Top 10 Modern Police Action Films

Description: While not exactly modern, this classic film set the standard for police action movies with its gritty portrayal of two NYPD detectives tracking down a drug smuggling ring. Its influence on the genre is undeniable.

Fact: The famous car chase scene was filmed without permits, and the film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: This epic crime drama pits a professional thief against an LAPD detective in a game of cat and mouse. While not strictly about modern policing, its portrayal of police tactics and the psychological depth of its characters make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Fact: The film features one of the most iconic shootouts in cinema history, and it was Michael Mann's first collaboration with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

Description: A rookie cop, Jake Hoyt, is paired with a seasoned narcotics officer, Alonzo Harris, for a day of training. What unfolds is a dark journey through the corrupt underbelly of the LAPD, showcasing the moral complexities of police work in a gritty, intense narrative.

Fact: Denzel Washington won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Alonzo Harris, and the film was shot in just 39 days.

Description: This Martin Scorsese masterpiece delves into the lives of an undercover cop and a mole in the police department, both infiltrating each other's organizations. It's a thrilling cat-and-mouse game set in Boston, showcasing the intense psychological warfare between law enforcement and organized crime.

Fact: The film was inspired by the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," and it won the Academy Award for Best Picture in

Description: In this film, a group of bank robbers from Charlestown, Boston, find themselves in a cat-and-mouse game with an FBI agent. The film blends heist elements with intense police work, showcasing the tactical side of law enforcement.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who also directed the film, drew inspiration from the real-life crime scene in Charlestown.

Description: Two mismatched NYPD detectives, one a desk jockey and the other a former forensic accountant, find themselves in the middle of a major case after two high-profile cops are taken down. It's a comedic take on police work with plenty of action.

Fact: The film includes numerous references to real-life financial scandals, including the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme.

Description: This film provides a raw, gritty look at the daily lives of two LAPD officers, Brian Taylor and Mike Zavala, as they patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles. It's a blend of action, drama, and documentary-style filmmaking that captures the essence of modern policing.

Fact: The film was shot in a cinéma vérité style, giving it an authentic feel, and Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña did much of their own stunt work.

Description: This buddy cop comedy brings together an uptight FBI agent and a street-smart Boston cop to take down a drug lord. It's a fresh take on the genre, mixing humor with action and showcasing the dynamic between two very different law enforcement officers.

Fact: Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy improvised many of their scenes, adding to the film's comedic authenticity.

Description: An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico. The film explores the murky ethics of law enforcement in the fight against cartels.

Fact: The film was shot on location in New Mexico and Juárez, Mexico, to capture the real atmosphere of the border conflict.

Description: An NYPD detective, known for killing several criminals, is tasked with capturing two men who have killed several police officers. The city locks down, and the chase begins, highlighting the intense pressure and tactical operations of modern policing.

Fact: The film was originally titled "17 Bridges" but was changed to reflect the actual number of bridges in Manhattan.