Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like police-officers. Since the 1990’s, the cop genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s L.A. police officers, serial killers or law enforcers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite cop films of all-time that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Die Hard
Cops are courageous figures that always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed bonds with a brother that loved seeing brave cops save the world from grim damage. I recall with nostalgia how he loved watching bold cops solving dark crimes televised on news media. He often spoke fondly about cops that were willing to put their lives on the line in order to save innocent civilians that faced a decline. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how cops work hard to save innocent civilians as powerfully as “Die Hard”. Ever since its release in 1988, John McTiernan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest cop movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, McTiernan used innovative cinematic techniques to capture brave cops saving innocent civilians from despair. McTiernan has always had an aptitude for making movies about police-officers, and “Die Hard” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. McTiernan staged awe-inspiring action sequences showcasing cops saving burning buildings from danger. For instance, the scene in which John McClane first becomes aware that terrorists have invaded the building holding his family hostage causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Bruce Willis, who portrayed a bold cop seeking to resolve terrorism. Ultimately, what makes “Die Hard” my favourite cop film of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about police that are targeted mainly to action junkies, it tackles themes everyone can relate to. The film delivers a bold message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a classic action movie about cops willing to die saving buildings from terrorists that terrify, it’s a bold reminder about a genre that has made great films which have never lost abilities to satisfy.
2. The Departed
Trusting people is something that I’ve always found difficulty doing. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family nicely in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found their housekeeper they trusted had stolen precious jewelry. As someone that has found people hard to be trusted, I adored “The Departed”. Released in 2006, Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece captured cops that struggle to trust each other. Scorsese has an aptitude for making movies about police, and “The Departed” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scorsese has always excelled at using symbolism in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Departed”. For instance, the final scene in which Dignam commits murder with a rat in the background running causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied an undercover cop facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Departed” a cop classic is its message. Unlike most Martin Scorsese movies which are targeted for a specific audience, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of cops that can’t be trusted, it’s a bold reminder about a genre that has made movies which deserve to be celebrated.
3. L.A. Confidential
L.A. is a beautiful city that my father always loved dearly. During my childhood, I bonded with a father that sought to become an actor in Hollywood. He would marvel at the way in which cops solved crimes in L.A. He would often plan a trip to a city that he grew up to worship. As someone treasuring a father that considered L.A. beautiful, I adored “L.A. Confidential”. Released in 1997, Curtis Hanson’s movie captured cops solving crimes in a downtrodden city. Hanson used montages capturing cops solving crimes in a destructive city. For instance, the scene in which Exley is beaten up by White who suspects him of having an affair causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Guy Pearce, who portrayed a conflicetd L.A. police officer seeking justice. Ultimately, what makes “L.A. Confidential” a commemorated cop classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies which are set in L.A., it discusses relatable themes that would resonate with everyone today. A commemorated portrait of cops that experience a price to pay in L.A., it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has always manufactured great movies which definitely deserve to be celebrated today.
4. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
It’s always challenging to face loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my housekeeper passed away causing family to face sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, she became the victim of a murder. Angered by injustice of the crime, I would wonder why the death was never investigated. As someone haunted by murder of a housemaid that wasn’t investigated by police, I adored “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”. Released in 2017, Martin McDonagh’s movie captured corrupt cops. McDonagh has always excelled at making movies about police-officers, and his strengths are evident in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”. For instance, the scene in which Mildred storms into the station to confront cops about her daughter’s death causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Frances McDormand, who portrayed a woman seeking justice for her daughter’s heartbreaking death. Ultimately, what makes “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about loss which would resonate with everyone. As precious as billboards Mildred builds to protest her daughter’s murder, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre which has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
5. Training Day
Corrupt cops engaging in criminal behaviour always fascinated by grandfather. I recall a grandpa that loved seeing cops solving crimes in the media. I remember a grandfather that had dreams of becoming a police officer. He would often love seeing cops engaging in crime on primetime television. As someone treasuring a grandfather that adored police in every way, I appreciated “Training Day”. Released in 2001, Antoine Fuqua’s movie captured corrupt cops solving crimes in a doomed city. Fuqua used captivating montages capturing cops battling corruption in a city facing destruction. For instance, the final scene in which Alonzo delivers an intense monologue comparing himself to King Kong causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Denzel Washington, who embodies a conflicted cop engaging in corruption. Ultimately, what makes “Training Day” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about consequences of power which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of conflicted cops seeking to train, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies that are guaranteed to entertain.
6. Se7en
David Fincher is a legendary filmmaker that has often excelled at making movies about police in danger. Fincher has built a reputation for making memorable movies about police facing tension. Fincher’s strength for capturing police facing an investigation is evident in his movie “Se7en”. Released in 1995, Fincher’s movie captured detectives conducting a serial killer investigation. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Se7en” stand out is its plot twists. Fincher uses captivating plot twists to capture police seeking to apprehend serial killers that are frightening. Assisted by Brad Pitt who is amazing in the lead role, Fincher created a captivating cop classic. As grim as murders John Doe has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which deserve to be appreciated.
7. Prisoners
Child abduction is a painful process putting parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. Fearful that he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. As someone that has seen the dangers of child abduction, I adored “Prisoners”. Released in 2013, Denis Villeneuve’s crime thriller offered a realistic depiction of child abduction. Unlike other films, what makes “Prisoners” stand out is its strong atmosphere. Villeneuve creates a gloomy atmosphere capturing parents whose children disappear. Assisted by Hugh Jackman who is excellent, Villeneuve captured child abduction. A powerful portrait of child abduction causing lives of parents to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre audiences appreciate.
8. The Place Beyond the Pines
A common theme often explored in movies about cops is corruption. Movies about cops often capture corruption faced by police that solve crimes in cities. The lives of cops facing corruption causing declines is beautifully depicted in the movie “The Place Beyond the Pines”. Released in 2013, Derek Cianfrance’s movie depicted corruption faced by cops in a small town. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Place Beyond the Pines” stand out is depiction of corruption. Cianfrance uses triptych storytelling capturing hardships corrupt cops are facing. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is extraordinary in the lead role, Cianfrance created a captivating cop classic. A powerful portrait of corrupt cops whose lives in a pine city decline, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made divine movies which shine.
9. No Country for Old Men
Serial killers are common characters in cop movies. The genre has captured cops seeking to catch serial killers causing a dilemma. Tensions caused by killers that murder old men are beautifully depicted in the movie “No Country for Old Men”. Released in 2007, the Coen Brothers’ movie depicted aging cops pursuing serial killers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “No Country for Old Men” stand out is its violence. The Coen Brothers use violence to capture cops seeking to catch killers with a scary presence. Assisted by Javier Bardem who is amazing in the lead role, the Coen Brothers created a captivating western cop classic. A powerful portrait of psychopathic killers committing crimes which are tragic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences consider iconic.
10. Heat
Few films ever made about cops facing heat are as beloved as “Heat”. Since its release in 1995, Michael Mann’s movie has become a cop classic. I may be in the minority but I’ve never been a huge fan of the movie. Mann used captivating montages to capture cops chasing bank robbers. Assisted by Robert De Niro who is extraordinary in the lead role, Mann created a captivating crime thriller about cops. However, the film’s reputation has over time aged poorly. The film’s depiction of bank robbers as sympathetic people has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a great addition to the genre. As strong as bank robbers catching heat, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing unforgettable movies about cops facing defeat which I will forever treasure for inspiring my love for writing movie reviews that I will never delete.
The Film Buff 