Film Junk Poll: What is the Best ’70s Cop Movie?
With Tony Scott’s The Taking of Pelham 123 hitting theatres tomorrow, and a lot of people seemingly not even aware that it’s actually a remake, I thought it would be a good time to talk about the many classic cop movies that were released during the 1970s. Now I’m sure there will be some debate over whether or not some of these choices are actually “cop movies”, but I wanted to include 10 solid choices to make your vote that much more difficult. (And before anyone says anything, I know that Bullitt was actually 1968, but it was kind of hard not to include it.) What are your favourites? Did we forget any important ones? Cast your vote and then feel free to give more recommendations in the comments below.
Comments (21)
Nice List, would have to be easily be Dirty Harry for me, the rest are still great viewing.
Klute(1971)is worth a mention too
Not sure if Mad Max would come under this list or even the Driver (1978)
Posted by Nemesis on June 11th, 2009Curious to see The Taking of Pelham 123 (O.G. and remake) pegged as a cop movie, and similarly Dog Day Afternoon! You could debate genres to death, but I’d say these fall into the category of a heist film. Interestingly, in a recent RT interview with Tony Scott he had this to say about the original TP123:”Frankly I couldn’t really get through it. So it’s not a straight remake – I just wouldn’t be interested in doing that.” He also cites Dog Day as one of the other films he looked at for inspiration, but says, “I had really liked that when I first saw it, but I’m afraid to say that I don’t think that it’s worn too well. It’s paled a little.” Agreed.
Posted by Palladio on June 11th, 2009My vote is for SERPICO, even though THE FRENCH CONNECTION is close to perfect as well. One movie that I would include even though it is not technically a “70s” cop movie is the criminally under seen PRINCE OF THE CITY. It was released in 81 but it is drenched in the spirit of the 70s. It’s an amazing movie, even better than SERPICO and THE FRENCH CONNECTION, and Treat Williams gives a knock out, completed underrated performance.
Posted by Phil G on June 11th, 2009I don’t even think 70s when I watch Bullitt. That’s pure 60s, man.
Posted by Mason on June 11th, 2009I voted for the Conversation, but its not going to win clearly because it seems a lot of people now don’t know about it.
Posted by Goon on June 11th, 2009Not sure if Dog Day Afternoon should be on the list. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a great movie, but it’s not really a cop movie. To me it’s a cop movie if at least one of the main characters is a cop. With that said, my vote goes to Dirty Harry, one of my favorite movies ever.
Posted by Matt on June 11th, 2009I hate to be that guy and maybe I should read the comments but Bullit is 1968 (great cop movie probably one of the first of it’s kind). The Conversation is not a cop movie and really since 3 of the Callahan films came out in the 70’s I’d have both because from a technical standpoint 1973’s Magnum Force has more to do with the issue of police officers than Dirty Harry.
Posted by Ian on June 11th, 2009I chose Serpico from the list, but It would have to fight hard with a Jean-Pierre Melville double bill of Le Cercle Rouge and Un Flic.
Posted by Jon on June 11th, 2009I love The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Very few films have captured the feeling of NYC like that movie.
Dog Day afternoon is comparable. As for Pelham(74)-Robert Shaw’s third rail scene is quite a stunning moment, something I doubt the remake will have the balls to copy. Still I look forward to seeing it because Im a Denzel fan.
Chuck
Posted by entertainmenttodayandbeyond on June 11th, 2009The Conversation is in my all-time Top Five. I think it’s Coppola at his best — even more so than The Godfather. Not sure if I’d categorize it as a Cop film, though.
Posted by Aaron on June 11th, 2009Assault on Precint 13??? Seriously???
Posted by Shut-Up Ed on June 11th, 2009The Conversation is number one on my all-time favorite films list- but it’s definitely not a cop film. I voted for it because I love it, but of the films listed that actually are cop films I’d have to go with either Dirty Harry or The French Connection.
Posted by dysalizar on June 11th, 2009I don’t believe there is a single cop in THE CONVERSATION.
Curious thing about MAGNUM FORCE. When DIRTY HARRY came out it was called “fascist medievalism” by Pauline Kael. The themes of MAGNUM FORCE, on the other hand, are completely opposite that of DIRTY HARRY (in other words vigilantism is bad) and almost seems to aplogize for that movie. It’s ironic because FORCE was written by John Milius.
Posted by Phil G on June 11th, 2009To Phil- The point of Magnum Force was- how far can you take something even if you think your doing the right thing. While Dirty Harry pushed the envelope of the law in the original, he wasn’t going to tolerate vigilante cops on his force and neither would movie fans. Even Dirty Harry had a morality.
chuck
Posted by entertainmenttodayandbeyond on June 11th, 2009Absolutely that point Phil G is making is right on Magnum Force. I’d say that Callahan isn’t any different of a character so it’s not an appology for his behavior ’cause he’s still Dirty Harry. But the idea of “I hate the God Damn system but until they think of something better …” is really what I’d say makes Magnum Force the best 70’s cop movie.
Posted by Ian on June 11th, 2009Im suprised so few people voted for bullitt, easily one of my top 5 favourites.
Posted by Connor G. on June 11th, 2009Don’t get me wrong Bullit is fantastic. And as I said in an earlier comment it’s one of the first cop movies like that … but it’s 1968 and to be technical (the best kind of correct) that’s not a “70’s cop movie”. The things about the 70’s the politics and culture, etc. is all very specific to films like Pelham and the first few Callahan. As such you really can’t vote for Bullit. If the question had been “Best Cop Movie without a “Robo” in front of it” then yeah Bullit would have to be up there for sure.
Posted by Ian on June 12th, 2009The French Connection all the way baby!
Posted by Matt C on June 15th, 2009Based on true events by the way.
Posted by Matt C on June 15th, 2009Dirty Harry, Serpico and The French Connection my top 3. Have not watched Bullitt or Conversation.
Posted by ClassicMovieFan on July 26th, 2009Can someone please explain to me the ending of magnum force? I mean hes killed four cops, he has no proof they did anything, doesn’t that mean hes completely screwed? I’ve tried just enjoying the film but that is a major hole in the story.
Posted by Richard on October 22nd, 2009Leave a Reply