10 Best Courtroom Drama Movies & TV Shows You Need to See
Courtroom dramas pull us into high-stakes battles where truth, justice, and human flaws collide. Whether on the big screen or TV, these stories of trials, lawyers, and moral dilemmas grip us with sharp dialogue and tense showdowns. From classic films to modern series, they shine for their emotional depth and clever storytelling.
I’ve picked 10 of the best courtroom dramas across movies and TV shows, each a standout for its craft, performances, and impact. Here they are, in no particular order, showcasing the power of the legal arena.
A Few Good Men (1992)
Rob Reiner’s film stars Tom Cruise as a Navy lawyer defending Marines, facing Jack Nicholson’s fierce colonel. The iconic ‘You can’t handle the truth!’ showdown electrifies. It grossed $243 million and earned four Oscar nods.
The sharp script and stellar cast deliver. It’s a gripping film that nails the tension of military justice.
12 Angry Men (1957)
Sidney Lumet’s classic follows Henry Fonda’s juror challenging a murder trial’s verdict in a hot deliberation room. The single-setting drama and tight dialogue stun. It was a critical hit despite modest box office.
Its raw focus on bias and reason shines. It’s a timeless movie that feels like a masterclass.
The Undoing (2020)
This HBO miniseries stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant in a murder trial unraveling a wealthy New York family. The twisty plot and glossy drama keep you hooked. It drew 12 million viewers per episode.
The strong performances and suspense stand out. It’s a sleek TV thriller with courtroom bite.
Primal Fear (1996)
Richard Gere plays a lawyer defending Edward Norton’s altar boy accused of murder in this film. Norton’s raw debut performance shocks. It grossed $102 million and earned an Oscar nod.
The clever twists and intense trial scenes deliver. It’s a film that keeps you guessing till the end.
The Good Wife (2009-2016)
This CBS series follows Julianna Margulies as a lawyer rebuilding her life after her husband’s scandal. The sharp cases and office politics grip across seven seasons. It averaged 10 million viewers.
Its smart writing and deep characters shine. It’s a TV staple for legal drama fans.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Joe Pesci’s loudmouthed lawyer defends his cousin in a small-town murder trial in this comedy film. Marisa Tomei’s Oscar-winning role adds spark. It grossed $64 million.
The hilarious yet sharp courtroom scenes stand out. It’s a film that balances laughs with legal thrills.
Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
Billy Wilder’s film stars Tyrone Power and Marlene Dietrich in a twisty London murder trial. The clever plot and surprise ending dazzle. It earned six Oscar nods.
Its tight script and stellar acting shine. It’s a classic movie that redefined courtroom surprises.
Law & Order (1990-2010, 2022-)
This NBC series, created by Dick Wolf, follows detectives and prosecutors in New York trials. Its ripped-from-headlines cases and iconic ‘dun-dun’ sound hooked viewers. It averaged 15 million viewers at its peak.
The gritty realism and rotating cast deliver. It’s a TV legend that shaped legal dramas.
Philadelphia (1993)
Tom Hanks plays a lawyer fighting wrongful termination in this film, with Denzel Washington defending him. The emotional AIDS-related trial hit hard. It grossed $206 million and won two Oscars.
Its heartfelt story and powerful performances stand out. It’s a movie that blends justice with humanity.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Robert Mulligan’s film stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch defending a Black man in a racist 1930s town. The moral weight and courtroom scenes inspire. It won three Oscars and grossed $13 million.
Peck’s iconic role and timeless themes shine. It’s a film that’s both a legal and moral classic.
Which courtroom drama is your favorite, or did I miss one you’d argue for? Let us know in the comments!