My Favourite Films About Justice

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 relationships with a school teacher that appreciated a classic book which he considered legendary literature. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love discussing books he considered precious. He spoke fondly about famous literature influencing 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 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 Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which are often outdated, it tackles strong themes that are relevant today.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 commonly embrace.

2. 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. It delivers a meaningful message about social acceptance which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andrew’s desire to be accepted, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing unforgettable movies which deserve to be undeniably unquestionably appreciated.

3. My Cousin Vinny

Cousins are powerful figures that play crucial roles in families. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyous memories of a great cousin that shaped my persona in Canada. Fascinated with the legal process, he adored lawyers that resolved court cases with success. Through his desire to assist my grandparents, he became a person my family would value. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a cousin I love dearly, I adored “My Cousin Vinny”. Released in 1992, Jonathan Lynn’s courtroom drama captured bonds between cousins. Lynn used captivating montages capturing hardships that a lawyer defending his cousin frightening courtroom cases is facing. For instance, the scene in which Vinny is first hired by his cousin to defend his relative in a courtroom case causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Joe Pesci, who portrayed a lawyer with strong authority. Ultimately, what makes “My Cousin Vinny” a commemorated courtroom classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about strong relationships between cousins which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Vinny’s desire to defend his cousin, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies about the struggles faced by lawyers which deserve tremendous appreciation.

4. 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 tremendous stardom.

5. 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 absolutely today.

6. Dark Waters

When it comes to corporations that have attracted controversy, it’s worth discussing DuPont. In 1998, the corporate lawyer Robert Billot was shocked to discover DuPont had poisoned West Virginia. Billot embarked on a 20-year journey suing the company for causing catastrophe. In 2019, Todd Haynes honoured the true story of the lawyer treading dark waters in his movie “Dark Waters”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dark Waters” stand out is its depiction of corporate corruption. Haynes uses stunning visuals to capture corporations abusing power causing despair. Assisted by Mark Ruffalo who is excellent in the lead role, Haynes honours a lawyer that fought corruption years ago. Nearly 30 years after a lawyer discovered corporate corruption, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that’s worthy of tremendous celebration.

7. Juror #2

Clint Eastwood is a legendary filmmaker in Hollywood. With their strong acting, compelling storytelling and meaningful themes, Eastwood’s movies have earned a huge following. Eastwood has always had an aptitude for making compelling courtroom dramas. In 2024, Eastwood showcased his strengths for creating a compelling courtroom drama 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 lives of jurors in courts to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which audiences commonly appreciate.

8. 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 commonly shine.

9. Primal Fear

Split personality disorder is a sensitive disease rarely depicted accurately in movies. Hollywood has often ignored a disorder that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding a disorder evoking fear, it’s worth praising “Primal Fear”. Released in 1996, Gregory Hoblit’s movie offered a powerful portrait of split personality disorder. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Primal Fear” stand out is its depiction of lawyers. Hoblit uses captivating montages capturing hardships lawyers defending psychotic patients in institutions are facing. Assisted by Edward Norton who is amazing in the lead role, Hoblit created a courtroom drama that’s engaging. As strong as Martin’s desire to win his courtroom case, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies about mental hospitals which audiences commonly embrace.

10. 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. In 2020, Aaron Sorkin recreated the trial with dedication in his movie “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. Sorkin used witty dialogue to capture hardships lawyers in a case are facing. Assisted by Eddie Redmayne who is excellent in the lead role, Sorkin honoured a trial. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a trial that isn’t historically accurate has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. A powerful tribute towards seven protestors that faced a courtroom trial in Chicago, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies about lawyers facing sorrow that I will forever treasure for motivating me to follow my dreams of film criticism many years ago.