Year: 2022
Runtime: 100 min
Language: English
Director: Pierre Perifel
A charismatic thief and his crew—a safecracker, master of disguise, muscleman, and hacker—are the notorious Bad Guys, known throughout the city for their daring heists. When the group is forced to pose as heroes, their leader, Mr. Wolf, begins to question his own intentions and longs for acceptance. Navigating a tricky charade, they must balance their desire for change with the allure of their old ways, leading to a surprising conflict between their newfound aspirations and ingrained habits.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of The Bad Guys (2022), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the dazzling metropolis known as the City of Angels, a hub for rogues and miscreants, the charming Mr. Wolf, played by Sam Rockwell, and his loyal partner, Mr. Snake, portrayed by Marc Maron, show up at a quaint diner. Their presence, marked by sharp fangs and keen instincts, raises eyebrows among the diners. While they engage in light-hearted banter about Snake’s birthday—coincidentally falling on the same day as a significant turning point—their mischievous intentions hint at the heist they are about to undertake. After leaving the diner, they expertly pull off a bank heist, capitalizing on the fear surrounding them. However, they soon find themselves in the crosshairs of the relentless Chief Misty Luggins, played by Alex Borstein, who is eager to apprehend the notorious duo.
Reuniting with their quirky allies, the gang includes Ms. Tarantula/Webs, voiced by Awkwafina, the tech whiz, Mr. Shark, voiced by Craig Robinson, the master of disguise, and Mr. Piranha, played by Anthony Ramos, the unpredictable wild card. Each character contributes uniquely to the group: Wolf, the silver-tongued mastermind; Snake, the safe-cracking prodigy; Webs, the digital expert; Shark, the chameleon-like strategist; and Piranha, the spunky rebel always ready for action—all harmonizing together like a well-orchestrated ensemble.
As they navigate through the city in a thrilling game of cat and mouse, the authorities remain hot on their trail. Undeterred, the Bad Guys swiftly return to their secret hideout boastfully showcasing their haul of stolen treasures—gold, money, and precious artifacts. Amid the revelry, Snake’s birthday fades into the background as he grumbles about the festivities. Meanwhile, Wolf tunes into a news broadcast featuring reporter Tiffany Fluffit, played by Lilly Singh, who captures their audacious escapades.
Governor Diane Foxington, portrayed by Zazie Beetz, dismisses their reputation as pathetic has-beens heralding less glory than they once claimed. This stinging remark ignites a fire within Wolf, propelling him to devise a cunning plan for a grand heist at the Golden Dolphin Gala, where the governor will honor the esteemed Professor Rupert Marmalade IV, voiced by Richard Ayoade. Eager to reclaim their former glory, the Bad Guys kit themselves out in disguises, but Wolf still finds himself momentarily distracted by a chance to swipe a purse from an unsuspecting elderly lady—an action that instinctively leads him to lend her a helping hand, earning a charming label of “a good boy.”
While Shark creates a distraction, Wolf and Snake navigate their way to the award’s location at the gala. Yet, Diane has foreseen their shenanigans and is one step ahead. After a series of botched attempts, including an unfortunate mishap during a rescue operation aimed at saving a cat from a tree, the gang’s efforts at altruism seem painfully inadequate.
Realizing their talents lie elsewhere, Marmalade proposes harnessing their infamous skills for a different purpose. He guides them to Sunnyside Labs to save captive guinea pigs while sporting adorable onesie pajamas. However, their heist goes awry, leading to calamity as the protesters outside expose their true nature. Just when it seems the group’s chances for redemption are slipping away, Diane steps in as the Crimson Paw, uniting forces with Wolf to thwart Marmalade’s sinister plans.
As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the gang faces an uncertain future. Wolf struggles with his desire to reform while the others cling to their wicked identity. In a thrilling climax filled with acute twists and revelations, the Bad Guys transition from deeply ingrained villainy to an unexpected display of heroism, culminating in a whirlwind chase that tests their resolve and unity.
When the dust settles, after deceptions are revealed and alliances forged in the heat of chaos, the day is saved, leading to a heartfelt reunion with Diane—who now officially embraces their wild ways. A year later, the gang emerges from incarceration, welcomed back into the fold with promises of new adventures on the horizon. The tale of The Bad Guys unfolds as an exploration of friendship, redemption, and the unbreakable bond forged through chaos and camaraderie.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 14:01
Still wondering what the ending of The Bad Guys (2022) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
At the end of “The Bad Guys,” the true villain is finally revealed to be Professor Marmalade, who has been disguised as Diane Foxington for most of the story. Marmalade’s real plan was to steal a powerful meteorite—known as the Love Crater—using a mind control device powered by its electromagnetic energy. His goal was to manipulate the city into helping him commit the greatest heist ever, all under the guise of his charity gala. The meteorite explosion at the climax reveals Marmalade’s scheme and destroys his plans, exposing him as the true criminal behind the facade of kindness. Throughout the story, Wolf and his gang go from notorious criminals to characters seeking redemption, driven by acts of kindness and self-discovery. Wolf, in particular, chooses to take responsibility for his actions and refuses to return to a life of crime, even risking his life to save Snake during a dramatic helicopter scene. In the end, Wolf and his gang are released from prison after demonstrating good behavior, hinting at a new beginning. The final scene shows them driving away with Diane, now revealed as an ally, suggesting that their future might involve helping others rather than crime, although Wolf’s potential for returning to his old ways remains open. The film’s message emphasizes that everyone, even those perceived as bad, have the capacity for goodness, and it’s never too late for change.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44
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