Serpico
Performance & Direction: Serpico Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Serpico (1973) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. 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 Serpico features a noteworthy lineup led by Al Pacino . Supported by the likes of John Randolph and Jack Kehoe , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Serpico
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1973, Serpico is a Crime, Drama film directed by Sidney Lumet. The narrative 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 involving Al Pacino.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. New York cop Frank Serpico blows the whistle on the rampant corruption in the force only to have his comrades turn against him. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Al Pacino, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances, especially from Al Pacino, that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Ending Explained: Serpico
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Sidney Lumet, Serpico resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Al Pacino, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Serpico demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Serpico Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Serpico incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Al Pacino's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Serpico successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Serpico?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Crime cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Serpico
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $30.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Serpico Budget
The estimated production budget for Serpico is $3.5M. 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: Serpico
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Serpico Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
Paramount+ Amazon Channel
Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
Philo
Paramount Plus Essential
Paramount Plus Premium🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeSerpico Parents Guide & Age Rating
1973 AdvisoryWondering about Serpico age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Serpico is 130 minutes (2h 10m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, Serpico is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1973 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Serpico worth watching?
Serpico is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Serpico parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Serpico identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Serpico?
The total duration of Serpico is 130 minutes, which is approximately 2h 10m long.
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Critic Reviews for Serpico
An honest cop. Who would believe that? Serpico is directed by Sidney Lumet and adapted to screenplay by Waldo Salt and Norman Wexler from Peter Maas’ biography of NYPD officer Frank Serpico who stood up to expose rife corruption in the force. It stars Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire, Bernard Barrow, Nathan George and Tony Roberts. Music is by Mikis Theodorakis and Giacomo Puccini and cinematography by Arthur J. Ornitz.. Great story telling meets a first class acting performance in Lumet’s searing movie. Frank Serpico (Pacino), a legend to us mere mortals out on the street, but the most hated man on the NYPD, so much so he almost paid for his sense of what’s right and wrong with his life. Picture follows Frank through his integration on the force and onto the build up of corruption he comes across. All the time we are also getting an insight into the man himself, his life and loves outside of work, with Lumet and Pacino making sure Frank is not painted as a saintly perfectionist, there is no halo above his head, he has flaws like everybody else. New York is expertly painted as a raw and grubby place, the hustle and bustle a nuisance, and the seamy underside where crims and dirty coppers dwell makes you feel like taking a shower. It proves to be a riveting character study and a thought provoking expose at the same time, while ultimately it proves to be a touching experience come the culmination of the drama. Excellent. 9/10
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.
