My Favourite Films About Justice of All-Time

Not many genres have earned the appreciation of justice. Since the 1950’s, the legal genre has made unforgettable movies. Whether it’s lawyers, a few good men or black protestors, the genre has made several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best courtroom dramas ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book that my teacher has always loved dearly. I remember forming strong bonds with a high school teacher that appreciated a classic book which he considered legendary literature. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love to discuss a book he considered precious. He spoke fondly about famous literature that shaped his identity. Through his love for books about mockingbirds, my teacher inspired me to make film criticism dreams come true. In 1962, my teacher’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the classic film “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Ever since its release in 1962, “To Kill a Mockingbird” has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about justice. With the greatest film of his career, Mulligan did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book about lawyers facing despair. Mulligan is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for creating compelling courtroom movies, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Atticus delivers his final monologue in court about all men being created equal causing a dilemma remains one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who created one of the most iconic lawyers in the courtroom genre. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” my favourite film about justice of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which are often outdated, it tackles strong themes that are relevant today. The film delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the release of a classic book about lawyers fighting racism in an intense case, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that manufactures movies which audiences embrace.

2. A Few Good Men

Courtroom dramas are a genre of movies that my uncle loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia heartwarming memories of an uncle appreciating the courtroom drama genre. My uncle grew up to embrace a genre in which 12 angry men experienced a courtroom case. As someone treasuring fond memories of an uncle admiring legal movies about a few good men, I adored “A Few Good Men”. Released in 1992, Rob Reiner’s movie offered a powerful adaptation of a stage play about Guantanamo Bay. Reiner has always had an aptitude for staging emotional monologues in his movies, and “A Few Good Men” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene where Colonel Jessup screams at the top of his lungs that lawyers can’t handle the truth has become one of the greatest moments of the courtroom genre. At the centre of it all is Jack Nicholson, who created a compelling legal villain. Ultimately, what makes “A Few Good Men” a courtroom classic is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Guantanamo Bay prison to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about government injustice which would resonate with everyone. A powerful adaptation of a play about Guantanamo Bay, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

3. Just Mercy

Wrongful conviction has shaped my personality. During my childhood, my life changed when I was wrongfully accused of cheating on a science-fair project. Throwing a tantrum, a girl in my class accused me of plagiarism. A terrible lie, being accused of a crime I hadn’t committed caused me to cry. As someone haunted by memories of wrongful conviction without mercy, I appreciated “Just Mercy”. Released in 2019, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured a black man wrongfully accused of a crime he didn’t commit in legal proceedings. Cretton uses captivating monologues capturing tensions that a lawyer defending a black convict is facing. For instance, the scene in which Bryan Stevenson becomes aware of the legal injustice in the court causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jamie Foxx, who portrayed a man facing wrongful conviction. Ultimately, what makes “Just Mercy” a great courtroom drama is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about wrongful conviction that causes injustice. A powerful portrait of racism experienced by convicts in the modern American legal system, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated genre with wisdom that has always manufactured unforgettable movies about lawyers which have achieved stardom.

4. Judas and the Black Messiah

Fred Hampton is a legendary African-American politician that earned my friend’s appreciation. I remember a close classmate that was fascinated with the black political leader. He would always speak fondly about a messiah that fought racism during the segregation era. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic religious messiah in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. King used captivating montages capturing an African-American leader fighting racism in his country that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Fred Hampton delivers a rousing speech about injustice to his followers during a ceremony in America is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Daniel Kaluuya, who embodied an iconic political leader that fought injustice in America. Ultimately, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute towards a legendary black leader with charisma that fought discrimination changing the legal system of America, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about justice attracting audiences to the Cinema.

5. Philadelphia

Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Several years ago, I witnessed a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Unaware he was queer, I bonded with a cousin about whom I came to care. As someone treasuring fond memories of a gay cousin that faced homophobia, I adored “Philadelphia”. Released in 1993, Jonathan Demme’s movie offered a powerful portrait of LGBTQ communities fighting adversities. Demme is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for creating compelling courtroom dramas, and “Philadelphia” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Joe Miller interrogates Andrew in court asking him to showcase lesions on his body causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the courtroom genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who embodies a gay man impacted by AIDS. Ultimately, what makes “Philadelphia” a courtroom classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the LGBTQ community, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Andrew’s desire to be accepted, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing unforgettable movies which deserve to be appreciated.

6. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Few courtroom trials in history have earned recognition of the trial of the Chicago 7. During the 1960’s, protestors engaged in a trial. Known as the ‘Chicago 7’, the group declared that their intention was to protest in peace. In 2020, Aaron Sorkin recreated the trial with dedication in his movie “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Trial of the Chicago 7” stand out is its depiction of protests. Sorkin uses captivating montages capturing a group of protesters that fought racism which is frightening. Assisted by Eddie Redmayne who is extraordinary in the lead role, Sorkin honoured a court case in American history. Nearly 60 years after seven protesters faced a courtroom trial in Chicago, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making commemorated movies giving audiences dreams to follow.

7. Mangrove

A common theme that’s often explored in courtroom dramas is racial injustice. The genre has often captured racial injustice in America. Following the recent Black Lives Matter Movement, movies have sought to capture racism faced by African-Americans. Few courtroom dramas have captured racial injustice as powerfully “Mangrove”. Released in 2020, Steven McQueen’s movie captured the real-life legal trial of the Mangrove Nine. McQueen used stunning visuals to recreate a notorious trial in which African-Americans were treated in ways that were hostile. Assisted by an excellent performance by Letitia Wright, McQueen captured barriers that African-American protestors had to fight. Nearly 40 years after the trial of the Mangrove Nine, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which shine.

8. Juror #2

When it comes to the greatest filmmakers in Hollywood, it’s worth discussing Clint Eastwood. With their strong acting, compelling storytelling and meaningful themes, Eastwood’s movies have earned a huge following. Eastwood has always had an aptitude for exploring themes of justice in his movies. In 2024, Eastwood showcased his strengths for exploring powerful themes of justice in his movie “Juror #2”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Juror #2” stand out is its depiction of guilt. Eastwood uses captivating flashbacks capturing hardships that a guilty juror is facing. Assisted by Nicholas Hoult who is amazing in the lead role, Eastwood created a legal drama that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of guilt causing jurors in courts to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which audiences appreciate.

9. Beasts of No Nation

Justice causing child soldiers to face a dilemma is difficult to find in Africa. Africa has built an image of being a nation where children forced to become soldiers rarely find justice causing damage. The struggles faced by children seeking justice in a beastly nation are beautifully depicted in the film “Beasts of No Nation”. Released in 2015, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s movie captured child soldiers in Africa. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Beasts of No Nation” stand out is depiction of child soldiers. Fukunaga uses captivating montages capturing trauma children in Africa are facing. Assisted by Idris Elba who is amazing in the lead role, Fukunaga captured justice in Africa. As strong as guns used by Agu, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences value.

10. Amistad

Few movies ever made about justice have left audiences awed like “Amistad”. Released in 1997, Steven Spielberg’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery. Spielberg used captivating montages capturing hardships that slaves on a doomed ship seeking freedom are facing. Assisted by Djimon Hounsou who is extraordinary in the lead role, Spielberg created a compelling slavery movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of prisoners escaping slavery that aren’t true to history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Cinque’s desire to achieve freedom, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies offering wisdom about justice in the legal system which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my dreams of film criticism.