Top 10 Modern Police Action Films

Description: Although not strictly modern, Michael Mann's epic crime saga about a master thief and the detective obsessed with catching him has influenced countless modern police films with its intense action and character depth.

Fact: The famous diner scene between De Niro and Pacino was improvised, and the film was shot on location in Los Angeles to give it a real, gritty feel.

Description: Denzel Washington delivers a career-defining performance as a corrupt cop who takes a rookie on a harrowing journey through the streets of LA. It's a raw, intense look at the darker side of policing.

Fact: Washington won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, and the film was shot in just 39 days.

Description: This Martin Scorsese masterpiece is a modern classic, featuring a gripping tale of moles in both the police and the mob. It's a thrilling ride through the murky waters of loyalty and betrayal.

Fact: The film was inspired by the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" and won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Description: While primarily a superhero film, this Christopher Nolan masterpiece delves into the psyche of Gotham's police force, especially through the character of Jim Gordon, making it a modern police action film at its core.

Fact: Heath Ledger's posthumous Oscar win for his role as The Joker was one of the most talked-about moments in Oscar history.

Description: Ben Affleck directs and stars in this film about a group of bank robbers in Charlestown, Boston, with a focus on the tension between the robbers and the relentless FBI agent on their trail.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Boston, with Affleck ensuring authenticity by casting local actors and using real-life locations.

Description: This film intertwines the lives of three NYPD officers, each facing their own moral dilemmas. It's a gritty, character-driven look at the complexities of police work in one of New York's toughest boroughs.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Narc" and was inspired by real-life stories of police officers in Brooklyn.

Description: This film provides an intimate look at the lives of two LAPD officers, blending documentary-style realism with intense action sequences. It's a poignant and gritty portrayal of modern policing.

Fact: The film was shot in a cinéma vérité style, giving it a very authentic feel, and the actors underwent extensive training with real LAPD officers.

Description: Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this film follows an idealistic FBI agent who gets entangled in the murky world of the drug war on the US-Mexico border. It's a tense, atmospheric thriller with a strong moral ambiguity.

Fact: The film's title "Sicario" means "hitman" in Spanish, and the movie was shot in both the US and Mexico to capture the authentic border environment.

Description: Chadwick Boseman stars as an NYPD detective who locks down Manhattan to catch two cop killers. It's a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled chase through the city that never sleeps.

Fact: The film was one of Boseman's last roles before his untimely passing, and the title refers to the actual number of bridges connecting Manhattan to the mainland.

Description: Although slightly older, this film about a hostage negotiator framed for murder and taking hostages to clear his name remains a thrilling exploration of police tactics and psychology.

Fact: Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey improvised many of their scenes, adding to the film's intense, realistic feel.