80s cop movies. The era's fascination with the tension between law.


  1. 80s cop movies. Below is a complete list of American detective/mystery/crime shows from the 1980s, in alphabetical order. The 1990’s saw the cop portrayed as being more intellectual in films such as Silence of the Lambs and Seven. Apr 10, 2024 · These police duos and the films they appear in are icons of the genre. These cinematic works are ranked based on storyline, Which of these crime + action + comedy genre movies released between 1980 and 1989 is your favorite one? Buddy cop movies were all the rage in the '80s and we still get them today, recycling one tired cliché after another. Whether you like old-fashioned police techniques or you just enjoy the '80s aesthetic, here are 6 of the best '80s detective movies that entertained, kept their audiences in suspense, and paved the way for detectives to come. Also appreciated is sexy Claudia Christian as a stripper. "Atlantic City: Overview: Allmovie". Harris, starring James Woods, Lesley Ann Warren and Charles Durning. " presented unique An overachieving London police sergeant is transferred to a village where the easygoing officers object to his fervor for regulations, all while a string of grisly murders strikes the town. If you liked Beverly Hills Cop, you'll love this film (in fact, I just watched them both back to back, and enjoyed them both equally). Mar 11, 2019 · Following my binge of 1970s detective shows last month, I thought it was time to move on into the 1980s. There are, however, numerous classic police stories from the ‘80s, including directing legend Brian de Palma’s The Untouchables. Ranked from Top to Bottom. It was a brave and revealing, and unflinching, insight, and a departure, since not having this could have made "Colors" seem like your run-of-the-mill late-'80s cop movie. Aug 5, 2025 · Netflix Is Reviving This Iconic ’80s Cop Show With a Movie Reboot William Shatner’s ’80s action series is heading to the big screen at Netflix. ^ Bozzola, Lucia. Running Scared: Directed by Peter Hyams. This actress is a brilliant actress and watching her act in the films 'Beat Street' and 'Carlito's Way' and in the 80's U. The Sep 21, 2021 · Detective Taggart examines a SPAS-12 in Beverly Hills Cop II. This includes films from the years prior to and following that decade. "The Untouchables", "Lethal Weapon", "To Live and Die in L. Is your favorite 80s procedural drama about cops, detectives, or an ingenious troubleshooter? You may recognize many of the titles in this list of 16 Candles The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension All of Me American Dreamer Bachelor Party Best Defense Beverly Hills Cop Blame It on Rio Broadway Danny Rose The Buddy System Cannonball Run II Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Brothers City Heat Crackers Electric Dreams Finders Keepers The Flamingo Kid Ghostbusters Grandview, U. Apr 17, 2025 · Discover the best '80s movies that defined a generation. 80s Cop Movies What happened was, there was a Reddit thread asking a simple question, what are the best 80s cop movies ever? Some fine suggestions therein and it would be rude not to give some of them a whirl. Aug 10, 2024 · What is the quintessential 80s movie? We don't mean the best movie from the 1980s. One of the most common archetypal Oct 9, 2025 · John Candy tried his hand at action-comedies alongside Eugene Levy in the forgotten '80s action comedy, Armed and Dangerous. I was thinking for a bit about what could be a good topic to bring it back. Feb 10, 2017 · The most stark and head-scratching difference between an '80s cop movie and a modern cop movie is the proliferation of jackassery. This list is not all-inclusive, nor is it of the 1970s alone. Oct 2, 2025 · The 1970s were a golden era for cop films, with many becoming quintessential staples of the crime genre. It's very 80s. This list may not reflect recent changes. Her acting as tough female cop Detective Gina Calabrese in the U. Despite being decades old, these films still offer a unique cinematic experience that is just as A New York City cop, John McClane, tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas Eve party at the Nakatomi Plaza Skyscraper in Los Angeles, California. Familiar faces like Harrison Ford, Jackie Chan, and Sean Connery starred in these films, while others like Eddie Murphy found success and showcased their talent. There are tonnes of great scenes. Mar 10, 2016 · Popular ones included Dirty Harry, Bullitt, and The French Connection. What movie truly represents and sums up the ‘80s? The Breakfast Club (1985) — Possibly nothing captures the decade as well as this John Hughes teen classic. It pays homage to 1980s martial arts and police action films. With James Woods, Lesley Ann Warren, Charles Durning, Charles Haid. Get ready for heart-pounding action and unforgettable characters! May 13, 2025 · Much like the 80s cop movies of yesteryear, The Precinct a little rough around the edges, but also a lot of fun for those looking to hit the streets and deal with criminal scum. As was said before, the chemistry between the two stars is incredible. Kung Fury is a 2015 English-language Swedish martial arts comedy featurette film written and directed by David Sandberg. Harris. What about these films made them so Jan 17, 2013 · Top 10 - 80s Cop Movies! Ok, been a while since I did a top 10. From dramas to comedies and everything in between, the 80s knew cop Feb 7, 2024 · A raft of '80s films showing inner-city strife and resultant creative blooms arose by the middle of the decade, with directors ranging from studio-friendly helmers like John Landis to completely "The Untouchables", "Lethal Weapon", "To Live and Die in L. Pages in category "1980s police films" The following 16 pages are in this category, out of 16 total. The Beretta served as the co-star in both movies. After Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte's 48 Hrs, studios have been throwing mismatched characters together to fight crime. ", "Police Story", & "48 Hrs. , Blood Simple, and Pixote have got you covered. Dec 15, 2023 · The 1980s saw a surge in the popularity of 1980s cop movies, with iconic films like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon becoming instant classics. There are, however, numerous classic The most comprehensive list of all buddy cop movies that i have ever seen. The best 80s cop movies are a unique blend of kitsch, grit, and violence. , and Rush Hour defined this era, blending comedy with high-octane action, creating a cocktail that audiences couldn't resist. Two partners are thrown together, bicker and clash, learn to trust each other, and finally become a formidable team Oct 2, 2025 · The drama! The suspense! How fun! Hollywood has delivered tons of great films with this premise, but what are the best movies about undercover cops? Vote up the best undercover cop films below, vote down any you disliked, and see where your favorites covert police officer movies rank! Oct 1, 2025 · Exploring '80s thriller movies is like diving into a well of suspense, action, and unforgettable characters. Any ’80s movie with a Tomatometer was considered for our Favorites guide, and after "Prince of the City", "Colors", "Fort Apache, the Bronx", "The Mighty Quinn", & "Vice Squad" are on The Best Police Dramas of the 1980s on Flickchart. His dominant run of hit films began with the action comedy 48 Hours. What's the best '90s cop film? Bruce Nov 23, 2022 · Both films are cop movie classics out of the late 1980s and both are still widely regarded as great action flicks. "American Gigolo (1980)". The urban grit of ‘70s morality pictures such as Serpico, The French Connection, and Dirty Harry were "The Silence of the Lambs", "Se7en", "Heat", "L. These 80s cop Movies remain popular today due to their thrilling action sequences, larger-than-life characters, and timeless themes of justice and heroism. , Manhunter, 48 Hours, Cobra, Red Heat, Miami Vice (tv show) So basically movies like these. " are on The Best Police Detective Films of the 1980s on Flickchart. "Red Heat" and "Running Scared" added unique twists to the buddy cop formula, portraying unlikely duos facing dangerous foes. A New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. The key to the buddy cop genre is the tension between the two main characters, as they are forced to work together. A police detective, a bank robber and a high-power broker enter high-stakes negotiations after the criminal's brilliant heist spirals into a hostage situation. Movies from this decade delivered gritty realism, edge-of-your-seat action, and memorable characters that continue to influence cinema today. An action movie star researching a role is allowed to tag along with a hardboiled New York City policeman, who finds him superficial and irritating. Aug 3, 2024 · 80s marked the true rise of buddy cop movies, with iconic films like "Lethal Weapon" setting the standard for the genre. Modern movies are just rife with shenanigans that would never pass muster in '80s flicks. Whether portraying rogue mavericks or comically inclined buddies, examining corruption or against-the-odds heroism, it has proved fertile ground Jan 24, 2025 · In the '80s, the cop movie genre was a crowded field full of spectacle over realism. The 1980’s saw a combination of buddy cop films and the cop viewed as an action hero, such as Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, Robocop, and 48 Hours. Iconic films like "Cruising," "Sudden Impact," and "To Live and Die in L. The rest of the characters are completely dimensionless. We have seen him before, decades ago, on late night television. Aug 11, 2024 · Detective stories from the '80s showcased a diversity of genres, including comedies, thrillers, and buddy cop movies, still popular today. A decade of buddy cop movies, the 80s also saw a minor wave of cop & criminal buddy movies with a similar formula, but more concentration on seeing the two clash together. See also 1980s crime films, Police films by decade, 20th-century police films Some movies i've already seen: Die Hard, Lethal Weapon 1-2, Beverly Hills Cop 1-2, To Live and Die in L. But I'm mostly thinking of like actual good movies. I. Aug 21, 2024 · The buddy cop genre gained a new wave of popularity in the 1980s, and the following decade saw some classics of the genre. Sep 15, 2025 · Help decide which shows make this list of the best 1980s procedurals! With so many top procedural dramas from the 80s, it can be hard picking just one. This genre films strike a balance between the gravity of crime-fighting and The best police comedy movies showcase a medley of slapstick, witty dialogue, and unforgettable Jan 20, 2017 · The cop movie has maintained a constant presence in genre cinema ever since Mack Sennett’s Keystone Cops first exercised their right to remain silent. A spoof of buddy cop movies where two very different cops are forced to team up on a new reality based television cop show, while tracking down the manufacturer and distributor of an illegally made semi-automatic firearm. The detective TV show genre seems to have really expanded in the 80s, and one of the most sa… Dec 15, 2023 · Entertainment Streaming Netflix to resurrect the best 80s cop movie next year The heat is on When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It is non-stop one liners that drip with wit. 1980s police films This list has 3 sub-lists and 22 members. Unlike the ‘80s where tentpole movies were led by a big name, with the movie itself being secondary, Speed went back to the era of High-Concept filmmaking. To stop an elusive criminal, a maverick detective enlists the aid of a police dog who's an unusually intelligent smart alec. Feeling like I need an 80s cop movie binge week I guess. The film was crowdfunded through Kickstarter in the beginning of 2014, with pledges Feb 1, 2021 · One of the most popular subgenres of '80s movies was the buddy cop film. Apr 15, 2023 · The '80s saw the tried-and-true genre of police procedurals go through substantial changes, and many great shows came out then. Gremlins The Hotel New Hampshire Hot Dog Feb 27, 2013 · Here, he is that usual movie cop who relentlessly chases after his prey — a jewel thief — breaking all the rules while destroying expensive cars. Big fan of Black Rain, some Hong Kong stuff, etc. Confidential", & "Hard Boiled" are on The Top 50 Police Detective Films of the 1990s on Flickchart. The buddy cop Sep 1, 2025 · Celebrate the adrenaline and intellect that comes with police work as we rank the best cop movies of all time. That’s a different category. Fans of the police genre might say that the 1980s was an off decade for cop movies. S T. 8 pages of info, trailer, pictures and more. ? What if aliens attacked? And while Based partly on IMDB ratings and partly on amounts of awards especially Academy Awards and Golden Globes. Sep 1, 2025 · Celebrate the adrenaline and intellect that comes with police work as we rank the best cop movies of all time. V Cop show Miami Vice as Gina was enjoyable and Beverly Hills Cop -The 1984 Action / Adventure movie featuring Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold at the award winning 80s Movies Rewind. Jul 5, 2024 · The late ’80s saw an explosion of so-called buddy cop movies – glossy action-comedies that typically pitched two mismatched law enforcement agents together and stood back to watch the sparks (and bullets) fly. Here’s how it works. An ex-cop known as "el Gallego" was expelled from the police force because of his irregular methods, particularly for cruelly abusing Fanny. They're looking for one another, both with the idea of murder. Murphy’s Law is a pretty decent Charles Bronson action crime flick, but a totally worthless buddy movie. During that time, there were several well-made films that were gritty in their appearance and characters, and blurred the lines between criminal and law enforcement. Allmovie. 80s Cop Movies is what I came up with. And it was a comedy that mocked all of the detective and tough cop shows and movies that were popular in the 70s and 80s. There were also some high-profile box office hits, proving that crime was a popular genre at the time. Apr 5, 2017 · Speed is the movie that changed event movies for the ‘90s. Two street-wise Chicago cops have to shake off some rust after returning from a Key West vacation to pursue a drug dealer who nearly killed them in the past. From iconic comedies to unforgettable dramas, these classics are a must-watch! A spoof of buddy cop movies where two very different cops are forced to team up on a new reality based television cop show, while tracking down the manufacturer and distributor of an illegally made semi-automatic firearm. It's typical. S Cop show Miami Vice was absolutely amazing. "Stand by Me", "The Blues Brothers", "Lethal Weapon", "The Killer", & "Down by Law" are on The Best Buddy Films of the 1980s on Flickchart. " are on The Top 100 Police Detective Films of the 1980s on Flickchart. A Los Angeles detective meets a feminist poet during a murder case. "Le bar du Telephone: Overview: Allmovie". 80s aesthetics and music, car chases, police work/investigations, one liners, some cheese Any other good ones i might not have seen yet? May 6, 2022 · Check out these retro detectives and some ear-to-the-ground detective work. Pages in category "1980s police comedy films" The following 46 pages are in this category, out of 46 total. Harris and Woods co-produced the film, a first for their careers. In the near future, a police officer specializes in malfunctioning robots. Star power was out; big questions were in - What if a bus had a bomb that went off if it slowed down? What if a volcano was underneath L. The cop test pilot for an experimental police helicopter learns the sinister implications of the new vehicle. S. That’s right, we recommend some Rotten additions for your ’80s movie playlists, because this is one decade only fully experienced with the good, the bad, and the feathered neon. Some of the best police flicks from the '90s were also pretty funny, while others came across as totally realistic. I’m trying to come up with a list of cop cliches in the 1980s movie and could use some help for any I might’ve overlooked Cop: Directed by James B. Retrieved March 2, 2010. "Raising Arizona", "Heathers", "Beverly Hills Cop", "A Fish Called Wanda", & "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" are on The Best Crime Comedies of the 1980s on Flickchart. . Mar 14, 2022 · The 80s were dominated by Eddie Murphy movies. 37 votes, 80 comments. This is one of the better movies of this type due to its sci-fi twist and the good performances of Nouri & MacLachlan, who work well together. Jun 26, 2013 · With the odd pairing of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy arriving in theaters this week with ' The Heat,' it's time to take a look at our favorite buddy cop duos. It is based on the 1984 book Blood on the Moon, by James Ellroy. [3][4] The film stars Sandberg in the title role, Jorma Taccone, Leopold Nilsson, and a cameo appearance by David Hasselhoff. Oct 30, 2024 · Features 1980s Cop Movies Ranked by How Many Laws They Break The cops in 1980s action movies believe that the ends justify the means, but these cops do things that no one can justify. K-9: Directed by Rod Daniel. In a violent future in Old Detroit, murdered police officer Alex Murphy is resurrected as RoboCop, a powerful cyborg law enforcer. Sep 15, 2025 · The 1980s was a legendary decade for television, brimming with compelling narratives and captivating characters that left indelible marks on the crime drama genre. Eddie Murphy 's "Beverly Hills Cop" series showcased the comedic talent and action-packed adventures that defined 80s buddy cop films. Nov 9, 2024 · The best crime shows of the 1980s were so popular and iconic that they would shape the genre as fans know it today, from Magnum P. This curated list celebrates the best of the genre, showcasing films ranked by fans who can't get enough of the high-stakes tension and masterful storytelling that defined the decade. Fans of the police genre might say that the 1980s was a great decade for cop movies. With its dramatic and noir elements, the story follows a seasoned police officer paired A New York City cop, John McClane, tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas Eve party at the Nakatomi Plaza Skyscraper in Los Angeles, California. Crime dramas in particular gained immense popularity, with viewers eagerly tuning in to follow the intense investigations and complicated lives of law enforcement and private investigators. Looking for totally rad '80s crime dramas? Check out this ultimate list of captivating series chosen by fans. Having since spawned three sequels, the movie is the king of feel-good detective comedies. Storyboard Which '80s cop flicks had the most law-breaking officers? We ranked them See our list here, including more movie throwbacks and lists to add to the watchlist. A. Jan 23, 2025 · The 1980s produced dozens of classic crime movies, many of which are still just as popular today. Drop the best reccs you got Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A Jokerchyld Apr 25, 2025 · If you're after dark crime movies, then classics from the 1980s like To Live and Die in L. As 80s cop movies go, this is among the best. However, a feeling that is very different from hatred begins to occupy their respective minds. Now anyone out there who grew up in the 80s knows there was no shortage of Cop related goodness. hell even samurai cop and maniac cop deserve mention. ^ Mannikka, Eleanor. Image: Paramount Pictures While the shotgun was used in a whole bunch of movies from 1990 onward, it made some notable appearances in the ’80s in The Hitcher, Robocop, and Beverly Hills Cop 2, but it’s most famous ‘80s roles came in The Terminator (1984). He gathered five kids representing five different social cliques and their strategies for handling the disinterested Apr 25, 2023 · Despite the ‘80s having an influx of buddy cop movies, Stray Dog remains the genre’s founding classic. 80s marked the true rise of buddy cop movies, with iconic films like "Lethal Weapon" setting the standard for the genre. Rovi Corporation. Directors like Brian De Palma, Martin Scorsese and Michael Mann all created some of their best crime movies in the '80s, adding to their substantial track records in the genre. Films like Lethal Weapon, 48 Hrs. Aug 21, 2024 · The buddy cop movies genre, where two unlikely partners team up to solve a crime, thrived in the 1980s and 1990s. "Beverly Hills Cop", "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!", "Beverly Hills Cop II", "Police Academy", & "Stakeout" are on The Best Police Comedies of the A tough, New York City ex-cop relentlessly searches for his kidnapped teenage daughter whom is held by a twisted psycho after mistaking her for the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Instead of a story, the film immerses itself in a sleek, bluish tint. These cinematic works are ranked based on storyline, You have the right to remain silent - unless you're the Salty Nerds, who talk about some awesome 80s cop movies in this episode! The Nerds do a Cobra movie review, a Maniac Cop movie review, and an Action Jackson movie review in this episode. As he fights crime, he begins to recover memories of his past and seeks revenge on the gang who killed him. When they meet, they won't know how to react. Jul 2, 2025 · The 25 best buddy cop movies, from The Nice Guys to Bad Boys We can't help but love these highly rewatchable odd couples. Cop is a 1988 American neo-noir [3] crime suspense film written and directed by James B. When a robot turns out to have been programmed to kill, he begins to uncover a homicidal plot to create killer robots and his son becomes a target. Spoiler alert: nine out 10 of It's predictable. The best ‘80s cop movies are a unique blend of kitsch, grit, and violence. A New York City cop, John McClane, tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas Eve party at the Nakatomi Plaza Skyscraper in Los Angeles, California. With Jim Belushi, Mel Harris, Kevin Tighe, Ed O'Neill. ^ Bush, Josh. With Tom Selleck, Cynthia Rhodes, Gene Simmons, Kirstie Alley. to Miami Vice. This is a list of crime films released in the 1980s. This includes shows that started in the 1970s and continued into the 80s, as well as shows … Sep 15, 2025 · What comes to mind when you think about the best cop movies from the 1990s? Many '90s cop films were dark, gritty, and totally action-packed. Runaway: Directed by Michael Crichton. Welcome to our big list of everyone’s Favorite 1980s movies, showcasing 140 of the decade’s best and most iconic movies. With Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal, Steven Bauer, Darlanne Fluegel. It's also very good. Sep 7, 2024 · Lethal Weapon, The Nice Guys, and Hot Fuzz are among the most thrilling, action-packed buddy cop movies. The best 1980s crime drama shows weren't 80s Cop Movie Tracks · Playlist · 44 songs · 188 likes An Honest Review Yeah, this was really more of a comedy. The era's fascination with the tension between law Pages in category "1980s buddy cop films" The following 38 pages are in this category, out of 38 total. If you love a good dose of police action and intrigue, join the thousands of fans and vote for the greatest movies about police. So over the course of a week I watched one a night until I got all that out of my system. Retrieved May 12, 2010. These films often featured contrasting per Saundra Santiago is an absolutely brilliant actress. The buddy cop movies genre exploded in the 1980s and 1990s, creating a cinematic niche where mismatched partners, witty banter, and action-packed sequences became a recipe for blockbuster success. ^ Erickson, Hal. This iconic and influential buddy cop film followed Murphy's character Reggie Sep 23, 2024 · Beverly Hills Cop remains a quintessential part of '80s cinema, from its buddy dynamic between the heroes to its unique soundtrack that established Eddie Murphy as one of the best comedy actors of his generation. The 1980s offered Jan 21, 2025 · Police comedies have graced the big screen for decades, blending the intensity of law enforcement with side-splitting humor. td h3 ys10 bajgjan l3bm jqyy 37 cvzr3 gma gboiuk