
- **Release (France):** 22 January 2020
- **Genres:** Thriller, Action, Crime
- **Budget:** $90 million
- **Box office:** $427 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R228yPrwqTo

## Where to watch in France

- HBO Max: streaming, uhd, leaving 2026-09-28
- Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy €7.99, uhd
- Apple TV: buy €7.99, hd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- People's Choice Awards 2020: People's Choice Awards (won)

## If you liked this

- *Midnight Run* (1988), Fi1m 88: A bickering pursuit with sharper writing and more affection than either man admits. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/midnight-run.md)
- *Hot Fuzz* (2007), Fi1m 84: Police professionalism meets village manners, with jokes that earn their elaborate payoffs. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/hot-fuzz.md)
- *The Nice Guys* (2016): Two ill-matched investigators make incompetence funny without losing the danger around them.
- *Running Out of Time* (1999): A cop and a criminal develop an unexpectedly playful understanding under pressure.
- *Extreme Job* (2019): An undercover team finds that running a chicken restaurant complicates police work.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/bad-boys-for-life