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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe four Beverly Hills Cop movies rank, from worst to best: Beverly Hills Cop III, Beverly Hills Cop II, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and the 1984 original. That order uses Rotten Tomatoes’ critic scores as a starting point, not an objective measure of quality; the films also differ in comic consistency, action, supporting-cast chemistry, freshness, and how well they use nostalgia.
How this ranking works
Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer snapshots reviewed October 4, 2026, put the films in the same order used here. The scores reflect the share of critics whose reviews are classified as positive, not a universal rating of each film. They can change as reviews are added or reclassified. Audience Popcornmeter scores provide another perspective, but the number of audience ratings varies considerably by title.
The ranking also considers how reliably the comedy lands, the memorability of the action, the chemistry around Axel Foley, the freshness of each film’s case and setting, and whether callbacks add something beyond recognition. Those are editorial criteria, not conclusions produced by the scores.
4. Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)
The weakest entry by a wide margin in the reviewed aggregates, Beverly Hills Cop III sends Axel back to Beverly Hills to investigate a case tied to Wonder World amusement park. John Landis directs, but the new setting and case do not give the series the same spark as its original culture-clash premise.
#1 Best Overall
- Beverly Hills Cop 3-Movie Collection
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- Product Type: PHYSICAL MOVIE
- Brand: Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment
Rotten Tomatoes listed the film at 11% from 56 critic reviews and 35% from more than 10,000 audience ratings in its snapshot reviewed October 4, 2026. The disparity between its already-low critic score and its still-lower audience score reinforces its place at the bottom of this comparison, though neither figure can speak for every viewer. Rotten Tomatoes’ film page.
3. Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)
Tony Scott’s sequel brings Axel back to Los Angeles to help investigate the Alphabet Crimes. Eddie Murphy’s wisecracking presence remains the central attraction, but the follow-up has less of the first film’s sense of discovery. Its critic score puts it above the third movie and below the two stronger entries.
Rank #2
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In the October 4, 2026 snapshot, Rotten Tomatoes recorded 48% from 40 critic reviews and 58% from more than 250,000 audience ratings. Its consensus praises Murphy’s appeal while judging that the sequel does not take Axel or the viewer far enough into new territory. Rotten Tomatoes’ film page.
2. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)
Mark Molloy’s fourth film gives Axel a family-centered reason to return: a threat to his daughter Jane. It is a different kind of sequel from the 1987 and 1994 entries, built around the character’s return and the relationships that come with it. The nostalgia is part of the appeal, but it also limits how fresh the film feels beside the original.
Rank #3
- Beverly Hills: Chihuahua 3
Rotten Tomatoes’ consensus calls it a nostalgia-driven return and a welcome one, with Murphy carrying the film. Its October 4, 2026 snapshot lists 66% from 198 critic reviews and 75% from more than 2,500 audience ratings. The much smaller audience-rating count than for the older films is useful context when comparing the percentages. Rotten Tomatoes’ film page.
Netflix identifies Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold as the only actors to appear in all four films. John Ashton also returns as Taggart after missing the third entry. Netflix Tudum’s overview of Axel F.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.1. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
The original remains the strongest film in the series. Martin Brest introduces Detroit detective Axel Foley, who travels to Beverly Hills after his friend is murdered. The contrast between Axel’s unconventional approach and the polished world he enters gives the comedy and crime story a clear engine, while its supporting cast—including Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Ronny Cox, and Steven Berkoff—helps make the setting feel like more than a backdrop.
In Rotten Tomatoes’ October 4, 2026 snapshot, the film scored 83% from 58 critic reviews and 82% from more than 250,000 audience ratings—the highest critic score of the four and the strongest audience score among the original and first two sequels. Paramount describes it as a fast-paced action comedy. Rotten Tomatoes’ film page and Paramount’s official film page.
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Release order and where to start
The ranking is also the series’ release order: Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), Beverly Hills Cop III (1994), then Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024). Watching in that order makes the changes in Axel’s relationships and the newer film’s callbacks easiest to follow. Netflix confirms Axel F is streaming on Netflix, but availability of any title can vary by country and change over time; check the service’s current local catalog.
For physical-media collectors, Paramount Home Media Distribution announced a 4K Blu-ray collection containing the 1984, 1987, and 1994 films. It does not include Axel F; current price and stock are not established here. Paramount’s page for the original also lists 4K UHD and digital availability. The collection announcement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
