Do you like courtroom films? Works with this theme generally portray intense legal cases, with lawyers, judges, and jurors facing moral dilemmas and legal battles.
If you’re interested in the topic, check out the list of 10 courtroom movies available on streaming services below.
10 best courtroom movies to watch online
Juror no. 2 (2024)
Directed by Clint Eastwood, “Juror #2” received critical acclaim. The film features an exceptional cast, with Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, JK Simmons, Chris Messina, Zoey Deutch, Cedric Yarbrough and Kiefer Sutherland.
The plot follows a juror (Hoult) involved in a high-profile murder trial, who faces a moral dilemma that could influence the jury’s verdict.
The Caine Mutiny Court Martial (2023)
The last film directed by director William Friedkin, “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” was released posthumously.
The production is based on the 1953 play of the same name, written by Herman Wouk, which, in turn, adapts the 1952 novel, “The Caine Mutiny,” by the same author. The cast includes Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Clarke, Jake Lacy, Monica Raymund and Lance Reddick.
The plot takes place at a court martial, where a navy lieutenant (Lacy) is tried for mutiny. However, his lawyer (Clarke), skeptical and forced to defend him, raises questions about the possible mental instability of the ship’s commander (Sutherland), the target of the mutiny.
Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
Critically acclaimed, the French film “Anatomy of a Fall” won numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or and the Oscar for best original screenplay.
The plot follows writer Sandra (Sandra Hüller), who tries to prove her innocence in court after becoming a suspect in the murder of her husband, who fell from the window of their house. Directed by Justine Triet.
Under Suspicion (2006)
Based on a true story, “Under Suspicion” is inspired by the trial of 20 members of the Lucca mafia family in the 1980s.
Vin Diesel (“The Fast and the Furious”) plays a real-life character, New Jersey mobster Jackie DiNorscio, who is on trial along with his colleagues for extortion.
However, things take an unexpected turn when DiNorscio fires his lawyer and decides to defend himself. Additionally, his irreverent demeanor and sense of humor in court make the proceedings even more unpredictable.
Directed by Sidney Lumet, some of the court testimony in the film are original transcripts of the case.
A Question of Honor (1992)
Based on the play of the same name by Aaron Sorkin (who also wrote the film’s screenplay), “A Question of Honor” is a critically acclaimed film.
The plot follows the court-martial of two Marines accused of murdering a fellow Marine.
Directed by Rob Reiner, the film features an all-star cast, including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland.
Philadelphia (1993)
A critical and box office success, “Philadelphia” won two Oscars, including best actor for Tom Hanks.
In the plot, lawyer Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) is fired from his law firm in Philadelphia when his employers discover that he is homosexual and has HIV.
Andrew turns to Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), an initially prejudiced personal injury lawyer, to sue his former bosses.
A Time to Kill (1996)
Based on the novel of the same name by John Grisham, the legal drama “A Time to Kill” was a commercial success.
With a large cast, the film features names such as Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland and Kiefer Sutherland.
In the story, a white lawyer (McConaughey) gets involved in a controversial case in a Mississippi town. He defends, in court, a black man (L. Jackson) who killed two white men who had raped his ten-year-old daughter.
Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
Directed by Billy Wilder and starring big names like Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich, “Witness for the Prosecution” is a cinema classic.
Based on the play of the same name written by Agatha Christie, the film is one of the best courtroom dramas of all time.
In the plot, Leonard Vole (Power) is arrested on charges of killing a rich widow. Experienced lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Laughton) agrees to defend him, however, Leonard’s wife, Christine Vole (Dietrich), testifies against him.
Anatomy of a Crime (1959)
Hailed by many critics as the best procedural film in history, “Anatomy of a Crime” is directed by cult favorite Otto Preminger.
The film is based on the novel of the same name written by Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker. Big names like James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Eve Arden and George C. Scott make up the cast.
The plot follows the trial of an army lieutenant (Gazzara) accused of killing a man who allegedly raped his wife. Defense attorney Paul Biegler (Stewart) decides to defend him.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
A critical and commercial success, the comedy “My Cousin Vinny” stars names such as Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, Marisa Tomei and Fred Gwynne. All received praise for their performances, but Tomei won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
In the plot, two young New Yorkers are arrested in the interior of the United States and are put on trial for a crime they did not commit.
Unable to pay a lawyer, one of them asks for help from his cousin Vinny (Pesci), who has just graduated and has never practiced the profession.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
