Serpico (1973)

Kernel Score: 85% · 2,139 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Crime, Drama

Released: 1973-12-18

Runtime: 130 minutes

Is Serpico worth watching?

Must-watch. A tough, true-story drama about an NYPD officer who exposes police corruption and is shunned by his colleagues. Al Pacino carries it, and Lumet keeps it gritty and grounded.

Watch it if you

  • like 70s crime dramas
  • enjoy whistleblower stories
  • love gritty New York films

Skip it if you

  • want a fast action cop movie
  • dislike slow, talky dramas

Best for: Serious movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Serpico

  • Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

New York cop Frank Serpico blows the whistle on the rampant corruption in the force only to have his comrades turn against him.

Serpico parents' guide: ages 14+

Parents need to know that Serpico is a gritty true-story crime drama about a whistleblowing NYPD officer exposing police corruption.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Contains police confrontations, a violent betrayal, and gritty crime drama violence typical of an R rating.
  • Language: Moderate — Strong language is present throughout, consistent with a 1970s R-rated crime drama.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Depicts 1970s police and street culture including some drug and alcohol use.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Serpico

If you liked Serpico, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Dog Day Afternoon (1975) — 89%: Another Lumet and Pacino 70s New York classic.
  • Network (1976) — 86%: Lumet's sharp 70s drama about institutions and power.
  • 12 Angry Men (1957) — 96%: Lumet's tense, talky classic about justice.
  • Silkwood (1983) — 75%: True-story drama about a whistleblower taking on an institution.
  • Donnie Brasco (1997) — 84%: True-story undercover drama in New York.
  • American Gangster (2007) — 86%: Crime drama about corruption in New York.

Director

Sidney Lumet

Cast

  • Al Pacino as Officer Frank Serpico
  • John Randolph as Sidney Green
  • Jack Kehoe as Tom Keough
  • Biff McGuire as Captain McClain
  • Barbara Eda-Young as Laurie
  • Cornelia Sharpe as Leslie Lane
  • Tony Roberts as Bob Blair
  • John Medici as Pasquale
  • Allan Rich as D. A. Tauber
  • Norman Ornellas as Rubello

Serpico FAQ

Is Serpico worth watching?

Must-watch. A tough, true-story drama about an NYPD officer who exposes police corruption and is shunned by his colleagues. Al Pacino carries it, and Lumet keeps it gritty and grounded.

Where can I watch Serpico?

In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Serpico OK for kids?

Serpico is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Serpico is a gritty true-story crime drama about a whistleblowing NYPD officer exposing police corruption.

What movies are like Serpico?

If you liked Serpico, try Dog Day Afternoon, Network, 12 Angry Men and Silkwood.