10 Detective Films with Corrupt Cops

Description: While not explicitly about corrupt cops, this film features a morally ambiguous detective, Popeye Doyle, whose methods are often questionable as he pursues a major drug smuggling operation.

Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The famous car chase scene was filmed without permits, adding to its realism.

Description: Based on a true story, "Serpico" follows an honest NYPD officer, Frank Serpico, who battles corruption within the police department. His refusal to partake in the widespread graft and his efforts to expose it make him a target among his peers.

Fact: Al Pacino was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Frank Serpico. The film was shot on location in New York City, adding to its gritty realism.

Description: A narcotics detective, Danny Ciello, agrees to help the Internal Affairs Division investigate police corruption, leading to a personal and professional crisis as he navigates the murky waters of loyalty and justice.

Fact: The film was based on the real-life experiences of Robert Leuci, an NYPD detective. It was one of the longest films ever released at the time, with a runtime of over three hours.

Description: Although primarily about Eliot Ness's fight against Al Capone, the film also delves into the corruption within the Chicago police force, with some officers being on Capone's payroll.

Fact: Sean Connery won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jim Malone. The film was directed by Brian De Palma.

Description: An Internal Affairs investigator uncovers a ring of corrupt cops, including a charismatic officer with a penchant for violence, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Fact: Richard Gere was initially considered for the role of the corrupt cop, but the part went to Richard Gere's friend, Andy Garcia.

Description: A New York City police lieutenant, addicted to gambling and drugs, finds himself investigating a brutal rape case while spiraling deeper into corruption and moral decay.

Fact: The film was controversial due to its graphic content and depiction of police corruption. Harvey Keitel's performance is often cited as one of his best.

Description: Sheriff Freddy Heflin, played by Sylvester Stallone, uncovers a web of corruption in a small town where many NYPD officers live, revealing a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of law enforcement.

Fact: Robert De Niro was originally set to play the lead role but chose to play a supporting character instead. The film was shot in New Jersey.

Description: Set in 1950s Los Angeles, this film explores the lives of three very different cops who become entangled in a web of corruption, murder, and scandal, all while trying to maintain their own moral compasses.

Fact: The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger. It was based on the novel by James Ellroy.

Description: This film follows a rookie cop, Jake Hoyt, who is paired with a seasoned detective, Alonzo Harris, for a day of training. However, Jake soon realizes that Alonzo is not the hero he thought, but a corrupt cop who uses his badge to further his own criminal activities.

Fact: Denzel Washington won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Alonzo Harris. The film was shot in 39 days.

Description: In this modern take on the classic "Infernal Affairs," a young cop infiltrates a gang run by a notorious mob boss, while a criminal infiltrates the police force. Both sides are riddled with corruption, leading to a complex game of cat and mouse.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The movie was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."