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Number One with a Bullet

Number One with a Bullet

When it comes to crime, these cops break more than the rules.

1987103 minRMidcredits score: 11th percentile of all films
Director
Jack Smight
Starring
Robert Carradine, Billy Dee Williams, Valerie Bertinelli, Peter Graves

A pair of detectives are assigned to investigate a murder, and discover a trail of corruption and criminal activity that leads right back to their own police department.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Number One with a Bullet?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Number One with a Bullet streaming on Prime Video, ScreenPix via Prime Video and Tubi (free).

Your rating, lists and review

Reception

Is Number One with a Bullet worth watching?

Number One with a Bullet's Midcredits score is the 11th percentile of all films, from 1.8K ratings across 4 sources. 17% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

11th percentile

Better received than 11% of films

19th percentile among Action11th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)20th
Approval (how many liked it)5th

51 /100

20th percentile of all films

32nd percentile among Action18th percentile among 1980s

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

Approval

How many liked it

17% liked it

5th percentile of all films

10th percentile among Action5th percentile among 1980s
17% rated it 7–1083% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

47th percentile

1.8K ratings across platforms

32nd percentile among Action43rd percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 32% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$211K
Domestic gross$411K
Worldwide gross$411K

28th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a low-budget, paint-by-numbers buddy-cop actioner that leans heavily on the leads' chemistry, albeit with differing takes on whether that makes it charming or forgettable.

Fans praised

  • Enjoyable buddy-cop chemistry and charm between Carradine and Williams
  • Witty, quotable one-liners and comic set pieces that hold up
  • Rollicking action sequences and set pieces that deliver cheap thrills

Detractors panned

  • Formulaic, derivative plot lifted from better buddy-cop films
  • Stiff, amateurish performances and clunky dialogue
  • Low-budget production values and lackluster action

What stands out

DialogueDivisive70

Quippy one-liners and running gags are a highlight for fans; detractors find them forced

ActingDivisive65

Carradine and Williams exhibit appealing chemistry, though some performances are criticized as stiff

HumorDivisive65

Comic timing and one-liners win over fans; detractors find jokes fall flat

CharactersDivisive60

Mismatched buddy cop dynamic and quirky backgrounds (e.g., family subplots) are praised, but seen as thin by detractors

Effects and spectacleDivisive55

Plenty of shootouts and chases, but low-budget execution and predictability hurt impact

PacingDivisive55

Moves at a steady clip, but some scenes drag and transitions feel abrupt

Plot and storyDivisive45

Derivative formula with predictable conspiracy beats, but some find it engagingly familiar

Originality30

Widely seen as a Lethal Weapon rip-off with little innovation

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Number One with a Bullet like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It has a few laughs and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseThrilling
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneA knowingly lightweight buddy-cop action comedy that winks at its own genre with running gags and ironic one-liners while still playing the partners' chemistry mostly straight.
The rideThe investigation and mole hunt create a tense, occasionally thrilling atmosphere, with emotional weight from Nick's personal life woven throughout.
StructureA conventional buddy-cop plot: setup establishing the troubled partners and the suspected mole, then a build toward the bust delivered in linear order.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you entertained by the loose cop chemistry and quotable one-liners rather than moved by anything deeper.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe two narcotics cops set out to nail a respected local businessman they believe heads a drug organization, while also hunting the mole inside their own department. The boss is the central force they oppose, with the suspicion of corruption layered on top of that conflict.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on two cops seeking to bring a drug trafficker to justice while uncovering who betrayed the department from within.
StanceThe film presents the cops' mission to bring a drug boss to justice without strong moral polarization, treating the corruption as a fact of the world.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Alf Clausen
Settinga mid-1980s American city with police department and criminal underworld
MusicSynopsis indicates music is not a highlight; detractors mention 'very bad music'.

Content guide

Is Number One with a Bullet okay for kids?

R

Number One with a Bullet is rated R. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at mild (17/100), language at severe (100/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Profanity
Severe
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (7 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Number One with a Bullet have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Number One with a Bullet?

Cast

Robert Carradine
as Det. Nick Berzak
Billy Dee Williams
as Det. Frank Hazeltine
Valerie Bertinelli
as Teresa Berzak
Peter Graves
as Capt. Paul Ferris
Doris Roberts
as Mrs. Berzak
Bobby Di Cicco
as Malcolm
Ray Girardin
as Lt. Larry Kaminski
Barry Sattels
as Harry DaCosta
Mykelti Williamson
as Casey
Jon Gries
as Bobby Sweet

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Number One with a Bullet?

Movies like Number One with a Bullet include Murphy's Law (1986), The Glimmer Man (1996) and See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Gail Morgan Hickman, and several are buddy comedies.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its story type: action comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Number One with a Bullet?

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: action comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.