check out the best, including classics and current ones

Courts have a fascination in cinema. The trial environment has transformed over time into one of the most interesting scenarios, condensing ethical dilemmas, political clashes and human dramas. Courtroom films became a sub-genre and revealed masterpieces involving defendants, lawyers, jurors and witnesses.

In this selection, we have brought together titles ranging from absolute classics, such as Twelve Angry Men e Witness for the Prosecutionto contemporary productions such as Argentina, 1985 e Jury #2. All works are available on streaming platforms. The list was organized from oldest to newest films.

Twelve Angry Oceans (1957)

The film directed by Sidney Lumet follows the fate of a young man accused of killing his father, subjected to a popular jury. The production takes place almost entirely in one room, where twelve men debate, vote and confront each other over the defendant’s guilt or innocence. The strength of the work lies in its scenic simplicity and the power of dialogue, revealing prejudices, social tensions and the importance of doubt. Henry Fonda shines as the juror who faces the conviction of others. The production received Oscar nominations for Best Film, Direction and Adapted Screenplay, without winning any of them. But he won the Golden Bear in Berlin. The historical and cultural relevance of Twelve Angry Men established him as a model for courtroom films.
Where to watch: available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

The thriller directed by Billy Wilder is full of twists and turns. A man is accused of murdering a rich lady, and the trial reveals secrets and contradictions that maintain the tension until the last minutes. The highlight is Charles Laughton’s performance as the veteran lawyer. Based on a work by Agatha Christie, the production was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Film and Director. It didn’t win, but it became a reference for the genre. Wilder’s ability to conduct agile dialogues and create a dense atmosphere makes the film an exercise in suspense.
Where to watch: available on Prime Video and for rental on Apple TV+.

Anatomy of a Crime (1959)

Director Otto Preminger innovated by approaching controversial themes with realism and frankness, bringing rape, violence and morality into debate at the end of the 1950s. James Stewart plays lawyer Paul Biegler, who defends a lieutenant accused of killing the man who allegedly raped his wife. The trial is full of ambiguities, and raises ethical questions that leave the audience in constant doubt. Nominated for seven Oscars, the film was marked by the jazz soundtrack composed by Duke Ellington and Stewart’s magnetic performance. It is one of the most influential courtroom films in cinema history.
Where to watch: available to rent on Apple TV+ and Sony One from Prime Video.

Question of Honor (1992)

The work directed by Rob Reiner stars Tom Cruise as a young Navy lawyer who faces strict hierarchies when investigating the death of a recruit at Guantánamo. The plot takes the viewer through a fight against military authoritarianism. The highlight is the iconic scene of Jack Nicholson, as Colonel Nathan Jessup, shouting “You couldn’t handle the truth!”, one of the most remembered moments in cinema. The film discusses ethics, discipline and loyalty, but above all the courage to challenge authorities. Nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Question of Honor established Cruise as a dramatic actor.
Where to watch: available to rent on Apple TV+, Google Play, YouTube and Prime Video.

Philadelphia (1993)

The production is one of the most important legal dramas in history and puts prejudice against homosexuals and people with HIV in the 90s in court. Tom Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a talented lawyer fired after his bosses discovered his health condition. He decides to sue the company and finds support in Joe Miller, played by Denzel Washington. The relationship between the protagonists is exciting and one of the film’s strengths. Hanks won the Oscar for Best Actor, and the soundtrack Streets of Philadelphiaby Bruce Springsteen, also took the statuette.
Where to watch: available on Mercado Play and for rent on Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play and Apple TV+.

The Price of Truth (2019)

The film, inspired by the true story of lawyer Robert Bilott, played by Mark Ruffalo, shows the fight against one of the largest chemical corporations in the USA, accused of poisoning communities with toxic waste. The production reveals the protagonist’s personal sacrifices in the name of justice, facing years of legal battles. The work stands out for its social relevance and legal realism that gave it reference status among contemporary court films.
Where to watch: available on Netflix and for rent on Prime Video, YouTube, Globoplay, Apple TV+ and Google Play.

The Chicago 7 (2020)

The film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin features the trial of protesters accused of conspiracy after protests against the Vietnam War in 1968. The cast features Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen, and the plot balances courtroom tension with political criticism. Nominated for six Oscars, the film was left without statuettes, but won the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. The plot is marked by the portrayal of state repression and the value of civic resistance.
Where to watch: Netflix.

Argentina, 1985 (2022)

The production directed by Santiago Miter dramatizes the historic trial of the Argentine military junta, an event that marked the country’s redemocratization. Ricardo Darín plays prosecutor Julio Strassera, accompanied by Luis Moreno Ocampo (Peter Lanzani), in a process full of threats and political pressure. The film mixes judicial suspense and drama. It received the Golden Globe and Goya for Best Film, as well as being nominated for an Oscar for International Film.
Where to watch: Prime Video.

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

The drama directed by Justine Triet follows Sandra, played by Sandra Hüller, accused of murdering her husband. The trial exposes not only the evidence, but also the intimacy of a relationship. The film impresses by transforming the court into a stage for psychological debate, in addition to delving into family tensions. Anatomy of a Fall can be considered a contemporary landmark among courtroom films.
Where to watch: available for rental on Apple TV+, Prime Video, Claro Video and Google Play.

Jury No. 2 (2024)

Director Clint Eastwood delivers a legal thriller centered on juror Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult), a journalist recovering from alcoholism who, when called to a murder trial, finds himself overcome by a dilemma. Kemp himself may have caused the victim’s death. The plot gains momentum as Justin questions his moral role: should he manipulate the verdict to protect his family or risk everything by revealing his own suspicion?
Where to watch: available on HBO Max and for rental on Prime Video and Google Play.