The French Connection

Fans of chase scenes had never seen anything like it: A car in hot pursuit of an elevated train—shot as a stunt driver careened through the streets, accidentally slamming into cars and a truck as real-life pedestrians flew out of the way, afraid for their lives. Gripping from start to finish, this police drama, based closely on the true story of two tough New York City cops trying to intercept a huge heroin shipment coming from France, features Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, who were not yet stars. It took home five Oscars, including Best Actor (Hackman), Best Director, and Best Picture (the first R-rated movie to do so).