adminWhen “21 Jump Street” hit the screens, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum were at the pinnacle of their careers and widely recognized.
Despite Channing Tatum’s reputation for romantic films and, of course, “Magic Mike,” his fans were aware that he possessed some comedic talent that hadn’t been fully showcased.
Jonah Hill, on the other hand, was already known for his dry sense of humor that could make anyone crack a smile. So, when they were chosen to remake the classic TV show “21 Jump Street,” it was clear that the casting was spot on.
In the movie, Hill and Tatum portray a pair of underachieving cops who are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bust a synthetic drug ring. The mission seems straightforward – find the dealer and arrest the supplier – but, of course, things never go that smoothly for Schmidt and Jenko.
Buddy cop comedies or teen comedies have their unique charm – you either appreciate the humor or you don’t. The films listed below all feature incredible comedy duos that were the driving force behind their success.
1. “Superbad” (2007)
- Co-written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this film catapulted Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse to cult status. It follows two co-dependent high school seniors forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to host a wild party goes awry.
2. “American Pie” (1999)
- Each generation has its defining high school experience movie, and for those born in the ’90s and 2000s, it’s “American Pie.” The plot is simple: four teenage boys make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night, leading to humorous and competitive situations.
3. “Hot Fuzz” (2007)
- If you haven’t explored the Edgar Wright Cornetto Trilogy, you’re in for a treat. “Hot Fuzz” is the second installment, with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost returning as skilled London police officers. They’re transferred to a quiet village where they must deal with easygoing colleagues and a string of grisly murders.
4. “Pineapple Express” (2008)
- Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg reunited to create this classic stoner comedy. It follows a process server and his marijuana dealer as they go on the run from hitmen and a corrupt police officer after witnessing a murder.
5. “The Other Guys” (2010)
- Buddy cop comedies were all the rage at one point, and the pairing of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg worked unexpectedly well. They play two mismatched New York City detectives who seize an opportunity to become the city’s top cops, leading to hilarious mishaps.
6. “Ride Along” (2014)
- Ice Cube’s impeccable comedic timing and Kevin Hart’s humor shine in this film. The two share great chemistry as a security guard trying to prove himself to his girlfriend’s police officer brother through a ride-along.
7. “Bad Boys” (1995)
- Michael Bay’s action-packed “Bad Boys,” starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, was a blockbuster. Two hip detectives protect a murder witness while investigating a case of stolen heroin from their precinct’s evidence room.
8. “Lethal Weapon” (1987)
- Buddy cop comedies in the ’80s had a distinct charm, and Danny Glover and Mel Gibson made “Lethal Weapon” a standout with their banter. The film’s fun-to-watch dynamic laid the foundation for future films in the genre.
9. “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984)
- Eddie Murphy was a force to be reckoned with in the ’80s and ’90s. In “Beverly Hills Cop,” he portrays Axel Foley, a freewheeling Detroit cop navigating the culture shock of Beverly Hills while investigating a murder.
10. “Rush Hour” (1998)
- Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, both legends in their own right, deliver comedy gold when paired together. They play a loyal Hong Kong inspector and a brash L.A.P.D. detective teaming up to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the Chinese Consul while facing off against a dangerous crime lord.
Do you have any other recommendations for movies similar to “movies like 21 jump street“? Feel free to share them in the comments below.
