Where Did They Shoot Bad Boys? And How to Get There!

Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out the answer to the question where did they shoot Bad Boys? Are you a fan of the Bad Boys movie franchise and curious about where the movies were filmed?

The Bad Boys movies were primarily shot in Miami, Florida, with some scenes also filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, and Mexico City. If you’re interested in visiting the filming locations, Miami is the best place to start. The city is home to several iconic spots that were featured in the movies, including the historic Art Deco District and the famous South Beach area.

Additionally, you can visit the Miami Police Department Headquarters, which was used as a filming location in the first Bad Boys movie.

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Bad Boys: A Snapshot

The first Bad Boys movie was released in 1995 and directed by Michael Bay. It starred Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as two Miami detectives who must find a stash of stolen drugs before it’s too late. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $140 million worldwide.

The franchise was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson and distributed by Columbia Pictures (now Sony Pictures). The success of the first movie led to a sequel, Bad Boys II, which was released in 2003 and once again directed by Michael Bay and starred Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

After a long hiatus, the third installment of the franchise, Bad Boys for Life, was released in 2020. This time, the movie was directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and once again starred Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The movie was another box office success, grossing over $400 million worldwide.

Now that you know a bit about the origins of the Bad Boys franchise, let’s take a look at where the movies were shot and how you can visit those locations.

Where Did They Shoot Bad Boys – Primary Filming Location

Miami serves and the main filming location for movie Bad Boys. Here is some information in regards to the shoot and how to get there:

Miami

The majority of the Bad Boys movies were filmed in Miami, Florida. Some of the notable filming locations include :

1. Ocean Drive and South Beach:
   • One of the most recognizable scenes in “Bad Boys” is the opening shot along Ocean Drive. This area, known for its vibrant Art Deco buildings and bustling nightlife, perfectly encapsulates the energy of Miami.
   • South Beach’s sandy shores and crystal-clear waters also feature prominently, providing a picturesque backdrop for several scenes. The beach scenes highlight Miami’s reputation as a sun-soaked, glamorous destination.
2. Downtown Miami and the Skyline:
   • The Miami skyline is another key visual element in the film. Shots of the city’s high-rise buildings and the bustling downtown area contribute to the urban, high-energy feel of the movie.
   • The film includes scenes shot in and around downtown Miami, showcasing the city’s modern architecture and the contrast between the urban landscape and the natural beauty of the surrounding water.
3. Port of Miami and Bridges:
   • The Port of Miami, one of the largest and busiest ports in the U.S., is used as a backdrop for some of the action sequences. Its industrial setting provides a stark contrast to the city’s more glamorous locations.
   • Miami’s bridges, including the MacArthur Causeway, are featured in several high-speed chase scenes. These bridges not only serve as critical connectors between the islands and the mainland but also offer cinematic views of the city and the water.
4. Luxurious Mansions and Waterways:
   • Miami’s luxurious waterfront mansions are showcased in “Bad Boys.” These opulent homes, often with private docks and stunning views, reflect the wealth and extravagance associated with Miami’s elite.
   • The film also takes advantage of Miami’s intricate network of waterways, adding a unique aquatic element to the chase scenes and providing a different perspective of the city.
5. Cultural Neighborhoods:
   • While not as prominently featured as the more glamorous locations, “Bad Boys” does include scenes set in some of Miami’s diverse neighborhoods. These areas highlight the city’s cultural and ethnic diversity.
6. Iconic Miami Atmosphere:
   • Beyond specific locations, the film captures the overall atmosphere of Miami. This includes the vibrant colors, the tropical climate, and the city’s unique blend of American, Latin American, and Caribbean cultures.
   • The cinematography often emphasizes the bright, saturated colors of Miami, from the blue of the ocean and sky to the pastel hues of the Art Deco buildings, adding to the film’s visual appeal.

Miami Film Tours

If you really want to get down into the nitty gritty, there are a number of tours in Miami that focus on movie and TV sites, including locations from “Bad Boys.” One such tour is offered by Miami Movie Tours. Here’s a summary of what they offer:

• Miami Movie Tours – Day Tours: This tour company has compiled a list of blockbuster films and TV shows that were produced and filmed in Miami. They use a method called “Visual Association,” which takes participants to the actual locations and enables them to visualize and be a part of the famous scenes from these films and shows.
• Tour Experience: The tour includes visits to various movie locations around Miami. For instance, a review mentioned visiting the Miami Convention Center, downtown South Beach, and other locations featured in movies like “Miami Vice,” “Ace Ventura,” “Dexter,” “Bad Boys,” “Bad Boys 2,” “The Specialist,” “Scarface,” and more.
• Duration: The tour typically lasts for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

How To Get There

Getting to Miami depends on your current location and preferred mode of transportation. Here are some general options:

1. By Air:
   • International and Domestic Flights: Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major hub that serves numerous international and domestic airlines. If you’re traveling from another country or from within the United States, flying into MIA is the most direct way to reach Miami.
   • Alternative Airports: For some travelers, especially those in the U.S., flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) might be a convenient alternative. It’s about a 30-40 minute drive from Miami, depending on traffic.
2. By Car:
   • Driving: If you’re in the United States and enjoy road trips, you can drive to Miami. The city is well-connected by major highways like I-95 (which runs along the east coast of the U.S.) and I-75 (which comes from the northwest).
   • Car Rentals: If you’re flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to your destination in Miami.
3. By Bus:
   • Long-Distance Buses: Companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and RedCoach offer bus services to Miami from various cities in the U.S.
   • Local Buses: Once in Florida, you can also use local bus services to reach Miami from nearby cities or towns.
4. By Train:
   • Amtrak: Amtrak provides train service to Miami with connections from cities across the U.S. The Silver Service/Palmetto line is a popular route that runs to Miami.
   • Brightline: If you’re in Florida, Brightline offers a faster train service connecting Miami with Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
5. By Cruise or Boat:
   • Cruises: Miami is a major cruise port. If you’re interested in combining your visit with a cruise, many Caribbean cruises start or end in Miami.
   • Private Boat: If you have access to a private boat, Miami has several marinas where you can dock.
6. Public Transportation in Miami:
   • Once in Miami, you can use the city’s public transportation system, including buses, the Metrorail, and Metromover, to get around.

Book your trip to where they shot Bad Boys here!

Where Did They Shoot Bad Boys – Secondary Filming Locations

Although almost all of the filming for Bad Boys and its subsequent sequels was shot in Miami, there were a couple of other locations used in the movie including:

Atlanta

Some scenes in Bad Boys II were filmed in Atlanta, Georgia including the car chase scene and the scene where the Haitian gang is introduced.

To get to Atlanta, you can take a flight to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to the filming locations.

Mexico City

In Bad Boys for Life, some scenes were filmed in Mexico City, particularly at the Hidalgo Palace.

To get to Mexico City, you can take a flight to Mexico City International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to the filming locations.

Sequels and Future of the Franchise

If you’re a fan of the Bad Boys franchise, you’ll be happy to know that a fourth film is in the works. Sony Pictures has officially announced that Bad Boys 4 will be released on June 14, 2024, almost three years after the release of the third installment, Bad Boys for Life.

While not much is known about the plot of the fourth film, it’s safe to assume that it will continue to follow the action-packed adventures of the Miami detectives.

The Bad Boys franchise has been a huge success for Sony Pictures, grossing over $800 million worldwide. With the release of Bad Boys 4, it’s clear that the studio has no plans of slowing down.

Fans of the franchise can expect more exciting action scenes, witty one-liners, and explosive car chases in the future. Whether or not Bad Boys 4 will be the final instalment in the franchise remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the Bad Boys are here to stay.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the primary filming location for Bad Boys is in and around Miami, Florida in the United States and well worth a visit no matter your interest in the show. The movie is set in Miami which is also a popular tourist destination as well. And as usual, let me know of your experiences here and what you loved about these areas.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul