Is Cop Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Cop is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Cop Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Cop emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An obsessive, insubordinate homicide cop is convinced a serial killer is loose in the Hollywood area and disobeys orders in order to catch him. Unlike standard genre fare, Cop attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cop features a noteworthy lineup led by James Woods . Supported by the likes of Lesley Ann Warren and Charles Durning , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Cop (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Cop Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Cop is a Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Cop Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Cop concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Cop reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Cop Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Cop incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, mystery, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Cop adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Cop?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Cop Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $7.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Cop Budget
The estimated production budget for Cop is $7.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Cop
- James Woods – Lloyd Hopkins
- Lesley Ann Warren – Kathleen McCarthy
- Charles Durning – Dutch Peltz
- Charles Haid – Delbert W. 'Whitey' Haines
- Raymond J. Barry – Captain Frederick W. Gaffney
Top Highlights
James WoodsLloyd Hopkins
Lesley Ann WarrenKathleen McCarthy
Charles DurningDutch Peltz
Charles HaidDelbert W. 'Whitey' Haines
Raymond J. BarryCaptain Frederick W. Gaffney
Randi BrooksJoanie Pratt
Steven LambertBobby Franco
Christopher WynneJack Gibbs
Jan McGillJen Hopkins
Vicki WauchopePenny Hopkins
Where to Watch Cop Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Cop is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Cop stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cop movie hit or flop?
Cop has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Cop worth watching?
Cop is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Cop online?
Cop may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Cop Compares & Where it Ranks
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
