Critics’ reviews

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)

21 reviews from 21 publications. Critics’ score 58: 4 positive, 5 mixed, 4 negative.

Back to our review of Bad Boys: Ride or Die

58
Positive
4
Mixed
5
Negative
4
Variety
4 June 2024 · Owen Gleiberman
80*

The stars are in top form and make the formula feel fresh and entertaining through their bromantic chemistry and timing. The film works thanks to their performances elevating standard action and conspiracy elements.

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Empire
4 June 2024 · Nick de Semlyen
75*

The critic finds the film scruffy and overstuffed but contagiously good-natured, praising its high-energy brio, inventive set pieces, and the enduring sparky dynamic between the leads despite a busy, hectic plot.

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Los Angeles Times
4 June 2024 · Katie Walsh
60*

The film rolls on vigorously with familiar goofy energy and some stylistic experimentation from the directors, but the plot is thin and disposable without strong character interest. It favors cartoonish bits over depth.

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The Telegraph
★★★
60

The film repositions a chastened Smith while Lawrence hogs the laughs; it grows more fun with loose-cannon silliness and an absurd alligator-park finale but feels nervous at the outset.

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Vulture
7 June 2024 · Bilge Ebiri
60*

The critic praises the enduring chemistry and odd-couple dynamic between Smith and Lawrence, especially Lawrence's exasperated and comedic performance. The action sequences are criticized for lacking the gonzo, over-the-top spectacle of earlier entries like Bad Boys II, making the film feel like passable but uninspired sequel fare.

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The Hollywood Reporter
4 June 2024 · Frank Scheck
50*

The critic finds the buddy-cop bickering between Smith and Lawrence increasingly strained and wearisome after four films, with the screenplay's convoluted plotting and over-the-top spiritualism gags wearing thin. Some action set pieces, including a helicopter fight and a supporting character's fight scene, are singled out as impressively choreographed highlights.

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Screen Daily
4 June 2024
40*

The plot recycles the same elements as prior entries with added police corruption, but the relentless bombastic effects, pounding soundtrack and frenetic camerawork make it exhausting rather than exhilarating. It amounts to a by-the-numbers bid for summer box office.

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The i Paper
4 June 2024 · Rick Burin
35*

The review calls it a bad film overall—low comedy and variable action with little new to offer—but praises one standout Ring-cam action sequence and notes its effectiveness as a PR vehicle for Will Smith.

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Radio Times
4 June 2024 · 3 out of 5 · Terry Staunton

Despite a screenplay packed with crime-film clichés, the movie succeeds through the slick comic interplay of its leads and superbly choreographed action sequences. It prioritizes white-knuckle thrills over emotional depth or plot logic.

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The Guardian
4 June 2024 · Peter Bradshaw

The critic finds the fourth film delivers bromance and innocent amusement from the ageing cops but is weighed down by pointless action explosions and the lingering shadow of Smith's real-life controversies.

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The New York Times
4 June 2024 · Critic’s Pick · Robert Daniels

The critic finds the latest entry assured, relaxed and knowingly funny, with the stars' chemistry smoothing tonal shifts. Specific scenes like a firefight with a Barry White needle drop are singled out for praise.

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The Times
5 June 2024 · ★★★★☆ · Kevin Maher

This is a magnificent summer popcorn movie with propulsive action set pieces, including a standout chopper chase, that marks a strong comeback vehicle for Smith while celebrating the directors' skill at action beats.

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Time Out
4 June 2024 · 3 out of 5 stars · Ian Freer

The film sticks closely to the franchise formula of buddy banter and over-the-top action but gets by on the easy chemistry between its two stars. The highlight comes when the leads watch a younger character handle the action instead.

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/Film
4 June 2024 · 8/10 · Bill Bria
80

The critic calls it a blast and a top-tier action comedy that feels vibrant and like a brand new series, with a winning balance of grounded heart, over-the-top action, and comedy. They single out the directors Adil & Bilall for their pacing, stylized action sequences like the plane crash and final amusement park set piece, and Smith and Lawrence's chemistry.

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Collider
4 June 2024 · 7/10 · Matthew Donato
70

The critic praises the film's energetic action sequences and the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence, noting it delivers on franchise expectations despite some plot overload. They single out the high-intensity action and the leads' performances for praise.

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Den of Geek
4 June 2024 · ★★★ · Joe George
60

The review finds the film enjoyable for its comprehensible, colorful action sequences directed by Adil & Bilall, which outdo Michael Bay in clarity and fun. It singles out the over-plotted script with too many threads and lame running gags as detracting from the core buddy-cop joy.

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NME
4 June 2024 · ★★ · James Mottram
40

The critic calls it a noisy, unfunny fourth instalment, only endurable due to raucous action scenes, with a workaday script and ridiculous subplots that make no one seem to care. It singles out the lame running gags and underused cast as major flaws in this franchise-worst entry.

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Polygon
4 June 2024 · Joshua Rivera
40*

The critic criticizes the film's excessive focus on franchise callbacks and lore at the expense of simple buddy-cop fun, though noting strong action direction. They complain about the bloated script and unnecessary mythology-building.

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Deadline
4 June 2024 · Pete Hammond

The critic finds the film over-the-top but fun, with plenty of action and strong chemistry between Smith and Lawrence. They praise the directors' energetic style and the colorful Miami setting.

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Paste
6 June 2024 · 7.5 · Dom Sinacola

The review highlights how the film transforms Marcus into a highlight and embraces its absurd, crowd-pleasing action with strong direction. It praises the leads' ages and the fun, energetic set pieces.

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The Wrap
4 June 2024 · Matt Goldberg

The review highlights that the franchise still has life, with Smith and Lawrence delivering fun performances amid chaotic action and soap opera elements. The critic enjoys the energetic filmmaking and unapologetic stupidity of the plot.

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Ordered by the weight we give each publication, then by score. Scores are normalised to 100; * means inferred from an unrated review. Summaries are ours, not quotations; follow the links for the reviews themselves. How we rate