Best Seller is a 1987 American neo-noir crime thriller film written by Larry Cohen, directed by John Flynn and starring James Woods and Brian Dennehy. The film tells the story of Cleve (Woods), a career hitman, who wants to turn his life story into a book written by Dennis Meechum (Dennehy), a veteran police officer and best-selling author

The words and lyrics to the final score, entitled "Perfect Ending", were written by Lamont Dozier.

In 1972, a group of gunmen wearing Richard Nixon Halloween masks steal evidence from a police evidence storage unit, killing several officers in the process. Dennis Meechum is an officer on duty during the theft. Meecham is badly wounded but survives after managing to stab one of the robbers. He goes on to publish a book titled Inside Job based on his experience.

In 1987, Meechum, who by now has become an acclaimed author and a much decorated detective, is working on his next novel but is suffering from writer's block, and is a widowed father raising his daughter, Holly. While on a stakeout at the docks, he encounters Cleve who seems to know him. As the suspect attempts to escape he gains the upper hand on Meechum but Cleve intervenes shooting the man and saves Meechum's life. Cleve then mysteriously disappears.

Cleve later arranges a meeting with Meechum, and tries to convince him to write a book about his history as a paid assassin working for a corporate empire, Kappa International. Cleve invites the doubting Meechum to a political party in honour of David Madlock. Cleve intimidates the politician proving to Meechum there is something in what he says. Meechum decides to go ahead and write a book while Cleve promises to show evidence to back up his claims.

Cleve takes Meechum to different locations and shows him various assassinations he carried out for Madlock and aid him in his rise to power. Meechum insists that Cleve take him to Texas to meet his completely unaware parents.

Later while out in a restaurant, the two men get in a scuffle and Meechum finds scars on Cleve that prove he was the thief he stabbed during the earlier robbery. He leaves Cleve disgusted and goes to his editor who is excited about the concept of the book. Later while on duty Madlock, through his legal representatives, tries to dissuade Meechum through a bribe and then some threats. Madlock fails.

With no other option Madlock enlists an enforcer to steal a copy of Meechum's manuscript. The assassin encounters Meechum's daughter Holly. Before he can hurt the girl, Cleve intervenes rescuing Holly. Cleve spirits Holly away and then tells Meechum his daughter is safe. Unfortunately Madlock has bribed two police officers who kidnap Holly. Madlock meets Meechum and threatens him, disclosing that he has managed to kidnap Holly.