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Maniac Cop

  • 1988
  • R
  • 1h 25m
IMDb RATING
6.0/10
22K
YOUR RATING
Maniac Cop (1988)
Watch Trailer
Play trailer1:48
1 Video
93 Photos
B-ActionB-HorrorPolice ProceduralSerial KillerSlasher HorrorSuspense MysteryWhodunnitActionCrimeHorror

A killer dressed in a police uniform begins murdering innocent people on the streets of New York City.A killer dressed in a police uniform begins murdering innocent people on the streets of New York City.A killer dressed in a police uniform begins murdering innocent people on the streets of New York City.

  • Director
    • William Lustig
  • Writer
    • Larry Cohen
  • Stars
    • Tom Atkins
    • Bruce Campbell
    • Laurene Landon
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.0/10
    22K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • William Lustig
    • Writer
      • Larry Cohen
    • Stars
      • Tom Atkins
      • Bruce Campbell
      • Laurene Landon
    • 153User reviews
    • 188Critic reviews
    • 40Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 1:48
    Trailer

    Photos93

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    Top cast54

    Edit
    Tom Atkins
    Tom Atkins
    • Frank McCrae
    Bruce Campbell
    Bruce Campbell
    • Jack Forrest
    Laurene Landon
    Laurene Landon
    • Theresa Mallory
    Richard Roundtree
    Richard Roundtree
    • Commissioner Pike
    William Smith
    William Smith
    • Captain Ripley
    Robert Z'Dar
    Robert Z'Dar
    • Matt Cordell
    Sheree North
    Sheree North
    • Sally Noland
    Nina Arvesen
    Nina Arvesen
    • Regina Sheperd
    • (as Nina Aversen)
    Nick Barbaro
    • Councilman
    Lou Bonacki
    • Detective Lovejoy
    Barry Brenner
    Barry Brenner
    • Coroner
    Victoria Catlin
    Victoria Catlin
    • Ellen Forrest
    James Dixon
    James Dixon
    • Clancy
    • (as Jim Dixon)
    Corey Michael Eubanks
    • Bremmer
    • (as Corey Eubanks)
    Jill Gatsby
    Jill Gatsby
    • Cassie Philips
    Rocky Giordani
    Rocky Giordani
    • Fowler
    John F. Goff
    John F. Goff
    • Jack's Lawyer
    • (as John Goff)
    William J. Gorman
    • Desk Sergeant
    • Director
      • William Lustig
    • Writer
      • Larry Cohen
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews153

    6.022.2K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    9The Yeti

    Amazing blend of action and horror!

    When I saw this movie on the market I thought 'what the hell' and bought it. I was so surprised by this movie that now i'm on the search for the sequels. The storyline is good and the action with the horror is great. Watch out for 'Tango and Cash' big jawed baddie Robert Z'Dar and surprise cameos from Sam Raimi and Boxing champ JAKE LaMOTTA. There are loads of killings, plenty of low-budget action and another SURPRISE moment involving Tom Atkins. Don't miss this before you die or go blind. 9 out of 10.
    rev1ewman

    Maniac Cop, A cool little action/horror flick.

    Maniac Cop is a cool little movie. Made with a small budget and few known actors, I thought that it was going to be stupid and cheap looking. I was wrong. With an original script that features respective characters and a new horror villain, this film was very entertaining and well done. Unlike many horror and action movies of today, this film didn't need a huge budget to make it good. It just called for good direction and good use of low funds.What really made this film good was not just a cool hero like Bruce Campbell to root for, but the actual reality that some of the things in here could very well happen in real life, adding to the films scary mood. The main point of this flick is about a cop who was killed in prison by his fellow inmates(after being sent their for police brutality and murder)and then somehow returning to life to go back onto the streets and get revenge against not only criminals but against innocent people as well. It is then up to Bruce Campbell and company to put an end to the Maniac Cops murderous rampage and restore peace to the fearful city once again. I recommend this film and think you should rent it whenever you get the chance to. I give it two thumbs up. RATED R FOR STRONG ACTION, VIOLENCE/GORE,LANGUAGE, AND INTENSE SITUATIONS.
    7Peach-2

    Low budget and awesome.

    Maniac Cop is a great exploitation film. It has some truly inspired moments. Bruce Campbell is great and the Maniac Cop himself is a worthy creation in the horror genre. Most people will avoid this and they shouldn't, because for the budget and limitations it's a great flick. Fix a nice big bowl of popcorn and enjoy a great horror cheapie.
    6reverendtom

    Almost Great, But Lacking A Little

    This movie is almost completely incredible. The first twenty minutes or so are incredible, with tons of killings. Then, as the plot unfolds, the film turns into more of a detective story, and it loses a little of its punch. BUT, there are glimmers of B movie greatness that make this worth checking out. I viewed it as a William Lustig film, and as a Lustig film, this one lacks a little bit of his signature extremism. 6/10
    7brucemcdonald07

    An excellent 80s 'horror' film

    I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with 'Maniac cop'. Having seen the posters and video years and years ago and heard it mentioned numerous time, I finally got around to, ahem, 'acquiring' it for myself. First off the setting and pace of the film are spot on and fit perfectly into the horror genre so prevalent in the late 80s. This film is really a blend of cop and horror genres and scores well on both counts. There is ample gore and some genuinely chilling scenes which are well backed up by sturdy performances from genre favourites Bruce Campbell, Tom Atkins and even 'Shaft' himself - Richard Roundtree. I recognised many of the other actors from other 80s films like the sleazy mayor, crippled policewoman and others and this all helps the film along. Make no mistake about it, this film still packs a punch, despite the somewhat jokey killings and the air of invulnerability of the eponymous 'Maniac' is reminiscent of 'Manhunter' and especially 'The Hitcher'. If you love 80s trash films then this is a real treat.

    7 out of 10 - very enjoyable.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Both Bruce Campbell and Robert Z'Dar have had the nickname "The Chin".
    • Goofs
      Mountains and even a palm tree are visible in the background of a few shots during the chase scene near the end which is supposed to take place in New York City. They were obviously shot in Los Angeles.
    • Quotes

      Security Guard: You always take a leak with a gun in your hand? That's a good way to blow your balls off!

    • Alternate versions
      UK cinema and video versions were cut by 5 secs by the BBFC to remove closeup shots of Cordell's back and face being slashed during the shower scene. The Synergy DVD featured the same cut print though the 2004 extended version released by Optimum was fully uncut.
    • Connections
      Featured in Maniac Cop 2 (1990)
    • Soundtracks
      Walk the Floor
      Composed by Michael Shanklin, Tamila Jensen and Gail Jensen

      Vocals by David Carradine

      © 1984 Silver Feather Music Publishing

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    FAQ

    • How long is Maniac Cop?Powered by Alexa
    • What are the differences between the Theatrical Version and the Japanese TV Version? What about the British BBFC 18 Version?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 13, 1988 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Bestia implacable
    • Filming locations
      • Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Shapiro-Glickenhaus Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $1,100,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $671,382
    • Gross worldwide
      • $671,382
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 25 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Ultra Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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