Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Is The Antidote To Netflix’s Action Movie Problem

Summary

Netflix recently put outBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and this action comedy is on its way to fixing Netflix’s action movie crisis. 30 years after the third installment,Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Frevives the iconicBeverly Hills Copfranchise, with Eddie Murphy reprising his role asthe funny police officer, Axel Foley. In this film, Foley returns to California after the lives of his daughter and his former partner, Billy Rosewood, are put in danger. With the help of John Taggart and Serge, Foley tries to unravel the mystery.

Ever since theBeverly Hills Copfranchise started in 1984, it has been a standout film series, for both good and bad reasons. The first movie was a complete success, earning an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and an Academy Award nomination for Best Writing (Original Screenplay.) However, a decade later,Beverly Hills Cop IIIwas so dislikedthat it earned two Golden Raspberry nominations for Worst Director and Worst Remake or Sequel. Luckily,the franchise has seen much more luck this year withBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and it may even be a turning point for Netflix.

Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop Axel F in Front of a Filmstrip Background

10 Best Movies Like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

There are quite a few similar movies to watch after finishing Netflix’s Eddie Murphy action-comedy legacy sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

Netflix’s Track Record With Memorable Action Movies Is Poor

Netflix’s Action Movies Are Forgettable

The success ofBeverly Hills Cop: Axel Fis so notable becauseNetflix has a long history of bad action movies.Though the streaming service releases various original action movies over the course of a year, most of them end up with poor reviews. Worse, many of them have no effect on audiences at all, and end up fading into the background of Netflix’s constant content stream. This trend is especially disappointing because these movies often have star-studded casts and significant budgets. It seems no amount of star power can keep these films from being forgotten.

There are a few key examples of Netflix’s failing action movie trend. In 2021, Netflix releasedRed Notice,an action flick following an FBI agent who teams up with an art thief to catch another criminal. Despite starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, the movie earned a 37% on Rotten Tomatoes. The following year, Netflix put outThe Gray Man.Once again, not even Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas could saveThe Gray Manfrom its disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score: 45%.

Ryan Gosling as Courtland Gentry in The Gray Man

Axel F Is A Breath Of Fresh Air Next To Some Other Netflix Actioners

Axel F Is Funny, Nostalgic, & Action-Packed

After the last few years of below-average action movies,Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Fis a refreshing watch. While other Netflix action movies drop the ball when it comes to the script and storytelling,Axel Fsucceeds at being both hilarious and engaging to watch. Though critics admit that the plot isn’t the strongest,Axel Fstill manages to build a heartwarming father-daughter dynamic and revive the comedy that madeBeverly Hills Copso entertaining in the first place. Overall, just a small boost in quality has made a big difference.

Eddie Murphy makes Axel Foley accessible to any audience member.

One thing thatAxel Fhas that other Netflix action movies don’t is nostalgia. SinceAxel Fis the latest offourBeverly Hills Copmovies, it was easy for the movie to infuse itself with callbacks and references to the previous movies. This type of nostalgia makes the movie ideal for fans ofBeverly Hills Cop.But even then,those who have never seen the franchise can still get in on the action. Eddie Murphy makes Axel Foley accessible to any audience member. Plus, once again, the improved storytelling putsAxel Fa step above the competition.

Axel F Suggests A Future For Action IPs On Netflix

Axel F May Revive Netflix’s Action

Now thatBeverly Hills Cop: Axel Fhas proven that action can be successful on Netflix, there’s a chance that the genre could be revamped. Perhaps the nostalgia factor that madeAxel Fso enjoyable could be translated into other Netflix action films. Previously established action franchises may be the best avenue for the streaming service. On the other hand,maybe Netflix needs to prioritize good storytelling over big celebrity casts. By following inAxel F’sfootsteps, Netflix could finally find its groove with the action genre.

A fifthBeverly Hills Copis already in development.

Of course, turning around Netflix’s action trend will not be easy, and it won’t happen overnight.Axel Fhad many positive factors that resulted in its success, including an existing audience, a strong lead actor, and an influx of nostalgia. Netflix’s other action properties likely won’t have the same ideal set-up. Therefore, Netflix needs to takeBeverly Hills Cop: Axel Fas an example and try to pack more punch in their action movies.