Best Movies and Shows That Showcase the Law and Justice System

Best Movies & Shows About The Law: More Gripping Than Real Life (Probably)

Lights, camera, justice! We are obsessed with the legal world, right? High stakes, courtroom drama, and intellectual challenges keep us hooked. Hollywood feeds this fascination, offering captivating legal dramas. We have a guide to the best movies and shows about law. Guaranteed to entertain you. Forget jury duty. Enjoy gavel-to-gavel thrills without lawyer fees.

Courtroom Dramas: Where the Magic Happens

Courtroom drama feels like gladiators at work. Words are weapons, and verdicts can change lives. Feel the tension with these classics.

• "12 Angry Men (1957)": Imagine being stuck in a hot jury room. Eleven men believe in guilt, while you doubt. Sidney Lumet's debut is suspenseful, confined to that jury room. Based on Reginald Rose's teleplay, it examines prejudice and doubt. This film shows justice isn't blind. Twelve opinionated people may need a closer look.
• "To Kill a Mockingbird": "In our courts, all men are created equal." Gregory Peck, as Atticus Finch, says these words that resonate. This iconic film is a must. Finch acts as a moral compass in Alabama, defending a wrongly accused Black man. The story covers courage, justice, and uncomfortable truths of prejudice.

Legal TV Series: Binge-Worthy Justice

Want your legal fix in episodic form? TV brings many hits in legal genre, shows that keep you hooked weekly or bingeable.

• "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit": Let’s be honest, SVU isn't just a show; it's a cultural phenomenon. Certainly, it may surpass the original "Law & Order" in fan base. Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson is iconic. For ripped-from-the-headlines crime drama with legal content, SVU is your go-to marathon.
• "Suits": Sharp suits and sharp minds. Corporate backstabbing fills the screen. "Suits" serves pure escapist legal drama in high-stakes corporate law. Harvey Specter and Mike Ross are ideal allies (unless you're against them, then you'd sweat). Critics rate it highly with a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
• "The Lincoln Lawyer": Interested in an underdog story? Mickey Haller works from his Lincoln Town Car, blurring right and wrong in Los Angeles legal life. With an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score, it's clear critics and audiences love it.
• "Boston Legal" (2004 – 2008): Quirky and funny yet poignant, "Boston Legal" gave us Alan Shore and Denny Crane, two unforgettable lawyers. Expect legal brilliance with eccentric antics and powerful social commentary.
• "The Good Wife" (2009 – 2016): More than a legal drama, "The Good Wife" shows resilience and reinvention. Alicia Florrick emerges from her husband's shadow into Chicago law's competitive environment. Personal scandal becomes a career motivator. It portrays legal practice accurately.
• "Goliath" (2016 – 2021): Billy Bob Thornton as a struggling lawyer seeking redemption? Yes! "Goliath" showcases dark sides of corporations and brave lawyers who challenge them. It’s an intense legal thriller with depth.
• "Matlock" (1986 – 1995): A charming folksy lawyer. Andy Griffith plays Ben Matlock, the unassuming Southern lawyer who always wins in court. "Matlock" offers predictable yet satisfying television with legal twists.
• "Reasonable Doubt" (Since 2022), "All Rise" (2019 – 2023), "Partner Track" (2022), "Perry Mason (HBO)": Newer entries in legal TV offer fresh perspectives. HBO’s "Perry Mason" tells the lawyer's origin story set in 1930s Los Angeles. "Reasonable Doubt", "All Rise", and "Partner Track" tackle modern legal issues with diverse casts.
• More Legal TV Gems: Delve into shows like "L.A. Law", "Conviction", "Major Crimes", "Philly", and "Raising the Bar". Each offers different flavors of legal storytelling from glitzy firms to gritty criminal defense.

Legal Movies on Netflix: Streamlined Justice

Netflix offers thrilling legal movies. Perfect for when you want justice served with popcorn.

• Netflix's Female Lawyer Lineup: Netflix highlights female lawyers with "Mea Culpa", "A Fall from Grace", and "The Law According to Lidia Poët". Strong women take charge in court! We're excited.
• "Your Honor": Bryan Cranston as a judge who compromises everything to protect his son? "Your Honor" is full of moral dilemmas. One bad choice leads to lies and cover-ups. Even those who enforce the law face unmanageable challenges.

Movies Based on True Stories: Justice is Stranger Than Fiction

Unbelievable legal dramas often stem from real headlines. These films depict true cases, showing truth can rival fiction.

• "The Hurricane": Denzel Washington shines as Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, wrongly convicted of murder. This powerful story depicts injustice and the fight for freedom against a flawed system. Expect a moving yet infuriating watch.
• "On the Basis of Sex": Before being a Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for gender equality as a lawyer. This film traces her early career and landmark cases that helped women's rights emerge. A must-see for those believing in justice.
• "Erin Brockovich": Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her role as the determined Erin Brockovich, battling a corporate giant polluting a community’s water supply. This feel-good drama shows an ordinary woman fighting for justice without needing a law degree.

Movies About Law School: The Grind Before the Glory

Ever wondered what law school demands? Hollywood gives glimpses through sometimes hilarious journeys to becoming lawyers.

• "Legally Blonde": Law school may not feel like a runway, yet "Legally Blonde" is pure fun. Elle Woods goes from underestimated sorority girl to Harvard Law student. It proves intelligence and pink stilettos go together. This feel-good movie inspires defying expectations and finding your own path.

Movies Featuring Lawyers/Judges: Legal Characters We Love

From heroes to anti-heroes, lawyers and judges make fascinating characters in films. Here are notable ones:

• "Roman J. Israel, Esq.": Denzel Washington plays a unique lawyer who must confront a modern legal system. "Roman J. Israel, Esq." explores idealism amid Los Angeles law challenges.
• "The Hammer": Reba McEntire stars as a judge in Nevada. This film lightens the legal genre while focusing on character and humor. It’s a fun watch reuniting Reba with her "Reba" co-star Melissa Peterman.
• "Marshall": Before becoming a Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall was
• A fearless lawyer fights for civil rights. "Marshall" highlights one of his early cases. It shows his brilliance and determination against prejudice.
• "Laws of Attraction": Legal rom-com alert! Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore play rival divorce lawyers who fall in love. This film is a charming take on love amid litigation.

Dystopian Legal Themes: When Law Goes Wrong

Dystopian movies present a darker view of the law. They explore the consequences when the legal system fails.

• "The Purge": Picture a world where crime is legal for 12 hours. "The Purge" examines social order and violence when laws are suspended. Not feel-good viewing, but certainly thought-provoking.
• "The Binge": In a world where drugs are illegal, there’s one day a year when anything goes. "The Binge" is a dark comedy that flips prohibition and shows the effects of extreme legal control.

Accurate Legal Shows: Realism in the Courtroom

For realism in legal drama, these shows excel at portraying the legal profession.

• Accurate Legal TV: "Matlock", "The Practice", "The Good Wife", "Better Call Saul", "Goliath", and "For Life" are known for their realistic depictions of legal procedures and courtroom dynamics. They provide entertainment while informing viewers.

Judge Shows: Justice, Reality TV Style

Reality TV merges with the courtroom in judge shows. These offers quick-fix justice and outrageous disputes.

• "Judge Judy": The queen of courtroom reality. Judge Judy Sheindlin’s sharp wit made "Judge Judy" a 25-season institution. From neighbor squabbles to strange business deals, she delivers tough justice. Entertainment guaranteed.

Movies About Jury Duty: The Citizen's Legal Obligation (and Opportunity?)

Jury duty can be dreaded, but Hollywood finds drama in it.

• "12 Angry Men" (again!): Yes, "12 Angry Men" returns. It is not only a courtroom drama; it’s a masterclass in jury deliberation. It depicts the power and responsibility of jurors.

Documentaries Related to Law: The Real Legal World

Legal documentaries explore the justice system's impact on society.

• "13th": Ava DuVernay's documentary "13th" examines race and mass incarceration in the U.S. It's a sobering film that highlights systemic issues within the American legal system.

FBI Related Shows: Law Enforcement in Action

FBI dramas feature legal processes and investigations, providing a different angle on justice.

• "FEDs": "FEDs" provides an inside look at the real FBI world. Active agents share their experiences and dramatic cases. It offers a behind-the-scenes view of federal law enforcement.

Movies About a Prosecutor: The Other Side of Justice

While we often focus on defense lawyers, prosecutors have compelling stories too.

• "Diary of a Prosecutor": This film shows a prosecutor's life. It highlights the pressures and ethical challenges they face. A different perspective on the legal system emerges from those who seek justice.

Your ultimate legal movie and show watchlist awaits. Whether for courtroom theatrics, complex characters, or exploring justice, there’s something here for every enthusiast. Grab your popcorn and prepare to be legally entertained!