All 4 Beverly Hills Cop movies, ranked

The Beverly Hills Cop Franchise finally celebrates its long-awaited return. A classic of the action comedy genre, Eddie Murphyfirst donned the leather jacket as Axel Foley in 1984. Since then, the savvy Detroit cop with his tireless mouth has caused serious trouble in Beverly Hills. From dodging bullets to outsmarting villains as he makes his way through high society and drives his bosses crazy at home, the series remains a cult classic of the buddy cop cliché.

With four films spanning four decades Beverly Hills Cop The franchise has undoubtedly left its mark on modern pop culture. Each film has its fair share of strengths, memorable moments and development of its beloved characters, always carried by Murphy’s inexhaustible charm and energy. However, some entries are far stronger than others; from great highs to surprising lows, every Beverly Hills Cop The film has something to offer the audienceeven those that are not quite so outstanding.

4 “Beverly Hills Cop III” (1994)

Director: John Landis

While the second film in the franchise was explosive, Beverly Hills Cop IIIis disappointing in the worst case. The tone changes right at the beginning with Inspector Todd’s (Gil Hill) Death in the first act, followed by a funeral to create a more somber mood. The film places a lot of emphasis on action and crime solving, but sacrifices the comedic charm that characterizes the series. This is a shame, especially since the main setting is an amusement park, practically a goldmine for humor. Axel gets into exciting situations, such as a heartbreaking rescue on a Ferris wheel where he jumps from one car to another in mid-air. this action-oriented focus removes the cheeky comedic elementThe dialogues seem stale, Axel misses his classic quick wit and crazy, invented scenarios when he talks his way out of tricky situations. When Beverly Hills Cop III tries to convey humor, it is often ineffective. For example, the reunion scene with Serge (Bronson Pinchot) at a banquet drags on and quickly loses momentum.

The chemistry between Axel and Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) also feels strange. The dynamic that was so lively in the second film seems to have fizzled out, which is probably because Taggart is not in the film and Rosewood is only at Axel’s side in the final battle. Taggart is missing in Beverly Hills Cop IIIand Detective Jon Flint (Hector Elizondo) intervenes, but seems more like a forgettable supporting character who does not get deeply involved in Axel’s case. On a positive note, Axel’s vendetta against the main villain Ellis DeWald (Timothy Carhart) seems more authentic, as DeWald is responsible for the murder of Axel’s closest superior in a shootout gone wrong. If that doesn’t excite the audience, then maybe George Martins random cameo appearance in the film could be it.

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3 “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984)

Director: Martin Brest

When Detroit cop Axel first drives into Beverly Hills in his souped-up blue Chevy Nova, audiences are immediately treated to a montage that screams “Welcome to Beverly Hills!” – luxury retail brands, shiny foreign cars and people walking their pampered Chihuahuas. It paints a vivid picture of the opulent, pristine and white-dominated world that Axel will turn on its head with his cheeky, sly charm. One of the pioneering films of the action-comedy genre, it is Beverly Hillspolice officer hadn’t quite found his feet yet. The film is full of comedy from the start, with Axel sweet-talking his way out of being arrested by the police in a way only Murphy can.

The mix of action and comedy escalates and gives the audience unforgettable scenes such as Axel’s hilarious prank while monitoring Taggart and Rosewood and his inglorious expulsion from Victor Maitland’s (Steven Berkoff) office by his henchmen. The plot revolves around the classic conflict between compliance with the rules and working outside the lawthat the initial chemistry between John Taggart (John Ashton), Rosewood, and Axel. At first, Taggart and Rosewood are understandably defensive, meaning the characters are boringly strict, stern, and constantly on the fringes of society. But it’s a necessary tension, and Taggart and Rosewood eventually realize that sometimes skirting the rules is the only way to catch the bad guys. Beverly Hills Cop is ready for use immediately, to do everything right to introduce the audience to Axel’s new world.

2 “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024)

Director: Mark Molloy

Four decades have passed since the first film, and Axel Foley may have aged, but he’s still the same witty, rule-breaking detective that audiences know and love. Although he’s about to retire, Axel is still very active in the police force, much to the chagrin of his colleagues. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F feels both fresh and familiar. Sure, the film has a sleek, modern appeal, with Beverly Hills now full of residents with smartphones and cars that look like high-tech toys, but the charm of the first film is still there. And praise to the fourth film for its nostalgic references to the original: Axel books the same hotel, wild chases, and the showdown in a fancy mission. Axel isn’t the only one who’s grown up; his old buddies are, too. Murphy’s comedic genius plays a big role in the franchise’s success, but it’s the relationships Axel cultivates that really hit the spot. Taggart and Rosewood have moved on to new ventures, showing some serious character development while still getting caught up in the action.

Their development is part of the freshness that makes this new part exciting and at the same time honors the nostalgia old fans share with the previous films. Fortunately Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F does not rely too much on the glory of the past. The audience is introduced to new faces such as Jane Saunders (Taylor Paige) and Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon Levitt), which give the film new colours. In contrast to the third part these new characters are not just supporting characters; they have backstories and share unique relationships with Axel and the old gang. And the Kevin Bacon of everything. Sure, his character may seem a little predictable, but Bacon’s talent for hiding evil intentions behind a good-natured facade makes him a great villain. If that’s not enough to get audiences hooked, just wait for the helicopter chase — that’s pure chaos at its best.

1 “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987)

Director: Tony Scott

If the first film is at 100, then Beverly Hills Cop 2: The Wonderful World of Madness is 200. Bigger, badder and braver, Beverly Hills Cop 2: The Wonderful World of Madness is undoubtedly the best film in the series. The main trio of Axel, Rosewood and Taggart have blossomed and have more characterization, ensuring that it’s not just Axel who stands out. The action-packed scenes are more seamlessly interwoven with comedy; for example, only Axel could pull off chasing a getaway truck in the middle of a Beverly Hills suburb with a larger-than-life cement truck. The funny moments are spread throughout the filmwhether in dialogue-heavy dialogue or physical action. Axel’s detective skills are sharper, showing him not only as the fast-talking cop that audiences first know, but also as someone with high intelligence. His clever tactics underscore Axel’s development from a shrewd detective to a calculating master of his craft.

The main trio of Axel, Rosewood, and Taggart have blossomed and feature stronger characterization, ensuring that Axel isn’t the only one who stands out.

Although some argue that the second installment tries too hard to be provocative compared to the rather discreet and unassuming first film, it is high time that the franchise pulled out all the stops to reach its true potential, be it in terms of characters or the plot itself. The crime in Beverly Hills Cop 2: The Wonderful World of Madness is explosivein the truest sense of the word. Unlike the petty crime of the first film, this one is full of action. The opening scene sets the stage with a mysterious robbery under the guise of the Alphabet Crimes, and the action escalates with each subsequent robbery, creating an exciting dynamic that never feels rushed. Together with a near-perfect soundtrack, there is This fast-paced sequel never gets boring.

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NEXT: 10 movies you should watch if you like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F