5 best Martin Lawrence movies you need to see before 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'

Martin Lawrence returns to reprise his role as Marcus Burnett in 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'
UPDATED JUN 6, 2024
Martin Lawrence is an actor known for his comic genius and impeccable acting talent  (@sonypicturesentertainment/@screengems/@20thcenturyfox)
Martin Lawrence is an actor known for his comic genius and impeccable acting talent (@sonypicturesentertainment/@screengems/@20thcenturyfox)

MIAMI, FLORIDA: 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' hits the theatres on Friday, June 7, 2024, the fourth installment of the popular 'Bad Boys' franchise.

This time, our favorite Miami cops Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) strive to clear their former captain of corruption charges. 

The latest installment in the franchise comes four years after 'Bad Boys for Life,' which brought the franchise back on its feet following a hiatus of 17 years. One of the reasons why this franchise is popular is the portrayal of Marcus Burnett by Marcus Burnett.

Martin Lawrence is celebrated worldwide for his role in the 'Bad Boys' movies, earning respect for his impeccable comic timing and talent for infusing humor into every situation.

He has been entertaining audiences for over three decades, with an entire generation growing up being entertained by his comic prowess 

Here's a look at his five best films before his latest 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' hits the theatres. 

Big Momma's House (2000)

A still from 'Big Momma's House' (@20thcenturyfox)
A still from 'Big Momma's House' (@20thcenturyfox)

Directed by Raja Gosnell, 'Big Momma's House' starred Martin Lawrence as a detective who goes undercover as a woman to catch a criminal.

The movie is a whole-hearted comedy with situations creating seamless humor. Martin is exceptional in both the role of the cop and the mother and his conflict is at its funniest when he finds himself in love with the old woman's granddaughter.

The movie has attained cult status with Martin's performance being praised from all corners. 

'Bad Boys' (1995)

A still from the movie 'Bad Boys' (@columbiapictures)
A still from the movie 'Bad Boys' (@columbiapictures)

The first film of the franchise, 'Bad Boys' propelled Martin to stardom with his standout performance as Marcus Burnett. The film's irony was that Marcus and Will Smith's character, Mike Lowry, had to impersonate each other to secure a witness' assistance.

Confusion creates comedy in this humorous yet thrilling movie where the boys are tasked to catch a drug consignment in 72 hours. What worked best for the movie was how well the characters were defined. 

The movie was so popular that it spawned a franchise, with both Will and Martin reprising their iconic characters in subsequent films.

'Mindcage' (2022)

A still from the movie 'Mindcage' (@lionsgate)
A still from the movie 'Mindcage' (@lionsgate)

Martin showcased his versatility in 'Mindcage' as he immersed himself in the role of Detective Jake Doyle in a psychological thriller centered around a copycat serial killer.

Martin has portrayed detectives numerous times throughout his career, but this role in 'Mindcage' might be his most serious and intense role yet.

While the movie itself wasn't widely embraced by audiences, Martin's performance and its versatility were applauded by his fans. Many praised him for his adeptness in portraying different roles, hailing him as a shape-shifting genius.

'Bad Boys II' (2003)

A still from the movie 'Bad Boys II' (@columbiapictures)
A still from the movie 'Bad Boys II' (@columbiapictures)

'Bad Boys II' multiplied the original film's action manifolds and combined it with the usual comedy created by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, resulting in an epic film that continues to be watched repeatedly by audiences.

This installment of the franchise sees Marcus facing the possibility of being separated from his partner Mike Lowry as a case sees him face personal and professional conflicts. Martin manages to infuse humor into the face of all adversities.

'Death at a Funeral' (2010)

A still from 'Death at a Funeral' (@screengems)
A still from 'Death at a Funeral' (@screengems)

Martin Lawrence joins Chris Rock in this epic comedy film where everything that could go wrong at a funeral indeed goes wrong, creating hilarious circumstances and situational comedy.

Martin Lawrence plays a broke writer but that doesn't affect his arrogant self. The movie follows the typical comedy of errors format, brimming with dark yet humorous moments throughout.

How to watch 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'?

A still from 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' (@sonypicturesentertainment)
A still from 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' (@sonypicturesentertainment)

'Big Boys: Ride or Die' is releasing in theatres on Friday, June 7, 2024. Watch this space for all the streaming details as and when they are announced.

'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' Trailer 



 

'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' is releasing in theatres on Friday, June 7, 2024. 

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