Bad Boys II is a 2003 American buddy cop action-comedy film directed by Michael Bay, serving as the sequel to the 1995 film Bad Boys.
The movie features returning stars Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey and Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett, alongside new cast members including Gabrielle Union, Jordi Mollà, and Peter Stormare. The plot follows the two detectives as they investigate the flow of ecstasy into Miami, leading them to confront a violent Cuban drug lord named Johnny Tapia.
Released on July 18, 2003, Bad Boys II is characterized by its high-energy action sequences and comedic moments, typical of Michael Bay's directorial style. The film has a runtime of 148 minutes and a production budget of approximately $130 million. Despite receiving generally negative reviews from critics—who described it as excessively long and filled with mindless action—the film was a commercial success, grossing over $273 million worldwide, making it the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2003.
The film's reception highlighted the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence, which remained a focal point of the franchise. However, critics noted that the film often relied on explosive action and humor that some found lacking in substance. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus reflected this sentiment, indicating that the film was more about spectacle than storytelling.
Bad Boys II solidified the franchise's popularity and paved the way for future installments, including Bad Boys for Life, released in 2020, and a fourth film titled Bad Boys: Ride or Die, scheduled for 2024. The film continues to be recognized for its blend of action and comedy, appealing to fans of the genre and contributing to the legacy of the Bad Boys series.