Bad Boys for Life (2020)
Kernel Score: 80% · 8,645 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Thriller, Action, Crime
Released: 2020-01-15
Runtime: 124 minutes
Is Bad Boys for Life worth watching?
Depends on your taste. The third Bad Boys film is louder and more serious than its predecessors, with a revenge plot and some real emotional beats. Fans of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence's banter will have a good time.
Watch it if you
- like buddy-cop action with banter
- enjoy loud, slick Miami shootouts
- liked the earlier Bad Boys films
Skip it if you
- dislike violence or crude humour
- want fresh ideas in the action genre
Best for: Action movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Bad Boys for Life
- Stream: Hulu, Fubo, YouTube TV, FXNow
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Marcus and Mike are forced to confront new threats, career changes, and midlife crises as they join the newly created elite team AMMO of the Miami police department to take down the ruthless Armando Armas, the vicious leader of a Miami drug cartel.
Bad Boys for Life parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Bad Boys for Life is an R-rated action-crime film with police shootouts, cartel violence, and strong language.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Frequent action violence including shootouts, prison escape, and drug cartel conflict per keywords.
- Language: Strong — R-rated buddy-cop action film typically features frequent strong profanity.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Bad Boys for Life
If you liked Bad Boys for Life, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) — 82%: The next film, with the same duo and style.
- Lethal Weapon (1987) — 81%: The template for buddy-cop action and banter.
- Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) — 79%: Bigger, funnier follow-up to the original buddy-cop film.
- Police Story (1985) — 87%: Jackie Chan's police action with brilliant stunts.
- Fast Five (2011) — 82%: Big, loud action with a tight ensemble.
- The Nice Guys (2016) — 78%: Funnier, cleverer buddy detective story.
Director
Bilall Fallah
Cast
- Will Smith as Mike
- Martin Lawrence as Marcus
- Vanessa Hudgens as Kelly
- Alexander Ludwig as Dorn
- Charles Melton as Rafe
- Paola Nuñez as Rita
- Kate del Castillo as Isabel Aretas
- Nicky Jam as Zway-Lo
- Joe Pantoliano as Captain Howard
- Jacob Scipio as Armando Aretas
Bad Boys for Life FAQ
Is Bad Boys for Life worth watching?
Depends on your taste. The third Bad Boys film is louder and more serious than its predecessors, with a revenge plot and some real emotional beats. Fans of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence's banter will have a good time.
Where can I watch Bad Boys for Life?
In the US you can stream Bad Boys for Life on Hulu, Fubo, YouTube TV and FXNow and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Bad Boys for Life OK for kids?
Bad Boys for Life is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Bad Boys for Life is an R-rated action-crime film with police shootouts, cartel violence, and strong language.
What movies are like Bad Boys for Life?
If you liked Bad Boys for Life, try Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Lethal Weapon, Lethal Weapon 2 and Police Story.