The Bad Boys series kicked off with the 1995 film and expanded to include Bad Boys II (2003), Bad Boys for Life (2020), and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
The action-packed film Bad Boys, starring actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as two Miami detectives, has officially turned 30 years old. The first film in the popular franchise was released in 1995 and has now marked three decades of success. To celebrate the milestone, the 56-year-old actor took to Instagram to share a joint post with his co-star Martin Lawrence. The post featured behind-the-scenes photos from the original film and a heartfelt message thanking fans.
The pictures showed Smith and Lawrence smiling on set alongside director Michael Bay, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and cast members like Michael Imperioli, Joe Pantoliano, Téa Leoni, and Theresa Randle.
“30 years ago @jerrybruckheimer, Don Simpson, and @michaelbay took a chance on us, and Bad Boys was born!! Grateful for all the love y’all have shown us through the years,” the caption read.
The Bad Boys series kicked off with the 1995 film and expanded to include Bad Boys II (2003), Bad Boys for Life (2020), and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024). According to Collider, the franchise has earned over $1.2 billion worldwide.Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, speaking to People at the Los Angeles premiere of Bad Boys: Ride or Die last year, said there was “never a dull moment” working with Smith and Lawrence on set.
“They’re creative and fun. They’re so great to work with. There’s never any arguments; we just have a blast going through the process, and it’s a long process to get these made,” Bruckheimer shared.
Smith also reflected last year on his experience filming the original movie, revealing the unconventional process behind his casting.
“I was hooked. ‘Let’s go! When can I read the script?’ Marty Mar’s face scrunched up. ‘Nawww — you can’t, Big Willie. The script’s not there yet. You just gotta trust me and commit,'” Smith recalled in an Instagram post.
