1. Frank Serpico - Serpico
Frank Serpico is as straight as a cop can get. You don't even try and bribe this guy. Serpico has his morals and convictions and sticks to them no matter what, even if it means getting a bullet for his troubles. Serpico is based on the real life of Frank Serpico and his commitment to expose the corruption of the NYPD. His peers and colleagues are relentless in their quest to oppress his investigation into their illicit affairs, but Serpico is never deterred, and just like in real life, Serpico testifies at the Knapp Commission, publically exposing the widespread corruption of New York's police department. Serpico's look has gone on to become iconic as the beard and scruffy hair are immediately identifiable. Al Pacino's performance of the eponymous hero garnered him an Academy Award nomination and deservedly so. The real life Serpico actually said that Pacino played him better than he did himself. Serpico is not just one of cinema's most famous cops, but one of America's too.