On this day, 25 years ago, Next Friday hit theaters and solidified its place as a beloved sequel in comedy history. Released on January 12, 2000, the film continues to resonate with fans, blending hilarious antics, unforgettable characters, and sharp social commentary.
Next Friday, the follow-up to the 1995 cult classic Friday, follows Craig Jones (played by Ice Cube) as he moves out of South Central Los Angeles to live with his lottery-winning uncle Elroy (Don “D.C.” Curry) and cousin Day-Day (Mike Epps) in the suburbs. The move doesn’t shield Craig from trouble, though, as he quickly finds himself dealing with neighborhood drama, an angry ex-girlfriend, and run-ins with local bullies, the Joker brothers.
This sequel introduced audiences to Mike Epps, whose debut as Day-Day became an instant fan favorite. Epps’ chemistry with Ice Cube added a fresh dynamic to the series, providing plenty of quotable moments and laugh-out-loud scenes. Alongside returning favorites like John Witherspoon as Craig’s over-the-top father, Willie Jones, the film offered a mix of new and familiar faces that kept fans entertained.
Directed by Steve Carr and written by Ice Cube, Next Friday doubled down on the humor while exploring a new setting—suburban life—with all its quirks and absurdities. The film’s success at the box office, earning over $59 million worldwide, proved that audiences couldn’t get enough of Craig’s misadventures.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Next Friday, its enduring popularity reminds us of its impact on comedy and pop culture. Whether it’s the hilarious one-liners, the iconic soundtrack, or the unforgettable characters, the film continues to bring joy and laughter to fans, proving that “by Friday, the weekend is never long enough.”
