There is a famous Hindi phrase that was used often to explain the power of policemen. It translates to “The law has very long arms”.
This alludes to the fact that cops will always apprehend criminals however far they run. It also indicates the high hopes and respect we have for the police profession.
Law enforcement officers, detectives, FBI, special enforcement officers, police force, etc., are just a few names that we use to identify the officers of the law in our movies.
Sometimes they are a force of good, and sometimes they are a bunch of crooked and corrupt officers. Either way, the power they yield over society is great.
Today, we will look at movies that have glorified, vilified, and represented cops in all their colours. We will run through a list of the thrilling, entertaining, suspenseful, sometimes comedic, and sometimes tragic tales of cops doing their jobs.
Without wasting time, here is ENTOIN’s list of the best and most popular cop movies from around the world that have caught our imagination and attention.
Enjoy the list!
DramaMysteryThriller
Director:
Roman Polanski
Release Date:
Thu Jun 20 1974
Star Cast:
Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston
Budget:
$6,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$29,226,502
Chinatown, written by Robert Towne and directed by Roman Polanski, is a celebrated film that has earned a place in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance.
The film received widespread acclaim, garnering eleven Academy Award nominations and taking home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Set against the backdrop of the 1930s California water wars, it explores the tensions between California and Southern California over access to water resources.
The story unfolds as what seems to be a straightforward infidelity investigation, only to escalate into a complex murder case. As the layers of the plot are revealed, a web of conspiracy emerges, revolving around efforts to deceive the public about the region's water supply.
Chinatown later inspired a sequel entitled The Two Jakes, which struggled to achieve the critical and popular success of its predecessor.
Recommended:
CrimeDramaMystery
Director:
Curtis Hanson
Release Date:
Fri Sep 19 1997
Star Cast:
Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce
Budget:
$35,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$126,216,940
"L.A. Confidential" is a neo-noir crime thriller written, directed, and co-produced by Curtis Hanson, renowned for his gripping psychological dramas.
The film received widespread acclaim, earning nine Academy Award nominations. It secured Oscars for Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay, cementing its place among the genre's greats.
"L.A. Confidential" centers on police corruption and the complex ties between Hollywood, law enforcement, and organized crime. The story follows an idealistic LAPD detective, Exley, who bravely testifies against corrupt colleagues, leading to his promotion. Meanwhile, a narcotics officer and a plainclothes detective uncover evidence of drug trafficking and high-society prostitution.
Their investigations intertwine, exposing a vast web of corruption and scandal where even the most upright characters risk their lives. Ultimately, justice prevails, but not without considerable sacrifice.
Recommended:
ActionCrimeDrama
Director:
William Friedkin
Release Date:
Sat Oct 9 1971
Star Cast:
Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey
Budget:
$1,800,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$51,701,871
"The French Connection" is a gripping action thriller inspired by Robin Moore's novel of the same name. The movie earned widespread acclaim, taking home five Oscars, two BAFTAs, and a host of other awards for its standout storytelling and performances.
Recognizing its cultural significance, the US Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry. The story follows NYPD detectives as they doggedly pursue a massive heroin shipment smuggled from France, unraveling a complex criminal operation.
Their biggest challenge lies in going up against a clever and highly respected French drug kingpin, who stays well out of reach as the detectives close in.
Recommended:
CrimeDramaThriller
Director:
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Release Date:
Wed Nov 21 2007
Star Cast:
Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin
Budget:
$25,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$171,627,740
"No Country For Old Men" is a gripping neo-Western crime drama based on the acclaimed novel by Cormac McCarthy and brilliantly brought to the screen by the Coen Brothers.
The film is widely regarded by critics as one of the Coen Brothers' greatest achievements. It earned four Academy Awards out of eight nominations, solidifying its status as a modern classic.
In addition to its Oscar success, the movie received multiple BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Critics' Choice, SAG, and Satellite Awards. The story unfolds as a Vietnam War veteran discovers a bag of abandoned cash, setting off a deadly chain of events.
As the veteran seeks to keep the money, a relentless hitman arrives, a determined town sheriff pursues justice, and a vengeful bounty hunter complicates matters further. Their lives intersect in a tense battle of wits and survival.
CrimeDramaThriller
Director:
Jonathan Demme
Release Date:
Thu Feb 14 1991
Star Cast:
Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
Budget:
$19,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$272,742,922
"The Silence of the Lambs" is a gripping psychological horror film that made history at the Academy Awards, securing all five major honors: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Adapted from Thomas Harris's best-selling novel, the film inspired one sequel and two prequels, expanding on its chilling legacy.
The story follows Clarice Starling, a determined young FBI trainee, as she hunts a ruthless serial killer known for targeting and skinning young women.
Seeking insight into the killer’s mind, Clarice consults Dr. Hannibal Lecter—an esteemed psychologist who is also a notorious and imprisoned cannibalistic murderer.
CrimeDramaThriller
Director:
Martin Scorsese
Release Date:
Fri Oct 6 2006
Star Cast:
Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson
Budget:
$90,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$291,480,452
"The Departed" is a gripping crime thriller inspired by the acclaimed Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" and influenced by real-life events involving Boston's notorious Winter Hill Gang.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, the story unfolds amidst the tense battle between Boston’s Irish mob and the Massachusetts State Police, exploring themes of loyalty and deception.
The film received widespread acclaim, securing four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
Central to the plot, a young state trooper goes undercover to infiltrate the mob, while simultaneously, a criminal infiltrates the police force as a mole.
With both sides desperate to uncover the traitor in their midst, the suspense builds as their double lives threaten to unravel.
CrimeThriller
Director:
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Release Date:
Fri Apr 5 1996
Star Cast:
William H. Macy, Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi
Budget:
$7,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$60,611,975
Fargo is an acclaimed black comedy crime film, co-produced by Britain and America, that has garnered multiple prestigious awards. Directed by the Coen Brothers, the film earned them nominations for Best Original Screenplay, Best Direction, and Best Picture, as well as nods for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor.
Set in snowy Minnesota, the film follows the aftermath of a bungled kidnapping—a car salesman, desperate for money, hires criminals to abduct his wife, but the plan spirals out of control, leading to a series of murders.
As the bodies begin to pile up, the husband must navigate mounting pressure from the police while scrambling to keep his secret and secure the funds he so desperately needs.
ActionCrimeDrama
Director:
Andrew Davis
Release Date:
Fri Aug 6 1993
Star Cast:
Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward
Budget:
$44,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$368,875,760
"The Fugitive" is an acclaimed action thriller based on the classic television series created by Roy Huggins. The gripping story successfully transitions from the small screen to the big screen, captivating a new generation of filmgoers.
The movie achieved major box office success and garnered several Oscar nominations. Tommy Lee Jones won an Academy Award for his standout performance and later reprised his role in the spin-off film, "U.S. Marshals."
The plot centers on Dr. Richard Kimble, who returns home one night to discover his wife has been murdered. Although the true killer escapes, Kimble is wrongly accused and convicted of the crime.
After a dramatic highway accident gives him a chance to escape from police custody, Kimble embarks on a relentless quest to prove his innocence. As U.S. Marshals and law enforcement close in, the suspense builds until Kimble finally uncovers the real culprit.
CrimeDramaThriller
Director:
Steven Soderbergh
Release Date:
Fri Jan 5 2001
Star Cast:
Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones
Budget:
$48,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$207,515,725
"Traffic" is a gripping cop drama that explores the complex world of illegal drug trafficking and examines its profound impact on a wide range of people—from drug dealers and law enforcement officers, to addicts and politicians.
Loosely inspired by a Channel 4 television series on similar themes, the film received critical acclaim and earned four Academy Awards. These include honors for Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Film Editing, and Adapted Screenplay.
The narrative unfolds through three interwoven stories. In one, a determined yet disillusioned Mexican police officer uncovers a significant drug operation, only to be manipulated by a military general serving the interests of rival cartels.
Another storyline follows an Ohio judge and his entanglement in the intricate web connecting politicians and drug traffickers. The third focuses on the powerful leader of the Juarez cartel and his network of associates.
CrimeThriller
Director:
Quentin Tarantino
Release Date:
Wed Sep 2 1992
Star Cast:
Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen
Budget:
$1,200,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$2,913,644
Reservoir Dogs stands as a cult classic, often hailed by Empire magazine as the greatest independent film ever produced.
This neo-noir crime thriller marks Quentin Tarantino’s directorial debut, showcasing his distinctive style—incorporating sharp dialogue, intense violence, and a multitude of pop-culture references.
The movie centers around a meticulously planned heist that quickly unravels, focusing on both the preparations and the chaotic aftermath.
Although it enjoyed only moderate success upon its initial release, Reservoir Dogs gained legendary status following the acclaim of Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, which was later nominated for several Academy Awards.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
Don Siegel, Clint Eastwood
Release Date:
Thu Dec 23 1971
Star Cast:
Clint Eastwood, Andrew Robinson, Harry Guardino
Budget:
$4,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$35,988,495
"Dirty Harry" is the iconic first entry in a celebrated crime franchise, later followed by four sequels. The screenplay was crafted by Harry Julian Fink, R.M. Fink, and Jo Helms, setting the tone for a legendary series.
Inspired by the notorious Zodiac Killer who terrorized Northern California and was never apprehended, the film weaves a tense and gripping narrative drawn from real-life events.
The movie opens with a chilling rooftop sniper attack. Detective Harry Callahan is assigned to the case, and as he delves deeper into the investigation, his frustration grows over the legal loopholes exploited by the ruthless killer known as Scorpio.
BiographyCrimeDrama
Director:
Sidney Lumet
Release Date:
Wed Dec 5 1973
Star Cast:
Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe
Budget:
$3,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$29,857,432
Serpico (1973) is a biographical crime drama inspired by Peter Maas's bestselling biography. This acclaimed film stirred controversy among law enforcement, but critics praised its powerful storytelling and Al Pacino’s compelling performance.
Serpico garnered multiple nominations at prestigious awards, including the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. It vividly depicts the real-life experiences of Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer, over his transformative eleven-year career.
Throughout his service, Serpico encountered widespread corruption within the department. His courageous decision to blow the whistle on these illegal activities ultimately led to the Knapp Commission's landmark investigation into police misconduct.
ActionDramaSci-Fi
Director:
Ridley Scott
Release Date:
Fri Jun 25 1982
Star Cast:
Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young
Budget:
$28,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$41,712,525
Blade Runner is a groundbreaking science fiction action film inspired by Philip K. Dick’s novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie initially received mixed reviews. While some critics applauded its futuristic visuals and complex neo-noir themes, others criticized it as lacking inspiration and depth.
Over time, Blade Runner gained immense popularity and developed a devoted cult following. Set in a dystopian future, the film explores a world where humans have engineered androids with limited lifespans to undertake hazardous duties such as space exploration and colonizing Mars.
A select group of highly advanced androids escape from a Mars colony and return to Earth, determined to find their creator.
Rick Deckard, a weary, disillusioned cop, is reluctantly tasked with tracking down these fugitive androids, setting the stage for a tense and thought-provoking pursuit.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
Peter Yates
Release Date:
Thu Oct 17 1968
Star Cast:
Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Vaughn
Budget:
$5,500,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$511,422
"Bullitt" is an electrifying action crime thriller adapted from Robert L. Fish's novel "Mute Witness." Directed by Peter Yates, the film stars Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Don Gordon, and other notable actors.
Renowned for its heart-pounding car chase, the film set a new benchmark for cinematic action and is often hailed as featuring the greatest car chase ever filmed.
The story follows a mobster who escapes custody and hides in Chicago. In response, a Senator tasks SAPD detectives with protecting him, as the mobster is needed to testify before a Senate Committee investigating organized crime.
As security measures are put in place, the mob retaliates by sending hitmen determined to eliminate their target.
The iconic chase between Bullitt's Ford Mustang and the hitmen's Dodge Charger unfolds on the streets of San Francisco, delivering a lengthy and unforgettable action sequence.
CrimeDramaMystery
Director:
Clint Eastwood
Release Date:
Wed Oct 15 2003
Star Cast:
Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon
Budget:
$25,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$156,595,191
"Mystic River" is a gripping crime drama adapted from the acclaimed novel by Dennis Lehane. Directed, co-produced, and scored by Clint Eastwood, the film weaves a haunting tale of friendship and tragedy set against a gritty urban backdrop.
The film received six Academy Award nominations and earned Oscars for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, solidifying its mark as a modern classic.
The story centers on three childhood friends who have grown into very different adults, bound by their shared past in the Mystic River neighborhood.
Their lives are thrown into turmoil when one friend returns home battered and traumatized, and another’s daughter is found murdered. The third friend, now a police detective, takes on the case—forcing all three men to confront painful secrets and their intertwined destinies.
DramaMysteryThriller
Director:
Norman Jewison
Release Date:
Wed Aug 2 1967
Star Cast:
Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates
Budget:
$2,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$27,669
"In the Heat of the Night" is a critically acclaimed film that earned the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor, with Rod Steiger delivering an outstanding performance.
Adapted from John Ball's novel, the movie features an exceptional cast including Sidney Poitier, Lee Grant, and Quentin Dean, among others.
The story centers on the investigation conducted by Virgil Tibbs, a skilled detective from Philadelphia, and Gillespie, as they are compelled to work together to solve a complex crime.
Set in Mississippi, the film poignantly explores issues of racism as Tibbs faces prejudice due to his race, even as his expertise demands respect from the local police.
Memorable for its powerful lines, "They call me Mister Tibbs!" was immortalized in the American Film Institute's list of 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes.
CrimeDramaMystery
Director:
Bryan Singer
Release Date:
Wed Aug 16 1995
Star Cast:
Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
Budget:
$6,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$23,341,568
"The Usual Suspects," written by Christopher McQuarrie and directed by Bryan Singer, is a critically acclaimed crime thriller. The film received Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
The film's title was inspired by the iconic line from the classic movie "Casablanca." Its gripping story unfolds through flashbacks narrated by Roger "Verbal" Kint, a clever conman with a mysterious past.
As Verbal recounts his experience to the police, he describes the events aboard a ship where a deadly fire claimed the lives of several criminals—and reveals the shadowy presence of the enigmatic crime lord, Keyser Soze.
ActionComedyMystery
Director:
Edgar Wright
Release Date:
Fri Apr 20 2007
Star Cast:
Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman
Budget:
£8,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$80,577,265
"Hot Fuzz" is a British buddy cop comedy film written by Simon Pegg and directed by Edgar Wright. It forms part of the acclaimed Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, known for its clever humor and genre parodies.
The film received widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics, earning a spot in Empire magazine's list of the 100 greatest films of the 21st century. Its witty script and memorable characters have made it a modern classic.
The story follows Police Sergeant Nicholas Angel, a highly skilled officer who, after a recent promotion, is transferred to a seemingly quiet village in Gloucestershire. He teams up with the enthusiastic but inexperienced PC Danny Butterman to solve a series of brutal and mysterious deaths plaguing the community.
While Butterman idolizes classic buddy cop movies, Angel's by-the-book approach clashes with his new partner's exuberance. Together, they must unravel the secrets beneath the village's calm exterior and bring the culprits to justice.
ActionCrimeDrama
Director:
Andrew Lau, Alan Mak
Release Date:
Thu Dec 12 2002
Star Cast:
Andy Lau, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Anthony Chau-Sang Wong
Budget:
$6,428,966 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$8,836,958
"Infernal Affairs" is a critically acclaimed Hong Kong action thriller directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. This gripping film represented Hong Kong as its official entry to the Academy Awards and quickly earned international recognition for its compelling storyline and masterful direction.
The film was later adapted into English by Martin Scorsese as "The Departed." The plot centers on two simultaneous undercover missions within the Hong Kong police force and the Triad criminal organization.
A promising police cadet infiltrates the notorious Triad, while at the same time, a cunning Triad member embeds himself within the police as a mole. Both lead double lives, risking everything as the threat of exposure grows with each passing year.
This high-stakes cat-and-mouse game keeps viewers guessing until the very end—watch to discover if law enforcement prevails or the criminal underworld triumphs.
ActionThriller
Director:
John McTiernan
Release Date:
Wed Jul 20 1988
Star Cast:
Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia
Budget:
$28,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$142,650,516
Die Hard is a legendary action thriller that launched a blockbuster franchise and cemented the status of its lead actors as Hollywood icons.
The film propelled Bruce Willis from television fame to movie stardom and introduced Alan Rickman as a standout talent in Hollywood.
Inspired by Roderick Thorp's novel "Nothing Lasts Forever," Die Hard shattered expectations at the box office, earning four Academy Award nominations and critical acclaim.
The gripping plot centers on NYPD officer John McClane, who must singlehandedly take on a group of terrorists occupying Los Angeles's Nakatomi Plaza.
With his wife among the hostages, McClane defies orders to escape, taking the fight into his own hands and refusing to rely solely on the LAPD.
CrimeDramaThriller
Director:
Fred Zinnemann
Release Date:
Mon Jul 30 1973
Star Cast:
Edward Fox, Terence Alexander, Michel Auclair
The Day of The Jackal is a suspense thriller that involves a plot to assassinate French president Charles De Gaulle.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Frederick Forsythe. The novel and the film were international successes, with the film receiving nominations for an Oscar, two Golden Globes, five BAFTAs, and more.
The French president has given independence to Algeria, and a criminal organization, called OAS, is very upset about it.
They plot the first assassination attempt that is thwarted by the French police. As a next attempt, the remaining members contact a British assassin, codenamed Jackal, to do the job.
ActionCrimeDrama
Director:
Michael Mann
Release Date:
Fri Dec 15 1995
Star Cast:
Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
Budget:
$60,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$187,436,818
Heat is a masterpiece crime drama film that is often considered a gold standard for that genre. Sadly, the film did not receive many accolades, but critics swear by the movie.
The story is based on a real-life criminal Neil McCauley and a police detective Chuck Adamson. The story was written and directed by Michael Mann.
The film follows a criminal Neil McCauley, and his crew of bank robbers as they go from one crime to the next, living by a strict code set up by McCauley.
Problems arise when they run into LAPD detective Vincent Hanna who lives by a code similar to McCauley, and they immediately admire each other.
ActionAdventureThriller
Director:
Jan de Bont
Release Date:
Fri Jun 10 1994
Star Cast:
Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock
Budget:
$30,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$350,448,145
Speed is an action thriller directed by a first-time director, Jan de Bont, with the story of Graham Yost.
The film was the fifth highest-grossing movie of 1994 and also received high critical praise. It won two Academy Awards for sound effects editing and sound.
The film revolves around a disgruntled former LAPD officer who tries to collect randomly and seek out revenge by planting a bomb on the bus.
He rigs the bomb to get activated after the bus crosses 50kmph, and it will explode if the speed goes below 50.
It was a nail-biting thriller that spawned a sequel, Speed: Cruise Control.
ActionCrimeMystery
Director:
Steven Spielberg
Release Date:
Fri Jun 21 2002
Star Cast:
Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton
Budget:
$102,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$358,372,926
Minority Report (2002) is an American neo-noir science fiction crime thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Scott Frank and Jon Cohen, based on the 1954 short story of the same name by Philip K. Dick. The film stars Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max von Sydow, and Steve Zahn.
Set in Washington, D.C., in the year 2054, the film follows John Anderton, the chief of the Precrime Unit, a specialized police department that uses three precognitive individuals, called Precogs, to arrest criminals before they commit their crimes. However, Anderton's world is turned upside down when he is accused of a murder he does not remember committing.
Minority Report was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $358 million worldwide against a production budget of $102 million. The film was praised for its visual effects, its action sequences, and its exploration of ethical issues related to crime prevention and free will. Cruise's performance as Anderton was also widely praised.
CrimeDramaMystery
Director:
Ben Affleck
Release Date:
Fri Oct 19 2007
Star Cast:
Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Casey Affleck
Budget:
$19,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$34,612,443
Gone Baby Gone (2007) is an American neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Ben Affleck and written by Affleck and Aaron Stockard, based on the 1999 novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. The film stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and Amy Ryan.
The plot follows two private detectives, Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro, who are hired to investigate the abduction of a young girl. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a labyrinth of secrets and corruption, leading them to question their own motives and the nature of justice.
Gone Baby Gone was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $34 million worldwide against a $19 million budget. The film was praised for its gritty realism, its complex characters, and its exploration of moral dilemmas. Affleck's direction was particularly lauded, with many critics noting his ability to capture the atmosphere of Lehane's novel.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
Joseph Sargent
Release Date:
Thu Nov 14 1974
Star Cast:
Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam
Budget:
$5,000,000 (estimated)
Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a crime thriller based on a novel of the same name written by Morton Freedgood.
The novel has been adapted multiple times into movies with the same name, but the movie from 1974 was the most successful and critically acclaimed.
The film follows the hijack plan of four criminals who take the passengers of a New York subway train as hostages and demand a ransom of $1 million.
The four criminals call themselves Mr Green, Mr Blue, Mr Grey, and Mr Brown. The rest of the movie is about how the New York transit cops handle the negotiations and end the hostage crisis.
BiographyCrimeDrama
Director:
Mike Newell
Release Date:
Fri Feb 28 1997
Star Cast:
Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen
Budget:
$35,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$124,909,762
"Donnie Brasco" is a crime drama film based on a true story. The film follows the life of an undercover FBI agent, Joe Pistone, who assumes the alias Donnie Brasco to infiltrate the mafia in 1970s New York.
As Donnie, he befriends the charming and dangerous mobster Lefty Ruggiero, forming a complex bond that blurs the lines between friendship and betrayal.
Donnie finds himself immersed in the violent and treacherous world of organized crime, constantly balancing his loyalty to the FBI with his growing affection for Lefty.
The film masterfully portrays the internal struggle faced by Donnie as he risks his life and identity to gather evidence against the mob.
Johnny Depp delivers a captivating performance as Donnie Brasco, while Al Pacino delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Lefty Ruggiero.
Their performances, along with the film's gripping plot and gritty atmosphere, make "Donnie Brasco" a compelling and memorable crime drama.
CrimeDramaThriller
Director:
Brian De Palma
Release Date:
Wed Jun 3 1987
Star Cast:
Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro
Budget:
$25,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$76,270,454
The Untouchables is an award-winning film that revolves around the investigation and subsequent arrest of Al Capone on charges of tax evasion.
The film is based loosely on the book of the same name and the real-life events in the life of Elliot Ness.
During the period of prohibition, in Chicago, Al Capone had a thriving business supplying liquor and other illegal activities.
He also has most of the police and justice department in his pocket, and as a result, no one was able to convict him for any of his crimes.
However, when Elliot Ness is assigned to the case, he forms his team and gradually starts to bring him down.
The film was nominated for four Academy Awards and won the award for Best Supporting Role by Sean Connery.
CrimeDramaMystery
Director:
Spike Lee
Release Date:
Fri Mar 24 2006
Star Cast:
Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster
Budget:
$45,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$186,003,591
Inside Man is a heist movie directed by Spike Lee with a script by Rusell Gewirtz. The script took five years in the making and brought together a talented crew and cast.
The film received positive reviews praising the direction of Spike Lee and the performance of Washington as the hostage negotiator.
The film starts with a man preparing for a bank heist with elaborate measures, countermeasures, and escape routes. The group of robbers disguise their identities and escape without any stolen money.
This causes the NYPD to almost drop the case until the truth starts to come out.
ActionCrimeSci-Fi
Director:
Paul Verhoeven
Release Date:
Fri Jul 17 1987
Star Cast:
Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy
Budget:
$13,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$53,425,389
Robocop is a science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The story was written by Edward Neumeier while he was working on another film.
He conceived it as a satirical take on corporate greed and government policies that led to the breakdown of law and order in society.
Verhoeven, in his typical style, made the violence seem over the top and almost comical. It had to undergo many cuts at the review board before it was cleared.
The story follows the work of the recently deceased police officer Alex Murphy who has been revived by Omni Consumer Products.
He is converted into a cyborg with little humanity left and no memories of his past life.
BiographyCrimeDrama
Director:
Ridley Scott
Release Date:
Fri Nov 2 2007
Star Cast:
Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Budget:
$100,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$269,755,430
American Gangster is a biographical crime film about a drug trafficker by the name of Frank Lucas. The film was directed and produced by Ridley Scott and was nominated for over 20 awards, including two Academy Awards.
The film won a SAG award for best supporting actress for Ruby Dee. The story is about a drug trafficking operation that was conducted during the Vietnam War.
Frank Lucas used American service planes to smuggle heroin into America from Vietnam, effectively removing all middlemen. The crime was discovered by Officer Richie Roberts and a task force intercepted the shipment and apprehended the criminals.
CrimeDramaMystery
Director:
David Fincher
Release Date:
Fri Sep 22 1995
Star Cast:
Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey
Budget:
$33,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$327,333,559
Se7en is the stylized name of the film Seven to depict the seven deadly sins. The film is a neo-noir psychological crime thriller directed by David Fincher.
The film received overwhelming success from audiences and critics. It was also nominated at the Oscars for Best Film Editing.
Two police detectives are partnered together for a murder case. One is a seasoned and ready-to-retire detective, while the other is a young, idealistic, and talented new detective.
As they investigate the murders, they realize that the killer is sending a message by picking victims to denote the seven deadly sins.
As the pair gets closer to the killer, he brings a twist that will leave us shocked.
ActionCrimeDrama
Director:
David Ayer
Release Date:
Fri Sep 21 2012
Star Cast:
Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick
Budget:
$7,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$55,078,146
End of Watch is another film written and directed by David Ayers. He is known for making police procedural films and scripts.
With End of Watch, Ayers focused on the day-to-day life and camaraderie between officers and partners rather than the actual criminal investigation into the drug trafficking issue.
The film is set in the rough South Los Angeles area, where drug trafficking and gang activities are at their highest.
The film follows the day-to-day routine of police officers Brian Taylor and Mike Zavala, who face off with racist gang members, corrupt officers, and all kinds of troubles.
ActionComedyCrime
Director:
Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Release Date:
Fri Mar 16 2012
Star Cast:
Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube
Budget:
$42,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$201,585,328
21 Jump Street is a film based on the TV series from 1987. The reboot was directed by the duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
The film follows a similar concept as the TV series, with two cops going undercover as high school students to bust a drug ring.
The two officers selected for this duty are Schmidt and Jenko, who enter Sagan High School to investigate the distributor behind the drug HFS.
What follows is a series of comedic situations, a miss up and a final curtain call. The original agents from the TV series, Johnny Depp and Peter DeLuise make a cameo appearance too.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
Richard Donner
Release Date:
Fri Jul 7 1989
Star Cast:
Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci
Budget:
$28,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$227,853,986
Lethal Weapon 2 is the second film in the Lethal Weapon franchise. It was the third-highest-grossing film of 1989 and received favourable reviews from critics as well.
The plot was not a strong or unique one but the comedy track and the chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover were phenomenal.
The film is about two LAPD sergeants Riggs and Murtaugh, who are investigating a drug dealer's ring from South Africa.
The main suspects, however, are hiding behind diplomatic immunity. The film also introduces Leo Getz, who is a state witness in a money laundering case.
The film had a great musical score from Michael Kamen, Eric Clapton, and David Sanborn. The song Knockin' on Heavens Door by Eric Clapton was a particular hit.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
Richard Donner
Release Date:
Fri Mar 6 1987
Star Cast:
Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey
Budget:
$15,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$120,207,127
Lethal Weapon is the first film in this successful franchise. It was directed and co-produced by Richard Donner. While the film picked up two Oscars for technical categories, the critical consensus was that the film is one of the best buddy cop films ever.
Cinemascope gave the film a grade of A. The film is about a former Green Beret, Martin Rugs, who has turned social after his wife's death.
He is partnered with a veteran police detective, Roger Murtaugh. They are forced to work together on a possible murder-suicide case which gets murkier as they investigate it leading up to the CIA.
ActionComedyCrime
Director:
Martin Brest
Release Date:
Wed Dec 5 1984
Star Cast:
Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton
Budget:
$13,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$316,360,478
Beverly Hills Cop is the first film in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise and is a cop comedy action film.
The story for Beverly Hills Cop was written by Daniel Petrie Jr. The film was very successful and made Eddie Murphy an international star.
The film begins with the unorthodox investigative style of Eddie Murphy in Detroit PD, which often causes more trouble than needed.
After his childhood friend comes to visit him and is subsequently killed, Eddie Murphy is forced to investigate the murder on his own.
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for best screenplay and a Golden Globe award.
ActionCrimeDrama
Director:
Dennis Hopper
Release Date:
Fri Apr 29 1988
Star Cast:
Sean Penn, Robert Duvall, Maria Conchita Alonso
Budget:
$6,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$46,616,067
Colors is a police procedural drama. It stars Sean Penn and Robert Duvall and was directed by Dennis Hopper.
The film was highly praised but also criticized for the way it portrayed the L. A gang war and the growing gang culture.
The story of the film is set in South Central Los Angeles, where gang wars between Bloods, Chips, and the Hispanic gangs were at their peak.
A seasoned Police officer from the C. R. A. S. H. team and a young rookie officer are assigned to manage the situation.
ActionThriller
Director:
Renny Harlin
Release Date:
Tue Jul 3 1990
Star Cast:
Bruce Willis, William Atherton, Bonnie Bedelia
Budget:
$70,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$240,031,274
Die Hard 2 or Die Harder is the second instalment in the Die Hard franchise. This film was directed by Renny Harlin, with the script from Steven E. de Souza and Doug Richardson.
The film brought back the main original cast with Bruce Willis. In this instalment, it is Christmas time again, and John McClane is at the airport to pick up his wife.
Here, McClane sees terrorists have taken over the airport, and none of the flights can land. While both the terrorists and airport security hunt him down, McClane takes back control of the ATC tower from the terrorists.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
Kathryn Bigelow
Release Date:
Fri Jul 12 1991
Star Cast:
Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey
Budget:
$24,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$83,531,958
Point Break is often called a surfing movie, yet it is also an action crime film. The story was written by Rick King and W Peter Iliff in 1986 and it was produced in 1991.
The film received generally positive reviews, and the chemistry between Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves was highly praised. After a string of quick bank robberies by a gang with masks of ex-presidents, the FBI sends in senior agent Pappas and rookie agent Johnny Utah.
They identify that the robbers were surfers, and Utah infiltrates the surfing group led by Bodhi. They slowly investigate and apprehend the gang.
ActionAdventureThriller
Director:
John McTiernan
Release Date:
Fri May 19 1995
Star Cast:
Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson
Budget:
$90,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$366,101,666
Die Hard With A Vengeance is the third instalment of the franchise, and it brings back the original director, John McTiernan.
It was criticized by a few critics for lacking originality and for having started strong only to fizzle out in the end.
However, other reviewers also gave the film three stars out of four and an A grade. The film brings back NYPD Lieutenant John McClane and pairs him with Zeus Carver, played by Samuel L Jackson.
They are tasked to play the game set up by a mercenary terrorist group that has stolen a highly explosive liquid.
This East German group seems to have a particular vendetta against McClane, and they aim to kill him.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
Richard Donner
Release Date:
Fri May 15 1992
Star Cast:
Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci
Budget:
$35,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$321,731,527
Lethal Weapon 3 is the third instalment in the Lethal Weapon franchise and the most successful film in the series.
Being a buddy cop action thriller, we have two officers, Riggs and Murtaugh, who have been recently demoted to uniform duty from the position of LAPD Sergeants.
They stumble upon an armoured car robbery that is linked to a known arms dealer. Although Murtaugh is just a week away from retirement, he is reinstated to the Sergeant position and assigned to this case.
It is a particularly important case as the arms dealer is a retired LAPD Lieutenant.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
David Ayer
Release Date:
Fri Apr 11 2008
Star Cast:
Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie
Budget:
$20,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$66,476,363
Street Kings is an action film directed by David Ayers and is based on a story by James Ellroy.
The film received positive reviews and an average rating of 5.11 on Rotten Tomatoes. Street Kings has a star-cast lineup of Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Chris Evans, The Game, etc.
The film starts with Detective Ludlow staging a crime scene to cover up the shooting of two Korean arms dealers to rescue school girls.
His colleague warns him about the illegal means used and approaches the chief of Internal Affairs. However, he is killed in a staged shooting that discredits his reputation.
It is now up to Ludlow to apprehend the actual killer and, in the process, uncover a massive blackmail operation that the police captain was involved in.
ComedyCrimeMystery
Director:
Jay Chandrasekhar
Release Date:
Fri Feb 15 2002
Star Cast:
Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, André Vippolis
Budget:
$3,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$23,182,223
Super Troopers is a comedy-crime film that was written by the Broken Lizard comedy troupe. The troupe also acted in the film as the Vermont state trooper squad.
The story is set in an imaginary town called Spurbury, and the police unit of Spurbury is at odds with the State Troopers team stationed in Spurbury.
The actual trouble starts when a drug trafficking ring is uncovered, and the state troopers unit and the town police still cannot work together to investigate the crime.
The film was criticized for its low-blow humour, but it was a hit nonetheless. The audiences were entertained, and the film did well at the box office.
ActionAdventureCrime
Director:
Clark Johnson
Release Date:
Fri Aug 8 2003
Star Cast:
Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez
Budget:
$80,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$207,725,639
S. W. A. T. is a police special forces thriller based on a TV series of the same name.
The film was directed by David Ayer and David McKenna with a strong star cast. S. W. A. T. was a commercial success, but the critics felt the story offered nothing new.
They called it a routine police drama. The story is about a S. W. A. T. team that is entrusted to transport an international drug lord to the state penitentiary.
To make things interesting, the drug lord offers $100 million to anyone who helps him escape. Sergeant Hondo, Officers Jim Street, TJ McCabe, Michael Boxer, Deacon Kaye, and Chris Sanchez have to overcome all contenders for the $ 100 million reward and deliver justice.
ActionComedyCrime
Director:
Michael Bay
Release Date:
Fri Apr 7 1995
Star Cast:
Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Lisa Boyle
Budget:
$19,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$141,407,024
Bad Boys is a buddy cop action film and marked the directorial debut of Michael Bay. The film received mixed reviews from the critics, but it developed a cult following among the fans.
This led to the release of Bad Boys II and Bad Boys For Life. In the film, two cops, Detective Sergeant Marcus Burnett and Mike Lawrey are working with the Miami Narcotics Bureau.
A large stash of mafia heroin is missing from the police vault, and the Internal affairs team suspects that it is an inside job.
Lowrey and Burnett have to locate the mole and the drug kingpin within 72 hours to save the police dept.
CrimeDramaMystery
Director:
Baltasar Kormákur
Release Date:
Fri Oct 20 2006
Star Cast:
Ingvar Sigurdsson, Ágústa Eva Erlendsdóttir, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson
Budget:
ISK 180,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$748,405
"Jar City" is an Icelandic crime thriller film based on the popular novel by Arnaldur Indriðason.
The story follows Detective Erlendur as he investigates a complex murder case that leads him into the dark underbelly of Reykjavik's criminal underworld.
The victim's past and a mysterious photograph found at the scene unravel a web of secrets, family history, and a decades-old unsolved crime.
As Erlendur digs deeper, he uncovers shocking revelations and encounters a series of interconnected events.
The film skillfully weaves together the present-day investigation with past events, painting a haunting portrait of a city haunted by its secrets.
"Jar City" is renowned for its atmospheric setting, gritty performances, and gripping plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers.
CrimeDramaMystery
Director:
Phillip Noyce
Release Date:
Fri Nov 5 1999
Star Cast:
Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah
Budget:
$73,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$151,493,655
The Bone Collector is based on a novel of the same name by Jeffrey Deaver. The film has a powerful star cast of Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, etc.
However, the film failed to receive positive reviews. It was panned for being formulaic and lacking brilliance. The story is about a rookie patrol cop who stumbles upon a crime scene.
She captures the evidence as best as she can, and this captures the attention of the famous quadriplegic forensic expert.
He assists her in finding the next victim and getting closer to the killer.