The Best 90's Cop Movies Ranked
- 1Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson
In this thrilling third installment of the Die Hard series, audiences witness the return of John McClane (played by Bruce Willis) who must face off against a vengeful terrorist named Simon Gruber. Alongside civilian Zeus Carver (played by Samuel L. Jackson), the duo must race against time to solve riddles, disarm explosives, and uncover sinister intentions in the heart of New York City. This action-packed film reinvents the franchise while still delivering top-notch suspense and remarkable character development.
- #167 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- #58 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- 2Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, William Atherton
The second installment in the much-loved Die Hard series once again sees protagonist John McClane, portrayed by Bruce Willis, thrown into another impossible situation. Taking place at Dulles International Airport on Christmas Eve, McClane becomes embroiled in a high-stakes plan orchestrated by rogue military operatives aiming to rescue their captured leader. With his wife's plane circling overhead whilst waiting to land, our hero must use his wits and tenacity to outsmart his foes and save both those on board and on the ground.
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- 3Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
Director Michael Mann's award-winning crime drama sees legendary actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro square off in one of the most iconic cop-versus-robber stories in cinematic history. With Pacino as LAPD detective Vincent Hanna and De Niro as master thief Neil McCauley, Heat delivers a gripping story about obsession and personal sacrifice on opposing sides of the law. Its stunning cinematography coupled with unforgettable heist sequences and character-driven narrative make it one of the best cop movies of all time.
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- 4Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock
Jan de Bont's directorial debut boasts an exhilarating storyline, memorable characters played by Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, and explosive action sequences so good they could leave viewers struggling for breath. As LAPD officer Jack Traven, Reeves is tasked with stopping a speeding bus rigged with a bomb that will detonate if it drops below 50 miles per hour. The tension is palpable as Traven climbs aboard and attempts to keep passengers calm while he figures out who planted the bomb – all while maintaining breakneck speed through Los Angeles traffic.
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- 5Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
This chilling thriller, directed by David Fincher, portrays veteran homicide detective William Somerset (played by Morgan Freeman) and his young partner David Mills (Brad Pitt) as they hunt down a gruesome serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins in his murders. The grisly crime scenes and psychological depth provide a disturbing backdrop for this thrilling police procedural. With unforgettable performances from both Freeman and Pitt amid an eerie atmosphere, Seven offers audiences an intense experience rarely matched in other cop movies from this era.
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- 6Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Téa Leoni
Combining powerful performances from Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey and Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett, this Michael Bay-directed cop movie brings audiences an intense action-filled tale about two Miami narcotics detectives in pursuit of stolen heroin worth $100 million. The film packs a punch with its elaborate car chases, intricate heist sequences, and witty banter between the two leads. As they navigate the shady underworld of Miami drug kingpins, their partnership is tested but ultimately remains unbreakable.
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- 7Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Tom Wilkinson
Employing the comedic talents of Chris Tucker alongside esteemed martial artist Jackie Chan, Rush Hour presents audiences with a dynamic duo that contrasts cultures and style. LAPD Detective James Carter (Tucker) teams up with Chinese inspector Lee (Chan) to locate a kidnapped Chinese consul's daughter in Los Angeles. The film showcases Chan's impeccable stunt work complemented by Tucker's hilarious comedic timing, blending east with west in an uproarious action-adventure that left audiences clamoring for more.
More Rush Hour- #19 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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- 8Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey
Directed by Katheryn Bigelow, this adrenaline-pumping story keeps audiences on edge as undercover FBI agent Johnny Utah (portrayed by Keanu Reeves) infiltrates a group of adrenaline-junkie bank robbers led by Bodhi (played by the late Patrick Swayze). The film presents a gripping tale of loyalty, honor, and identity as these two iconic characters challenge each other while surfing massive waves, skydiving without parachutes, and committing daring heists. Ultimately, Point Break stands out not only for its breathtaking visuals but also for its layered character dynamics.
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- #63 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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- 9Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci
In this third entry in the acclaimed Lethal Weapon series, Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) find themselves embroiled in a deadly conspiracy to supply armor-piercing bullets to Los Angeles street gangs. Introducing Internal Affairs Detective Lorna Cole (played by Rene Russo) into the mix heightens tension and plays an integral role in the duo's investigation. This high-octane film delivers not only riveting action sequences but also expertly showcases the chemistry between the main characters who have become synonymous with buddy cop films.
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- 10Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci
The fourth installment of the beloved Lethal Weapon franchise pits Riggs (Mel Gibson), Murtaugh (Danny Glover), and their team against Chinese human trafficking criminals led by powerful triad boss Wah Sing Ku (Jet Li). Despite being faced with personal challenges such as impending retirement and new family life, Riggs and Murtaugh showcase their unwavering camaraderie whilst dealing with high-speed chases, explosive gunfights, and intense hand-to-hand combat. The addition of Jet Li as the deadly antagonist adds another level of excitement to this already impactful series.
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- 11Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed
Adding a comedic spin to classic cop movie tropes is this Ivan Reitman-directed film which sees Arnold Schwarzenegger play Detective John Kimble – a tough policeman who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to apprehend a wanted criminal. Amidst the chaos of dealing with young children, Kimble discovers not only his softer side but also important clues in his investigation. Though lighthearted, the movie delivers moments of thrilling action which showcase Schwarzenegger's unique blend of comedy and heroism.
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- #109 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #75 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- 12Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce
Based on James Ellroy's novel, this neo-noir thriller brings together an ensemble cast consisting of Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kim Basinger, among others. Set in 1950s Los Angeles, the film follows three LAPD officers – each with a different sense of justice – as they uncover corruption within their department during an intricate murder investigation. Rich in atmosphere and detail, director Curtis Hanson crafts a complex narrative that keeps audiences guessing throughout while shining a light on the darker side of law enforcement.
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- 13Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, George Kennedy
Following up on the success of its predecessor, this comedic cop film once again sees Leslie Nielsen play bumbling police officer Frank Drebin whose mission is to protect leading scientist Dr. Meinheimer from an assassination attempt by an evil organization led by Robert Goulet's Quintin Hapsburg. With slapstick humor and memorable gags aplenty, Nielsen delivers an unforgettable performance that leaves audiences in stitches. The film maintains its comedic momentum with a series of hilarious mishaps and perfectly timed punchlines.
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- #157 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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- 14Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta
Starring an ensemble cast led by Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, and Robert De Niro, Cop Land centers around small-town sheriff Freddy Heflin who uncovers corruption within the New York City Police Department linked to his jurisdiction. Despite feeling outmatched by the villainous officers he is pursuing, Heflin demonstrates his courage and determination to bring them to justice at any cost. This character-driven drama provides a refreshing take on cop movies through its nuanced examination of law enforcement ethics.
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- 15Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austin O'Brien, Charles Dance
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Jack Slater, a fictional movie police officer who finds himself transported to the real world through the power of an enchanted cinema ticket. Joined by young fan Danny Madigan (Austin O'Brien), the duo must navigate the complexities of reality whilst battling an array of villains, both familiar and unknown. This meta comedy-action film cleverly parodies many action movie tropes, showcasing Schwarzenegger's fearless willingness to poke fun at his own image.
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- #311 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #75 of 99 onThe Best 1990s Action Movies
- 16Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte, Brion James
Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte reprise their roles as convict Reggie Hammond and cop Jack Cates in this sequel to the original 48 Hrs. The pair join forces once more to uncover a criminal plot involving an escaped drug lord looking for revenge on those who put him behind bars. As they traverse San Francisco's dangerous underworld, their unique partnership tests their wits and physical strength against notorious criminals. This fast-paced action-comedy highlights Eddie Murphy's comedic genius while building upon the success of its predecessor.
More Another 48 Hrs.- #121 of 164 onThe Best Movie Sequels Ever Made
- #69 of 99 onThe Best 1990s Action Movies
- #57 of 90 onThe Best Movies of 1990
- 17O. J. Simpson, Raquel Welch, Anna Nicole Smith
The third installment in the Naked Gun series sees Leslie Nielsen return as bumbling detective Frank Drebin who must foil yet another terrorist plot – this time masterminded by villainous Rocco Dillon (played by Fred Ward). As Drebin's antics become more outrageous than ever before in his attempt to prevent an attack at the Academy Awards ceremony, audiences are treated to an endless parade of visual gags and one-liners that have become synonymous with the franchise.
- #204 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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- 18Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy
This worthy sequel to the original RoboCop continues the story of protagonist Alex Murphy (played by Peter Weller), now a part-man, part-machine law enforcement officer seeking vengeance against the ruthless criminals responsible for his gruesome transformation. As Murphy grapples with his newfound reality, he faces off against a formidable enemy in the form of an experimental cyborg controlled by a malicious drug lord. Set in dystopian Detroit, this action-packed film takes audiences on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and redemption.
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- 19Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Judd Nelson
Director Mario Van Peebles delivers a gritty tale set in Harlem during the height of America's crack epidemic with this crime drama which stars Wesley Snipes as powerful drug lord Nino Brown. Detectives Scotty Appleton (Ice-T) and Nick Peretti (Judd Nelson) must navigate the dangerous world of organized crime as they work to bring Brown's criminal empire to its knees. New Jack City combines urban realism with suspenseful storytelling and powerful performances, resulting in an unforgettable look at the darker side of law enforcement.
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- 20Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney
Starring Sigourney Weaver as agoraphobic psychologist Helen Hudson and Holly Hunter as a San Francisco homicide detective, this psychological thriller follows their pursuit of a serial killer who is replicating the infamous crimes of his murderous idols. Weaver's performance as the traumatized expert and Hunter's depiction of a tough, determined cop create a captivating duo as they race against time to predict the killer's next move. Mixing elements of suspense, horror, and investigative drama, Copycat delivers an engrossing experience for fans of the genre.
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- 21Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier
In this international thriller, veteran FBI tracker Declan Mulqueen (Aidan Quinn) joins forces with Russian intelligence officer Valentina Koslova (Diane Venora) to pursue an enigmatic assassin known only as "The Jackal" (Bruce Willis). As each side races to track down their elusive target before he strikes again, the stakes are raised in this intense game of cat-and-mouse. Boasting thrilling plot twists and powerful performances from its leads, The Jackal is a must-see for fans of intrigue-laden cop films.
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- 22Emilio Estevez, Samuel L. Jackson, Jon Lovitz
This action-comedy spoof stars Emilio Estevez as no-nonsense cop Jack Colt and Samuel L. Jackson as Wes Luger, his more cautious partner. The duo is tasked with investigating the murder of Luger's former partner while attempting to foil a sinister plot to poison Los Angeles residents with tainted cookies. Full of laughs and outrageous antics, this satirical take on buddy cop films provides a welcome change of pace for fans looking for something lighthearted.
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- 23Martin Lawrence, Luke Wilson, Peter Greene
This high-energy action-comedy stars Martin Lawrence as Miles Logan, a skilled thief attempting to retrieve a valuable stolen diamond from police headquarters after serving a prison sentence. To infiltrate the precinct, he poses as a detective partnered with an unsuspecting rookie played by Luke Wilson. The pair's unconventional methods lead to hilarious situations as they navigate crime scenes while Logan covertly plans his heist. Lawrence's comedic prowess and onscreen chemistry with Wilson make this film a joy to watch.
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- 24
The Hard Way
Michael J. Fox, James Woods, Stephen LangMichael J. Fox and James Woods star in this action-comedy about an ambitious Hollywood actor (Fox) who studies a hardened New York detective (Woods) for an upcoming role by shadowing him on his dangerous assignments. As they face off against ruthless criminals together, their conflicting personalities and methods create comedic tension that audiences will enjoy every step of the way. Their chemistry along with the film's thrilling action sequences make The Hard Way worth watching.
- 25Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, Héctor Elizondo
Eddie Murphy returns as wisecracking Detroit detective Axel Foley in this third installment of the popular Beverly Hills Cop series. This time around, Foley heads back to California to investigate the murder of his boss and uncovers ties to a counterfeit money operation run by theme park tycoon Ellis DeWald (Timothy Carhart). Delivering more action-packed sequences and humorous banter alongside familiar faces like Judge Reinhold’s Billy Rosewood, Beverly Hills Cop III is an entertaining continuation of the franchise.
- 26Jamie Lee Curtis, Ron Silver, Clancy Brown
In this taut thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow, Jamie Lee Curtis stars as rookie cop Megan Turner who becomes entangled with a vicious killer after her service weapon is stolen during a shootout. As the body count rises, Turner must rely on her instincts and determination to bring the murderer down. With a chilling portrayal of obsession and pursuit, Blue Steel remains a captivating entry in the cop movie genre.
- 27
The Rookie
Clint Eastwood, Charlie Sheen, Raul JuliaIn this high-octane thriller directed by Clint Eastwood, Eastwood portrays grizzled veteran policeman Nick Pulovski, whose new rookie partner David Ackerman (played by Charlie Sheen) is forced to confront his traumatic past while working together to bring down a vicious car theft ring led by Sting's Luther Rackley. With its pulse-pounding chase scenes and powerful performances from both leads, The Rookie is a combustible blend of action and drama that fans will appreciate.
- 28Dolph Lundgren, Brandon Lee, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee star in this action-packed buddy-cop film about two Los Angeles police detectives who unite to dismantle a murderous Yakuza mob headed by Yoshida (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa). With high-speed chases, intense shootouts, and hand-to-hand combat sequences showcasing the duo's impressive martial arts skills, this unforgettable movie delivers all the elements necessary for entertaining its audience.
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- 29Chow Yun-Fat, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Philip Kwok
Acclaimed Hong Kong director John Woo's masterpiece stars Chow Yun-fat as Inspector "Tequila" Yuen, an edgy cop who teams up with undercover officer Tony (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) to take down a ruthless gangster responsible for a brutal arms smuggling operation. The film is filled with breathtaking gunfight scenes, intricate choreography, and exceptional character development. Combining Woo's signature visual style with an engaging narrative, Hard Boiled remains a classic among fans of international cop movies.
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- 30Warren Beatty, Madonna, Charlie Korsmo
Warren Beatty directs and stars in this stylish comic-strip adaptation featuring our titular hero – detective Dick Tracy – who must protect his city from crime boss "Big Boy" Caprice (Al Pacino) and his nefarious gang of grotesque villains. Boasting colorful visuals that faithfully replicate the original comic strip panels alongside standout performances from its all-star cast, Dick Tracy brings audiences an unconventional yet highly entertaining crime-fighting adventure.
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