Maniac Cop
Performance & Direction: Maniac Cop Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Maniac Cop (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Maniac Cop features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Atkins . Supported by the likes of Bruce Campbell and Laurene Landon , 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 Maniac Cop (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Maniac Cop
Quick Plot Summary: Maniac Cop is a Crime, Horror, Mystery, Action film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A killer dressed in a police uniform begins murdering innocent people on the streets of New York City. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Maniac Cop
Ending Breakdown: Maniac 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 Maniac Cop reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Maniac Cop Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Maniac Cop incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, horror, mystery, action 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: Maniac Cop adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Maniac 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
Box Office Collection: Maniac Cop
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.1M |
| Worldwide Gross | $671.4K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Maniac Cop Budget
The estimated production budget for Maniac Cop is $1.1M. 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.
Top Cast: Maniac Cop
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Where to Watch Maniac Cop Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Amazon VideoFandango At HomeManiac Cop Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Maniac Cop age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Maniac Cop is 85 minutes (1h 25m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Maniac Cop is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maniac Cop worth watching?
Maniac Cop is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Maniac Cop parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Maniac Cop identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Maniac Cop?
The total duration of Maniac Cop is 85 minutes, which is approximately 1h 25m long.
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Critic Reviews for Maniac Cop
Brought to you by Troma Team. This one is more of a straight slasher than the Toxic Avenger / Nukem High varieties. As good as other slasher movies of that time.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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