Top 10 Undercover Cop Dramas

Description: Gene Hackman stars as Popeye Doyle, a tough New York cop who uncovers a heroin smuggling operation, leading to a high-stakes chase.

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

Description: Al Pacino plays Frank Serpico, a real-life NYPD officer who exposed corruption within the force, leading to his own ostracization.

Fact: Serpico was shot in the face during a drug bust, an event depicted in the film. The movie was based on Peter Maas's book, which detailed Serpico's experiences.

Description: Treat Williams plays a cop who becomes an informant against his corrupt colleagues, exploring the ethical gray areas of law enforcement.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Robert Leuci, a detective who turned informant. It was one of the longest films ever released, with a runtime of over three hours.

Description: Johnny Depp stars as an FBI agent who infiltrates the mafia, forming a complex bond with a mobster, played by Al Pacino. This film captures the psychological toll of undercover work.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Joseph D. Pistone, an FBI agent who went undercover for six years. Al Pacino's character, Lefty Ruggiero, was a real-life mobster who was unaware he was being betrayed by his friend.

Description: Denzel Washington delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a corrupt cop who takes a rookie on his first day of undercover work, leading to a day of moral reckoning.

Fact: The film was originally set to be a vehicle for Eddie Murphy, but the role went to Denzel Washington, who improvised much of his dialogue.

Description: In this Martin Scorsese masterpiece, both the police and the mob have moles in each other's ranks, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse.

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

Description: Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe star in this epic tale of a drug kingpin and the cop determined to bring him down, showcasing the complexities of undercover work.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord. The character of Richie Roberts, played by Crowe, was also based on a real person.

Description: Bryan Cranston plays a U.S. Customs agent who goes undercover to dismantle a money-laundering scheme for Pablo Escobar's drug empire.

Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Robert Mazur, who actually went undercover as a money launderer. The real Mazur served as a consultant on the film.

Description: Sean Penn plays an undercover cop who returns to his old neighborhood to infiltrate an Irish mob, leading to conflicts of loyalty and identity.

Fact: The film was originally set to star Mickey Rourke, but he was replaced by Sean Penn. The movie was shot in New York City, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the time.

Description: While not a film, this season of "The Wire" focuses on the police department's efforts to infiltrate and dismantle drug operations, providing a gritty, realistic portrayal of undercover work.

Fact: The series was praised for its realistic depiction of Baltimore's drug trade and law enforcement. Season 4 is often considered one of the best seasons of television ever made.