Top 10 Cop Movies to Watch

Description: Clint Eastwood stars as the iconic San Francisco cop who takes justice into his own hands, challenging the system and the criminals in his quest to catch a serial killer.

Fact: The film's famous line, "Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?" was improvised by Eastwood. The character of Harry Callahan became a cultural icon.

Description: This classic cop film follows a tough New York City detective on the trail of a French heroin smuggler, showcasing gritty realism and one of the most famous car chases in cinema history.

Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Gene Hackman. The car chase was done with minimal special effects.

Description: Based on the true story of Frank Serpico, an honest cop who blew the whistle on widespread corruption in the NYPD, this film is a testament to integrity in the face of adversity.

Fact: Al Pacino's performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination. The real Frank Serpico served as a consultant on the film.

Description: While not exclusively about police work, this film features Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee, who teams up with the brilliant but cannibalistic Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer.

Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making it one of only three films to win in all the major categories. Jodie Foster won Best Actress for her role as Clarice Starling.

Description: Michael Mann's crime saga pits a dedicated detective against a master thief in a game of cat and mouse that's as much about the chase as it is about the characters' personal lives.

Fact: The iconic coffee shop scene between De Niro and Pacino was improvised. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles, adding to its gritty realism.

Description: A dark, psychological thriller where two detectives hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi, offering a chilling look at the nature of evil.

Fact: The film was initially rated NC-17 but was edited to receive an R rating. The ending was kept secret from the cast until the day of shooting.

Description: Set in 1950s Los Angeles, this neo-noir film weaves together the lives of three very different cops as they investigate a series of murders, uncovering corruption at every level.

Fact: The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning two. It was adapted from James Ellroy's novel of the same name.

Description: This film dives deep into the murky waters of police corruption, following a rookie cop on his first day with a rogue detective. It's a gritty, intense look at the thin line between right and wrong in law enforcement.

Fact: Denzel Washington won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Detective Alonzo Harris. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

Description: Martin Scorsese's epic tale of moles in the Massachusetts State Police and the Irish mob, this film explores themes of identity, loyalty, and betrayal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Scorsese. It's a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: A raw and emotional portrayal of two LAPD officers who patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles, highlighting the bond between partners and the dangers they face daily.

Fact: The film was shot in a cinéma vérité style, giving it a documentary-like feel. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña prepared by riding along with real LAPD officers.