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The Nice Guys
Theatrical release poster
Directed byShane Black
Written by
  • Shane Black
  • Anthony Bagarozzi
Produced byJoel Silver
Starring
CinematographyPhilippe Rousselot
Edited byJoel Negron
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • May 10, 2016 (2016-05-10) (TCL Chinese Theatre)
  • May 20, 2016 (2016-05-20) (United States)
Running time
116 minutes[3]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$50 million[4]
Box office$62.8 million[5]

The Nice Guys is a 2016 American neo-noir action comedy film directed by Shane Black, who co-wrote the screenplay with Anthony Bagarozzi. The film stars Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in the title roles, with Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Margaret Qualley, Keith David, and Kim Basinger appearing in supporting roles. Set in 1977 Los Angeles, the film focuses on private eye Holland March (Gosling) and tough enforcer for hire Jackson Healy (Crowe) who team up to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl (Qualley).

The Nice Guys premiered on May 10, 2016, in Hollywood, screened on May 15 at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and was released by Warner Bros. Pictures in the United States on May 20, 2016, receiving positive reviews from critics for its humor, mystery, and the performances of Crowe and Gosling but it flopped at the box office as it grossed $63 million on a $50 million budget.[5] The film has gained a cult following especially for Gosling and Crowe's chemistry and comedy.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

Plot

[edit]

In 1977 Los Angeles, Holland March is a private eye hired by Mrs. Glenn to find her niece, porn star Misty Mountains, who she claims to have seen after her death. March's investigation leads him to Amelia Kuttner. A fearful Amelia pays Jackson Healy, a violent enforcer, to scare March away. After visiting March at his home and breaking his arm, he accepts a Yoo-hoo from March's teenage daughter, Holly, as he leaves. When Healy returns home (with a case of Yoo-hoo), he is interrogated by two thugs, "Blueface"—so named after he sets off a dye pack while searching Healy's apartment—and Older Guy, about Amelia. Believing Amelia is in danger, Healy wards them off and teams up with a reluctant March to find her.

The duo visit Amelia's anti-pollution protest group and meet Chet, who brings them to the burnt-down house of Amelia's boyfriend Dean, who died in the fire. They learn that Amelia and Dean were working with Misty on an "experimental film" combining pornography and investigative journalism.

The two infiltrate a party to search for the film's financier, Sid Shattuck. At the party, Healy discovers the film is missing, while March stumbles upon Shattuck's dead body and crosses paths with Amelia. Holly, having snuck along to the party, stops Blueface from killing Amelia. Blueface is struck in a hit-and-run and Amelia flees. Healy subdues Older Guy and finds Blueface dying. Blueface tells Healy that his boss has dispatched a hit man named John Boy to kill all witnesses. Healy discreetly kills Blueface by strangling him. The police arrive at the scene.

March and Healy are met by Amelia's mother Judith Kuttner, a high-ranking official in the Justice Department. Judith claims Amelia is delusional and hires them to find her, for which March demands US$5,000 in payment. March and Healy go to an airport hotel where Amelia is meeting with distributors for the film. However, John Boy has arrived ahead of them and is slaughtering the distributors. The duo hastily retreat, only for Amelia to land on their car and accidentally knock herself unconscious.

They take her to March's house, where she accuses her mother of colluding with car makers to suppress the catalytic converter, which regulates exhaust emissions. Amelia created the film to expose their collusion and believes her mother has been killing everyone connected to the film. A disbelieving March calls Tally, Judith's assistant, and tells her Amelia has been found. Tally tells him the family's doctor will arrive to check on Amelia. At the same time, she tasks them with delivering a briefcase of money to Judith.

March accidentally crashes his car during the delivery, causing the briefcase to fly open, spilling out shredded paper; the delivery was really a diversion to draw them away from Amelia. John Boy arrives at March's house disguised as the family doctor, attacks Holly and her friend Jessica, and engages in a shootout with the returning March and Healy. As John Boy evades the police, Amelia flees the house and unwittingly flags down his car only to be shot and killed. The police question and release March and Healy, who have no evidence that Judith is behind the murders. March realizes that Mrs. Glenn saw Misty in a film projected against a wall. At Misty's house, they discover a film projector, with no film. They realize that Chet is the projectionist for the Los Angeles Auto Show and will try to screen the film at the event.

At the auto show, Tally intercepts Healy and March at gunpoint. Holly distracts Tally, who is knocked unconscious. Amelia's film, which Chet spliced into the auto show presentation, implicates the auto executives. On the rooftop, March struggles with Older Guy; they both fall from the roof, but March lands in the pool while Older Guy falls to his death. Holly stops Tally from reaching the film. Healy overpowers John Boy, but spares his life at Holly's behest and March secures the film from thugs sent by the auto executives. Judith is arrested, but insists that it was Detroit who wanted Amelia dead; she hired March and Healy to keep Amelia safe. Judith remarks that while she will go to prison, Detroit has still gotten away with trying to suppress the catalytic converter. At a bar on Christmas Eve, March shows Healy an advertisement for their new detective agency called "The Nice Guys".

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Like Shane Black's previously directed film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), The Nice Guys takes inspiration from Brett Halliday, namely his novel Blue Murder.[14] Black initially wrote a version of the script along with Anthony Bagarozzi in 2001 which established the characters but otherwise was vastly different.[15] According to Black, each would start with one detective, he with March and Bagarozzi with Healy. Along the way, they swapped characters and eventually wrote a first draft. This version of the script failed to attract any buyers, and then Black reworked it into a 64-page version that would serve for a television pilot. CBS became attracted to it, but given the contents led to many objections by the Standards and Practices department, it eventually did not progress.[14] Black would later, upon promoting the release of the final film, speak disparagingly of the idea of the television series, stating that such a show "wouldn't have been any good".[15] By 2009, Bagarozzi suggested changing the film from a contemporary setting to the 1970s. Black's producer friend Joel Silver was initially wary of the idea as he felt audiences would not be as welcoming to a period piece, but he changed his mind after producing Sherlock Holmes (2009).[16] Black stated the change in time period helped as in contrast to "the divisiveness that we see now", the 1970s was full of multiculturalism and "was the aftermath of the protests and you got a sense that we are all in it together". The contents also drew from films of the period such as Vanishing Point (1971) and Five Easy Pieces (1970).[17] Bagarozzi noted how the title The Nice Guys aimed to be ironic and non-descriptive, as the two main characters were "literally the two worst people that we could think of and then trying to make that fun," given "one breaks arms for a living and the other cons old ladies out of money."[18]

Casting

[edit]

After Shane Black completed the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Iron Man 3 in 2013, Silver asked Black what he wanted to do next and he expressed interest in doing The Nice Guys.[16] The script was sent to Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, and both wound up taking the roles specially for the prospect of working with one another. Gosling even stated that when he read the script already picturing Crowe as Healy, "the movie just immediately became so funny" as he had never seen Crowe in a similar role.[19] Gosling and Crowe accepted in a period of three days, and Black cited the casting as the reason the film was able to move forward, summed up as "After thirteen years it just popped into place in three days".[17] The film was announced in June 2014,[20] and other casting news followed with Margaret Qualley and Angourie Rice officially joining in September.[21] Matt Bomer,[22] Keith David, Beau Knapp,[23] and Kim Basinger were confirmed in October,[24] and Ty Simpkins[25] and Jack Kilmer were announced in November.[26]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography began on October 27, 2014, in Atlanta and Decatur, Georgia.[27] While production designer Richard Bridgland saw a challenge in that the green Atlanta differed too much from the desertic Los Angeles, he found some fitting locations such as Dallas Austin's house, the design of which was based on what architect John Lautner found in Southern California, and the Atlanta Hilton, which had not changed at all since being built in 1976.[28] On October 31, a police station scene was filmed in Atlanta among extras.[29] Filming also took place in Los Angeles, mostly to get exteriors of locations such as The Comedy Store.[21][28]

Bridgland did his best to recreate the 1970s, researching from Super 8 films to documentary photographs, and basing the furniture on designers such as Verner Panton. Even the Misty Mountains glamour photography had Bridgland recruiting Arny Freytag, responsible for most Playboy centerfolds of the decade.[28] For its part, Warner Bros. used its 1972–84 production logo (featuring the "Big W" logo designed by Saul Bass for Warner Communications) to open the film.[30]

Music

[edit]
Main article: The Nice Guys (soundtrack)

Release

[edit]

In the United States, the film was originally scheduled for a June 17, 2016 release,[31] which Warner Bros. moved up to May 20, 2016, giving its previous date to Central Intelligence.[32] The film had its premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on May 10, followed by a 1970s-themed after-party at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and screened at Cannes on May 15.[18][33]

The film was released on digital on August 9, 2016, and DVD and Blu-ray on August 23, 2016. The Nice Guys was released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on February 11, 2025.[34]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

The Nice Guys grossed $36.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $25.5 million in other countries, for a worldwide total of $62.8 million, against a production budget of $50 million.[5]

In the United States and Canada, the film was released alongside Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and The Angry Birds Movie, and was projected to gross around $10 million from 2,865 theaters in its opening weekend.[35] It grossed $3.9 million on its first day, including $700,000 from Thursday night previews.[36] In its opening weekend the film grossed $11.3 million, finishing fourth at the box office behind The Angry Birds Movie ($39 million), Captain America: Civil War ($33.1 million) and Neighbors 2 ($21.8 million).[37] Phil Walden of Forbes argued that the film could have performed higher if not for sharing its release with Neighbors 2, which shared the same older demographic the film targeted.[38] The film made $6.5 million in its second weekend (including $8.4 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend), finishing seventh.[39]

Critical response

[edit]

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 91% based on 326 reviews, with an average score of 7.6/10; the site's "critics consensus" reads: "The Nice Guys hearkens back to the buddy comedies of a bygone era while adding something extra, courtesy of a knowing script, and the irresistible chemistry of its leads."[40] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 70 out of 100 based on 51 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[41] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported filmgoers gave it a 75% overall positive score and a 52% "definite recommend".[37]

Mike Ryan of Uproxx praised Black's writing and said: "If you like Shane Black, you will like The Nice Guys. It's probably the Shane Black-est of all the Shane Black movies. Black has a knack for turning action movie expectations on their head mixed with knowing and rich dialogue."[42] IGN gave the film a 9/10, writing, "Working from a tight and sharp script that perfectly balances the characters like a yin and yang of screw-ups ensures The Nice Guys is an absolute joy every step of the way."[43] Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 3 stars out of 4 and wrote: "Forget about Kevin Hart and Ice Cube in Ride Along 2, or Zac Efron and Robert De Niro in Dirty Grandpa, or Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson in Zoolander 2. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are the funniest duo of the year so far in The Nice Guys".[44] James Berardinelli described the film as reminiscent of Boogie Nights (1997), and wrote that "The Nice Guys is a refreshingly adult movie entering a marketplace saturated by teen-friendly superhero flicks and animated family fare. It's edgy (although not so edgy that it will turn off a mass market audience), funny, and fast-paced", giving the film a score of 3 stars out of 4.[45]

A. O. Scott of The New York Times wrote that the film lacks the wistful, slyly political sense of history found in Paul Thomas Anderson's Inherent Vice (2014), also a quirky private investigator comedy set in the 1970s. Scott wrote: "Even nostalgic nonsense requires more than attitude and energy, which is all that Mr. Black has to offer. And despite all its restless detective work, The Nice Guys is unable to track down a soul or a reason for being."[46] Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "That the film mostly falls flat has far more to do with the largely unconvincing material rather than with the co-stars, who are more than game for the often clownish shenanigans Black and his co-writer Anthony Bagarozzi have concocted for them; in fit and starts [sic], the actors display a buoyant comic rapport." McCarthy praised the film's production design (by Richard Bridgland) and costume design (by Kym Barrett), due to their "vivid reminders of how much L.A. has spruced itself up over the past 40 years", as well as the cinematography (by Philippe Rousselot), due to "the figurative and possibly even literal use of a smog filter to evoke a physically and morally toxic environment."[1]

In 2025, it was one of the films voted for the "Readers' Choice" edition of The New York Times' list of "The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century," finishing at number 203.[47]

Accolades

[edit]
Accolades received by The Nice Guys
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
AARP Annual Movies for Grownups Awards February 6, 2017 Best Buddy Picture Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe Nominated [48]
Critics' Choice Awards December 11, 2016 Best Comedy The Nice Guys Nominated [49]
Best Actor in a Comedy Ryan Gosling Nominated
Empire Awards March 19, 2017 Best Comedy The Nice Guys Nominated [50]
Best Female Newcomer Angourie Rice Nominated
Best Screenplay The Nice Guys Nominated
Hollywood Music in Media Awards November 17, 2016 Best Soundtrack Album The Nice Guys Nominated [51]
[52]
Houston Film Critics Society January 6, 2017 Best Picture The Nice Guys Nominated [53]
[54]
Jupiter Awards March 29, 2017 Best International Film The Nice Guys Nominated [55]
Best International Actor Russell Crowe Nominated
San Diego Film Critics Society December 12, 2016 Best Comedic Performance Ryan Gosling Won [56]
[57]
Saturn Awards June 28, 2017 Best Action or Adventure Film The Nice Guys Nominated [58]

Future

[edit]

In May 2016, prior to the film's release, Black said of a follow-up to the film: "I think it's a little premature to consider a sequel. I don't believe in jinxes necessarily, but we really need people to see this one before we can even talk about that. We're up against some stiff superhero competition and we just need people to, you know, maybe see Captain America six times, but not the seventh and see us instead."[59]

In September 2017, Fox gave a script commitment to a contemporary female-led television version of the film titled The Nice Girls, to be produced by Silver Pictures Television and written by Michael Diliberti.[60]

In August 2018, Black reiterated his desire to make a sequel, though he noted the film probably did not gross enough at the box office to make it likely.[61]

In 2024, Gosling elaborated on why the film hadn't received a sequel stating: "So much of a sequel, I think, is decided by the opening weekend of a movie, and we opened up against Angry Birds, so Angry Birds just, just destroyed us. Angry Birds got a sequel."[62]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Nice Guys

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Nice Guys is a American film written and directed by from a screenplay he co-wrote with Anthony Bagarozzi. Set in 1977 , the film follows private investigator Holland March (), a bumbling widower, and enforcer Jackson Healy (), a tough hired muscle, as they form an unlikely partnership to investigate the disappearance of Amelia Kutner (), which leads them into a involving the , corporate pollution cover-ups, and . The story blends sharp buddy-cop humor with classic detective noir elements, including mistaken identities, violent encounters, and satirical nods to culture. The supporting cast includes as March's teenage daughter Holly, as Amelia's mother, and in a key antagonistic role, with additional appearances by and . Black, known for his work on films like Lethal Weapon and , drew inspiration from 1970s detective movies such as and The Long Goodbye to craft the film's tone and visual style, which features period-accurate costumes, vehicles, and a soundtrack evoking the era's rock and . began on October 27, 2014, primarily in , Georgia, with some exteriors in , over approximately 50 days, with a of $50 million. Released theatrically by on May 20, 2016, in the United States (following earlier international dates), The Nice Guys received widespread critical acclaim for its witty screenplay, strong performances—particularly Gosling's and Crowe's delivery—and Black's direction. It holds a 91% approval rating on based on 327 reviews, with critics praising it as a "hilarious throwback" to the genre. On , it scores 7.4 out of 10 from over 400,000 user ratings. The film earned nominations at the 2017 Critics' Choice Awards for Best and Best Actor in a for Gosling, along with several Saturn Award nods for its action and genre elements, though it did not secure major wins. Despite positive reviews, The Nice Guys underperformed commercially, grossing $36.3 million in and $35 million internationally for a worldwide total of $71.3 million, failing to recoup its budget through theatrical earnings alone. The film's has grown since its release, bolstered by and streaming availability on platforms like , where it is celebrated for its rewatchability and sharp dialogue.

Overview

Plot

In 1977 Los Angeles, the film opens with porn star Misty Mountains crashing her car through the wall of a house and dying from her injuries, an event witnessed by a young boy. Holland March, a widowed alcoholic struggling to raise his teenage daughter , is hired by a grieving mother to locate Misty, who she believes is still alive despite reports of her . March's investigation leads him to Amelia, a young woman connected to Misty's final days, but he soon crosses paths with Jackson Healy, a burly enforcer hired by Amelia to warn off nosy detectives like March. After a violent confrontation leaves both men injured, and Healy reluctantly form a to uncover the truth behind Misty's death and Amelia's disappearance, with providing unexpected assistance despite her father's attempts to shield her from danger. Their probe takes them through the seedy underbelly of nightlife, including raucous parties, adult sets, and encounters with shady figures in the porn industry. They discover that Misty and Amelia were involved in producing an explicit titled How Do You Like My Car, Big Boy?, which inadvertently documents evidence of a massive conspiracy by automakers to suppress catalytic converter technology and cover up vehicle emissions pollution contributing to the city's notorious . As the duo delves deeper, they face escalating threats from assassins, including the enigmatic hitman known as John Boy, who dispatches victims with precision and flair. Key events include the murder of porn producer Sid Shattuck at a lavish pool party and a tense escape by Holly and Amelia from thugs, culminating in Healy killing one of the attackers in . The plot twists reveal that Amelia's mother, Judith Kuttner, a high-ranking Department of Justice official, is complicit in the cover-up, directing attention toward a fictional mob involvement to protect the auto industry's interests. The investigation intensifies when John Boy targets March's family, leading to a deadly at their home where Amelia is fatally shot despite the heroes' efforts to save her. and Healy track the film's master copy to the Auto Show, where they hijack the event to publicly screen excerpts exposing the , sparking outrage and leading to Judith's —though the powerful automakers ultimately evade full . In the aftermath, the battered partners reflect on their losses, including 's unresolved grief, and establish a new detective agency called "The Nice Guys," symbolizing their unlikely bond forged amid corruption and chaos.

Cast

The principal cast of The Nice Guys features Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as the mismatched leads, supported by a ensemble including Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, and Kim Basinger. The film also includes a notable uncredited cameo by Robert Downey Jr. as the corpse of porn producer Sid Shattuck.
ActorCharacterDescription
Russell CroweJackson HealyA no-nonsense enforcer for hire who uses physical intimidation, including breaking fingers, to get results.
Ryan GoslingHolland MarchA down-on-his-luck, alcoholic private investigator struggling to make ends meet.
Angourie RiceHolly MarchHolland's intelligent and resourceful teenage daughter.
Matt BomerJohn BoyA handsome porn actor with a dual life involving shady dealings.
Margaret QualleyAmelia KuttnerA free-spirited young woman whose disappearance sets events in motion.
Kim BasingerJudith KuttnerA high-ranking official in the Department of Justice.
Keith DavidOlder GuyA calm, seasoned hitman working for corporate interests.
Yaya DaCostaTallyAn assistant to a high-ranking official with her own agenda.
Beau KnappBluefaceA tattooed enforcer and hitman known for his distinctive facial marking.

Production

Development

Shane Black first conceived the idea for The Nice Guys in 2001, drawing from his longstanding admiration for detective stories and films that blended gritty investigation with sharp wit. Co-writing the initial script with Anthony Bagarozzi, Black aimed to capture the era's atmospheric tension and moral ambiguity, echoing the style of period pieces like while infusing buddy-cop dynamics reminiscent of . The original draft was set in contemporary times but struggled to gain traction, leading Black and Bagarozzi to revise it multiple times over the next decade. In the mid-2000s, the duo explored adapting the material as a television series, pitching it as a pilot that emphasized episodic mysteries in a seedy urban landscape, but it failed to secure network interest. Bagarozzi, a relatively new collaborator at the time, contributed significantly to refining the protagonists' contrasting personalities—a bumbling and a tough enforcer—while Black handled much of the dialogue's rhythmic banter. By , they relocated the story to 1977 to better evoke the aesthetic, incorporating period-specific elements like economic malaise and cultural shifts to heighten the narrative's stakes. The script's breakthrough came in 2014 when acquired North American distribution rights, buoyed by Black's renewed industry standing following his work on Kiss Kiss Bang Bang nearly a decade earlier. This deal, brokered after the project's package included high-profile attachments, allowed for a planned budget of around $50 million, enabling practical effects and authentic period recreations without compromising the film's scope. Black envisioned The Nice Guys as a genre hybrid, merging neo-noir's shadowy intrigue and moral complexity with action-comedy's irreverent humor, to subvert expectations of the detective thriller while nodding to Black's signature style of escalating chaos. The plot drew from real 1970s Los Angeles undercurrents, particularly the growth of the porn industry along , where adult films proliferated amid lax regulations and cultural upheaval following Deep Throat's mainstream breakthrough. This seedy backdrop informed the story's opening investigation into a porn star's apparent , reflecting the era's scandals and exploitation. Additionally, the conspiracy arc was inspired by the automotive industry's resistance to environmental reforms, specifically efforts to delay the widespread adoption of catalytic converters mandated by the Clean Air Act, which aimed to curb exhaust pollution but faced pushback from manufacturers concerned about costs. Black wove these historical tensions into a fictional plot, using smog-choked L.A. as a metaphor for corporate greed and ecological neglect.

Casting

Shane Black specifically targeted and for the lead roles of Jackson Healy and Holland March, respectively, valuing their proven range in action and comedy to deliver the film's blend of humor, brutality, and emotional depth. Black noted that both actors possessed the gravitas necessary to navigate the story's tonal shifts organically, drawing from Crowe's tough-guy personas in films like and Gosling's comedic timing in projects such as . This pairing was envisioned to create a compelling buddy dynamic central to the comedy. The script had been in development for 13 years, during which Black held out for performers who could embody the mismatched partners' unexpected chemistry, which ultimately proved electric on screen as fed off each other's improvisational energy. Crowe and Gosling's rapport allowed for natural interplay, enhancing the setting's authenticity without forced buddy-cop tropes. For the supporting role of Holly March, Gosling's teenage daughter, 15-year-old was chosen for her remarkable maturity and thorough preparation, despite it being her Hollywood debut; impressed during auditions with her poise, and Gosling assisted in building her confidence on set to ensure she commanded scenes effectively. , daughter of actress , secured her first major studio role as Amelia Kuttner after gaining notice in HBO's The Leftovers, bringing a fresh intensity to the character's involvement in the conspiracy. Casting challenges arose in securing actors who could authentically capture the era's period-specific elements, particularly for roles tied to the 1970s ; Matt Bomer was selected for the dual role of John Boy (a porn star) and Dr. Malek, leveraging his striking looks and versatility to fit the film's seedy underworld aesthetic. Over the long development period, initial considerations for the leads included other actors, but Black prioritized Crowe and Gosling once they committed, avoiding last-minute changes by locking the principal cast early in .

Filming

Principal photography for The Nice Guys commenced on October 27, 2014, in , Georgia, where the production primarily took place to recreate 1970s Los Angeles, and lasted 53 days before wrapping in early 2015, with additional exteriors shot in . The film's was $50 million. Key locations included practical sets built in to evoke 1977 Los Angeles, such as recreations of , the , and fictional porn production studios, while some period-appropriate exteriors utilized actual buildings in for authenticity. Director employed practical effects for action sequences, including car chases that minimized CGI reliance, and utilized long shots for dynamic mobility in a two-camera setup. emphasized 1970s-era lighting through practical sources like sodium, , and fluorescent fixtures, complemented by period-accurate wardrobe to enhance the film's nostalgic aesthetic. Challenges during filming included coordinating complex stunts, with performing many himself despite his stunt double recovering from an injury, and managing a tight schedule that demanded rapid decisions on set. In , editing focused on assembling fight sequences to highlight comedic timing, leveraging the performers' chemistry to blend action with humor.

Music

The musical score for The Nice Guys was composed by and , who crafted a jazz-infused featuring prominent brass and percussion elements to evoke the style of films. Their collaboration drew on Ottman's prior work with director on films like , blending disco-jazz grooves with noir undertones to match the film's comedic atmosphere. Key original tracks include variations of the main theme, which underscore investigation sequences with its groovy, period-appropriate rhythms, while lighter cues highlight the film's comedic beats, such as chase scenes and awkward character interactions. The score's instrumentation, including electric guitars and funky bass lines, reinforces the setting without overpowering the dialogue-driven humor. To enhance era authenticity, the film incorporates licensed period songs from the 1970s, such as "" by , "" by , and "" by , which play during key montages and social scenes to amplify the and vibe. These tracks, alongside others like "" by , complement the original score by providing a vibrant, nostalgic backdrop that heightens the film's retro aesthetic. The original motion picture score was released on May 27, 2016, by Lakeshore Records, featuring 18 tracks that capture the film's blend of tension and levity, with critics noting how the music's retro fusion bolsters its tone. A separate compiling the licensed songs was issued on May 13, 2016, also by Lakeshore Records, emphasizing the production's integration of contemporary composition with archival hits timed to editing for seamless .

Release and distribution

Theatrical release

The Nice Guys had its world premiere in Hollywood on May 10, 2016, followed by a screening at the on May 15. The film received its wide theatrical release in the United States on May 20, 2016, distributed by . The marketing campaign highlighted the film's buddy-cop comedy elements, with trailers featuring the comedic interplay between leads and set against a backdrop. Promotional posters showcased the stars in period attire, evoking through retro styling and references to era-specific culture like and influences. Domestically, the film opened in 2,865 theaters across the . Internationally, the rollout began earlier in select markets, with releases in on May 15, 2016, and the on May 20, 2016. The film earned an R rating from the of America for violence, sexuality, nudity, language, and brief drug use. In some international markets, such as , minor edits were made to tone down nudity and other content to comply with local standards. At its Cannes screening, The Nice Guys garnered positive initial buzz for its sharp humor and strong performances by Crowe and Gosling, with critics praising it as a lively 1970s throwback comedy. Opening weekend projections in the U.S. estimated earnings between $11.5 million and $18.5 million, reflecting tempered expectations amid competition from family-oriented releases.

Home media

The Nice Guys was released on DVD and Blu-ray by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on August 23, 2016, in a combo pack that included a high-definition Blu-ray disc, standard DVD, and digital copy. The Blu-ray edition featured 1080p video resolution with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The home video release included several special features, such as the behind-the-scenes featurettes "The Nice Guys: '70s Style," "Always Bet on Black," "A Look Inside," and "A Conversation with Ryan and Russell," along with deleted scenes introduced by director Shane Black and a gag reel. These extras provided insights into the film's production, casting choices, and the 1970s aesthetic, enhancing the viewing experience for fans of the buddy comedy genre. Digital availability began earlier, with downloads offered on platforms like and Amazon starting August 9, 2016. By late 2016, the film was accessible for streaming on services including , and it has maintained ongoing availability on as of 2025, alongside rental and purchase options on Apple TV and other digital retailers. In a recent update, Home Entertainment issued a 4K edition on February 11, 2025, featuring a new remaster in HDR for enhanced color and contrast, paired with audio for immersive . This upgrade preserved the film's vibrant 1970s visuals while carrying over select special features from the 2016 Blu-ray. Special editions have included collector's sets, such as the UK-exclusive limited edition 4K UHD and Blu-ray release by Second Sight Films on June 16, 2025, limited to 2,000 copies and packaged in a rigid with an O-card, a 150-page , nine cards, and a booklet featuring new interviews and essays. International variations featured region-free 4K discs with localized packaging, while promotional tie-ins incorporated elements like vinyl releases and replica posters inspired by the film's pin-up motifs. North American home video sales reached approximately $2.9 million in DVD and Blu-ray revenue, reflecting sustained popularity among audiences seeking physical copies of the cult favorite.

Reception

Box office performance

The Nice Guys was produced on a budget of $50 million. The film earned $36.3 million in and $26.5 million from international markets, resulting in a worldwide gross of $62.8 million. It debuted in the United States and on May 20, 2016, generating $11.3 million during its opening weekend across 2,865 theaters and finishing in fourth place. This performance was impacted by direct competition from family-oriented releases such as , which topped the chart with $39 million, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising in third, and the holdover : Civil War in second with $33.1 million. Internationally, the film saw varied results, with stronger earnings in at $2.8 million, bolstered by the genre's appeal to local audiences for buddy comedies. In contrast, it underperformed in due to a lack of and limited . The May timing positioned it amid a crowded summer dominated by blockbusters, while its R rating restricted appeal to adult viewers, excluding broader family demographics and contributing to modest overall returns. Although its initial theatrical run did not fully recoup costs at the , the film has achieved long-tail success through home media and streaming availability in subsequent years, enhancing its financial viability beyond cinemas.

Critical reception

Upon its release, The Nice Guys received widespread critical acclaim, earning a 91% approval rating on based on 327 reviews, with an average rating of 7.4/10. On , the film holds a weighted average score of 70 out of 100, based on 51 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Critics frequently praised the screenplay by director Shane Black for its witty, sharp dialogue that revitalizes the buddy comedy genre, drawing comparisons to his earlier works like Lethal Weapon. Black's direction was lauded for capturing the gritty 1970s Los Angeles aesthetic, blending neo-noir elements with slapstick humor to evoke the era's corruption and cultural shifts. Performances also drew high commendation, particularly the chemistry between Ryan Gosling's bumbling private eye and Russell Crowe's tough enforcer, which Variety described as a "cheerfully hostile" duo delivering "brutally amusing" physical comedy. Some reviewers pointed to minor flaws, such as pacing issues in the third act where the plot grows cluttered with repetitive action sequences and relies on familiar tropes like explosive climaxes, as noted in a review. Despite these critiques, the critical consensus positioned The Nice Guys as a smart, underappreciated comedy that skillfully mixes genre homage with fresh wit, though it was somewhat overlooked amid summer blockbusters. Audience reception echoed the positive critical response, with a 79% approval rating on from over 50,000 user ratings. In a 2025 New York Times readers' poll of the best films of the , The Nice Guys ranked among the selections, highlighting its enduring appeal as a cult favorite. In recent years, the film's cult following has continued to grow, with noting in 2024 interviews its rewatch value and potential for sequel discussions.

Accolades

The Nice Guys received recognition from various critics' groups, guilds, and genre awards, earning approximately 34 nominations and 9 wins overall, primarily in categories celebrating its comedic and action elements. At the in 2017, the film was nominated for Best Action/Adventure Film (which it won) and Best Actor for . The Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle nominated the screenplay by and Anthony Bagarozzi for Best Original Screenplay. Internationally, received a for (International) at the Evening Standard British Film Awards.

Legacy

Cultural impact

The Nice Guys has been credited with reviving the buddy-cop genre rooted in 1970s cinema, combining neo-noir mystery with irreverent humor through its mismatched protagonists and period-specific Los Angeles setting. This approach echoed classic pairings like those in Lethal Weapon, but updated with Shane Black's signature witty dialogue and physical comedy, and has drawn comparisons to The Big Lebowski for its absurd humor, eccentric characters, chaotic criminal intrigues, and loose, sometimes black comedy. The film has cultivated a dedicated , particularly amplified by its availability on streaming services like , where viewers have rediscovered its quotable script and sharp performances. Fans frequently highlight Ryan Gosling's portrayal of the hapless Holland March, with scenes like the exaggerated scream during his arm-breaking encounter becoming iconic in online discussions and generating widespread memes across platforms. This appreciation has extended to podcasts, where episodes on overlooked gems of the often praise it as an underappreciated comedy masterpiece. In 2025, The Nice Guys appeared in The New York Times readers' poll for the best films of the , ranking at number 204 and underscoring its lasting appeal among audiences despite initial challenges. Fan-driven merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and apparel inspired by the film's aesthetic, continues to be available through various online retailers, reflecting ongoing enthusiasm. As the movie approaches its 10th anniversary in 2026, its status as a modern persists, with enthusiasts advocating for its recognition in genre revival conversations.

Potential sequel

Following the release of The Nice Guys in May 2016, director and co-writer expressed optimism for a potential , stating that it could happen if the film generated sufficient audience demand and if stars and were willing to return, which he believed they would be. He noted that the genre lent itself to ongoing stories, allowing for new cases similar to classic series like films. By 2018, despite the film's modest box office earnings of $71 million worldwide against a $50 million budget, Black reiterated his strong interest in a follow-up, declaring he would make it "in a heartbeat" if financed. In September 2017, producer announced a female-led television spin-off titled The Nice Girls, a contemporary reimagining developed for with a script commitment and penalty attached, but the project did not advance to production and was effectively shelved by 2018. In April 2024, Gosling addressed the lack of a in an , attributing it primarily to the original film's disappointing opening weekend, where it earned $11.2 million domestically and was overshadowed by , which grossed $38 million in the same frame. He emphasized that opening weekend performance heavily influences decisions in Hollywood. As of June 2025, provided an update during a for Second Sight Films' 4K release of the original, confirming no active development for The Nice Guys 2 due to several persistent challenges. These include complicated rights ownership split among , Warner Bros., and financier ; escalating production costs driven by the stars' higher fees since 2016; and Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav's cautious approach to mid-budget genre films amid a shift toward blockbuster franchises and IP-driven content. Black highlighted cast availability issues, such as Crowe's busy schedule with projects like and , as an additional hurdle, though he noted both remain enthusiastic. Despite this, Black shared hypothetical concepts for continuing the Holland March-Jackson Healy partnership, including a set in inspired by pulp detective novels like those of Shell Scott, or tackling new conspiracies in the vein of the original's 1970s noir style. In October 2025, reiterated his enthusiasm for a but cast further doubt on its feasibility, citing the original film's commercial underperformance as a major barrier to securing and . He emphasized the high production costs and the need for compelling material to justify reuniting the cast, stating that these factors make it challenging to move forward. As of November 2025, no further developments have been announced, leaving the project's future uncertain.

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