2008 Woodie Awards
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May the record reflect: essential films
Pulse rounds up the best courtroom dramas and comedies
by Tiffany Reagan | Associate Pulse Editor
Over the years, the courtroom has become a powerful backdrop for film dramas and comedies alike. Some of the most iconic pop culture references have come from movies about law. (Think: "You can't handle the truth!") As a student of law, you should get to know the greats.
In no particular order, here are the best films every law student should see:
TOP JUDICIARY DRAMAS
"Inherit the Wind" (1960) - Starring Spencer Tracy, the film is based on the 1925 Scopes monkey trial. The best part is when Tracy calls his star witness: the opposing lawyer. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and two Golden Globes.
"Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979) - Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep star in this drama about divorce and custody battles. Although the family drama is intense, there are also some great laughs. It won five Academy Awards and four Golden Globes.
"Runaway Jury" (2003) - Starring John Cusack, Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman, this surprising and suspenseful drama is the best courtroom film of this century. The plot is intense and clever, and the acting is spot-on. It is based on a John Grisham novel of the same name.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) - The film, starring Gregory Peck, is based on the timeless book that chronicles racial prejudice in the deep South. Peck's character faces tension in his small town and defends a black man accused of rape. It won three Academy Awards and was nominated for five more.
"Erin Brockovich" (2000) - This film is the ultimate underdog story. Julia Roberts stars in the Academy Award-winning movie about a single mother who brings down a California power company with a $28 billion settlement. The film is based on the real-life legal clerk Brockovich.
"A Few Good Men" (1992) - The military courtroom drama features outstanding performances by Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore. It's a clever and interesting look into the Naval courtroom and deals with very poignant issues like torture. It was nominated for four Academy Awards.
In no particular order, here are the best films every law student should see:
TOP JUDICIARY DRAMAS
"Inherit the Wind" (1960) - Starring Spencer Tracy, the film is based on the 1925 Scopes monkey trial. The best part is when Tracy calls his star witness: the opposing lawyer. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and two Golden Globes.
"Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979) - Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep star in this drama about divorce and custody battles. Although the family drama is intense, there are also some great laughs. It won five Academy Awards and four Golden Globes.
"Runaway Jury" (2003) - Starring John Cusack, Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman, this surprising and suspenseful drama is the best courtroom film of this century. The plot is intense and clever, and the acting is spot-on. It is based on a John Grisham novel of the same name.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) - The film, starring Gregory Peck, is based on the timeless book that chronicles racial prejudice in the deep South. Peck's character faces tension in his small town and defends a black man accused of rape. It won three Academy Awards and was nominated for five more.
"Erin Brockovich" (2000) - This film is the ultimate underdog story. Julia Roberts stars in the Academy Award-winning movie about a single mother who brings down a California power company with a $28 billion settlement. The film is based on the real-life legal clerk Brockovich.
"A Few Good Men" (1992) - The military courtroom drama features outstanding performances by Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore. It's a clever and interesting look into the Naval courtroom and deals with very poignant issues like torture. It was nominated for four Academy Awards.
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