Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent cop movie has swearing, drugs, explosions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bad Boys
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an action-packed classic, featuring intense language and a significant amount of violence, making it more suitable for older teens rather than younger viewers. While many appreciate the humor and the dynamic between the lead characters, the overwhelming profanity and mature themes raise concerns about its appropriateness for children.
- intense language
- inappropriate for kids
- action-packed film
- strong violence
- humor and action
- good for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In Miami, a gang of criminals successfully steals a huge supply of heroin from the police. It's up to narcotics cops Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), the BAD BOYS, to find the drugs and save their jobs. A friend of Mike's (Tasha Smith) responds to a call from one of the careless criminals and brings her friend Julie (Tea Leoni). Julie witnesses the murder of her friend before escaping. Lowrey and Burnett work together to protect Julie, find the gangsters and the drugs, and avenge their friend, all while trying not to blow up half of Miami.
Is It Any Good?
Making his directorial debut after an early career in music videos, Michael Bay knows how to deliver a slick, good-looking film that's colorful and filled with action. Bad Boys is also notable for its pairing of two African American cops, which was unique for mainstream movies at the time it was released in the mid-1990s. But the movie also appeals to the lowest common denominator, wallowing in excessive violence and language, objectified women, drugs, and product placement. Bay's motto seems to be "bigger and louder."
Lawrence plays to his usual audience, but Smith hadn't yet found his sparkling star persona and comes across as a little arrogant here. Worse is the script concept that requires the two characters to pretend to be each other for the benefit of their murder witness. This leads to an excruciating series of fumbling, embarrassing jokes. Overall, the characters aren't strong enough to provide any real emotional impact, and they lean into senseless violence for no real purpose.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Bad Boys. Was it thrilling, or disturbing? How did it make you feel in the end?
What's the appeal of this type of exploitative movie? Are there any lessons to be learned from watching it, or is it just entertainment?
What are some other examples of "cop movies" where two partners with opposing personalities work together? Why is this an enduring formula?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 7, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : June 27, 2000
- Cast : Martin Lawrence , Tea Leoni , Will Smith
- Director : Michael Bay
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense violent action and pervasive strong language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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