Over the years, the courtroom has become a powerful backdrop for film dramas and comedies alike. Some of the most iconic pop culture references have come from movies about law. (Think: “You can’t handle the truth!”) As a student of law, you should get to know the greats.
In no particular order, here are the best films every law student should see:
TOP JUDICIARY DRAMAS
“Inherit the Wind” (1960) – Starring Spencer Tracy, the film is based on the 1925 Scopes monkey trial. The best part is when Tracy calls his star witness: the opposing lawyer. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and two Golden Globes.
“Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979) – Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep star in this drama about divorce and custody battles. Although the family drama is intense, there are also some great laughs. It won five Academy Awards and four Golden Globes.
“Runaway Jury” (2003) – Starring John Cusack, Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman, this surprising and suspenseful drama is the best courtroom film of this century. The plot is intense and clever, and the acting is spot-on. It is based on a John Grisham novel of the same name.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) – The film, starring Gregory Peck, is based on the timeless book that chronicles racial prejudice in the deep South. Peck’s character faces tension in his small town and defends a black man accused of rape. It won three Academy Awards and was nominated for five more.
“Erin Brockovich” (2000) – This film is the ultimate underdog story. Julia Roberts stars in the Academy Award-winning movie about a single mother who brings down a California power company with a $28 billion settlement. The film is based on the real-life legal clerk Brockovich.
“A Few Good Men” (1992) – The military courtroom drama features outstanding performances by Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore. It’s a clever and interesting look into the Naval courtroom and deals with very poignant issues like torture. It was nominated for four Academy Awards.
“Philadelphia” (1994) – This is heart-wrenching story of a lawyer who was fired for being HIV-positive. It becomes a true trial of humanity when he hires a homophobic lawyer to fight his case. Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington and Antonio Banderas star in the Academy Award-winning drama.
TOP COURTROOM COMEDIES
“My Cousin Vinny” (1992) – This is the funniest courtroom film ever. Joe Pesci stars as Vinny Gambini, an inexperienced lawyer defending his cousins in a murder trial. The dialogue alone makes it a stellar film. Marisa Tomei won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
“Adam’s Rib” (1949) – Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn star in this hilarious film about two married lawyers trying opposite sides of a case. The battle-of-the-sexes showdown is filled with fantastic spars and quips. Hepburn’s performance is nothing short of brilliant. It was nominated for one Academy Award.
“Chicago” (2002) – Starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere, the musical is about two murderesses who find themselves on death row in the 1920s. The songs are catchy, the jokes are clever and the plot is even better. Queen Latifah gives a stand-out performance as Big Mama Morton.
“Liar Liar” (1997) – “Liar Liar” is a 1990s lawyer classic starring Jim Carrey at his best. It follows a fast-talking lawyer who suddenly cannot lie. The courtroom scenes are wildly funny.
“Legally Blonde” (2001) – Reese Witherspoon stars as a California sorority girl turned Harvard Law student. Her unconventional approach to law – and matching pink accessories – makes this film a ridiculous lawyer gem. Witherspoon’s performance is flawless.
Honorable mention: The courtroom scene from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Jane Russel’s impersonation of Marilyn Monroe is pure gold.