A Much-Maligned Buddy Cop Film Finds New Life On Streaming

The 2003 film stars Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn.

Buddy cop classic National Security is currently dominating multiple streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and iTunes, according to FlixPatrol.

Recommended Videos

The comedy, which stars Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn, is in Netflix’s top ten films in various countries such as Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Cyprus, and Denmark. As for Hulu, the film has cracked the top five positions in the United States list. On iTunes, National Security clocked in the top ten for the following two countries: Estonia and Malta.

National Security follows a police academy reject named Earl Montgomery (Lawrence) and a disgraced cop Hank Rafferty (Zahn), who are coincidently linked to one another. Montgomery and Rafferty first encountered each other during a routine traffic stop that took a surprising turn. As the film continues, the men are forced to join together and bust a smuggling operation.

The movie also stars Colm Feore, Bill Duke, Eric Roberts, Timothy Busfield, Robinne Lee, Matt McCoy, Brett Cullen, Mari Morrow, and Stephen Tobolowsky. Since its release in 2003, it has generated $54 million worldwide. Despite the movie’s commercial success, National Security only received 11 percent on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes.

Since the release of the buddy-cop film, Lawrence starred in two following sequels for his movie franchises, including Bad Boys II and Big Momma’s House 2. His other popular films Wild HogsWelcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, and the third installment of Big Momma’s House were released in subsequent years. Lawrence’s most recent project includes the long-awaited third installment for the Bad Boys franchise alongside Will Smith. 

National Security is now available on Netflix, Hulu and iTunes if you need a dose of 2000s comedy.


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article The history of Chaos Emeralds in the ‘Sonic’ franchise, explained
Chaos Emeralds in Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Read Article What is ‘Darth Vader Syndrome’ and why was it a real issue in the 1980s?
Darth Vader red lightsaber
Read Article How does ‘Knuckles’ set up ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’?
Read Article ‘Knuckles’ ending explained: A warrior’s strength comes from his heart
Read Article All Easter Eggs and references in ‘Knuckles,’ explained
Knuckles using his flaming fists in Paramount+'s Knuckles
Related Content
Read Article The history of Chaos Emeralds in the ‘Sonic’ franchise, explained
Chaos Emeralds in Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Read Article What is ‘Darth Vader Syndrome’ and why was it a real issue in the 1980s?
Darth Vader red lightsaber
Read Article How does ‘Knuckles’ set up ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’?
Read Article ‘Knuckles’ ending explained: A warrior’s strength comes from his heart
Read Article All Easter Eggs and references in ‘Knuckles,’ explained
Knuckles using his flaming fists in Paramount+'s Knuckles
Author
Diamond Jeune
Diamond Jeune is a freelance writer for We Got This Covered. She is also best known for her work with celebrity and entertainment coverage on Atlanta Black Star.