Films about police often explore the multifaceted world of law enforcement, diving into the lives of officers, detectives, and commissioners as they grapple with crime, corruption, personal dilemmas, and the complexities of justice. These movies can range from gripping dramas and intense thrillers to action-packed blockbusters and even comedies, shedding light on various aspects of police work and the challenges faced by those in the line of duty. Below is a list of films about police, offering a glimpse into the diverse portrayals of policing on screen.
“Serpico”, 1973
Director: Sidney Lumet
Based on a true story, this crime drama follows Frank Serpico, a New York City cop who exposes corruption within the police force, facing backlash and danger from his own colleagues as he fights for justice.
Starring: Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire, Barbara Eda-Young, Cornelia Sharpe, Tony Roberts, John Medici, Allan Rich, Norman Ornellas;
Production year: 1973;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Serpico” on the website imdb.com
“End of Watch”, 2012
Director: David Ayer
This gritty drama centers on two young Los Angeles police officers, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, as they patrol the city's streets, forming a close bond in the face of danger and corruption.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick, Natalie Martinez, Frank Grillo, David Harbour, America Ferrera, Cody Horn, Shondrella Avery, Cle Sloan;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, crime, action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
“Training Day”, 2001
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke, this film delves into a single day of a rookie LAPD narcotics officer under the guidance of a rogue detective who challenges his ethics and morals.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Harris Yulin, Raymond J. Barry, Cliff Curtis, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Training Day” on the website imdb.com
“L.A. Confidential”, 1997
Director: Curtis Hanson
Set in the 1950s, this neo-noir film uncovers the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, as three very different detectives investigate a series of murders that expose corruption within the police department.
Starring: Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito, David Strathairn, Ron Rifkin, Matt McCoy, Paul Guilfoyle;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: detective, crime, drama, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “L.A. Confidential” on the website imdb.com
“Hot Fuzz”, 2007
Director: Edgar Wright
This British action-comedy film parodies American buddy cop movies, following an overachieving London officer who is transferred to a small town and uncovers a vast conspiracy with his hapless new partner.
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Paddy Considine, Rafe Spall, Kevin Eldon, Karl Johnson, Olivia Colman, Bill Bailey;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: action, thriller, comedy, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
“The Departed”, 2006
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this crime thriller depicts the complex cat-and-mouse game between the Massachusetts State Police and the Irish Mob, featuring a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Corrigan;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 151 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “The Departed” on the website imdb.com
“Seven”, 1979
Director: Andy Sidaris
A dark and atmospheric thriller in which two detectives, one close to retirement and the other a young newcomer, track a serial killer employing the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi.
Starring: William Smith, Barbara Leigh, Guich Koock, Christipher Joy, Art Metrano, Ed Parker, Richard LePore, Reggie Nalder, Seth Sakai, Kwan Hi Lim, Tino Tuiolosega, Henry Ayau, Peter Knecht, Lenny Montana, Martin Kove, Susan Kiger, Robert E. Relyea, Terry Kiser, John Alderman, Nicholas Georgiade, Little Egypt, Charlie Picerni, Sandra Bernadou, Tadashi Yamashita, Terry Jastrow, Lionel Tarape, Titus Napoleon, Les Marshall, John Allen, Jeff Suarez, Beebe Smilow, Jay E. Hill, Yukon King, Russell Howell, John Ladalski, Carol Needham, Andy Sidaris;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: action, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “Seven” on the website imdb.com
“Cop Land”, 1997
Director: James Mangold
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, and Ray Liotta, this film explores the lives of New York City cops living in a fictional suburb, revealing layers of corruption and redemption within the police force.
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Peter Berg, Janeane Garofalo, Robert Patrick, Michael Rapaport, Annabella Sciorra, Noah Emmerich;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Cop Land” on the website imdb.com
“Zootopia”, 2016
Director: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
In this animated adventure, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy in a city of anthropomorphic animals.
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J.K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: animation, comedy, crime, detective, adventure, family, action;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Zootopia” on the website imdb.com
“Brooklyn's Finest”, 2009
Director: Antoine Fuqua
This crime drama presents the intersecting lives of three Brooklyn police officers struggling with moral and ethical dilemmas on and off the job as they navigate through a tangled web of corruption.
Starring: Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, Will Patton, Lili Taylor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Brian F. O'Byrne, Shannon Kane, Ellen Barkin;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
These films, each in their own unique way, tackle the complex realities of police work, exploring themes of morality, loyalty, corruption, and the pursuit of justice.
In conclusion, films about police have long captivated audiences, offering a window into the complex and often dangerous world of law enforcement. Through masterful storytelling and compelling character development, these movies explore themes of justice, morality, and the human condition, often against a backdrop of high stakes and action-packed sequences. Whether it's the gritty realism of “The French Connection,” the tension-filled drama of “Heat,” or the more comedic and satirical approach of “Beverly Hills Cop,” police films continually challenge viewers to reflect on the societal role of those sworn to protect and serve. As this genre evolves, it persists in raising important questions about authority, ethics, and the realities of crime and punishment, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema.
