Best Movies About Lawyers

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler
Rated Approved

12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama that follows twelve jurors as they deliberate on a case involving a young man accused of murder. The jurors are faced with a seemingly open-and-shut case and the majority of them believe that the accused is guilty. However, one juror stands up for the defendant and proposes reasonable doubt, forcing the rest to reconsider their initial opinion. Through heated deliberation and debate, the twelve men slowly come to a unanimous verdict, demonstrating the power of critical thinking and the importance of justice.

From Billy Wilder, starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester
Rated Approved

Witness for the Prosecution is a 1957 American courtroom drama directed by Billy Wilder, based on the play by Agatha Christie. It stars Marlene Dietrich, Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton, and Elsa Lanchester. The story follows Leonard Vole (Power), who is accused of murdering an elderly widow, Emily French (Lanchester). In an attempt to prove his innocence, Vole's lawyer, Sir Wilfrid (Laughton), calls upon Vole's wife (Dietrich) as a witness for the prosecution. However, things take a dramatic turn when Vole's wife unexpectedly becomes a witness for the defense. As the trial progresses, Sir Wilfrid must uncover the truth, even if it means risking his client's life. In the end, it is revealed that the real murderer is Vole's wife, who is revealed to have been in a conspiracy with another man. In the end, Vole is found not guilty and his wife is convicted of the crime.

From Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
Rated Approved

To Kill a Mockingbird is a 1962 American drama film based on Harper Lee's 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Directed by Robert Mulligan, the film stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a widowed attorney in a small Alabama town whose children face prejudice. Set in the 1930s, the film follows Atticus as he defends a black man, Tom Robinson, against false rape charges. The film also stars Mary Badham as Atticus' daughter, Scout, and Philip Alford as her brother, Jem. The film portrays the children's relationship with their father and their growing awareness of prejudice in their small town. It also examines themes of justice and courage, as Atticus is willing to defend Tom despite the effects it will have on his community. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Peck. It is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made and is regularly featured in lists of the best films of all time.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich
Rated Approved

"Judgment at Nuremberg" is a 1961 courtroom drama directed by Stanley Kramer. In the aftermath of World War II, four German judges are put on trial for their roles in crimes against humanity, including their involvement in Nazi atrocities. Led by Chief Judge Dan Haywood (Spencer Tracy), the court must decide whether to hold the men accountable for their actions during the war. As the trial progresses, the evidence unveils a complex picture of guilt and innocence, as well as a portrayal of the devastating consequences of the Nazi regime. Ultimately, the court must decide whether justice is possible in a post-war Germany.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York
Rated Passed

Inherit the Wind is a 1960 drama film that tells the story of the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. It is based on a Broadway play of the same name, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. The movie follows the court case of high school teacher Bertram Cates (Dick York), who is charged with teaching evolution to his students in direct violation of Tennessee's Butler Act. Two of the most renowned lawyers of the time, Henry Drummond (Spencer Tracy) and Matthew Harrison Brady (Fredric March), argue against each other in the courtroom. Brady argues for the law, while Drummond defends freedom of thought. The trial causes a stir throughout the nation, and the climax of the film is when Drummond and Brady deliver passionate closing arguments to the jury. The film highlights the tension between religion and science, as well as the importance of free thought.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Alison Crosbie, Philip King
Rated R

In the Name of the Father is a 1993 British-American biographical courtroom drama directed by Jim Sheridan. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Gerry Conlon, a young man from Belfast who was wrongly convicted for an IRA bombing in 1974. With the help of his attorney Gareth Peirce, Gerry eventually finds out that the British government framed him and four other innocent people for the crime. With the odds stacked against him, Gerry must fight to prove his innocence and clear his name before it's too late. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about justice and bravery in the face of injustice. Ultimately, Gerry and his companions are exonerated and the truth is revealed.

From Otto Preminger, starring James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O'Connell
Rated Not Rated

Anatomy of a Murder is a crime drama film directed by Otto Preminger in 1959 and based on the novel of the same name by Robert Traver. The film stars James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, and Eve Arden. The film follows the murder trial of Lieutenant Manion (Ben Gazzara), an Army officer accused of killing a bartender who allegedly raped his wife, Laura Manion (Lee Remick). Lt. Manion is defended by Paul Biegler (James Stewart), a small-town, court-appointed attorney who is determined to establish a reasonable doubt in the jury's minds about Lt. Manion's guilt. Biegler is assisted by Parnell McCarthy (Arthur O'Connell), an eager young associate, and Laura Manion, who testifies on her husband's behalf. The trial quickly becomes a battle between the aggressive District Attorney (George C. Scott) and Biegler's more subtle and restrained defense. Throughout the film, Biegler gradually reveals evidence that casts doubt on the prosecution's case, while the District Attorney attempts to discredit the defense's witnesses. Ultimately, the jury is unable to reach a verdict and the case ends in a mistrial

From Richard Brooks, starring Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Paul Stewart
Rated R

In Cold Blood is a 1967 American crime drama film directed by Richard Brooks and based on Truman Capote's non-fiction book of the same name. The film tells the story of the 1959 murders of the Clutter family in the small town of Holcomb, Kansas. It follows the two murderers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock, as they make their way across the country in an attempt to evade capture. As they commit further crimes and hide out in Mexico, the police begin to close in on them and they are eventually apprehended and brought to justice. The film features an all-star cast, including Robert Blake as Perry Smith, Scott Wilson as Richard Hickock, John Forsythe as Alvin Dewey and Paul Stewart as Herbert Clutter. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From George Seaton, starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Gene Lockhart
Rated Not Rated

Miracle on 34th Street is a 1947 classic Christmas film directed by George Seaton and starring Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn. The film follows a man hired to play Santa Claus at Macy's department store in New York City who claims to be the real Kris Kringle. His claim is put to the test when a cynical little girl (Natalie Wood) and her mother (O'Hara) take him to court to prove his identity. As the case proceeds, Kringle brings joy and hope to those around him and shows how believing in the impossible can lead to miracles. In the end, Kringle is able to prove his identity and his faith in Santa Claus is proven to be true, ultimately making the holiday season brighter for everyone.

From Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
Rated PG

Kramer vs. Kramer is an Academy Award-winning 1979 American drama film, adapted by Robert Benton from a novel by Avery Corman, and starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. The film tells the story of a couple's divorce and its impact on everyone involved, including their young son. Ted Kramer (Hoffman) is a workaholic advertising executive who is suddenly faced with the tasks of caring for their son, Billy (Justin Henry), when his wife Joanna (Streep) leaves him. Ted and Billy slowly learn to cope and eventually form a deeper bond as father and son. The film offers an honest look at the effects of divorce on the family, and the struggles of being a single parent. In the end, Ted and Joanna come to an understanding and joint custody arrangement of Billy.

From Bruce Beresford, starring Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, John Waters, Bryan Brown
Rated PG

Breaker Morant is a 1980 Australian war drama film directed by Bruce Beresford and starring Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, and Bryan Brown. The film follows the story of Australian Lt. Harry "Breaker" Morant and two other officers who are court martialed and sentenced to death for alleged war crimes during the Second Boer War in South Africa. The film follows the events leading up to the court martial and explores issues of obedience, loyalty, and justice. The court martial sequence is exemplified by the defense's cross-examination of the British commander, who is accused of fabricating evidence to convict the officers. The story culminates in Morant's defiant final words before his death sentence is carried out. The film also examines issues of class distinctions and hypocrisy among the British military and their treatment of their colonial subjects.

From Rob Reiner, starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon
Rated R

A Few Good Men is a 1992 American legal drama film directed by Rob Reiner and starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon and Kevin Pollak. Jack Nicholson is the villainous Colonel Nathan Jessep, a marine Corps officer who is put on trial for ordering the death of a subordinate. Tom Cruise plays the role of Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, a Naval Lawyer assigned to defend Jessep in court. Kaffee and his team of attorneys must prove Jessep's innocence in the face of overwhelming evidence. The film follows the dramatic courtroom battle between Kaffee and the Marine Corps prosecutors and culminates in a stunning courtroom scene where Jessep is forced to admit his guilt. The film is a gripping tale of justice and honor that examines the ethics of war, loyalty and justice.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason
Rated R

The Verdict is a 1982 courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Paul Newman as Frank Galvin, an alcoholic lawyer who takes on a medical malpractice suit in an effort to redeem himself. Galvin is aided in his case by his former student and a young associate, in a battle against powerful figures in the medical and legal professions. The film examines the flaws in the American justice system, as Galvin faces off against corrupt judges, intimidating lawyers, and powerful doctors. While the odds are stacked against him, Galvin believes that justice will prevail in the end. The film was a critical success, and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Paul Newman's performance.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Roberta Maxwell, Buzz Kilman
Rated PG-13

Philadelphia is a 1993 drama film directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. Set in Philadelphia, the film tells the story of Andrew Beckett (Hanks), a brilliant lawyer who is fired from his law firm because of his homosexuality. He then hires Joe Miller (Washington), an homophobic lawyer, to help him sue his former employers for discrimination. As their legal battle progresses, Joe discovers the truth about Andrew and his struggles to fight for what he believes in. In the end, the two men win their case and Andrew’s memory is restored to its rightful place. Philadelphia is a thought-provoking look at the struggles of LGBT people in the early 1990s and the courage it takes to stand up for one’s rights.

From Gregory Hoblit, starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton, John Mahoney
Rated R

Primal Fear is a 1996 legal thriller directed by Gregory Hoblit, starring Richard Gere and Edward Norton in his breakout role. The film follows defense attorney Martin Vail (Gere) who agrees to defend Aaron Stampler (Norton), a young altar boy charged with murder of a Catholic Archbishop. What follows is a battle of wits between Vail and the prosecution as he tries to prove Aaron’s innocence, while discovering that nothing is as it seems. With unexpected plot twists and a powerful performance from Norton, Primal Fear is a gripping story of distrust and deception as the truth remains hidden until the very end.

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Paul Scofield, Wendy Hiller, Robert Shaw, Leo McKern
Rated G

A Man for All Seasons is a 1966 British drama film based on Robert Bolt's 1960 play of the same name. The film follows the life of Sir Thomas More, a 16th-century English statesman and loyal servant of King Henry VIII. When King Henry VIII seeks to break away from the Catholic Church in order to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, in order to marry Anne Boleyn, Thomas More refuses to accept the King's position and is eventually executed as a result. The film stars Paul Scofield as Thomas More, Wendy Hiller as Alice More, Leo McKern as Thomas Cromwell and Robert Shaw as King Henry VIII. The story of Thomas More's courage and faithfulness in the face of powerful opposition is a compelling one, and the film poignantly portrays the events leading to his demise.

From Jonathan Lynn, starring Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Ralph Macchio, Mitchell Whitfield
Rated R

My Cousin Vinny is a 1992 American comedy film starring Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei. The film follows two young New Yorkers, Bill (Ralph Macchio) and Stan (Mitchell Whitfield), who are on a road trip to Alabama. When they are wrongly accused of murder, they must rely on their distant cousin Vinny (Joe Pesci), a brash and obnoxious lawyer, to defend them. Through Vinny's unorthodox approach to the case and his determination to prove their innocence, the boys are able to prevail. The film was released to critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards, one for Best Supporting Actress for Marisa Tomei and the other for Best Original Screenplay for Jonathan Lynn. My Cousin Vinny has become a cult classic, celebrated for its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and surprisingly nuanced take on the American judicial system.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones
Rated R

The Devil's Advocate is a 1997 American supernatural thriller film starring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, and Charlize Theron. It follows a young hotshot lawyer, Kevin Lomax (Reeves), who is recruited by a prestigious New York law firm run by the mysterious and powerful John Milton (Pacino). As Kevin becomes embroiled in Milton's world of corporate malfeasance and dark supernatural forces, he begins to question his own sanity and morality. As he slowly uncovers the truth, he risks becoming enveloped in a web of lies and evil as he gradually realizes that his employer is none other than the Devil himself.

From Joel Schumacher, starring Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey
Rated R

A Time to Kill is a 1996 American crime drama film starring Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock and Samuel L. Jackson. It is based on the 1989 novel of the same name by John Grisham. The story follows a young lawyer, Jake Brigance (McConaughey), who defends a black man, Carl Lee Hailey (Jackson), who is charged with the murder of a white man who raped his daughter. The trial and its surrounding drama become a race-related media sensation, gripping the small town where the trial takes place. The film explores racism and morality, as well as the justice system, and how it is influenced by public opinion and media coverage. In the end, Carl Lee Hailey is found not guilty, setting a precedent that justice can be served in the American South.

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick
Rated R

From Norman Jewison, starring Al Pacino, Jack Warden, John Forsythe, Lee Strasberg
Rated R

From Brad Furman, starring Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy
Rated R

From Tony Gilroy, starring George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Michael O'Keefe
Rated R

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight
Rated PG-13

From Jonathan Kaplan, starring Kelly McGillis, Jodie Foster, Bernie Coulson, Leo Rossi
Rated R