If you were captivated by the gripping tension and moral dilemmas in 'Policeman' (2011), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its intense atmosphere, complex characters, and themes of justice and loyalty. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas or psychological thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The French Connection (1971)
Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of narcotics detectives pursuing a drug smuggling ring, known for its intense action sequences and morally complex characters.
Fact: Features one of the most famous car chase scenes in cinema history, filmed without permits in New York City.


Serpico (1973)
Description: A biographical crime drama centered on an honest cop's struggle against systemic corruption within the NYPD, emphasizing themes of integrity and isolation.
Fact: Based on the true story of Frank Serpico, whose whistleblowing led to major reforms in the NYPD.


Heat (1995)
Description: A high-stakes crime epic that contrasts the lives of a master thief and a dedicated detective, featuring intense action and deep character studies.
Fact: The famous shootout scene was filmed on location in downtown Los Angeles, using live ammunition for added realism.


L.A. Confidential (1997)
Description: A neo-noir crime film that intricately weaves together corruption, scandal, and redemption in 1950s Los Angeles, with a focus on three very different cops.
Fact: The film was adapted from James Ellroy's novel of the same name, part of his 'L.A. Quartet' series.


Training Day (2001)
Description: Explores the dark side of policing through the lens of a rookie cop's harrowing first day with a corrupt veteran officer, highlighting themes of power, corruption, and survival.
Fact: Denzel Washington won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, marking his second Oscar win.


The Departed (2006)
Description: A gripping crime thriller that delves deep into the moral ambiguities of law enforcement, featuring intense undercover operations and a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between cops and criminals.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong movie 'Infernal Affairs' and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulous and suspenseful examination of the hunt for the Zodiac Killer, blending investigative procedural elements with psychological tension.
Fact: Director David Fincher insisted on using period-accurate technology and locations to maintain authenticity.


The Town (2010)
Description: A crime drama focusing on a group of bank robbers in Boston, with a strong emphasis on the blurred lines between criminals and law enforcement.
Fact: Ben Affleck both directed and starred in the film, which is based on the novel 'Prince of Thieves' by Chuck Hogan.


Prisoners (2013)
Description: A dark and tense thriller that explores the lengths a desperate father will go to find his missing daughter, intersecting with a detective's relentless investigation.
Fact: The film's screenplay was featured on the 2009 Black List, an annual survey of the most liked unproduced scripts in Hollywood.


End of Watch (2012)
Description: A raw and immersive look at the daily lives of two LAPD officers, blending camaraderie, danger, and the emotional toll of police work through a found-footage style.
Fact: The actors underwent extensive training with real LAPD officers to prepare for their roles, including ride-alongs and tactical drills.
