Number One with a Bullet

Number One with a Bullet

Year: 1987

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

Director: Jack Smight

ComedyAction

When it comes to crime, these cops break more than the rules. In this 1987 American police detective film directed by Jack Smight, two detectives are assigned to solve a murder. Their investigation uncovers a web of corruption and criminal activity that ultimately points back to their own police department.

Number One with a Bullet (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Number One with a Bullet (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sun‑washed sprawl of Los Angeles, a police department that prides itself on order is suddenly forced to confront the messier side of its own streets. The city’s relentless pulse fuels a world where the line between law and lawlessness blurs, and every precinct hallway hums with the unspoken promise that the next case may expose something far deeper than a routine crime scene.

The story follows two detectives whose partnership feels like a deliberately mismatched pair of shoes. Nick Barzak is a wiry, volatile cop whose unkempt demeanor and instinctive recklessness clash vividly with the composed, cultured calm of his partner, Detective Hazeltine. Their divergent styles—Barzak’s fierce, off‑beat improvisation against Hazeltine’s measured, almost Zen‑like approach—create a volatile chemistry that fuels both their successes and the friction that keeps the audience guessing. Supporting figures, such as the stern but looming Captain Ferris, add extra layers of pressure, reminding the duo that the department’s expectations are as unforgiving as the streets they patrol.

The film’s tone walks a tightrope between hard‑edged gritty realism and a dark, off‑beat humor that surfaces in the most unexpected moments. The detectives’ banter, the occasional absurdity of their methods, and the underlying sense of an ever‑present danger give the narrative a restless energy. It feels as if the city itself is a character, its neon glow and shadowed alleys reflecting the detectives’ internal conflicts and the chaotic world they navigate.

When a murder case lands on their desk, the investigation quickly spirals beyond a single victim, hinting at a tangled web of corruption that may reach the very core of their own department. As the detectives dig deeper, the story promises a tense, character‑driven journey that tests loyalties, questions authority, and forces both men to confront the uneasy truth that sometimes the biggest threats wear the same badge they do.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:42

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Gritty Internal Affairs thrillers like Number One with a Bullet

Investigations that turn inward, revealing the enemy within the ranks.If you liked the tense investigation and betrayal themes in Number One with a Bullet, you'll enjoy these movies about corrupt systems. This list features similar action-packed thrillers and crime dramas where the heroes must uncover a conspiracy from within their own team or organization.

tensegrittyparanoidsuspensefulstreetwisecorruptinvestigative

Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a central investigation that quickly spirals from an external case to an internal one. The protagonist discovers that the real threat comes from within their trusted institution, leading to a dangerous game of uncovering a mole or systemic corruption while being unsure of who to trust.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core theme of institutional betrayal and the unique tension of investigating one's own. They share a gritty, streetwise tone, fast-paced action, and the complex moral landscape of fighting a enemy that wears the same uniform.

Chaotic buddy cop action movies like Number One with a Bullet

Partners who break all the rules with explosive action and sharp banter.Fans of the explosive partnership and sharp banter in Number One with a Bullet will love these similar films. Discover more high-octane action comedies featuring rule-breaking detective duos who use unorthodox methods to take down criminals in spectacular fashion.

energeticchaoticoffbeatstreetwisesuspensefulwittyaction-packed

Narrative Summary

The story revolves around the dynamic between two law enforcement partners, often with opposing styles. Their investigation is propelled forward by a series of chaotic action set pieces, narrow escapes, and constant witty back-and-forth, blending serious crime-solving with comedic character interaction.

Why These Movies?

This thread unites films based on the core experience of a high-energy buddy duo. The shared elements are a fast pace, a balance of intense action with humor, a gritty urban setting, and the central theme of partnership triumphing against overwhelming odds.

Unlock the Full Story of Number One with a Bullet

Don't stop at just watching — explore Number One with a Bullet in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Number One with a Bullet is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Number One with a Bullet Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Number One with a Bullet, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Number One with a Bullet Summary

Number One with a Bullet Timeline

Track the full timeline of Number One with a Bullet with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Number One with a Bullet Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Number One with a Bullet

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Number One with a Bullet. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Number One with a Bullet

More About Number One with a Bullet

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Number One with a Bullet: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Number One with a Bullet

Similar Movies to Number One with a Bullet

Discover movies like Number One with a Bullet that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.