The best law-related movies, series, documentaries & podcasts

I think what truly sparked my interest in legal thinking, was my engagement with stories that bring the courtroom to life. Whether through news articles, films, series, documentaries, or podcasts, media can serve as an accessible and enriching guide to law.

Thus, this article aims to present you my personal curated selection of the most compelling content across different formats to entertain, inform, and inspire anyone interested in law.

Movies that will encapsulate you

Legally Blonde (1 & 2) – A lighthearted but inspiring story about Elle Woods, who breaks stereotypes and proves that brilliance and beauty can coexist at Harvard Law.
12 Angry Men (1957) – A masterclass in deliberation and justice inside the jury room.
A Few Good Men (1992) – Military ethics and moral courage collide in a courtroom thriller.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) – Moral integrity in the face of racial injustice.
The Verdict (1982) – Redemption through a malpractice case.
Erin Brockovich (2000) – True story of environmental justice led by a non-lawyer.
Michael Clayton (2007) – Corporate law meets personal conscience.
My Cousin Vinny (1992) – Comedy meets surprising legal accuracy.
Marshall (2017) – Early years of future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Anatomy of a Murder (1959) – A cerebral courtroom chess match.

Courtroom series you’ll love

For those who prefer serialized stories, these shows capture the complexities of legal life, from power struggles to moral dilemmas:

Suits – Stylish, witty, and addictive. Legal drama with flair.
The Good Wife – A powerful woman rebuilds her legal career amid scandal.
Better Call Saul – From con-man to morally torn attorney. Brilliant character study.
How to Get Away with Murder – Dark, twist-filled legal thriller.
Boston Legal – Eccentric and intelligent take on courtroom battles.
The Practice – A gritty and realistic portrayal of legal defense work.
For the People – Young lawyers navigate the SDNY federal court.
Damages – Power, corruption, and psychological warfare in the legal world.
The Lincoln Lawyer – Mobile lawyering meets courtroom intrigue.
Your Honor – A judge’s personal conflict with justice and family.

Documentaries that should get more recognition

13th – Mass incarceration and systemic racism through a constitutional lens.
The Trial of the Chicago 8 – Real footage of a historic political trial.
Depp v. Heard – Media, defamation, and the trial that divided the internet.
Making a Murderer – A chilling case of wrongful conviction and police misconduct.
The Staircase – Two decades of courtroom drama and doubt.
The Central Park Five – Racial injustice and a tragic miscarriage of justice.
The Jinx – A rich man’s confessions—and chilling consequences.
Amanda Knox – When public opinion becomes part of the trial.
The Family I Had – Juvenile justice and the human cost of crime.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story – Pretrial detention and the brutal cost of waiting for justice.

Legal podcasts for curious minds

The Law Show (BBC Sounds) – Accessible, intelligent coverage of legal systems and issues.
More Perfect – The history and significance of U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Legal Wars – The drama behind real courtroom showdowns.
Lawfare Podcast – National security, tech, and law intersect in thoughtful conversations.
Amicus – Supreme Court coverage with a progressive legal lens.
Thinking Like a Lawyer – Legal culture and current events with humor and insight.

These films, shows, documentaries, and podcasts provide great insights into the justice systems and the minds of those who navigate them. They are excellent guides for students, aspiring lawyers, or anyone curious about how the law shapes our world – and how we shape it in return.

Trust me, things are about to get even more interesting.