Movies About Court

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

12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet. It follows the deliberation of a jury of twelve men as they debate the fate of an 18-year-old boy accused of patricide. The film showcases the very different personalities of the jurors, from the cold and calculating to the easily swayed. As the men discuss the case, the atmosphere intensifies and their initial certainty about the boy's guilt begins to unravel. Ultimately, the jurors come to realize that reasonable doubt exists and the accused is set free. The film highlights the power of critical thinking, as well as the effects of prejudice and bias on our judgment.

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

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic 1962 American drama film directed by Robert Mulligan. Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a lawyer in a small Alabama town during the 1930s. Finch is called upon to defend a black man, Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), who is accused of raping a white woman. Through his courage and determination, Finch ultimately defends Robinson in court, but it is not enough as Robinson is convicted. Meanwhile Finch’s children, Scout (Mary Badham) and Jem (Phillip Alford) learn valuable lessons about prejudice and justice from their father’s example. Despite the heartbreaking verdict, Finch’s principled stand for justice wins the respect of the town. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Gregory Peck.

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

In the Name of the Father is a 1993 drama directed by Jim Sheridan, which tells the true story of Gerry Conlon (Daniel Day-Lewis), a young man who is wrongly convicted of an Irish Republican Army bombing in 1974. Forced to confess to a crime he didn't commit, Conlon is sent to prison, where he meets his cellmate Giuseppe Conlon (Pete Postlethwaite), an old man caught up in the same case. With the help of a determined attorney (Emma Thompson), the two men fight against all odds to prove their innocence and find justice. With its powerful performances, compelling story, and tense courtroom drama, In the Name of the Father is a gripping and affecting story of courage and perseverance.

From Tom McCarthy, starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber
Rated R

Spotlight is a 2015 American drama film directed by Tom McCarthy and written by McCarthy and Josh Singer. The film follows the real-life story of the Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team and its investigation into cases of widespread and systemic child sex abuse in the Boston area by numerous Roman Catholic priests. The film stars an ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, Brian d'Arcy James, Liev Schreiber, and Billy Crudup. The film follows the Spotlight team as they research and uncover a massive cover-up by the Catholic Church, involving numerous priests accused of abusing children. As they pursue their investigation, they come across a powerful and influential political and religious structure that has been protecting the accused priests for years. The team's reportage eventually leads to a series of criminal prosecutions and to the resignation of prominent figures in the Church. The film ends with a dedication to victims of child sex abuse worldwide.

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

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama film written and directed by Robert Benton. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep in the lead roles, and tells the story of a married couple's divorce and the subsequent Custody battle over their young son. Ted Kramer (Hoffman) is a workaholic advertising executive who, upon arriving home one day, finds his wife Joanna (Streep) has left him and their six-year-old son Billy. Initially, he is overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising Billy on his own, and is preoccupied with his work. However, as Billy grows more independent, Ted learns to become a more involved father, and starts to appreciate what he has. When Joanna returns and wants to take custody of their son, Ted must fight for his parental rights in court, culminating in a dramatic courtroom battle over custody of Billy. In the end, Ted and Joanna both come to understand the value of parenting and reach an amicable agreement. The film was a critical and commercial success, with Streep and Hoffman both receiving Academy Awards for their performances.

From Michael Mann, starring Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer, Diane Venora
Rated R

The Insider is a biographical drama directed by Michael Mann, based on the true story of tobacco whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand. It stars Russell Crowe as Jeffrey Wigand, a former research scientist at the Brown & Williamson tobacco company, who is approached by a 60 Minutes producer (Al Pacino) to go public with inside information about the company's practices. Wigand is initially reluctant to come forward, but eventually agrees to reveal his findings. His story reveals the inner workings of the tobacco industry and the lengths it will go to protect its profits. In the end, Wigand must choose between sacrificing his reputation and exposing the truth. The film also examines the ethical implications of whistle-blowing and the repercussions that come with it.

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, Edward Norton, Laura Linney, and Alfre Woodard. The movie follows an ambitious young lawyer (Gere) who takes on the case of an altar boy (Norton) accused of murdering an influential Chicago archbishop. The lawyer is convinced that his client is innocent and embarks on a quest to prove it, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Along the way, he uncovers a complex web of corruption, deceit, and lies that ultimately reveals the unexpected truth about his client's case. With twists and turns that shock and surprise, Primal Fear delivers a thrilling ride as the mysteries of the case are slowly unravelled.

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, starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, and Kevin Bacon. The film is based on a play by Aaron Sorkin and tells the story of two United States Marines charged with the murder of a fellow Marine at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. Cruise plays Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a military lawyer assigned to the case, and Nicholson plays Col. Nathan Jessup, the commanding officer of the base. Kaffee and his legal team must battle against the military hierarchy to prove their client's innocence and uncover the truth behind the murder. Through a series of dramatic court scenes, Kaffee and his team are able to expose the cover-up of an illegal order given to the accused Marines by their superior, Jessup. In the end, justice is served and the Marines are exonerated.

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

Philadelphia is a 1993 American drama film directed by Jonathan Demme, which tells the story of Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer who is fired from his law firm because of his HIV status. After being wrongfully terminated, Beckett takes his former employers to court, enlisting the help of Joe Miller, a homophobic lawyer who eventually comes to understand and accept Beckett's plight. The film examines the emotional and legal struggles which came with the AIDS epidemic in the mid-1980s and early 1990s, as well as the impact it had on the gay community. Alongside Tom Hanks, who plays Andrew Beckett, the film stars Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, and Mary Steenburgen. Philadelphia was the first major studio film to address HIV/AIDS, gay rights, and homophobia. It was a huge success, grossing over $206 million and earning nine Academy Award nominations, winning two, including Best Actor for Tom Hanks.

From Aaron Sorkin, starring Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong
Rated R

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 American legal drama film directed by Aaron Sorkin, set in 1969 Chicago and starring Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Strong, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Rylance, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The film tells the story of seven defendants, Bobby Seale, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, and John Froines, charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The group, labeled the 'Chicago Seven', were seen as part of the anti-Vietnam war movement of the 1960s, and their trial became a major political spectacle, with intense debate over the First and Sixth Amendments to the Constitution. Through the trial, racism and political bias were exposed, and the group's fight for justice became a symbol of the turbulent times. The film examines the court proceedings, with a focus on the battle between the defense and the prosecution, while also exploring the interplay between the defendants and the judge in a courtroom drama that has reverberated throughout history.

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

My Cousin Vinny is a 1992 American comedy film directed by Jonathan Lynn, starring Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, Marisa Tomei, and Mitchell Whitfield. It follows two New Yorkers who are wrongly accused of murder while visiting a small town in the Deep South. With the help of Pesci's loud-mouthed, street-wise lawyer cousin, Vinny, they must battle an uptight local prosecutor who believes that they are guilty. The film is a lighthearted look at small-town justice, with Pesci and Tomei earning Academy Award nominations for their performances.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan
Rated PG-13

Bridge of Spies is a 2015 historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The film follows the story of American lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), who is tasked by the US government to negotiate a prisoner exchange between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Donovan must find a way to successfully broker a deal between two hostile nations, while also attempting to protect the rights of his client, Soviet agent Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance). With the entire world watching, Donovan must move quickly and carefully to prevent a new international crisis. Along the way, he learns the true value of justice and morality.

From Todd Haynes, starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Pullman
Rated PG-13

Dark Waters is a 2019 drama/thriller film directed by Todd Haynes starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, and Tim Robbins. The film follows a tenacious attorney (Ruffalo) who uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths due to one of the world's largest corporations. He risks everything--his future, his family, and his own life--to expose the truth and bring justice for those responsible for the decades of contamination. In doing so, he discovers a major conspiracy involving one of the most powerful companies in the world, DuPont. With the help of a courageous whistleblower (Hathaway) and a former DuPont executive (Robbins), he ultimately wins a major victory against the corporate giant, changing the lives of thousands of people in the process.

From Destin Daniel Cretton, starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Charlie Pye Jr.
Rated PG-13

Just Mercy is a 2019 film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The film is based on a true story and follows the story of young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) as he battles against the corrupt legal system to gain justice for those unfairly sentenced. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Stevenson moves to Alabama to provide legal aid to those in need, particularly those facing the death penalty. He takes on the case of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), who was wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Despite overwhelming evidence of innocence, the legal system is determined to keep him on death row. With the help of local advocate Eva Ansley (Brie Larson), Stevenson fights against racism and prejudice to prove McMillian's innocence and save his life. Just Mercy is a powerful and inspiring tale of justice, redemption, and hope.

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

A Time to Kill is a 1996 American legal drama film based on the 1989 novel of the same name by John Grisham. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film stars Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, Patrick McGoohan, and Oliver Platt. The film follows a young lawyer named Jake Brigance (McConaughey) who must defend Carl Lee Hailey (Jackson), a black man accused of murdering two white men for raping his 10-year-old daughter. In a racially charged atmosphere, Brigance must fight for justice for Hailey in a trial that will determine the fate of the entire town. With the help of his friend, Ellen Roark (Bullock), and the guidance of a fair-minded judge, Brigance must battle the racism of the town and prevail in a case which will have life-altering consequences.

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

The Devil's Advocate is a 1997 psychological thriller starring Al Pacino as the devil incarnate and Keanu Reeves as an ambitious young lawyer. When Kevin Lomax (Reeves) is offered a job at a prestigious New York law firm, he and his wife (Charlize Theron) move from Florida to the big city. Once there, Kevin discovers that the firm's head, John Milton (Pacino), is actually the devil himself, intent on corrupting Kevin's soul. As Kevin becomes more involved with the firm, he finds himself in a moral battle between good and evil. Eventually, Kevin must decide whether he will remain loyal to himself or succumb to Milton's temptations. The film is a thrilling exploration of good versus evil and the power of temptation.

From Tim Robbins, starring Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Robert Prosky, Raymond J. Barry
Rated R

"Dead Man Walking" is an American drama film directed by Tim Robbins and released in 1995. The film stars Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn and tells the story of a nun, Sister Helen Prejean, and her relationship with a death-row inmate, Matthew Poncelet. After corresponding with Poncelet, Sister Helen visits him on death row and is eventually asked to be his spiritual advisor in the weeks leading up to his execution. Through her interactions with Poncelet, Sister Helen confronts her own feelings about the death penalty and is forced to reconcile her faith with her beliefs about justice and mercy. The film focuses on the moral dilemma between justice and mercy, and the bond that develops between the two unlikely characters. Ultimately, the film examines the complex emotions surrounding the death penalty and forces its audience to grapple with the moral implications of capital punishment.

From John Madden, starring Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Stuhlbarg
Rated R

Miss Sloane is a 2016 political drama film directed by John Madden and starring Jessica Chastain as the title character, Elizabeth Sloane. Sloane is a highly successful, cutthroat and unscrupulous lobbyist who works for a powerful Washington D.C. firm. Sloane is hired to push through a controversial gun control bill, but she goes against her employers when she decides to oppose the bill. This creates a political showdown between her and her employers as she struggles to bring the bill to a vote against powerful political adversaries. With the help of a small team of allies, she uses every dirty trick in the book to win and ultimately secure the future of gun control in America.

From David Dobkin, starring Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Billy Bob Thornton
Rated R

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

From Aaron Sorkin, starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera
Rated R

From Kevin Macdonald, starring Tahar Rahim, Nouhe Hamady Bari, Saadna Hamoud, Mohamed Yeslem Mousse
Rated R

From Milos Forman, starring Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, Edward Norton, Brett Harrelson
Rated R

From Steven Spielberg, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rated PG-13

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