– In the world of Hollywood action movies filled with iconic “buddy cop” duos like Lethal Weapon or Bad Boys, there’s one film that quietly slipped by without the attention it deserved: 2 Guns (2013), featuring the explosive pairing of Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. Now, over a decade later, the movie is making a comeback with new life as it officially lands on the free streaming platform Tubi starting July 1, 2025. If you missed it or forgot about it, now’s the time to rediscover it—and you’ll be surprised at how much better it is than you remember.

Released in the summer of 2013, 2 Guns is an action-comedy directed by Baltasar Kormákur (who previously collaborated with Wahlberg on Contraband), based on the comic book series of the same name by Steven Grant and Mateus Santolouco from Boom! Studios. The story follows two undercover agents unaware of each other’s identities: Robert “Bobby Beans” Trench (Denzel Washington), a sharp-minded DEA agent, and Michael “Stig” Stigman (Mark Wahlberg), a impulsive Navy SEAL. They pose as criminals to take down a drug trafficking ring, but things go haywire when they accidentally rob a vault containing millions of dollars from the CIA. Hunted by drug lords (Edward James Olmos), a ruthless CIA agent (the late Bill Paxton), and even their own superiors, the duo must team up to survive thrilling car chases, explosive shootouts, and plenty of comedic mishaps.

With a budget of $61 million, 2 Guns grossed over $131 million worldwide, proving its initial appeal. However, over time, it faded into obscurity amid superhero films and noisy sequels. Its modest 64% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects a mixed critical reception, but reviewers agree its true strength lies in the electric chemistry between the two leads. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone noted: “Washington and Wahlberg deliver snappy banter and charisma that make it all fun.” Lisa Kennedy from The Denver Post praised: “The two actors, with their vastly different styles, mesh astonishingly well.” Cinematographer Oliver Wood expertly framed the action scenes for unexpected thrills, while Clinton Shorter’s score added an energetic vibe reminiscent of 1980s action flicks.

What sets 2 Guns apart isn’t just the action-packed sequences but its clever satire of America’s “war on drugs,” with double-cross twists and noir-style humor that keeps audiences laughing. Washington brings his signature gravitas from Training Day (which earned him an Oscar in 2001) as the controlled agent, while Wahlberg nails the role of a brash “Boston guy” à la The Departed. The supporting cast adds depth: Paula Patton is alluring as Bobby’s ex, James Marsden shines as a corrupt naval officer, and Fred Ward with Robert John Burke enhance the chaotic underworld.

The film also marks some notable milestones. It was the second collaboration between Washington and Patton after Déjà Vu (2006), and Wahlberg’s continued partnership with Kormákur. In a 2013 Screen Rant interview, Washington said: “We could’ve been secretaries or anything, but the chance to work with Mark was the main reason. It’s a movie about friendship, and we had some real fun moments.” Wahlberg added: “The chemistry between us was natural—Denzel’s a master, and I just tried to keep up.” Producer Randall Emmett even hinted at a sequel based on 3 Guns, but the project seems to have stalled in “development hell” with no recent updates.

The arrival of 2 Guns on Tubi—a free, ad-supported streaming platform—is a golden opportunity for younger audiences to uncover this overlooked gem. It previously gained traction on Netflix in 2024 and Prime Video earlier this year, showing its enduring appeal. With Denzel Washington set to return in Gladiator II and a potential MCU role (possibly in Black Panther 3), alongside Wahlberg busy with The Family Plan 2 and a reboot of The Six Million Dollar Man, 2 Guns reminds us of the power of simple yet quality action films.

If you’re looking for a night of laughter, gunfire, and top-notch bromance, fire up Tubi today. 2 Guns isn’t just better than you remember—it might be the best buddy cop movie you haven’t ranked highly yet. Give it a watch and let Denzel and Mark convince you!