10 Best Cops In Movies

When it comes to suspense, crime, and thrillers, it’s not always the superheroes in capes saving the world, its the ones with the badge. Like in our everyday lives, cops are the standard for justice, protecting the less fortunate and saving the day from impending threats.

Not all cops are built the same, some are meant to be heroes and rise above and beyond to be memorable due to their heroic actions. Whether it’s their integrity, their values, or their ability to dish out some beatings to deserving bad guys, here are the 10 best cops in movie history.

10 Officers Zavala & Taylor – End Of Watch (2012)

Starting off this list is the most relatable and realistic buddy cops on this list. LAPD officers Taylor and Zavala are the best of friends, constantly joking around and bonding as they take down crime and gangs of East LA. Although the movie had a tragic ending with Officer Zavala dying to save his best friend, the two did more than their fair share of service for LA.

With the elite actors Jake Gyllenhall and Michael Pena, End of Watch is a must-see for unique, amateur style filming and the constant laughs put on by the pair.

9 John McClane – Die Hard Series

When it comes to ordinary cops doing extraordinary things, there’s no one better than John McClane. As the standard of cop movies, Die Hard shows just how thrilling and action-packed a movie can be without the need for a super-powered or mystical protagonist.

He’s stopped terrorists, gangs, lunatics, and he’s done it all by himself for the most part without needing anyone’s help. When it comes to bada** cops, John McClane sets the standard.

8 Commissioner Gordon – Dark Knight Trilogy

Working with Batman is a tough job, just try asking Police Commissioner Jim Gordon. As a huge part of Batman mythos, it wasn’t a surprise that he made his way to big-screen via the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy.

Played by Gary Oldman, this interpretation of Gordon is ripped right out of the comics, highlighting Gordon’s best features and making him one of the most memorable characters in the trilogy.

7 Detectives Burnett & Lowrey – Bad Boys Trilogy

When these two pair up, it’s trouble for the bad guy. Detectives Burnett & Lowry are nearly inseparable and unstoppable together. Although they don’t have the traditional methods of dealing with the bad guys, they still get the job done.

Whether it’s busting drug operations or gangs, you can always count on these two to keep your city safe. They may not look friendly but they will protect you with every fiber of their being.

6 Axel Foley – Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

When it comes to rebellious cops that don’t always play by the rules to get the job done, there isn’t anyone better than Axel Foley.

After claiming to be on “vacation” in Beverly Hills, the Detriot cop investigates a murder way out of his jurisdiction, resulting in some awkward, intense, and hilarious moments. Axel Foley doesn’t play by the rules, but that’s okay because he still gets the job done.

5 Detective Scott Turner – Turner & Hooch (1989)

After his partner is killed in action, Turner inherits his 90-pound four-legged son, Hooch. Detective Turner is not only a good partner, but he also proves to be a good cop with the help of his new partner, as they investigate their partner’s death.

It’s a feel-good, unorthodox buddy cop movie but one we will always love.

4 Detectives Carter & Lee – Rush Hour Trilogy

These two had a rocky start to their relationship but ended up making the best team, solving crime both in the US and overseas. Carter and Lee are two completely different cops, with Lee being more uptight and by the book and Carter being more off the cuff and unfiltered.

They may be complete opposites but in the span of three movies, these two have saved countless lives from terrorists and gangs.

3 Harry Callahan – Dirty Harry (1971)

What do you do when the guy you arrested gets off on a technicality and steals a bus full of people? If you’re Harry Callahan, the answer is simple, you find him and beat the life out of him to you exact your revenge.

He may be violent and he may disregard compassion and empathy, but with a cop like him, we should just be lucky he’s not going after any of us.

2 Detectives Riggs & Murtaugh – Lethal Weapon series

Like most buddy cop movies, these two got off to a rocky start, with Riggs being a  bitter, resentful man and Murtaugh being too old for his s**t.  Together, these two can bust any crime or drug ring, takedown any gang, and keep their precinct from corruption.

They have different personalities, but when they work together, they can sure keep the streets clean.

1 Erin Bell – Destroyer (2019)

Erin Bell is a seasoned veteran who’s seen it all and is just tired of your crap. Starting off undercover, she finds something that tramautize her all these years later and makes her a mad and violent cop.

It’s bad news for the bad guys as Nicole Kidman puts on one of her best performances to date with her portrayal of Erin Bell.

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