When “21 Jump Street” hit the screens, it marked a pivotal moment in the careers of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, both of whom were riding high on their fame.
While Tatum was primarily known for his roles in romantic films and, of course, “Magic Mike,” his fans were aware of his untapped comedic talents.
Jonah Hill, on the other hand, was already celebrated for his deadpan humor that could make anyone crack a smile. When they decided to reboot the classic television series “21 Jump Street,” they made a smart choice in selecting this dynamic duo.
In this movie, Hill and Tatum portray a pair of underachieving cops tasked with infiltrating a local high school to expose a synthetic drug ring. The mission sounds straightforward: find the dealer and apprehend the supplier. However, as expected, things take a hilariously chaotic turn for Schmidt and Jenko.
Buddy cop comedies and teen comedies have their own unique appeal; you either resonate with the humor or you don’t. Below, we’ve compiled a list of films featuring outstanding comedic pairs that have taken their respective movies to the heights of success.
10 Movies Like “21 Jump Street”
- “Superbad” (2007)
- Co-written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this film propelled Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse to cult status. It revolves around two co-dependent high school seniors grappling with separation anxiety after their plan for an epic party goes awry.
- “American Pie” (1999)
- Every generation has its defining high school comedy, and for ’90s and 2000s kids, it’s “American Pie.” The premise is simple: four teenage boys enter into a pact to lose their virginity before prom night, leading to comedic and often awkward competitions.
- “Hot Fuzz” (2007)
- If you haven’t delved into the Edgar Wright Cornetto Trilogy, you’re missing out. “Hot Fuzz” is the second installment, following “Shaun of the Dead.” Simon Pegg and Nick Frost return as skilled London police officers transferred to a tranquil village, where they encounter a series of gruesome murders.
- “Pineapple Express” (2008)
- Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg teamed up again to create this classic stoner comedy. The movie follows a process server and his pot dealer as they go on the run from hitmen and a corrupt cop after witnessing a murder.
- “The Other Guys” (2010)
- Buddy cop comedies were all the rage at one point, and the unexpected pairing of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg worked wonders. They play two mismatched NYPD detectives who seize an opportunity to emulate their idolized counterparts but face unexpected challenges.
- “Ride Along” (2014)
- Ice Cube’s impeccable comedic timing, coupled with Kevin Hart’s humor, makes for great chemistry in this film. Ben, a security guard, must prove himself to his girlfriend’s brother, a top police officer, by joining him on a ride-along.
- “Bad Boys” (1995)
- Directed by Michael Bay, “Bad Boys” stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as hip detectives tasked with protecting a witness while investigating a stolen heroin case within their own police precinct.
- “Lethal Weapon” (1987)
- Buddy cop comedies in the ’80s had their own unique charm, and “Lethal Weapon” was no exception. Danny Glover and Mel Gibson’s banter made these films exceptionally fun to watch.
- “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984)
- Eddie Murphy was unstoppable in the ’80s and ’90s, and “Beverly Hills Cop” showcases his comedic prowess. Murphy plays Axel Foley, a Detroit cop investigating a murder while navigating the very different culture of Beverly Hills.
- “Rush Hour” (1998)
- Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, both legendary in their own right, team up for a comedic goldmine. The movie follows a dedicated Hong Kong inspector and a reckless L.A.P.D. detective as they work together to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the Chinese Consul while trying to apprehend a dangerous crime lord.
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