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The Other Guys

The Other Guys is a 2010 American buddy cop action comedy film directed by Adam McKay and co-written by McKay and Chris Henchy.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Other Guys is a 2010 American buddy cop action comedy film directed by Adam McKay and co-written by McKay and Chris Henchy. The film stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as mismatched NYPD detectives, with a supporting cast including Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, Ray Stevenson, Dwayne Johnson, and Samuel L. Jackson. It was widely distributed in Canada as part of the North American studio-comedy market.

Premise

The story centers on two mismatched NYPD detectives who try to prove themselves after idolized top officers fall out of the spotlight. Their attempt to handle a case that seems routine leads them into a larger criminal conspiracy.

Production

The film was directed by Adam McKay, who co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Henchy. It was produced as a mainstream studio comedy with a large ensemble supporting cast.

Release and rating

The Other Guys was released in 2010 and runs 107 minutes. It received a PG-13 rating in the United States.

Cast

The lead roles are played by Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, with Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, Ray Stevenson, Dwayne Johnson, and Samuel L. Jackson in supporting roles.

Key facts

  • The film follows two NYPD detectives who are widely regarded as the department's less celebrated officers.
  • Will Ferrell plays Allen Gamble, and Mark Wahlberg plays Terry Hoitz.
  • The supporting cast includes Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, Ray Stevenson, Dwayne Johnson, and Samuel L. Jackson.
  • The film has a runtime of 107 minutes and was released in 2010.
  • It is rated PG-13 for language, crude and sexual content, some drug material, and violence.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada as part of the North American studio-comedy market and is relevant to Canadian audiences through its U.S. theatrical release and home-entertainment availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Other Guys about?
It follows two NYPD detectives who are pushed into a major case after their department’s star officers become unavailable.
Who directed The Other Guys?
Adam McKay directed the film.
Who stars in The Other Guys?
Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg star, with supporting performances by Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, Ray Stevenson, Dwayne Johnson, and Samuel L. Jackson.
When was The Other Guys released?
It was released in 2010.
What genre is The Other Guys?
It is a buddy cop action comedy film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Other_Guys
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, and film identification as a 2010 American buddy cop action comedy film.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386588/
    Supports: Plot premise, cast, and film identification.
  3. FilmAffinity — https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film990587.html
    Supports: Runtime, year, and plot premise.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/other_guys
    Supports: Genre, MPAA rating, and release timing.
  5. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-other-guys/2000175318/
    Supports: Plot premise, runtime, and character names.