Bad Boys for Life is a 2020 American buddy cop action-comedy film and the third installment in the Bad Boys franchise, following Bad Boys II (2003).
Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the film sees the return of Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey and Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett. They are joined by a new cast that includes Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, and Paola Núñez, alongside returning actors Joe Pantoliano and Theresa Randle.
The plot revolves around Lowrey and Burnett as they face off against a mother-and-son duo of drug lords wreaking havoc in Miami. The film explores themes of friendship and legacy, as the aging detectives navigate their roles in a changing world while still delivering the action and humor that fans expect from the franchise.
Released on January 17, 2020, Bad Boys for Life was a commercial success, grossing over $426 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $90 million. It became the highest-grossing film in the Bad Boys series and the highest-grossing film released in January. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence, as well as the action sequences, while noting that it successfully reinvigorated the franchise.
The film's release was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to delays in international markets, but it eventually found success in theaters. Following its theatrical run, Bad Boys for Life was released digitally and on home media, further expanding its audience. The film's popularity has led to discussions about future installments in the franchise, with fans eager for more adventures featuring the beloved duo.