Check out the best, between classics and current

The courts exert a fascination with the cinema. The trial environment has become time in one of the most interesting scenarios by condensing ethical dilemmas, political clashes and human dramas. Court films became a subgenre and revealed masterpieces involving defendants, lawyers, jurors and witnesses.

In this selection, we gathered titles ranging from absolute classics, such as Twelve men and a sentence e Prosecution witnessto contemporary productions like Argentina, 1985 e Jury No. 2. All works are available on streaming platforms. The list was organized from the oldest for the younger movies.

Twelve men and a sentence (1957)

The film directed by Sidney Lumet follows the fate of a young man accused of killing his father, submitted to a popular jury. Production takes place almost entirely in a room, where twelve men debate, vote and confront the defendant’s guilt or innocence. The strength of the work lies in the scenic simplicity and the power of dialogue, revealing prejudices, social tensions and the importance of doubt. Henry Fonda shines like the jury that faces the conviction of the others. The production received nominations to the Oscar for best film, direction and script adapted, without overcoming any of them. But he earned the gold bear in Berlin. The historical and cultural relevance of Twelve men and a sentence It consolidated it as a court films model.
Where to watch: Available for Rental at Prime Video and Apple TV+.

PRESENTERY WITNESS (1957)

Billy Wilder’s suspense is full of twists. A man is accused of murdering a rich lady, and the trial reveals secrets and contradictions that maintain tension until the last few minutes. The highlight is the performance of Charles Laughton as the veteran lawyer. Based on an Agatha Christie work, production was nominated for six Oscars, including better film and director. It did not win, but became a reference of the genre. Wilder’s ability to conduct agile dialogues and creating dense atmosphere makes the film an exercise of suspense.
Where to watch: Available at Prime Video and for Rental on Apple TV+.

Anatomy of a Crime (1959)

Director Otto Premingon innovated by addressing controversial themes with realism and frankness, putting in debate rape, violence and morality in the late 1950s. James Stewart plays lawyer Paul Biegler, who advocates a lieutenant accused of killing the man who would have raped his wife. The trial is filled with ambiguities, and raises ethical questions that leave the audience in constant doubt. Nominated for Sete Oscars, the feature was marked by the jazz soundtrack composed of Duke Ellington and Stewart’s magnetic performance. It is one of the most influential court films in film history.
Where to watch: Available for rental on Apple TV+ and Sony One from Prime Video.

Question of Honor (1992)

Rob Reiner’s work brings Tom Cruise as a young navy lawyer faces rigid hierarchies by investigating the death of a recruit in Guantanamo. The plot leads the viewer for a fight against military authoritarianism. The highlight is Jack Nicholson’s iconic scene, like Colonel Nathan Jessup, shouting “You couldn’t stand the truth!”, One of the most remembered moments of cinema. The film discusses ethics, discipline and loyalty, but especially the courage to challenge authorities. Indicated to four Oscars, including better movie, Matter of honor It consolidated Cruise as a dramatic actor.
Where to watch: Available for rent on Apple TV+, Google Play, Youtube and Prime Video.

Philadelphia (1993)

Production is one of the most important legal dramas in history and puts prejudice against homosexuals and people with HIV in the 1990s. Tom Hanks lives Andrew Beckett, a talented lawyer fired after his bosses discover his health condition. He decides to sue the company and finds support in Joe Miller, lived by Denzel Washington. The relationship between the protagonists is exciting and one of the strengths of the movie. Hanks won the Oscar for best actor, and the trail Streets of Philadelphiaby Bruce Springsteen, also led to the statuette.
Where to watch: Available in the play market and for rent in Prime Video, Youtube, Google Play and Apple TV+.

The Truth Price (2019)

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

OS 7 from Chicago (2020)

The film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin brings 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 the tension of court with political criticism. Nominated for six Oscars, the film was out of statuettes, But he beat the Golden Globe for best script. The plot is marked by the portrait 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 judgment of the Argentine military councils, 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 pressures. The film mixes judicial suspense and drama. He received the Golden Globe and the best film Goya, as well as an Oscar nomination of international film.
Where to watch: Prime Video.

Anatomy of a fall (2023)

The drama directed by Justine Triet accompanies Sandra, played by Sandra Hüller, accused of murdering her husband. Judgment exposes not only evidence but also the intimacy of a relationship. The film impresses with turning the court into a psychological debate stage, and plunging into family tensions. Anatomy of a fall It can be considered a contemporary milestone among court films.
Where to watch: Available for rental on Apple TV+, Prime Video, Light Video and Google Play.

Jury No. 2 (2024)

Director Clint Eastwood delivers a jury-centered legal thriller Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult), a journalist recovering from alcoholism who, when summoned for a homicide trial, is taken by a dilemma. Kemp himself may have caused the victim’s death. The plot gains strength as Justin questions his moral role: Should he manipulate the verdict to protect his family or risk everything revealing his own suspicion?
Where to watch: Available at HBO Max and for rent on Prime Video and Google Play.