One of the best thriller movies ever is on TV tonight

The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

Based on true events, the film follows two tough New York City cops, Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle (Gene Hackman) and Buddy 'Cloudy' Russo (Roy Scheider). This is as they pursue Alain Charnier (Fernando Rey), a suave Frenchman who is one of the largest drug suppliers of pure heroin to North America.

The French Connection was the breakthrough movie for Friedkin. Perhaps because of the director's background in documentaries, he brought a raw, street-level authenticity to the 1971 film's tale of cops and criminals that was uncommon for the time, changing the crime thriller genre forever.

Watch the trailer for The French Connection right here:

The movie also boasts an electric lead turn by Hackman. The actor and Friedkin avoid the typical clear lines between heroes and villains that exist in Hollywood storytelling in favour of realism.

A massive hit at the box office and with critics, the film was nominated for eight Oscars, winning five. These were for Best Picture, Best Actor for Hackman, Best Director for Friedkin, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The French Connection is airing on TV tonight on BBC Four at 9pm. The movie is also streaming on Disney+.

Here are the other movies on TV tonight:

For JOE's list of all the best movies on TV this week, click here.