Centering around legal proceedings, courtroom battles, ethical dilemmas, and the personal and professional conflicts of those involved in the justice system, legal dramas have a long and rich history in Hollywood, dating back to the early days of cinema. As society’s views on justice and morality have evolved, so too has the genre. Some movies, like Philadelphia and Kramer vs. Kramer, have even been at the forefront of these changing attitudes, breaking new ground and sparking important conversations.
Here, we’ve selected 10 gripping legal dramas that stand out as the greatest the genre has to offer. Each and every aspect of these movies shines in its own way, from the clever and compelling storytelling and well-developed, complex characters to the intense courtroom showdowns.
10
‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ (1979)
Kramer vs. Kramer
- Release Date
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December 19, 1979
- Runtime
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105 Minutes
- Director
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Robert Benton
Starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, and Jane Alexander, Kramer vs. Kramer is a legal drama based around a couple’s divorce proceedings. Providing a balanced view throughout, it opts not to lean too heavily on either partner’s perspective and avoids any obvious bias, leaving the audience to form their own opinions. The movie was a huge hit with critics and audiences alike and was the highest-grossing movie of 1979. It was nominated for six Oscars and won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay – Based on Material from Another Medium.
‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ Sparked Important Conversations
Kramer vs. Kramer was a groundbreaking movie that reflected the shifting dynamics of family, marriage, and gender roles in the late 1970s. It portrayed a determined father fighting for custody of his child, challenging traditional expectations and mirroring the societal and cultural shifts taking place at the time.
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9
’12 Angry Men’ (1997)
12 Angry Men
- Release Date
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August 17, 1997
- Runtime
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117 Minutes
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-
-
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Armin Mueller-Stahl
Juror 4
A gripping, taut legal drama that takes place almost entirely inside a single jury room, 12 Angry Men follows 12 jurors as they decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, as a guilty verdict would result in the death penalty. Through heated debates, we witness shifting perspectives and the transformative power of critical thinking.
’12 Angry Men’ Is a Taut and Compelling Drama
A powerful and thought-provoking, character-driven drama, 12 Angry Men is widely considered an iconic piece of American cinema. Audiences find themselves immersed in the jury’s evolving debate as it unfolds in real time, adding to the immediacy and intensity.
8
‘The Rainmaker’ (1997)
The Rainmaker
- Release Date
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November 21, 1997
- Runtime
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135 Minutes
Matt Damon plays an idealistic young lawyer who finds himself taking on a large, corrupt insurance company accused of illegally refusing a claim to a terminally ill woman. Thrown into this ruthless and cutthroat legal world, he soon realizes he might be in over his head and forms an unlikely alliance with a tough paralegal, a seasoned lawyer, and a strong and supportive woman in the hopes that justice will prevail.
‘The Rainmaker’ Was Matt Damon’s First Major Leading Role
Prior to The Rainmaker, Damon had only played a few bit parts and supporting roles. Thrust into the limelight in a demanding, character-driven drama, he more than proved his worth and held his own alongside the talented all-star cast, including Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Mickey Rourke, Danny Glover, and Danny DeVito. His performance came across as deeply personal and perfectly captured the character’s underdog spirit with a mix of raw intensity and vulnerability.
7
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ (1962)
Part coming-of-age story, part legal drama, To Kill a Mockingbird follows a young Jean Louise “Scout” Finch as she navigates the ups and downs of growing up in a small Southern town during the 1930s. Her father is a lawyer, and through him, she is exposed firsthand to the town’s racism and prejudices as he works to defend a Black man falsely accused of sexual assault.
A Poignant Exploration of Societal Racism
Based on Harper Lee’s 1960 Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird is a poignant tale of determination, exploring the ingrained societal racism prevalent at the time. As a legal drama, the courtroom scenes are tense and gripping as they expose the deep-seated bias within the legal system. Gregory Peck’s iconic performance as the lawyer was a revelation, landing him a Best Actor Oscar win and is considered among his finest performances.
6
‘The Prosecutor’ (2024)
The Prosecutor
- Release Date
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January 10, 2025
- Runtime
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117 minutes
The Prosecutor sees director Donnie Yen taking the legal drama genre in an altogether more action-packed direction, blending courtroom tension with high-energy fight sequences. The plot follows a determined lawyer (also played by Donnie Yen) as he fights both physically and legally for justice and battles corruption inside and outside the courtroom.
‘The Prosecutor’ Puts a Unique Spin on the Genre
The Prosecutor was praised both for the intensity of its heart-pounding martial arts fighting sequences and its gripping courtroom scenes. While the plot involving high-level corruption manipulating the legal system for personal gain might not be the most original, its execution is flawless, and it plays out in a totally novel, unexpected, and compelling way.
5
‘A Few Good Men’ (1992)
A Few Good Men follows the trials and tribulations of a young lawyer tasked with defending two U.S. Marines charged with the murder of a fellow Marine. As the movie progresses, he begins to unravel a complex web of corruption and abuse of power, culminating in a tense legal showdown with a high-ranking colonel.
“You Can’t Handle the Truth”
Responsible for spawning one of cinema’s most iconic lines, “You can’t handle the truth!” is famously yelled by Colonel Nathan Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson, during a heated courtroom confrontation. Nicholson’s electrifying performance earned him an Oscar nomination, while solid performances are also given by the likes of Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and Cuba Gooding Jr.
4
‘Anatomy of a Murder’ (1959)
Anatomy Of A Murder
- Release Date
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January 7, 1959
- Runtime
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161 Minutes
- Director
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Otto Preminger
At over 60 years old, Anatomy of a Murder still stands as one of the most riveting and realistic legal dramas ever committed to film. James Stewart delivers a flawless performance as a defense attorney defending a man accused of murder as he navigates the murky, morally ambiguous gray areas of the U.S. legal system.
‘Anatomy of a Murder’ Provides an Unflinching Exploration of the Moral Complexities of the Justice System
The movie caused quite a stir at the time of its release due to its use of profanities, which even resulted in a temporary ban in the city of Chicago. However, given the intense nature of the topic, the bad language seems perfectly warranted, as it encapsulates the tense, high-stakes situation the characters are in, intensifying the film’s raw, confrontational atmosphere. In fact, many legal professionals have noted that the movie stands among the most realistic depictions of life in the courtroom.
3
‘Erin Brockovich’ (2000)
Erin Brockovich
- Release Date
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March 17, 2000
- Runtime
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131 Minutes
Based on the real-life story of Erin Brockovich, the movie follows the legal case she initiated against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company over its culpability for polluting a town’s water supply. A classic David and Goliath story, Julia Roberts excels in her Oscar-winning portrayal of the titular character, fighting for justice against a corporate giant against overwhelming odds.
Full of Heart and Humor, ‘Erin Brockovich’ Is an Iconic Piece of Cinema
Blending humor and heart with an important story of social relevance, director Steven Soderbergh succeeds in creating both a tough legal drama and an emotionally resonant story about personal growth and determination. The movie was a critical and commercial hit and is still considered a classic piece of cinema to this day.
2
‘Juror #2’ (2024)
Directed by Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood, Juror No. 2 cleverly subverts viewers’ expectations by playing with the familiar trope “justice will prevail” and begs the question: What if justice doesn’t always prevail? The plot follows a recovering alcoholic who, while serving on a jury for a murder case, begins to suspect that he might be the man responsible for the victim’s death.
Nicholas Hoult Is a Revelation in This Gripping, Character-Driven Legal Drama
Hoult delivers a powerful and layered performance, showcasing his ability to seamlessly convey a plethora of emotions at once. A well-meaning but deeply flawed character, Hoult masterfully captures his internal conflict with remarkable nuance. Elsewhere, Eastwood manages to get the best from his strong cast of talented actors, including Toni Collette, Kiefer Sutherland, and J.K. Simmons.
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1
‘Philadelphia’ (1993)
Philadelphia
- Release Date
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January 14, 1994
- Runtime
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125 Minutes
- Writers
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Ron Nyswaner
Philadelphia follows a lawyer who is fired because he has AIDS. In his pursuit of justice, he hires a homophobic attorney to represent him in the ensuing groundbreaking discrimination lawsuit. Released in the 1990s, it was a time when homophobia was rife, and understanding of the disease was limited and highly stigmatized. Philadelphia was groundbreaking in how it brought mainstream attention to the issue, challenged existing preconceptions surrounding the disease and homosexuality, and highlighted the struggles of those living with HIV/AIDS.
‘Philadelphia’ Completely Changed Tom Hanks’ Career Trajectory
Throughout the ’80s, Tom Hanks had established himself as a beloved comedic actor, starring in comedy hits like The ’Burbs, Splash, and Big, but it wasn’t until Philadelphia that Hanks was truly given the opportunity to showcase his dramatic acting chops. Needless to say, audiences and critics were impressed, and the role won him the Oscar for Best Actor.
This pivotal moment in his career opened the doors to more dramatic roles, leading to further award-worthy performances in films like Forrest Gump, which won him a second consecutive Oscar for Best Actor, and The Green Mile and Saving Private Ryan. Hanks is now considered one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.