A Record-Breaking Audience Score
Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die has set a new high for the franchise with an impressive 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This score not only reflects the movie’s popularity but also surpasses the audience ratings of all previous Bad Boys films. The closest contender, Bad Boys for Life, holds a 97% audience score. This remarkable achievement underscores the movie’s success and the audience’s enthusiasm for the continuation of the series.
The Rotten Tomatoes audience scores for the Bad Boys franchise have been progressively improving. The first two films, Bad Boys and Bad Boys II, had scores of 75% and 76% respectively, while Bad Boys for Life saw a significant jump to 97%. This upward trend indicates that fans are increasingly enjoying the films, especially since directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah took over from Michael Bay.
| Title | Tomatometer Score | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bad Boys (1995) | 44% | 78% |
| Bad Boys II (2003) | 24% | 78% |
| Bad Boys for Life (2020) | 76% | 96% |
| Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) | 64% | 97% |
Box Office Success
Despite concerns about the overall market slump in May, Bad Boys 4 exceeded expectations with a robust opening. The movie earned $21.6 million on its first day and a projected $53 million over the opening weekend from 3,885 locations. This performance, although slightly lower than the $62 million opening of Bad Boys for Life, is a strong indicator of the film’s potential for long-term box office success.
Exhibitors and rival distributors had mixed expectations, but the solid walk-up traffic and positive audience reactions proved the optimistic predictions right. The film received an A- CinemaScore and a 5/5 on PostTrak, further emphasizing its appeal.
Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die marks Will Smith’s return to the big screen after the controversial incident at the 2022 Oscars. Smith’s performance alongside Martin Lawrence has been widely appreciated, helping to restore his standing with fans and in the industry. In a heartwarming move, Smith surprised fans by attending a screening in Los Angeles, which he documented on social media. The actor’s presence delighted the audience, with one fan even rating the movie a “10 out of 10.”
A Positive Trend for the Franchise
The continued success of the Bad Boys franchise suggests a promising future. While the Tomatometer score for Ride or Die sits at a mixed-to-positive 64%, the audience’s overwhelming support could pave the way for further installments. Should Bad Boys 5 come to fruition, maintaining the high audience scores will be a challenging but achievable goal.
The high ratings and strong box office performance of Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die indicate that the franchise still resonates deeply with its audience. The movie’s blend of action, humor, and the charismatic performances of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have once again proven to be a winning formula. As the franchise continues to evolve, it remains a beloved staple in the action-comedy genre.
In conclusion, Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die not only breaks records but also reaffirms the enduring appeal of the Bad Boys franchise. With its high audience score, strong box office opening, and positive reception, the film sets a new benchmark for future installments. Fans of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence can rejoice as their favorite buddy cops return with a bang, delivering another memorable adventure.
