ULTIMATE Lawyer Movies You MUST Watch At Least Once!

Lawyer movies have long been a staple in cinema, combining intense drama, moral dilemmas, and powerful courtroom battles.

These are fascinating to watch when you are a lover of legal dramas that are thrilling, court comedies, or crime mysteries that are gripping. In fact, the genre has something for everyone.

In addition, these movies open the door to tricky legal issues, although they also provide amusement to people of (mostly) all ages. Additionally, it offers insight into morality, law, and human nature.

In this article, I will talk about the top lawyer movies that should be on your watchlist, irrespective of whether you want to be in this field of work or not. And if that is a list that you have been searching for, then keep on reading till the end…

Ultimate Lawyer Movies Checklist You Need

These are fascinating films to watch if you are a fan of puzzling crime mysteries, gentle courtroom comedies, or scorching legal dramas. In addition to their entertaining service, these movies are often gateways into convoluted legal matters, which are, more often than not, an interplay between morality, law, and human nature.

Actually, the American Bar Association (ABA) is always recommending movies like To Kill a Mockingbird and My Cousin Vinny, not only as an entertaining watch but also as insightful for lawyers and law students.

In this article, I have created a list of the best lawyer movies that everyone needs to watch, From the era of the first cinema to the newest ones like 12 Angry Men and The Lincoln Lawyer, each film is a different one with no similarities.

If that’s not enough, the law films will keep the audience hooked, whether it be the students, the practitioners, or the movie buffs who are simply interested in this genre. One of the biggest impacts of these films is that they leave the audience thinking long after the credits roll.

This being said, let’s get started with this selection of lawyer movies that promise suspense, drama, and unforgettable performances!

1. 12 Angry Men (1957)

The first one is undoubtedly 12 Angry Men which is a classic courtroom drama that is always referred as one of the best movies about the judicial system. Basically, it shows the tension-packed conversation between the twelve jurors needing to make up their minds about a young boy’s future. It’s a masterpiece filled with fiery dialogues that through time has been considered an education in justice and humanity.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu.

2. A Few Good Men (1992)

The next on the list that cannot be omitted is A Few Good Men. A Few Good Men is a military courtroom thriller in which Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson go head-to-head. Through this film, the audience gets to learn a lot about the military justice system, which is vastly different from the civilian one. The movie is known among others for the famous “You can’t handle the truth!” line and it was ranked to be one of the most unforgettable watches.

Watch On: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV.

3. The Verdict (1982)

The 1982 law based on the case of medical negligence tragedy Paul Newman as a lawyer who is going through a tough time commits to a lawsuit that is potentially dangerous for him. Despite the harsh reality and emotions that the movie conveys and the fact that it is not smooth, it makes the audience fully engaged.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube Movies.

4. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

The film is a story of a white lawyer, symbolic of the moral conscience of a town who stood by his principles to defend an innocent black man. Tom and Huck, two kids from literature and morality, inhuman and very human at the same time. The film is an adaptation of Harper Lee’s seminal novel, and while it is not focused solely on legal issues and lawyers, I still feel the need to put it into the ranking list. Narratively, it is a tale of racist injustice and the fight for what is right, while Gregory Peck plays the Atticus Finch role to perfection, which is undoubtedly a classic of its kind.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Vudu, YouTube Movies.

5. The Firm (1993)

The fifth is one of my personal favorite films. It is a legal thriller where a young lawyer discovers evil things related to his law firm and stars Tom Cruise. Without a doubt, it is full of tension and turn of events.

Watch On: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV.

6. My Cousin Vinny (1992)

If you are in need of a good laugh, this is the one that you need! This hilarious courtroom comedy features Joe Pesci as an unconventional lawyer tackling a murder case. It is one of the rare films law professors recommend for its accurate courtroom cross-examination scenes, despite its comedic tone. Law schools in the U.S. still use clips from it to teach trial advocacy.

Watch On: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV.

7. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Can there be any movie were Julia Roberts does not deliver? I don’t think so! In this real-life story of a legal assistant fighting for justice against a polluting corporation, Roberts gives an Oscar-winning performance. It’s inspiring and empowering.

Watch On: Peacock, Amazon Prime, Apple TV.

8. Philadelphia (1993)

The following one on the list of the finest legal movies is Philadelphia. It is an emotional movie where great talents as Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington play the parts of a lawyer and a helper that a lawyer after being diagnosed with AIDS is fighting discrimination at a workplace. It’s a mandatory tearjerker, so be prepared to wipe your tears.

Watch On: Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.

9. The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

As a clever attorney working out of the back of his car, Matthew McConaughey is superb. I’ve fallen in love with this movie and I’d be willing to do anything just to experience my first watch again. What’s more, the legal thriller is quite captivating and its smart twists really keep you hooked.

Watch On: Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.

10. A Time to Kill (1996)

The movie A Time to Kill is very intense, and its plot revolves around the court and discrimination because of the color of skin. You have to see it if you are looking for the best court drama movies. Besides, when it comes to the powerful acting, this one is very loud and very subtle at the same time, with Matthew McConaughey and Samuel L. Jackson leaving us at awe.

Watch On: HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and YouTube Movies.

11. Legally Blonde (2001)

Probably, this film is the first one to come to mind when we talk about lawyer movies or movies with lawyers. Elle Woods, in her own way, shows that blondness and fashion sense can go together with the conquering of Harvard Law in this delightfully quirky story of a glamorous student. And for those who still haven’t seen it, it’s really an amazing and eternal enjoyment.

Watch On:  Amazon Prime, Netflix and Apple TV.

12. Primal Fear (1996)

Continuing the list, we have Primal Fear. In this film, Richard Gere is at his best as a lawyer defending a frightened altar boy who has been charged with murder. Moreover, it is riddled with surprises and among those is a great courtroom thriller that you won’t get out of your mind.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and Apple TV.

13. The Paper Chase (1973)

Follow Hart, a first-year Harvard Law student navigating intense classes and a tough professor whose daughter he has fallen in love with. If you are trying to watch a simple romantic comedy, this one is a great watch. Additionally, it’s a must-watch for anyone curious about the challenges of law school.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu.

14. The Rainmaker (1997)

In the movie The Rainmaker (1997), Matt Damon plays the part of Rudy, a newly qualified lawyer who goes against a giant insurance company. Finally, this legal drama is emotional, uplifting, and full of surprises, to put it mildly.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Paramount+, YouTube Movies.

15. Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

Witness a small-town lawyer turning the tables in the defense of an army officer in this courtroom drama classic. In a gripping story of murder, morality, and justice, this film is a must-watch for James Stewart fans, as he plays the character of Paul Biegler. Also, it is a perfect old-school legal movie gem.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube Movies.

16. The Pelican Brief (1993)

Are you up for a legal thriller? Then The Pelican Brief is a perfect choice. In this tense political-legal drama, Julia Roberts (a lawyer) and Denzel Washington (a reporter) provide an electrifying performance about a law student uncovering a deadly conspiracy. Moreover, a must for all Pakula fans, this one is tight and suspenseful.

Watch On: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV.

17. In the Name of the Father (1993)

This one is a heart-wrenching true story of an Irish man wrongfully convicted of terrorism. Daniel Day-Lewis is phenomenal in this movie. Additionally, this biographical crime drama explores justice and perseverance. So, if that is something that you like, it is a great watch!

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Peacock, Apple TV.

18. The Client (1994)

A young boy witnesses a crime and teams up with a fearless lawyer (Susan Sarandon) to survive a dangerous case. If you are in the mood for a thriller, watch this 11-year-old boy navigate the case in this thrilling and emotional fast-paced movie.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, YouTube Movies, Apple TV.

19. Chicago (2002)

This musical that was awarded an Oscar is about two women-tenors who have committed murder and a lawyer who uses the media to sway their defense. It’s captivating and wickedly funny.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV.

20. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Looking for a legal Drama masterpiece? This touching and moving story of the battle for child custody after the divorce of husband (Dustin Hoffman) and wife (Meryl Streep) is what you get here.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu.

21. The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

Keanu Reeves plays a promising lawyer in the dark thriller who starts digging the secrets of his mentor, wonderfully portrayed by Al Pacino. A harrowing blend of law and the supernatural that unravels constantly.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Hulu.

22. A Time to Kill (1996)

In this powerful, intense, and gripping courtroom drama dealing with justice and racial tensions in the Deep South, Matthew McConaughey delivers a masterclass performance. It’s shocking and mind-opening.

Watch On: HBO Max, Amazon Prime, YouTube Movies.

23. Liar Liar (1997)

The comedic and heartfelt performance of Jim Carrey in the role of a lawyer who is compelled to be absolutely truthful for a day is a great watch for sure. It’s extremely funny and to some extent, really touching.

Watch On: Peacock, Amazon Prime, Apple TV.

24. The Social Network (2010)

Explore the legal complications that led to the creation of Facebook. Jesse Eisenberg dazzles in this captivating drama about greed, betrayal, and technological breakthrough. Highly recommended for tech and law lovers.

Watch On: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV.

25. The Judge (2014)

Robert Downey Jr. plays the role of a corporate lawyer who comes back to his father’s aid, his father being a well-known judge, now wrongly accused of murder. The film is touching and engaging.

Watch On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play.

Other Notable Lawyer Movies from Around the World!

Did you think that I ended my list before covering or mentioning all the movies? Absolutely not! If language is not a barrier to discovering the best movies, then this one is for you!

Here are the other movies that are based on law or deal with legal battles:

Movie Name	Year	Country
Jai Bhim	2021	India
The Attorney	2013	Korea
The Client	2011	Korea
Mulk	2021	India
New Trial	2019	Korea
Juror 8	2019	Korea
A Violent Prosecutor	2016	Korea
Section 375	2019	India
Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai	2023	India
Innocence	2018	Korea
Anatomy of a Fall	2023	France
Justice	2017	France
The Accusation	2021	France
Akuma no Bengoshi	2020	Japan
99.9: Criminal Lawyer	2021	Japan
Just Mercy	2019	America
Selma	2014	America
Till	2022	America
Jolly LLB	2013	India
OMG	2012	India

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