Legal drama flicks have been a part of the movie industry for quite some time now. Such movies offer a combination of action, drama, and interesting characterizations.
Defense lawyers, corporate lawyers, and whistleblowers provide insight into the problems faced by lawyers and legal professionals in a cutthroat industry that handles issues ranging from medical malpractice to DUIs to a wide range of other matters.
With that said, here are 10 of the best legal drama movies. Each movie has something interesting to offer about lawyers and legal professionals.
- A Few Good Men
The movie is a classic in the legal genre. In this film, a military lawyer defends two Marines who have been accused of murder. The movie is famous for its courtroom drama and the excellent performances of its actors, bringing the story to life.
- To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is based on a novel written by Harper Lee. In this movie, a lawyer defends a man who has been accused of a heinous crime in the deep South. The movie is a drama that explores aspects of justice and the challenges faced by legal professionals.
- Erin Brockovich
Based on real events, this movie tells the story of a legal assistant tasked with building a case against a large company that allegedly contaminated a small town’s drinking water. Even though Erin Brockovich is a legal assistant, not a lawyer, her hard work and determination in developing a case against the company in question highlight the role of lawyers in society.
- The Verdict
The movie stars Paul Newman and follows a lawyer who takes on a medical malpractice case to revive his struggling law practice. The movie is an excellent drama that explores perseverance, ethical dilemmas, and justice in society despite adverse circumstances.
- The Firm
The Firm is a movie based on a novel by John Grisham. It’s about a young lawyer who joins a prestigious law firm, only to find that it’s involved in illegal activities. It’s a suspenseful presentation of the challenges that lawyers face.
- 12 Angry Men
12 Angry Men doesn’t specifically deal with lawyers in a court of law. However, it presents a situation that highlights the importance of lawyers. It’s about a jury deliberating a case.
- Philadelphia
This is a groundbreaking movie about a lawyer who sues his former employer for discrimination after being fired due to his health condition. It presents a situation that highlights the role of lawyers in society. In a very real way, the movie humanizes legal professionals.
- My Cousin Vinny
This is a lighter version of a legal drama. The comedy presents a story about an inexperienced lawyer who defends his cousin in a murder trial. Even though it’s a comedy, it’s commended for its realistic presentation of legal proceedings.
- A Time to Kill
Another movie written by John Grisham, A Time to Kill is a story about a young lawyer who defends a person who takes the law into his own hands. It’s a movie that highlights the complex themes lawyers face.
- Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde is among the most popular films in the legal genre, telling the story of a woman who seeks to prove herself in the legal world. Although it may not be as serious as the other films in the genre, it presents the importance of confidence, intellect, and perseverance in the industry.
Why Legal Films Resonate With Audiences
One of the primary reasons legal films resonate so well with the audience is that they present a combination of intellectual stimulation and emotional involvement. It has also been argued that the legal arena is the ultimate arena for conflict, where arguments, evidence, and drama converge. That makes for great big-screen drama!
Legal films also present the point that it’s not just the knowledge of the law that makes someone a competent legal practitioner, but also the ability to make critical decisions that may have life-changing consequences.
The Realities Behind The Drama
While the 10 movies listed above are certainly fun to watch, they also tend to simplify and dramatize some of the realities behind the legal system. In the real world, it’s not uncommon for trials to go on for much longer than they did in the movies. Additionally, the drama in the courtroom is not always as prevalent as it is in the movies.
From the drama of the courtroom battles to the inspiration of the true stories, the movies above represent some of the best in the world of legal professionals. They each offer a unique perspective on the different aspects of being a legal professional.