Movies on Law & Justice

The law and justice subgenre may not be the biggest in Hollywood, but it is one that stood the test of time with these classics. Law and justice films — whether they’re set solely in a courtroom or are sprawling thrillers — have been dominating Hollywood for years. From political contexts to social justice, many films make it big because of actors, directors, or plots, and these are the films that stick out among the rest and remain timeless and influential masterpieces. Some incredibly influential movies about law and justice include

The Accused (1988)

With Jodie Foster and Kelly McGillis, this is one of the most powerful female-led justice movies out there, and is beyond impressive for a movie from the late ’80s – a time when legal dramas and thrillers were the norm.  A young woman, Sarah Tobias, suffers a terrible gang rape and Deputy District Attorney Kathryn Murphy (Kelly McGillis) must bring all those involved to justice despite how stacked the cards seem to be. Jodie Foster took home an Oscar for her role as Sarah, but there is much more to celebrate about this film. The Accused influenced the role of justice, sex, and gender when it comes to Hollywood legal dramas in more ways than one.

Philadelphia (1993)

This movie stars Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, and is directed by Jonathan Demme. It follows Andy Beckett (Hanks), who is HIV positive and is subsequently fired from his law firm because of it. After being turned down by many lawyers, Andy has no choice but to go to the initially homophobic Joe Miller (Washington). Together, they form an unlikely friendship and bring Andy’s former employers to task. This ’90s drama is definitely a hidden gem, and received two Oscars. In tackling heavy themes of sexuality, justice, prejudice, and law, Philadelphia is certainly a must-see when it comes to influential and unique movies of this genre.

In The Name of the Father (1993)

Based on a tragic true story, Daniel Day-Lewis takes the lead as Gerry Conlon in this biography drama that takes place during a difficult period in Ireland’s history. Five Irish men are coerced by British authorities into confessing their alleged involvement in a Provisional IRA bombing, which ends up imprisoning them all – including Gerry and his father. An English lawyer tries to free them and clear their names. This movie burst onto the movie scene for being so powerful in its political context, acting roles, and mesmerizing tale about justice. With seven Oscar nominations, director Jim Sheridan created a hugely influential piece through In The Name Of The Father.

To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

This movie is based on the classic novel by Harper Lee of the same name. Directed by Robert Mulligan, this Oscar-winning movie stars Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, and Robert Duvall. In a time of civil unrest, a white lawyer defends a Black man against a rape charge all while he tries to raise his curios children right. Taking place in the south during the heights of the Great Depression, To Kill A Mockingbird is about the difficult relationship between race and justice, and offers a unique tale of family and youth as well. This courtroom drama is much more than a simple courtroom drama, and deserves an immediate watch due to its lasting relevance.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

This prison drama is not just one of the most famous examples of the law and justice subgenre, but one of the most famous films made as well. With Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, Frank Darabont directs this intriguing and unique drama about life in prison. In The Shawshank Redemption, two very different men bond behind bars, trying to find redemption within themselves and within the system, among an environment that doesn’t allow for much. Based on the novel by Stephen King of the same name, this ’90s movie was way ahead of its time, and is a film that must be watched when discussing justice movies.

Source: https://screenrant.com/law-justice-courtroom-drama-movies-imdb-best/