Year: 1973
Runtime: 130 min
Language: English
Director: Sidney Lumet
In a city rife with corruption, idealistic Detective Frank Serpico (Al Pacino) challenges the established system. He exposes widespread bribery and cronyism within the police force, leading to isolation and dangerous repercussions from his colleagues. When his concerns are ignored, Serpico takes the courageous step of exposing the corrupt institution that once protected him, risking his career and his life in the process.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Serpico yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Serpico (1973), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Frank Serpico, portrayed by Al Pacino, is seen bloodied and slumped in the backseat of a speeding police car, sirens wailing as he’s rushed to the hospital after a brutal gunshot wound to the face. The film unfolds his turbulent journey as a police officer beginning in 1960, where his passionate idealism drives him to favor non-violent methods for apprehending criminals. Distinctly principled, Frank resolutely stands against police corruption, particularly rejecting the culture of bribery that permeates the police force, which includes shakedowns and payoffs from illegal gambling and drug trafficking enterprises.
His unwavering stance isolates him, inciting suspicion from fellow officers who view his integrity as a threat. The tension escalates as Serpico navigates the counterculture of the 1960s, settling in the artistic haven of Greenwich Village, sporting long hair and a beard, which starkly contrasts the rigid police image. Aligning himself with a left-leaning social circle, he becomes increasingly alienated from the NYPD.
Despite his various attempts to address the rampant corruption by appealing to his superiors, he faces systemic indifference. With the assistance of a well-connected officer named Bob Blair, portrayed by Tony Roberts, Frank tries to combat the corruption; however, their efforts fall short against the entrenched bureaucratic resistance. The stress from his relentless campaign and the strife in his personal life culminate when his fiancée, Laurie, portrayed by Barbara Eda-Young, ultimately leaves him.
After gaining the support of a sympathetic police inspector who agrees to help him dismantle the gambling networks and expose the corruption to The New York Times, he is finally transferred to the narcotics division—his longstanding ambition. Yet, he soon realizes he’s entered an even more hostile environment where he has few allies and must contend with the animosity generated by his principled stance. This ultimately leads to a tragic turning point when he is shot in the face during a raid on a heroin lab, abandoned by the very colleagues he hoped could support him.
What follows is a harrowing recovery, as Serpico is tended to by family and a dwindling circle of friends, while also being targeted through anonymous hate mail. As the film nears its conclusion, Serpico bravely testifies before the Knapp Commission regarding police corruption. The narrative wraps up as he prepares to leave it all behind, waiting to board a ship. Despite being honored with a promotion to detective and recognized for his “conspicuous bravery in action” alongside the very officers who turned their backs on him, he decides to resign from the NYPD and seek a new life in Switzerland.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:10
Don't stop at just watching — explore Serpico 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 Serpico is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Serpico with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Serpico 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.
Serpico (1973) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Serpico (1973) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Serpico – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Frank Serpico (2017) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
A Cop Movie (2021) Detailed Story Recap
Carlito's Way (1993) Film Overview & Timeline
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) Detailed Story Recap
The Seven Five (2015) Film Overview & Timeline
Cop Land (1997) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Pride and Glory (2008) Full Movie Breakdown
The Corruptor (1999) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Mikey and Nicky (1976) Movie Recap & Themes
Sonny (2002) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Stand Up Guys (2012) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Code of Silence (1985) Story Summary & Characters
Code of Silence (2022) Full Movie Breakdown
No Mercy (1986) Movie Recap & Themes