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Buddy cop movies hold a special place in cinematic history due to their compelling blend of contrasting personalities navigating intense situations, coupled with humor. The genre, epitomized by the iconic 1982 film “48 Hrs.,” thrives on the dynamic between mismatched police partners. While the “Lethal Weapon” series is often synonymous with the genre, its roots trace back to Akira Kurosawa’s 1949 film “Stray Dog.”
Though the buddy cop concept gained traction in the mid-’70s, many early gems in the genre are overlooked today. The late-’80s surge in popularity led to a plethora of such films worldwide, but only a handful left a lasting impact on popular culture. In the following list, we’ve curated 10 action-packed and humor-filled buddy cop movies that deserve greater recognition.
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The 10 Funniest Buddy Cop Movies You’ve Probably Never Seen
Running Scared (1986)
Running Scared is a seminal buddy cop film that predates the genre-defining classic Lethal Weapon by a year, setting a new standard. Directed by Peter Hyams, known for the underrated 2010: The Year We Make Contact, the movie seamlessly blends impressive action direction with the unforgettable on-screen chemistry between Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.
While not entirely obscure, Running Scared is an underappreciated gem deserving of a resurgence, especially considering the star power of its leads. Crystal and Hines are impeccably cast, bringing a delightful and mismatched dynamic to the forefront. The film stands out for its rare and skillful balance between humor and genuinely intense action sequences.
Busting (1974)
Busting, another film directed by Peter Hyams following Running Scared, predates the typical buddy cop genre and showcases Hyams’ talent for blending humor with crime-busting on the cinematic screen. Starring Elliott Gould and Robert Blake as vice cops in Los Angeles, the movie combines elements of Dirty Harry-style cynical vigilante justice with a refreshing touch of humor, courtesy of the mismatched detectives.
Considered a precursor to the entire buddy cop genre, Busting incorporates all the anticipated elements, with its most notable feature being a bone-dry sense of humor that often delves into dark comedy. Gould and Blake portray the ideal odd couple, and the action delivers the quintessential ’70s shoot ’em up experience.
City Hunter (1993)
City Hunter, a buddy cop action comedy directed by the unconventional Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Jing, stars the legendary Jackie Chan as the main detective alongside his loyal yet easily annoyed assistant, portrayed by Joey Wong. Based on a Japanese manga by Tsukasa Hojo, the film embraces a heightened reality and is known for its commitment to surpassing expectations with its over-the-top stunts, comedic moments, and surreal scenes. Noteworthy is a fight sequence where Chan and his adversaries undergo an electric shock, transforming into characters from Street Fighter II.
While not considered one of Chan’s top-tier films, City Hunter exemplifies the buddy cop movie formula reimagined through the lens of Hong Kong’s eccentric action cinema. The movie is filled with continuous stunts, inventive set-pieces, humorous one-liners, and wonderfully absurd slapstick. It may be characterized as “dumb fun,” but the impeccable chemistry between Chan and Wong elevates it to a memorable and thrilling action-comedy experience.
Tiger on the Beat (1988)
When discussing Hong Kong action films, one cannot overlook “Tiger on the Beat” – a movie that, despite its inconsistent tone, blends brutal violence with slapstick humor. Chow Yun-fat, renowned for his roles in top-notch Hong Kong action films, stars alongside martial arts expert Conan Lee in this tale of police corruption.
Considered a classic Chow Yun-fat flick, “Tiger on the Beat” is a bold and aggressive movie that bombards the audience with both excessive violence and absurd humor. It weaves together farcical buddy antics and graphic heroic bloodshed, reaching its peak in a bizarre chainsaw duel. The film’s humor is derived not only from its intentional comedic moments but also from its peculiar and somewhat disconnected “throw everything and see what sticks” approach. In essence, “Tiger on the Beat” is a must-watch for enthusiasts of buddy cop movies.
Red Heat (1988)
“Red Heat, a lesser-known Arnold Schwarzenegger action film, features the iconic star alongside Jim Belushi in a classic buddy cop scenario. The plot revolves around a Russian detective teaming up with a Chicago cop to apprehend a Soviet crime lord hiding in the United States. Despite its formulaic and predictable elements, the movie is elevated by the captivating chemistry between the leads and Walter Hill’s skillful direction. The film successfully combines wacky fish-out-of-water comedy with impressive action sequences, showcasing Schwarzenegger’s often underestimated comedic timing. While Red Heat may not have received the recognition it deserves, it remains a slick and satisfying action flick with a refreshing sense of humor.”
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Freebie and the Bean (1974)
Freebie and the Bean, a pioneering buddy cop movie from the 1970s starring James Caan and Alan Arkin, should be considered a classic. It stands out as a dark comedy with a nihilistic perspective, marked by grisly shootouts that contrast humorously with the mismatched dynamic between the two protagonists.
The film successfully navigates between being a dark and gritty thriller and a hilariously funny comedy, although it doesn’t seamlessly blend these elements. As an early example of the buddy cop genre, it offers a captivating viewing experience, foreshadowing the perfected formula seen in later films like 48 Hrs. and Lethal Weapon. Freebie and the Bean delivers genuine laughs, with Arkin’s natural comedic talent shining and Caan surprising viewers with his comedic prowess. For those interested in a darkly funny and absurd take on the action genre, this film is worth checking out.
Samurai Cop (1991)
Samurai Cop, a legendary direct-to-video B-movie, remains largely undiscovered by the majority of film enthusiasts. Embodying the quintessential “so bad it’s good” category, the film’s attempts at humor may fall flat, but it inadvertently secures a place among the most amusing buddy cop movies ever created.
A Masterpiece of Incompetence Samurai Cop epitomizes sheer, unfiltered, and inept filmmaking at its peak. Every scene is a puzzle of confusion, guaranteed to provoke plenty of laughter. Whether it’s the awkward editing, the complete absence of chemistry between characters, cringe-worthy sex scenes, or embarrassingly staged fight sequences, Samurai Cop is a delightful B-movie experience that deserves attention from everyone.
Crime Busters (1977)
“Crime Busters, a lively Italian buddy cop comedy featuring the iconic duo Terence Hill and Bud Spencer, showcases their comedic brilliance alongside their spaghetti western fame. Renowned for their mismatched buddy roles, Hill and Spencer hit the pinnacle of their collaboration in this film, striking a perfect balance between action and comedy. The storyline revolves around two criminals who unintentionally find themselves training to become police officers, resulting in a hilarious premise executed with finesse. Packed with uproarious dialogue and absurd slapstick moments, the movie highlights the undeniable chemistry between the seasoned comedic pair.”
Tiger Cage 2 (1990)
“Tiger Cage 2, an amusing action comedy that bears little resemblance to its predecessor, showcases the comedic talents of a young Donnie Yen as he reluctantly teams up with the captivating Rosamund Kwan. In the realm of Hong Kong cinema, the blend of breathtaking martial arts and slapstick humor proves to be a winning combination, and Tiger Cage 2 exemplifies this synergy.
Director Woo-Ping Yuen’s unconventional choice to shift from the intense tone of Tiger Cage to a lighthearted romantic comedy proves to be a successful gamble. Yen and Kwan bring infectious energy to the screen, seamlessly transitioning between intense firearm sequences and moments of uproarious laughter, thanks to their impeccable comedic timing and natural on-screen chemistry.”
Dead Heat (1988)
The largely overlooked zom-com, Dead Heat, seamlessly combines the buddy cop and horror genres, creating an enticing blend that’s rife with unexpected twists. Treat Williams and Joe Piscopo, the charismatic duo at the film’s center, skillfully navigate the balance between action and humor.
A Fusion of Buddy Cops and Zombies! In this unique mashup of buddy cop dynamics and zombie chaos, Dead Heat delivers pure enjoyment from beginning to end. With its outrageous humor and explosive action, the film is elevated by impressive practical effects, making it a treat for horror enthusiasts. Above all, Dead Heat is uproariously funny and deserves greater acclaim long overdue.
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