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Serpico

1973·Movie
2h 9min·R

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

Serpico fingerprint

High energy, immersive world, emotionally cool.

Energy

Nerve-racking and thrilling

  • Tension9
  • Adrenaline7
  • Violence6

Heart

Moving and melancholic

  • Pathos8
  • Melancholy7
  • Catharsis7

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Satire & Parody1
  • Dark Humor1

World

Crime, a real life story, and everyday modern life

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances, direction, and characters

  • Acting10
  • Direction9
  • Character Depth9

Style

Standout cinematography and editing

  • Cinematography9
  • Editing8
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Many of his fellow officers considered him the most dangerous man alive - an honest cop.

New York cop Frank Serpico blows the whistle on the rampant corruption in the force only to have his comrades turn against him.
Gritty Crime DramaBiographicalPolice CorruptionMoral DilemmaIntense & RealisticCharacter Study1970s New YorkSocial CommentaryOutstanding PerformanceBleak Tone

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Serpico

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Serpico legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, and YouTube Free. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Serpico worth watching?

84
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 83). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Serpico rated?

RViolenceStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.

How long is Serpico?

2 h 9 min

Serpico runs 2 h 9 min.

Is Serpico based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on Serpico?

Critics88
Audiences82

Yes. Critics average 88 and audiences 82 out of 100, so both groups see Serpico much the same way.

Was Serpico a box office hit?

Budget$4 million
Box office$31 million

Yes, a big one. It cost about $4 million to make and earned $31 million worldwide, 8.8 times its budget.

What language is Serpico in?

EnglishItalianSpanish

It was made in English, with some Italian, Spanish. Produced in United States, Italy.

In how many countries can I watch Serpico?

107AEAGARATAUBBBEBGBHBMBOBRBSBY+93

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Serpico in 107 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Serpico use?

Treachery Cover-UpBittersweet EndingHead-in-the-Sand ManagementManly Facial HairHow We Got HereHeroic BSoDLet Me Tell You a Story'Tis Only a Bullet in the BrainMid-Season UpgradeDamsel in DistressBig Friendly DogDirty Copand 32 more

TV Tropes lists 44 storytelling tropes for Serpico, including Treachery Cover-Up, Bittersweet Ending, Head-in-the-Sand Management.