In 1984, a new brand of action comedy exploded onto the scene with the runaway success of Beverly Hills Cop. Not only did the film set a precedent for blending humor into police action, it also further solidified rising star Eddie Murphy as a top leading man.
Two sequels followed, with the third film resulting in noticeably lower critical returns. Now, 40 years after the original, Murphy has returned to the role of Axel Foley. A Detroit detective who constantly finds himself heading over to the sunny thrills of Beverly Hills, Foley is a tough, wise-cracking, often hilarious figure who gets the job done despite his sometimes unorthodox methods. From the iconic main theme to amusing supporting characters such as Judge Reinhold’s Billy Rosewood, this series’ knack for colorful cop thrills remains strong after four decades of pop-cultural relevance.
4 Beverly Hills Cop 3
Axel Foley Heads To A Dangerous Theme Park
- Initial release date: May 25, 1994
- Director: John Landis
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
- Metascore: 16
Coming seven years after Beverly Hills Cop 2, this theme-park-focused threequel marked a low point in the series. Teaming up once again with Trading Places and Coming to Americadirector John Landis, Eddie Murphy delivers an uncharacteristically slow-paced performance compared to his efforts in the first two films.
This time, Axel Foley is in hot water after a botched attempt at taking down a gang of car thieves in Detroit. The disastrous operation leads Foley back to Beverly Hills, where he uncovers a connection between the ring and a theme park named Wonder World. Reuniting with Sergeant Rosewood, Foley takes the fight to a sinister counterfeiting operation.
Panned for its disappointing plot and performances, Beverly Hills Cop 3 was widely believed to have marked a disappointing end to the series for many years. Many cited it as a creative low for both Murphy and Landis, especially compared to their highly-acclaimed prior collaborations. Fortunately, after years of being in and out of development, a fourth film finally made it to fruition.
3 Beverly Hills Cop 2
Action-Packed Thrills For Foley And The Gang
- Initial release date: May 19, 1987
- Director: Tony Scott
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
- Metascore: 48
Action maestro (and brother of Ridley Scott) Tony Scott stepped in for this highly-anticipated follow-up to the smash-hit original. This time, Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills to investigate an attack on Ronny Cox’s Captain Bogomil.
While lacking some of the wit and style that made the original such a hit, this guns-blazing sequel still serves as an effective showcase of Axel Foley’s comedic charisma. Foley, Rosewood, and Taggart take on a dangerous robbery ring, all while dealing with Allen Garfield’s insufferable Chief Lutz. The annoying-by-design Chief serves as an additional thorn in the sides of the protagonists as they attempt to get the job done. Despite not quite reaching the heights of its predecessor, the film was a smash hit at the time that maintained mainstream interest in the violently fun franchise.
2 Beverly Hills Cop (2024)
Axel F Provides A Welcome Return For The Titular Hero
- Initial release date: July 3, 2024
- Director: Mark Molloy
- Distributor: Netflix
- Metascore: 55
This nostalgia-fueled new installment in the long-dormant series has been fairly well-received thus far. The film follows Axel Foley’s latest journey to Beverly Hills, this time to investigate a dangerous conspiracy putting his daughter at risk.
Still a Detroit detective all these years later, Foley reunites with Rosewood and Taggart. He also partners up with his daughter’s ex-boyfriend, who also works as a detective. With new stars and stories but an ode to the style of the original film, the new Beverly Hills Cop chapter has enjoyed a moderately positive reception thus far from critics and audiences alike. Offering a lighter, more energetic tone than the third film did, Axel F is a must-see for longtime fans of the series. It offers a long-awaited chance to see how the loudmouth Detroit investigator gets the job done in the 21st century.
1 Beverly Hills Cop (Original)
Hits All The Right Notes As Landmark Action-Comedy
- Initial release date: December 1, 1984
- Director: Martin Brest
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
- Metascore: 66
The one that started it all, this classic buddy cop blockbuster sees Axel Foley head to Beverly Hills to investigate his friend’s murder. A key moment in the development of the action-comedy genre craze at the time, the film sees the rapid-fire dialogue-throwing Foley bond with straight-laced cops Taggart and Rosewood.
The film succeeds as a showcase of both Murphy’s legendary comedic chops and the violent, gritty style common in 80s Hollywood action flicks. Despite being a comedy, moments such as the execution of Foley’s pal Mikey are showcased unflinchingly. There’s a sense of high stakes and danger to the proceedings, despite the often hilarious antics. With sharp dialogue throughout and a suitably loathsome performance from Steven Berkoff as antagonist Victor Maitland, the fast-paced flick goes from one strength to another en route to a satisfying, surprisingly feel-good closing stretch.