15 films about lawyers that are worth watching

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

World classics, as well as great films with Matthew McConaughey, Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise.

15. Michael Clayton

• USA, 2007.
• Crime, drama, thriller.
• Duration: 119 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 2.

Michael Clayton has been working for a renowned law firm for 15 years, defending the wealthiest clients. But one day the hero finds himself in a difficult situation: he must represent the interests of a chemical concern. And on the side of the prosecution comes a friend of Michael, who stole a folder with important documents.

George Clooney perfectly got used to the role of a lawyer who has to reconsider his views on life. From a cynical and interested only in a career of a man, nicknamed the Cleaner, he gradually turns into a defender of the truth. The role of Michael Clayton is considered one of the best in the actor's track record. This is confirmed by the nominations for Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe.

14. Erin Brockovich

• USA, 2000.
• Drama, biography.
• Duration: 126 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

Single mother of many children, Erin, has an accident and sues the culprit. Due to her complex nature, she loses the case. But Erin does not give up and goes to work as an assistant to her lawyer. Together with him, she undertakes to investigate the case of a large corporation that pollutes the environment.

One of the most highly regarded films by Steven Soderbergh is based on the true story of a common man's struggle against an all-powerful company. The film received five Oscar nominations and starring Julia Roberts won a well-deserved statuette. The actress perfectly managed to convey the character of the real Erin Brockovich. She, by the way, herself appeared in the film in the cameo role of a waitress with the ironic name Julia R.

13. Lincoln for a lawyer

• USA, 2011.
• Drama, crime, thriller.
• Duration: 114 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

Mickey Holler's lawyer wins most cases without difficulty. It is not difficult for him to obtain an acquittal for a wealthy client who has beaten up a prostitute. But soon Mickey begins to suspect that something is unclean in this case. The lawyer gets involved in a dangerous game that could cost him and his family lives.

Matthew McConaughey looks great for stylish professionals who always get their way. In the film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Michael Connelly, he played a lawyer, a significant part of whose life he spends in the car (even the title of the picture would be more logical to translate as "The Lawyer from Lincoln"). Because of this, the car company later even made the actor the face of its products.

And the writer liked the film so much that he repeatedly mentioned it in other books: they are connected by a common world, and McConaughey allegedly played in a biographical film about Holler.

12. Judge

• USA, 2014.
• Drama.
• Duration: 142 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

Successful lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral. Soon, his father, who worked as a local judge for many years, is accused of murder. Hank wants to act as a protector, but due to a difficult relationship, his father initially refuses.

The first film from the production company Robert Downey Jr. pleases with an amazing cast. The actor personally played the main role - a witty and charming cynic. But even more attention is attracted by Robert Duvall in the image of his abrupt father. The middle-aged actor received many nominations for prestigious awards for "The Judge".

11. Devil's advocate

• USA, Germany, 1997.
• Drama, mysticism, thriller.
• Duration: 144 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 5.

Lawyer Kevin Lomax is able to win any case, even if he defends the inveterate villain. Suddenly, he is offered a new job at a large New York firm that specializes in millionaire clients. In fact, company boss John Milton has his own plans for Kevin.

Of course, the authors merged the main plot twist into the title of the film. Which, fortunately, doesn't make it worse. Moreover, initially they wanted to add more special effects to the picture related to the nature of the main villain, but in the end they decided to rely on drama and acting. This allowed the talents of Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino to be fully revealed. And the ambiguous ending of the picture will make everyone think about the main sin of many successful people.

10. Time to kill

• USA, 1996.
• Crime, drama, thriller.
• Duration: 150 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 5.

Two white guys from the city of Clanton rape and try to kill a black girl. Since there is no death penalty for such crimes, the villains have a chance to be released. Then the girl's father kills both rapists and himself goes to trial. He is taken over by lawyer Jake Brigens. However, the defender not only needs to outplay the prosecutor, but also to deal with the representatives of the Ku Klux Klan who have arrived in the quiet city.

This is Matthew McConaughey's earlier appearance as a lawyer. The story, based on the novel of the same name by John Grisham (he personally produced the picture in order to achieve the closest possible adaptation), caused a lot of discussion. On the one hand, the film shows the triumph of justice, on the other, it actually justifies lynching, which is unacceptable in a civilized society. How to relate to the act of the accused, each viewer will have to decide independently.

9. My cousin Vinnie

• USA, 1992.
• Comedy, crime.
• Duration: 120 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 6.

Two friends, passing by in a small town, turn out to be suspects in a murder that they did not commit. The cousin of one of the defendants, Vinnie Bambini, takes over to protect them. He has absolutely no experience in the practice of law, but an amazing ability to chat and scandal.

Comedy can also be found among court dramas. Joe Pesci brilliantly played a witty and completely irrepressible lawyer who, with his energy, can conquer any court. And Marisa Tomei, who played the role of his partner, even won an Oscar. Interestingly, the actress later starred in Lawyer's Lincoln, which was already on our list.

8. Verdict

• USA, 1982.
• Drama.
• Duration: 129 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

Frank Galvin was once a successful lawyer, but gradually drank himself and lost his job. Wanting to help, a colleague gives him the simplest case that must be decided before the trial: the family of a woman who fell into a coma after giving birth should receive compensation from the hospital. But Frank decides to get justice, because the doctors are clearly hiding something.

Director Sidney Lumet is a true master of chamber dramas, in particular those dedicated to the courts. In 1957, he released the legendary film "12 Angry Men", which regularly makes the lists of the best films in history. The Verdict also keeps the audience in constant tension, thanks to the excellent performance of Paul Newman and Charlotte Rampling. Well, the topic of confrontation between ordinary people and large companies with limitless resources is eternal.

7. Philadelphia

• USA, 1993.
• Drama.
• Duration: 125 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

Young attorney Andrew Beckett is fired from a law firm. The formal reason is incompetence at work. In reality, the authorities found out that Andrew was homosexual and had AIDS. The hero decides to sue his former employer. He finds himself a lawyer, only that one is a homophobe.

The plot of the picture is based on the true story of Jeffrey Bowers, who was suing Baker & McKenzie. More importantly, Philadelphia is one of the first films to openly and realistically examine the problems of homosexuals and AIDS patients. But first of all, the film, of course, attracts attention thanks to the magnificent performance of the audience favorites Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. Hanks even won his first Oscar for his role as Beckett.

6. A Few Nice Guys

• USA, 1992.
• Drama, thriller.
• Duration: 138 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

Two soldiers of the US Navy are accused of killing a comrade in the application of non-statutory punishments. They are being defended by a young lawyer, Daniel Caffey. He quickly realizes that there are too many oddities in the case. Probably, the defendants are covering for someone of a higher rank.

Writer Aaron Sorkin is a master of great dialogue that creates tension like any action. And in this picture, he also got an excellent cast. By the way, this is a great reason to remember that Tom Cruise is good not only in action films, but also in dramatic roles. The film received 4 Oscar nominations, however, it did not take any awards in the end.

5. Primal fear

• USA, 1996.
• Thriller, drama, detective.
• Duration: 130 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 7.

The police discover the body of the murdered archbishop, and next to it a frightened young boy Aaron. He denies all charges, and attorney Martin Weil stands up to his defense, hoping to strengthen his reputation through a noisy trial. But Veil's former mistress, who works as a prosecutor, will have to confront them.

It was in this picture that Edward Norton played his first role - he appeared in the form of Aaron, suffering from a mental disorder. And the lawyer was played by Richard Gere. Later, he reappears as a human rights activist in the film adaptation of the musical "Chicago". But there the character of his character Billy Flynn is completely different.

4. Anatomy of a murder

• USA, 1959.
• Drama, crime, thriller.
• Duration: 154 minutes.
• IMDb: 8.

Paul Bigler once served as a prosecutor but has lost his post. Since then, he has been working as a lawyer, dealing with not the largest cases. One day, Bigler takes on the task of protecting a lieutenant who shot a bartender who allegedly raped his wife. But the defendant himself does not help the lawyer too much, so there is little chance of winning.

The painting by the great Otto Preminger is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Traver. In fact, this is the pseudonym of the lawyer John Voelker, who in the book recounted a real case from his practice. So all the legal subtleties both in the book and in the film are taken into account.

3. Reap the storm

• USA, 1960.
• Drama, biography.
• Duration: 128 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 1.

In 1925, school teacher Bertram Cates from the American town of Hillsborough was accused of teaching the theory of evolution. The prosecutor is a presidential candidate and a well-known opponent of Darwinism. For attorney Henry Drummond, this case becomes a matter of principle.

The film is based on real events, they went down in history under the name "Monkey Trial". Formally, the lawyer lost the case, but still the judge awarded the defendant only a small fine. And ideologically it was a complete victory.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird

• USA, 1962.
• Drama, crime.
• Duration: 129 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 2.

Atticus Finch, a lawyer, single-handedly brings up two children, who gradually become familiar with all the complexities of the world around them. One day he is taken to defend a black man in court who is accused of rape.

Atticus Finch, from Harper Lee's famous novel, quickly became a reflection of a reference lawyer and father: he is wise, always calm and fights for justice. In the film adaptation, this role was played by one of the main idols of the time, Gregory Peck. Thanks to him, the image became even more impressive, which was awarded the Oscar.

1. Prosecution witness

• USA, 1957.
• Drama, crime, detective.
• Duration: 116 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 4.

After a heart attack, lawyer Wilfrid Robarts was banned from serious practice. But he still takes on the protection of the suspect Leonard Vole. He allegedly killed a woman who bequeathed a lot of money to him. However, the wife of the defendant behaves very strangely, then justifying, then accusing her husband.

The adaptation of the play of the same name by Agatha Christie from director Billy Wilder is considered one of the most exciting and unpredictable films about the court and lawyers. The entire advertising campaign of the picture was built on requests not to tell friends about the ending. Moreover, at the end of the film, a voice-over made the same request to the audience.