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

Summary Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F revives the franchise and improves Netflix's action movie reputation.

Despite Netflix's poor track record, Axel F stands out for its humor, nostalgia, and engaging storyline.

The success of Axel F suggests the potential for other action IPs on Netflix, but requires better storytelling.

Netflix recently put out Beverly 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 F revives the iconic Beverly Hills Cop franchise, with Eddie Murphy reprising his role as the 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 the Beverly Hills Cop franchise 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 III was so disliked that it earned two Golden Raspberry nominations for Worst Director and Worst Remake or Sequel. Luckily, the franchise has seen much more luck this year with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and it may even be a turning point for Netflix.

Related 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 of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is so notable because Netflix 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 released Red 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 out The Gray Man. Once again, not even Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas could save The Gray Man from its disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score: 45%.

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

Axel F Is Funny, Nostalgic, & Action-Packed

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After the last few years of below-average action movies, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a refreshing watch. While other Netflix action movies drop the ball when it comes to the script and storytelling, Axel F succeeds at being both hilarious and engaging to watch. Though critics admit that the plot isn't the strongest, Axel F still manages to build a heartwarming father-daughter dynamic and revive the comedy that made Beverly Hills Cop so 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 that Axel F has that other Netflix action movies don't is nostalgia. Since Axel F is the latest of four Beverly Hills Cop movies, 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 of Beverly 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 puts Axel F a step above the competition.

Axel F Suggests A Future For Action IPs On Netflix

Axel F May Revive Netflix's Action

Image via Netflix

Now that Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F has proven that action can be successful on Netflix, there's a chance that the genre could be revamped. Perhaps the nostalgia factor that made Axel F so 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 in Axel F's footsteps, Netflix could finally find its groove with the action genre.

A fifth Beverly Hills Cop is already in development.

Of course, turning around Netflix's action trend will not be easy, and it won't happen overnight. Axel F had 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 take Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F as an example and try to pack more punch in their action movies.