Why Next Friday still delivers big laughs 25 years later.
Next Friday, the uproarious middle chapter of the Friday trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary on today January 12, 2025. Released in 2000, the film brought audiences back into the hilarious and chaotic world of Craig Jones, Uncle Elroy, and an unforgettable ensemble of characters. Directed by Steve Carr and written by Ice Cube, the sequel built on the legacy of the original Friday while carving out its place in comedy history.
The story picks up with Craig (Ice Cube) fleeing South Central Los Angeles to escape the wrath of Deebo (Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr.), who has broken out of jail seeking revenge. Craig takes refuge in the suburbs with his lottery-winning Uncle Elroy (Don “D.C.” Curry) and eccentric cousin Day-Day (Mike Epps). However, suburban life proves anything but peaceful. As Uncle Elroy and Day-Day face losing their house to unpaid taxes, the trio concocts a wild plan to swipe cash from their next-door neighbors—the notorious Joker brothers.
Next Friday delivered a mix of sharp humor, outrageous scenarios, and memorable one-liners that fans still quote today. From Day-Day’s exasperated “I’m broke, *****!” to Craig’s blunt “Puff, puff, give!” lesson, the film is brimming with iconic moments. Mike Epps, making his franchise debut, steals the show as Day-Day, showcasing impeccable comedic timing and chemistry with Ice Cube.
The film also features a vibrant supporting cast.
It includes John Witherspoon as Craig’s no-nonsense dad, Tamala Jones as the charming Debbie, and Jacob Vargas as Joker, leader of the neighboring troublemakers. Cameos from Kym Whitley and Michael Blackson add even more flavor to the mix, with Blackson’s “You get knocked the **** out!” scene standing as a fan favorite.
Easter eggs and callbacks to the original Friday abound, including Craig’s continued run-ins with Deebo and a nod to the infamous Smokey character played by Chris Tucker. The film’s humor remains grounded in Ice Cube’s authentic voice, reflecting a slice of life from the late ’90s while embracing the absurdity of its suburban setting.
Produced by Cubevision, Ice Cube’s film company, Next Friday was a box-office success, grossing over $59 million. It set the stage for the trilogy’s conclusion in 2002’s Friday After Next, cementing the Friday franchise as a cultural touchstone.
A quarter-century later, Next Friday continues to entertain and resonate with fans, proving that even in the suburbs, chaos, comedy, and community collide in unforgettable ways. So grab your popcorn and celebrate this milestone by revisiting the film that taught us all about “playing with my money!”
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
