Top 10 Courtroom Dramas to Watch

Description: Set almost entirely in a jury room, this film follows the deliberation of 12 jurors who must decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. It's a masterclass in character development and the power of persuasion.

Fact: The film was shot in just 19 days, and the original script was written by Reginald Rose for a television play.

Description: This classic courtroom drama involves a lawyer defending a man accused of murder who claims temporary insanity. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of legal proceedings and its influence on future courtroom dramas.

Fact: The film was controversial for its time due to its frank discussion of sexual assault and its use of the word "panties" in court, which was considered quite bold.

Description: Based on Harper Lee's novel, this film features Atticus Finch, a small-town lawyer, defending a black man accused of raping a white woman in the Deep South. It's a poignant examination of racial injustice and moral integrity.

Fact: Gregory Peck won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Atticus Finch.

Description: Paul Newman stars as a washed-up lawyer who takes on a medical malpractice case to redeem himself. The film delves into themes of redemption, justice, and the personal cost of fighting for what's right.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Newman.

Description: This film revolves around a military lawyer defending two U.S. Marines charged with the murder of a fellow Marine. The courtroom scenes are intense, with memorable lines and a gripping climax that explores themes of duty, honor, and truth.

Fact: The famous line "You can't handle the truth!" was improvised by Jack Nicholson during filming.

Description: Tom Hanks stars as a lawyer with AIDS who sues his firm for wrongful dismissal. The film tackles issues of discrimination, homophobia, and the AIDS crisis, making it a landmark in cinema for its portrayal of these themes.

Fact: This was the first mainstream Hollywood film to address AIDS, and Tom Hanks won an Academy Award for his performance.

Description: Edward Norton stars as an altar boy accused of murdering an archbishop, with Richard Gere as his defense attorney. The film is full of twists and turns, exploring themes of innocence, guilt, and manipulation.

Fact: Edward Norton received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his debut role.

Description: Matt Damon plays a young, idealistic lawyer taking on a powerful insurance company. The film, based on a John Grisham novel, showcases the struggle of the underdog against corporate giants.

Fact: This was the last film directed by Francis Ford Coppola before he took a break from filmmaking.

Description: Julia Roberts plays a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply. It's a story of determination and the fight against corporate greed.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role.

Description: Matthew McConaughey plays a slick defense attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car. The film explores the complexities of the legal system through a series of interconnected cases.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Michael Connelly, who is known for his detailed portrayal of legal proceedings.