From the courtroom’s drama to the intellectual battles between lawyers, films about the law have captivated audiences for decades. Legal dramas provide a fascinating insight into the justice system, often highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by those who uphold the law. These films, spanning across several genres like comedy, horror, thriller, drama, and biopics, have created some of the most memorable moments in cinematic history. This article explores the top movies about the law, their unique storylines, and the impressions they’ve left on the world of cinema.
Liar Liar (1997)
In the world of legal comedies, “Liar Liar” holds a special place. This film tears down the stereotypical image of lawyers with its hilarious plot. Fletcher, played by the iconic Jim Carrey, is a successful lawyer who has built his career on his ability to lie. However, his life takes a drastic turn when his son’s birthday wish forces him to tell the truth for an entire day. Directed by Tom Shadyac, this film is a laugh riot that will leave you in splits.
Legally Blonde (2001)
“Legally Blonde” breaks the mold with its portrayal of an unconventional lawyer. Reese Witherspoon shines as Elle Woods, a fashion-obsessed sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. However, she soon falls in love with the law itself and proves that appearances can be deceiving. Directed by Robert Luketic, this film is a delightful blend of comedy and drama that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Among legal movies, Legally Blonde definitely deserves a spot for its comedic relief.
The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
“The Devil’s Advocate” takes the legal genre to a whole new level with its blend of law and horror. Keanu Reeves plays Kevin, a young lawyer who joins a prestigious law firm. However, he soon discovers that the firm is involved in sinister activities and that his boss, played by Al Pacino, is the devil himself. Directed by Taylor Hackford, this film provides a chilling look at the dark side of the legal profession.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
“The Exorcism of Emily Rose” presents a gripping tale of a lawyer caught in a battle between faith and the law. When a priest is charged with negligent homicide after performing an exorcism, lawyer Erin Burner, played by Laura Linney, takes on his defense. Directed by Scott Derrickson, this film offers a unique blend of law, religion, and horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Disclosure
Law and thrillers make for a potent cinematic cocktail, and “Disclosure” is a prime example. The film centres around Tom Sanders, played by Michael Douglas, who faces sexual harassment allegations from his ex-lover and newly-appointed boss, Meredith Johnson, played by Demi Moore. Directed by Barry Levinson, this film explores power dynamics, gender politics, and legal battles in a corporate setting.
How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)
This thrilling TV series, created by Peter Nowalk, takes you into the high-stakes world of law and crime. It revolves around a group of law students and their brilliant criminal defense professor who get entangled in a murder plot. As they attempt to unravel the truth and stay out of prison, they’re forced to confront their own moral compasses.
To Kill a Mockingbird
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a classic in the realm of legal dramas. The lawyer movie, directed by Robert Mulligan, stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a Black man wrongfully accused of rape in Depression-era Alabama. The film is a poignant exploration of racial prejudice and moral courage.
My Cousin Vinny
“My Cousin Vinny” is a 1992 comedy film directed by Jonathan Lynn. The story revolves around two college students, Bill Gambini (played by Ralph Macchio) and Stan Rothenstein (played by Mitchell Whitfield), who find themselves falsely accused of murder while traveling through rural Alabama.
Desperate for legal help, Bill calls upon his brash and inexperienced cousin, Vincent “Vinny” Gambini (played by Joe Pesci), who is a recent law school graduate from New York. Vinny, accompanied by his equally brassy fiancée, Mona Lisa Vito (played by Marisa Tomei), heads to Alabama to defend Bill and Stan in what becomes his first-ever trial.
The film combines legal drama with comedy as Vinny struggles to adapt to the unfamiliar Southern legal system and courtroom procedures. Despite his lack of experience and unconventional methods, Vinny gradually gains the respect of the judge (played by Fred Gwynne) and starts to unravel the case’s mysteries. Mona Lisa, who has a knack for automotive knowledge, becomes an unexpected asset in the trial.
Throughout the film, Vinny’s streetwise and unconventional approach to law clashes with the Southern courtroom decorum, leading to humorous exchanges and misunderstandings. As the trial unfolds, Vinny’s determination, with Mona Lisa’s assistance, ultimately proves the innocence of Bill and Stan.
“My Cousin Vinny” is celebrated for its witty humor, memorable performances, and Marisa Tomei’s Academy Award-winning role as Mona Lisa Vito. The film offers an entertaining blend of legal hijinks and courtroom comedy while delivering a satisfying resolution to the central mystery.
The Reader
“The Reader”, directed by Stephen Daldry, presents a moving tale of love, guilt, and justice. The film revolves around a young German law student who discovers that a woman he once had an affair with is on trial for Nazi war crimes. As he grapples with his feelings for her and the horrors of the past, he must confront the moral complexities of truth and justice.
Presumed Innocent
“Presumed Innocent” is a 1990 legal thriller film directed by Alan J. Pakula, based on Scott Turow’s bestselling novel of the same name. The movie stars Harrison Ford as Rusty Sabich, a successful prosecutor working in a high-profile district attorney’s office.
The story revolves around Rusty Sabich, who becomes embroiled in a complex murder case when his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus (played by Greta Scacchi), is found brutally murdered in her apartment. Rusty is assigned to lead the investigation into her death, and as the evidence begins to mount, he finds himself accused of the murder.
“Presumed Innocent” is a taut and suspenseful courtroom drama that keeps viewers guessing about Rusty’s innocence or guilt. The film explores themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the moral complexities of the legal profession. Harrison Ford delivers a compelling performance as a man caught in a nightmarish web of suspicion and intrigue.
The movie keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as it unveils shocking twists and turns in the case, leading to a dramatic climax that reveals the truth about Carolyn’s murder and Rusty’s involvement. “Presumed Innocent” is praised for its gripping storytelling and strong performances, making it a classic in the genre of legal thrillers.
The Social Network
Based on the real-life legal battles surrounding the creation of Facebook, “The Social Network” offers an intriguing look at intellectual property disputes and the complexities of founding a tech startup. The film, directed by David Fincher, features Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, the ambitious Harvard student who created the social networking giant.
A Few Good Men
“A Few Good Men” is a 1992 legal drama film directed by Rob Reiner, based on Aaron Sorkin’s play of the same name. The film features an ensemble cast, including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore.
Arguably one of the best lawyer movies, the story centers around two military lawyers, Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (played by Tom Cruise) and Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway (played by Demi Moore), who are assigned to defend two Marines, Lance Corporal Harold Dawson (played by Wolfgang Bodison) and Private Louden Downey (played by James Marshall). These Marines are accused of murdering a fellow Marine, Private Santiago, at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.
Kaffee is known for his preference for plea bargains and his reluctance to go to trial. However, Galloway is convinced that there is more to the case and pushes for a thorough investigation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Santiago was subjected to a “Code Red,” a hazing ritual intended to punish him for perceived weaknesses. Their defense shifts from a plea bargain to exposing the chain of command that allowed this practice to persist.
The film takes a dramatic turn when Kaffee and Galloway find themselves facing off against the formidable Colonel Nathan Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson), who insists that he never ordered a “Code Red.” Jessup’s testimony becomes central to the trial, and his famous line, “You can’t handle the truth!” is a defining moment in the film.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, Kaffee and Galloway must use their legal skills to uncover the truth about Santiago’s death and the role played by the military chain of command. The film explores themes of honor, duty, and the moral complexities of military justice.
“A Few Good Men” is known for its powerful performances, especially Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Colonel Jessup. It is celebrated for its intense courtroom scenes and the moral dilemma faced by the characters. The film remains a classic in the legal drama genre, illustrating the tension between military discipline and the pursuit of justice.
Big Eyes
“Big Eyes”, directed by Tim Burton, tells the true story of artist Margaret Keane and her legal fight for the recognition of her work. The film showcases the struggles of an artist against the backdrop of intellectual property theft, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of law and the arts.
Erin Brockovich
“Erin Brockovich” is a biographical drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in 2000. The movie is based on the real-life story of Erin Brockovich, portrayed by Julia Roberts. Erin is a single mother struggling to make ends meet who stumbles upon a legal case that will change her life and the lives of many others.
Erin takes a job as a legal assistant at a small law firm in California and becomes involved in a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). She discovers that PG&E is responsible for contaminating the town of Hinkley’s water supply with the toxic chemical chromium-6, leading to severe health issues among the residents. With determination, resourcefulness, and her unconventional approach to investigation, Erin plays a pivotal role in building a case against the powerful corporation.
Despite facing skepticism and resistance, Erin’s tenacity and unwavering commitment to justice ultimately lead to a historic legal victory against PG&E, resulting in a massive settlement for the affected residents. The film highlights Erin’s courage, intelligence, and fighting spirit as she transforms from a struggling single mother into a relentless advocate for environmental justice.
“Erin Brockovich” is a compelling and inspiring story of one woman’s determination to make a difference, showcasing the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right. Julia Robert received an Academy Award for her portrayal of Erin, and the film received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and social impact.
A Time to Kill
“A Time to Kill” is a 1996 legal drama film directed by Joel Schumacher, based on John Grisham’s novel of the same name. The film is set in Canton, Mississippi, and it explores themes of racism, justice, and the moral complexities surrounding a racially charged murder trial.
The story follows Jake Brigance (played by Matthew McConaughey), a young white attorney who takes on the defense of Carl Lee Hailey (played by Samuel L. Jackson), a black man who has been arrested for the brutal murder of two white men who raped his 10-year-old daughter, Tonya (played by Rae’Ven Larrymore Kelly).
As the trial unfolds, it becomes clear that Carl Lee killed the two men as an act of revenge and to protect his daughter from further harm. Jake argues that Carl Lee should be acquitted on the grounds of temporary insanity due to extreme emotional distress. The case quickly becomes a lightning rod for racial tension in the community, with many white residents demanding Carl Lee’s conviction.
The prosecution is led by Rufus Buckley (played by Kevin Spacey), a skilled and ambitious district attorney, and the trial attracts intense media scrutiny. Jake faces personal and professional threats, including the burning of his home, for taking on the case.
Throughout the film, Jake’s defense strategy is to appeal to the jurors’ emotions, asking them to imagine Tonya as their own child and to consider what they would do in Carl Lee’s shoes. The trial becomes a searing examination of racial prejudice, as the defense seeks to prove that Carl Lee’s actions were a desperate response to a racially motivated crime.
The film’s climax is a powerful courtroom scene in which Jake delivers a closing argument that challenges the jury to look beyond race and deliver a verdict based on justice and empathy.
“A Time to Kill” is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that tackles issues of race, justice, and morality in a deeply divided society. It is notable for its strong performances, particularly from Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sandra Bullock (who plays Jake’s legal assistant), and for its unflinching exploration of difficult themes. The film raises important questions about the limits of the law and the role of empathy in the pursuit of justice.
Conclusion
Law has always been a fertile ground for cinematic storytelling, offering a rich tapestry of human experience, ethical dilemmas, and high-stakes drama. These movies about the law offer a glimpse into the complexities of the legal world, making them a must-watch for anyone interested in law, justice, or simply a good story. Whether it’s the comedic antics in “Liar Liar” or the tense courtroom battles in “To Kill a Mockingbird”, these films capture the diverse and often dramatic world of law.
So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic journey through the legal world – you might just find your new favourite movie in the process.
