--- title: "Bad Boys: Ride or Die: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/bad-boys-ride-or-die/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/bad-boys-ride-or-die" critics_score: 58 critics_reviews: 13 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: Ride or Die (2024): what the critics said Critics' score 58 from 13 reviews: 4 positive, 5 mixed, 4 negative. ## Variety — Owen Gleiberman Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence-1236023866/) ## Empire — Nick de Semlyen Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/bad-boys-ride-or-die/) ## Los Angeles Times — Katie Walsh Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-06-04/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence) ## The Telegraph Rating 3/5. 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. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-is-on-good-behaviour/) ## Vulture — Bilge Ebiri Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 7 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-bad-boys-ride-or-die-will-smith.html) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Frank Scheck Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence-1235913863/) ## Screen Daily Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review/5194201.article) ## The i Paper — Rick Burin Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-3090515) ## Radio Times — Terry Staunton Rating 3 out of 5. 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review/) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jun/04/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence) ## The New York Times — Robert Daniels Rating Critic’s Pick. 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/04/movies/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review.html) ## The Times — Kevin Maher Rating ★★★★☆. 5 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-finally-a-good-summer-blockbuster-2pbrpht2q) ## Time Out — Ian Freer Rating 3 out of 5 stars. 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-2024) ## /Film — Bill Bria Rating 8/10. 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/1591562/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence/) ## Collider — Matthew Donato Rating 7/10. 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://collider.com/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review/) ## Den of Geek — Joe George Rating 3/5. 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-michael-bay/) ## NME — James Mottram Rating 2/5. 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-3762339) ## Polygon — Joshua Rivera Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.polygon.com/reviews/24171554/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence/) ## Deadline — Pete Hammond 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://deadline.com/2024/06/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence-fun-4th-time-around-miamis-memorable-cop-duo-1235958772/) ## Paste — Dom Sinacola Rating 7.5. 6 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/will-smith/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review) ## The Wrap — Matt Goldberg 4 June 2024. 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. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/bad-boys-ride-or-die-review-will-smith-martin-lawrence/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/bad-boys-ride-or-die.md