McQ

McQ has quietly become one of the more dependable crime dramas currently available. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 109 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Watch John Wayne work — the performance is a masterclass in restraint. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, McQ earns its spot. The plotting in McQ is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. Police Lieutenant Lon McQ investigates the killing of his best friend and uncovers corrupt elements of the police department dealing in confiscated drugs. John Wayne and Eddie Albert lead a cast that gives the tension real weight. It was released in 1974. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — McQ passes that test consistently. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, McQ will keep you hooked. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. John Wayne anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.

McQ was released in 1974, directed by John Sturges. The full 111-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.