Who doesn't love a good movie night? Whether it be heading out for a night at the movie theater to enjoy that big screen, or popping a bowl of popcorn and snuggling on the couch, a movie makes for some wonderful entertainment. Many of us at Sarah's Law Firm love a good movie, so we rounded up some great legal themed movies you may want to add to your watch list for your next movie night.
1. 12 Angry Men
12 Angry Men is a 1957 black and white film based on Reginald Rose’s acclaimed stage play. The film chronicles the deliberations of a jury in a death penalty case. A single juror expresses his doubts about what the rest of the jury believes at first to be an open-and-shut prosecution. It looks at the prejudices, prejudgments, and personal psychological baggage these selected men have brought into a life-or-death debate over the fate of a young defendant. 12 Angry Men was nominated for three Oscars.
2. The Post
The Post is a 2017 film featuring two mega-stars of the screen, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. The story, based on true events, follows Washington Post publisher Kay Graham as she decides to publish the leaked Pentagon Papers, despite the government's wishes. We know from history that the Supreme Court ruled the government could not block publication of its contents, but the drama that director Steven Spielberg creates in that final Supreme Court scene is reason enough to watch.
3. RGB
RGB is a good pick for documentary fans. The 2018 documentary covers the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is the second female justice to be confirmed to the supreme court and one of only four female justices to be confirmed. The film highlights not only the rise of her career, but also gives a look into her personal life.
4. Erin Brockovich
Erin Brockovich is a film most Julia Roberts fans know because she won her first Oscar for playing the lead role of Erin, a spirited real life investigator. In the film, the single mom trying to get by takes a job at a law firm and uncovers a serious water contamination case. Her findings helped win a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit, one of the biggest in history.
5. Chicago
Love a good musical number? Then you might enjoy the film version of the classic vaudeville style musical Chicago. With the film's big production numbers, it's easy to forget that at its heart, Chicago is all about the women on trial for murder and the sleazy yet charming lawyer played by Richard Gere that represents them. There's rarely singing and dancing in a courtroom, but the film is an Oscar winner nonetheless.
6. Miracle on 34th Street
Missing the holidays? Find Santa on trial in Miracle on 34th Street, a feel-good classic. A man named Kris Kringle goes on trial to prove his identity as Santa Clause to the world. The film was made to inspire joy and was a success, winning three Oscars, a remake, and many stage adaptations.
7. A Few Good Men
Most know the iconic line, "You can't handle the truth!" that came from A Few Good Men. A 1992 legal thriller where a Navy lawyer, played by Tom Cruise, is appointed to defend two marines who have been court-marshaled for the murder of a fellow Marine at the US Navy’s Guantanamo Bay, Cuba base. Jack Nicholson stars as Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, who utters that iconic cinematic line.
8. Legally Blonde
If you are in need of some silly humor and satire, and have somehow not watched it yet, you may enjoy Legally Blonde. Starring Reese Witherspoon as the iconic Elle Woods. The movie follows Elle Woods as she leaves her Cali sorority lifestyle to follow her ex-boyfriend to law school. What begins as a chase to prove she's good enough for her ex quickly turn into a chase to win a big case and become the best lawyer she can be. Catch up now because as any fan will tell you, there has been a surprise announcement that Elle Woods will be back in a third Legally Blonde movie.
9. To Kill a Mockingbird
No law movie list is complete without the classic film version of the book we all read in high school English, Harper Lee's, To Kill a Mockingbird. If you haven't looked at the story since school, it may be time to give it another chance, especially since you can now stream the film on Netflix. If you somehow skipped reading the novel, the story is about lawyer Atticus Fitch being tasked to defend his African-American neighbor Boo Radley, who was falsely accused of rape. The movie was set in the Depression era, but still has many relevant messages.
Have a favorite legal movie we should add to our watch list? Let us know in the comments!
