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Beverly Hills Cop (2013) movie poster

Timeline

Beverly Hills Cop (2013) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 45 mins · English
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Directed by
Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring
Eddie Murphy, Sheila Vand, David Denman, Brandon T. Jackson

Aaron Foley, a police officer on the rise, tries to escape from under the shadow of his father’s legacy in Detroit by busting the rich and famous of Beverly Hills.

Comedy Crime Action Cast, crew & box office
On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (12)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle
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12 events in order · contains spoilers

Beverly Hills Cop Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Beverly Hills Cop (2013) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Detroit chase and Todd's reprimand

    Axel Foley's latest unauthorized sting ends in a high-speed chase through Detroit. Inspector Douglas Todd reprimands him for the reckless stunt and warns he could be fired unless he changes his ways.

    Where
    Detroit, Michigan

  2. Mikey's break-in and murder

    Axel returns home to find his childhood friend Mikey Tandino breaking into his apartment. Mikey reveals he has German bearer bonds but won't explain how he obtained them. Returning to the apartment after a bar outing, they are ambushed by Zack and Casey, who knock Axel unconscious and murder Mikey.

    Where
    Axel's apartment, Detroit

  3. Axel heads to Beverly Hills to investigate

    After Mikey's murder, Axel heads to Beverly Hills to pursue the case and find those responsible. He begins private investigations while the Mikey affair links him to the art world and Maitland.

    Where
    Beverly Hills

  4. Jenny learns Mikey's ties to Maitland

    Jenny Summers discovers Mikey had connections to Victor Maitland, the gallery owner who employs her. The revelation links the murder to Maitland's operation and motivates Axel to press further.

    Where
    Jenny's workplace, Beverly Hills

  5. Axel questions Maitland in disguise

    In disguise, Axel confronts Maitland at his Beverly Hills office to question him about Mikey. He is ejected by Maitland's guards and later arrested.

    Where
    Victor Maitland's Beverly Hills office

  6. Taggart and Rosewood join the case; banana incident

    Lt. Bogomil assigns Sgt. Taggart and Detective Billy Rosewood to tail Axel, which starts with mutual tension. Axel amusingly disables their car exhaust with a banana, and the three later bond as they foil a strip-club robbery together.

    Where
    Beverly Hills

  7. Axel infiltrates Maitland's warehouse

    Axel infiltrates one of Maitland's warehouses and uncovers evidence of drug smuggling. He is later arrested after a scuffle with Zack at Maitland's country club.

    Where
    Maitland's warehouse; Maitland's country club

  8. Chief Hubbard orders Axel out of town

    Beverly Hills Police Chief Hubbard orders Axel to be escorted out of town, effectively halting his private investigation. The move underscores the clash between private pursuit and official police authority.

    Where
    Beverly Hills

  9. Axel and Jenny enlist Billy to reach the warehouse

    Axel convinces Billy to take him and Jenny to Maitland's warehouse to intercept the next shipment. They prepare for a confrontation with Maitland's men.

    Where
    Maitland's warehouse

  10. Break-in, cocaine found, Jenny captured

    The team breaks into the warehouse and discovers several bags of cocaine. Maitland captures Jenny and orders Axel killed, while Billy engages in a brief gunfight and kills Casey.

    Where
    Maitland's warehouse

  11. Rescue at Maitland's estate; Maitland killed

    Taggart and Billy track Axel and Billy to Maitland's estate and wipe out four of Maitland's men, including Zack. Axel kills Maitland with Bogomil's help.

    Where
    Maitland's estate

  12. Resolution and farewell

    Bogomil fabricates an explanation for the unauthorized actions and smooths matters over with Inspector Todd. Axel threatens to stay in Beverly Hills as a private investigator if Detroit fires him, and Taggart and Rosewood share a farewell drink while paying Axel's hotel bill.

    Where
    Beverly Hills

Last updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:48

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Timeline questions answered

Beverly Hills Cop Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Beverly Hills Cop (2013): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Inspector Todd refuse to let Axel investigate Mikey's murder?

Inspector Todd refuses because Axel traveled to Beverly Hills without authorization. Todd had already warned Axel about his reckless behavior after the high-speed chase in Detroit, and allowing him to conduct an unofficial investigation in another city would violate police protocol. Todd also wants Axel to focus on changing his ways to keep his job in Detroit.

  • inspector todd
  • axel foley
  • mikey murder
  • police authorization
Q2

How does Axel know Mikey Tandino?

Axel and Mikey were childhood friends who committed a car theft together in their youth. Mikey served prison time for that crime while Axel went on to become a Detroit police detective. When Mikey gets out, he lands a security job in Beverly Hills through their mutual friend Jenny Summers.

  • mikey tandino
  • childhood friends
  • car theft
  • prison
Q3

What are the German bearer bonds and why does Maitland want them?

The German bearer bonds are valuable securities that Mikey somehow obtained. They represent untraceable wealth, which is why Victor Maitland's men kill Mikey to retrieve them. The bonds serve as the primary motive for Mikey's murder, connecting him to Maitland's criminal operation.

  • german bearer bonds
  • victor maitland
  • money
  • motive
Q4

Why does Victor Maitland kill Mikey Tandino?

Maitland kills Mikey because Mikey stole the German bearer bonds from Maitland's operation. The bonds were part of Maitland's criminal proceeds, and Mikey taking them essentially stole from a dangerous criminal. Maitland sends his men Zack and Casey to recover the bonds and silence Mikey.

  • victor maitland
  • mikey tandino
  • murder
  • bearer bonds
Q5

How does Axel get involved with Victor Maitland's case?

Axel connects Mikey's murder to Maitland after Jenny discovers Mikey had ties to Maitland's art gallery, which employs her. When Axel goes to question Maitland in disguise, he gets ejected and arrested, but this begins his unofficial investigation into Maitland's criminal activities.

  • axel foley
  • victor maitland
  • art gallery
  • investigation
Q6

Why do the Beverly Hills police keep arresting Axel?

The Beverly Hills police arrest Axel multiple times because he conducts unauthorized investigations, infiltrates private property, and gets into fights while disguised. Chief Hubbard eventually orders him escorted out of town. However, Lieutenant Bogomil allows Axel to continue working with Taggart and Rosewood after they successfully foil crimes together.

  • beverly hills police
  • axel arrest
  • chief hubbard
  • bogomil
Q8

How does Axel rescue Jenny from Maitland's warehouse?

Axel and Jenny break into the warehouse expecting a drug shipment, but Maitland captures Jenny and orders Axel killed. During the confrontation, Billy arrives with Taggart, and in the ensuing gunfight, Billy kills Casey's partner while Axel and Bogomil corner Maitland. Taggart and Billy then track them to Maitland's estate where they eliminate his remaining men.

  • jenny summers
  • warehouse rescue
  • casey
  • zack
  • gunfight
Q9

How does Axel get away with his unauthorized actions in Beverly Hills?

Lieutenant Bogomil fabricates an official explanation for their actions to smooth things over with Inspector Todd. Additionally, Axel threatens to quit Detroit and become a private investigator in Beverly Hills if he's fired, which apparently convinces Todd to let the matter slide. The successful resolution of the case and new friendships with Taggart and Rosewood also help his situation.

  • inspector todd
  • bogomil
  • detroit
  • private investigator
  • resolution
Q10

What is the banana incident and why does it matter?

Axel jams a banana into the tailpipe of Taggart and Rosewood's car, disabling it and causing embarrassment. This comedic moment marks the turning point in their relationship, from hostile surveillance to mutual respect, as they later cooperate to foil a strip-club robbery together.

  • banana
  • taggart
  • rosewood
  • tailpipe
  • strip club robbery

Movie threads

More Movies Like Beverly Hills Cop, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Beverly Hills Cop tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Rebellious Fish-Out-of-Water Cop Movies like Beverly Hills Cop

Street-smart detectives cause havoc in unfamiliar, wealthy environments. If you liked the comedic clash of cultures in Beverly Hills Cop, you'll enjoy these movies featuring rule-breaking detectives causing chaos in unfamiliar, high-society settings. These stories blend action, humor, and a rebellious spirit, perfect for fans of similar crime comedies.

  • rebellious
  • humorous
  • confident
  • thrilling
  • energetic
  • fish out of water
  • Tone: light, humorous
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories typically follow a talented but undisciplined detective who is forced to operate outside their comfort zone. The narrative tension arises from the protagonist's unconventional tactics grating against the strict protocols of a new jurisdiction, leading to humorous confrontations and explosive action as they prove their unique methods work.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a specific character archetype—the rebellious cop—and the consistent 'fish-out-of-water' dynamic. They share a light tone, fast pacing, and a mix of thrilling action with character-driven humor.

Beverly Hills Cop movie poster

Beverly Hills Cop

2013
Cop Out movie poster

Cop Out

2010
Let's Be Cops movie poster

Let's Be Cops

2014
Gone Fishin’ movie poster

Gone Fishin’

1997
A Fish Called Wanda movie poster

A Fish Called Wanda

1988
So Undercover movie poster

So Undercover

2012
Young Policemen in Love movie poster

Young Policemen in Love

1995
The Parole Officer movie poster

The Parole Officer

2001

Fast-Paced Action Comedies with a Personal Mission like Beverly Hills Cop

Energetic blends of thrills and laughs driven by a personal mission. Fans of Beverly Hills Cop seeking similar high-energy movies will find them here. These films feature a mix of thrilling chases, clever humor, and a straightforward narrative where the hero is driven by a personal goal, resulting in an entertaining and satisfying watch.

  • energetic
  • suspenseful
  • humorous
  • thrilling
  • confident
  • fast-paced
  • Tone: light, humorous
  • Pacing: fast, driven by action
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a clear, linear path: a personal injustice sparks a quest. The journey is punctuated by action set-pieces and comedic encounters. While the initial motive provides emotional grounding, the overall tone remains upbeat, leading to a triumphant conclusion where the hero succeeds and order is restored.

Why they belong together: These movies share a specific recipe: a 'MEDIUM' intensity created by action, a 'LIGHT' emotional weight despite a serious premise, and 'FAST' pacing that keeps the energy high. The consistent mix of humor and thrills defines the cohesive viewing experience.

Hollywood Homicide movie poster

Hollywood Homicide

2003
Fast Getaway movie poster

Fast Getaway

1991
High Heels and Low Lifes movie poster

High Heels and Low Lifes

2001
Endgame movie poster

Endgame

2021
Hot Pursuit movie poster

Hot Pursuit

2015
Hit and Run movie poster

Hit and Run

2012
Beverly Hills Cop movie poster

Beverly Hills Cop

2013
Enter the Phoenix movie poster

Enter the Phoenix

2004

Every angle

Beverly Hills Cop (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Beverly Hills Cop in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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