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Average Critic Score: 96 (4 sources)

• 100
  

  
  Chicago Tribune  |  Gene Siskel
  

  There is only one problem with the excitement generated by this film. After it is over, you will walk out of the theater and, as I did, curse the tedium of your own life. I kept looking for someone who I could throw up against a wall. [8 November 1971] Read Full Review »
• 90
  

  
  The New York Times  |  Roger Greenspun
  

  The French Connection is a film of almost incredible suspense, and it includes, among a great many chilling delights, the most brilliantly executed chase sequence I have ever seen. [8 October 1971] Read Full Review »
• 90
  

  
  TV Guide  |  Staff (Not credited)
  

  This tough, brilliant crime film features Hackman as the indefatigable Popeye Doyle, who passionately hates drug pushers. Read Full Review »
• 90
  

  
  Variety  |  Staff (Not credited)
  

  Producer and screenwriter have added enough fictional flesh to provide director William Friedkin and his overall topnotch cast with plenty of material, and they make the most of it. Read Full Review »