Logo What's After the Movie

Test your knowledge of Ride Along with our quiz!

Ride Along Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Ride Along (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Hacker A.J. finds himself inspecting a daunting list on the computer while aboard crime lord Antonio Pope’s luxurious boat. Suddenly, Pope accuses Port Commissioner Griffin of theft during a heated phone call. Despite Griffin’s vehement denial, Pope orders a hit on him and subsequently tells A.J. to track down the culprit who pilfered his money.

Fast forward two years after the events of the previous film, and we catch up with James, who is now partnered with Detective Mayfield as they attempt to take down drug dealer Troy. The situation escalates when Troy pulls a gun on James, prompting his ally, Ben, who watches everything unfold via camera, to rush in for assistance. In a comical yet tense moment, Ben tries to assert his authority, only to fumble his badge, leading to a chaotic shootout that results in Mayfield being shot and Troy managing to escape. In the rearview mirror of this tumultuous chase, James is on a determined mission to capture Troy, who they eventually track down in a parking garage, uncovering a flash drive in the process.

With Mayfield now hospitalized, Lt. Brooks orders James to head to Miami to uncover Troy’s connections. Meanwhile, Ben is eager to join the mission to prove himself worthy of detective status, although his recent blunders leave the team skeptical of his capabilities. Fortunately, Angela steps in and convinces James to bring Ben along, citing that his interference in wedding planning is proving problematic. Thus, the duo embarks on a road trip to Miami, setting the stage for a whirlwind of thrills.

In Miami, the comedy unfolds as Ben attempts to access homicide detective Maya Cruz’s computer without authorization, leading to a hilarious punishment. Soon, they locate A.J., who cryptically reveals that a safe hidden in a club holds vital information. However, meeting this informant leads them to an unexpected confrontation when they discover he is also one of Pope’s hitmen. A.J. cleverly creates a diversion that allows them to escape, but not before James finds himself in another shootout. Their escapades take a chaotic turn when they discover the safe is empty, and James’s car is rigged with explosives, which comically blows up, leaving them in a state of disbelief.

Amidst this turmoil, Ben realizes he has A.J.’s phone and reaches out to his girlfriend Tasha for help in tracking him down. Using the information that A.J. has been unfaithful, he persuades her to assist. Once they locate A.J., he joins their investigation and reveals shocking details: Pope is not as he seems, hiding behind the facade of a respectable entrepreneur while orchestrating criminal activities beneath the surface, in cahoots with the new port commissioner, Nuñez. Their investigation leads them to the home of Maya’s friend, Alonso, where an accidental shooting incident occurs that ironically confirms their suspicions about Pope’s criminal dealings.

James, Ben, and Maya infiltrate a lavish party at Pope’s mansion, where chaos ensues as Maya distracts Pope with her dance moves, providing an opportunity for the others to rummage for incriminating information with help from A.J. After a near-fatal encounter with an alligator, they collect critical intel, only for Pope to reveal that he’s well aware of their true identities, yet he lets them escape. They put the pieces together, attempting to locate a fleet of shipping trucks thought to be transporting Pope’s illicit goods. Unfortunately, their lead turns fruitless as the first truck they investigate is empty, inciting the wrath of Hernandez.

Reflecting on the mishaps over drinks at a bar, Maya speculates about how quickly Nuñez arrived at the port, connecting the dots about his possible ties to Pope. This revelation propels James, Maya, and A.J. into a race against time to apprehend Pope, but in a comedic twist, they handcuff Ben to a pole, leaving him to break free and rush to Alonso’s for help.

As dawn breaks, the trio gears up at the port hoping to catch Pope off guard. Just as Ben arrives, a chaotic shootout erupts, culminating in an explosion that engulfs a container filled with flammable barrels. The chase reaches a perilous climax when Pope takes A.J. hostage, leading to a tense showdown. In a selfless act, Ben takes a bullet meant for James, allowing James to retaliate and successfully shoot down Pope, while Maya delivers the final blow.

In a heartwarming conclusion, James and Ben’s efforts pay off as they are honored for their role in apprehending both Pope and Nuñez. As they make their way back to Atlanta in a flashy yellow Lamborghini gifted to them by Maya, the air is filled with excitement for Ben and Angela’s wedding. Their ceremony is filled with laughter and joy, and when Ben requests James to give a speech, James reluctantly obliges. He candidly shares how Ben has led him into countless mishaps, yet has also saved his life and made Angela incredibly happy, marking profound personal growth for James as both a man and a cop. As Ben and Angela depart on a speedboat, a comedic moment strikes when Ben unexpectedly flies off due to hitting a wave, leaving James in fits of laughter amidst the chaos.

Ride Along Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Ride Along (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Hacker A.J.'s Discovery

Hacker A.J. is on board crime lord Antonio Pope's boat, sifting through a list on the computer. During this time, Pope accuses Port Commissioner Griffin of theft over a phone call, intensifying the conflict between the crime lord and the commissioner.

Antonio Pope's Boat

The Drug Bust

Two years after the previous film, Detective James is teaming up with Mayfield to take down drug dealer Troy. During the bust, a confrontation escalates into a shootout, leading to Mayfield being shot and Troy managing to escape.

Unknown Location

Chasing Troy

Following the chaotic drug bust, James and his partner Ben chase after the fleeing Troy. In a tense moment, Ben narrowly avoids being run over and James ultimately captures Troy in a parking garage, discovering a flash drive on his person.

Parking Garage

Mayfield's Hospitalization

After the incident, Mayfield is taken to the hospital and is in serious condition. Meanwhile, Lt. Brooks orders James to Miami to investigate Troy's connections, leading to tension as Ben insists on joining him despite his recent troubles.

Hospital

Road Trip to Miami

James and Ben embark on a road trip to Miami, with a friendly nudge from Angela to bring Ben along. This decision stems from Ben's interference with wedding planning, emphasizing his eagerness to prove himself.

On the Road

Meeting A.J.

In Miami, Ben gets punished by Maya while trying to access her computer without permission. Soon after, they find A.J., who indicates that they need to visit a club to get vital information about a safe.

Miami

Confrontation at the Club

At the club, the team encounters a hitman working for Pope, which leads to a chaotic shooting. A.J. creates a diversion for their escape, but they discover the safe is empty and make a hasty exit just before a bomb explodes.

Club

Tracking A.J.

After retrieving A.J.'s phone, Ben contacts his girlfriend Tasha to help track A.J. down. Tasha reluctantly agrees after learning about A.J.'s unfaithfulness, showcasing the intertwining personal lives in their investigation.

The Revelation of Pope's Deception

During a meeting at Alonso's home, A.J. reveals that Pope is not the upstanding entrepreneur he pretends to be, instead hiding his criminal activities. Alonso corroborates this when Ben accidentally shoots him during the encounter.

Alonso's Home

Infiltrating Pope's Mansion

James, Ben, and Maya attend a party at Pope's mansion to gather intelligence. With A.J.'s aid, they narrowly escape danger and gather crucial information, but Pope reveals he knows they are undercover officers.

Pope's Mansion

The Empty Contraband Truck

Upon tracking potential contraband trucks at the port, the team is disappointed to discover the first truck is empty. Pope arrives, feigning anger at the unjustified stop, while the team realizes they have been led astray.

Port

The Realization

The team discusses their failure at a bar when a key insight surfaces about Nuñez’s swift arrival at the port. They come to the conclusion that the real contraband is being moved elsewhere, prompting a hasty search.

Bar

Pope's Last Stand

In the morning, James, Maya, and A.J. find themselves at the port, preparing to capture Pope. In a shoot-out that ensues, Ben arrives just in time to cause a significant explosion, dramatically changing the situation.

Port

The Final Confrontation

A dramatic confrontation occurs where Ben takes a bullet meant for James, demonstrating his courage. In the ensuing chaos, James and Maya manage to shoot Pope down, bringing an end to the crime lord's reign.

Port

Wedding and Farewell

After apprehending Pope and Nuñez, James and Ben drive back to Atlanta in style. The wedding takes place, culminating in Ben's somewhat comical exit on a speedboat, leaving James with a heartfelt speech about their journey.

Atlanta

Ride Along Characters

Explore all characters from Ride Along (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


James Payton (Ice Cube)

James is a tough, no-nonsense detective who is deeply committed to his work. Initially skeptical of Ben's abilities, he undergoes significant character development as he learns to trust and rely on him, highlighting themes of mentorship and growth.

👮 Detective 💪 Strong

Ben Barber (Kevin Hart)

Ben is energetic and comedic, striving to prove himself as a capable detective. His determination often leads him into trouble, but his charisma and heart add a unique dimension to the partnership with James, showcasing the blend of humor and responsibility.

🤣 Comedic 💖 Determined

Maya Cruz (Tika Sumpter)

Maya is a skilled homicide detective who plays a crucial role in the investigation. She represents strength and intelligence, supporting the male leads while adding depth with her own backstory and relationships.

👩‍⚖️ Detective 💪 Strong Woman

A.J. (John Leguizamo)

A.J. is a crucial informant who provides insight into the criminal underworld. His character brings both tension and levity to the plot, showcasing the complexity of individuals entangled in crime.

🕵️‍♂️ Informant ⚠️ Risky

Ride Along Settings

Learn where and when Ride Along (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

Contemporary

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern issues such as crime, law enforcement, and the intricacies of relationships. The characters navigate their professional and personal lives against a backdrop of current societal challenges and the dynamics of modern police work.

Location

Miami, Atlanta

The movie takes place primarily in Miami, known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and as a hub for drug trafficking. The action later shifts to Atlanta, a bustling city recognized for its rich history and cultural influence, serving as the backdrop for the wedding and the film's conclusion.

🌴 Miami 🏙️ Atlanta

Ride Along Themes

Discover the main themes in Ride Along (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


👮‍♂️

Law and Order

The movie emphasizes themes of justice and crime-solving, with characters striving to uphold the law amidst chaos. The protagonists face moral dilemmas while battling a crime lord, highlighting the complexities of maintaining law and order in a corrupt environment.

💍

Love and Commitment

Romantic relationships play a crucial role in the narrative, especially with Ben's wedding to Angela. The theme of love is intertwined with personal growth, showcasing how relationships can motivate individuals to become better versions of themselves.

👫

Friendship

Friendship is a pivotal theme as James and Ben learn to rely on each other through comedic and serious situations. Their bond evolves, emphasizing loyalty and growth, while navigating the challenges of their partnership as they work together to solve crimes.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.