When “21 Jump Street” hit the big screen, it marked a pivotal moment for its stars, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, both of whom were riding high in their careers.
Channing Tatum, primarily known for his roles in romantic films and, of course, “Magic Mike,” surprised fans with his hidden comedic talent. While Jonah Hill’s dry sense of humor was no secret, the pairing of these two actors turned out to be a stroke of genius.
Where to watch Movies like 21 Jump Street
In their remake of the classic TV show “21 Jump Street,” Hill and Tatum portray a pair of underachieving cops assigned to infiltrate a local high school and bust a synthetic drug ring. On the surface, it sounds straightforward—find the dealer, arrest the supplier. But, as expected, things are never that simple for Schmidt and Jenko.
Buddy cop comedies and teen comedies have a unique charm—you either connect with the humor, or you don’t. Below, we’ve curated a list of films that share the same comedic spirit that made “21 Jump Street” a hit.
- “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 who grapple with separation anxiety when their plan to host an epic party takes an unexpected turn.
- “American Pie” (1999)
- Every generation has its iconic coming-of-age movie, and for 90s/2000s kids, it’s “American Pie.” The story revolves around four teenage boys who make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night, leading to a series of hilarious and awkward encounters.
- “Hot Fuzz” (2007)
- If you haven’t explored the Edgar Wright Cornetto Trilogy, you’re missing out. “Hot Fuzz” is the second installment, featuring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as skilled London police officers transferred to a seemingly tranquil village, only to discover a string of grisly murders.
- “Pineapple Express” (2008)
- Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg reunited to create this classic stoner comedy. It follows a process server and his marijuana dealer who find themselves on the run from hitmen and a corrupt police officer after witnessing a murder.
- “The Other Guys” (2010)
- Buddy cop comedies had their moment, and “The Other Guys” proved that even unconventional pairs like Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg could deliver. The film revolves around two mismatched New York City detectives who aspire to emulate their revered counterparts but face unexpected challenges.
- “Ride Along” (2014)
- Ice Cube’s impeccable comedic timing pairs perfectly with Kevin Hart’s humor in this film. The two share fantastic on-screen chemistry as a security guard named Ben who must prove himself to his girlfriend’s brother, a top police officer, during a ride-along.
- “Bad Boys” (1995)
- Michael Bay’s action-packed direction combined with the charisma of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence resulted in “Bad Boys,” where two hip detectives protect a witness while investigating a case of stolen heroin from their precinct’s evidence room.
- “Lethal Weapon” (1987)
- Buddy cop comedies from the 80s had a distinct flavor, and “Lethal Weapon” was a standout due to the banter between Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. Their dynamic made the films immensely enjoyable.
- “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984)
- Eddie Murphy, an SNL alum, shines as Axel Foley, a freewheeling Detroit cop navigating the unfamiliar culture of Beverly Hills while investigating a murder.
- “Rush Hour” (1998)
- When you combine the legendary talents of Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, you get comedy gold. The film centers around 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 pursuing a dangerous crime lord.
Do you have any other movie recommendations that capture the spirit of “21 Jump Street”? Feel free to share them in the comments below! ,more movies on www.reelsimilar.com and www.99reel.com
