5 Gripping Courtroom Dramas To Watch This Weekend

by Lewis Robinson

Courtroom dramas are so exciting to watch because they have it all – suspense and surprises, twists and turns, corruption and greed– what more could you ask for in a weekend (or even weeknight) binge? Start popping the popcorn, here are five fan-favorite courtroom dramas to check out on your next night in.

1. Legally Blonde

This one may catch some viewers by surprise as it centers around the bubbly blonde Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), who does not look or act like a typical defense lawyer. She studies hard and gets into Harvard to impress her ex-boyfriend, and ends up on the defense team of the most high-profile case in the country. Legally Blonde also portrays the pressures and issues that come with being a law student, so there is some extra meat for those of you who love all things law-related. The climactic scene at the end of the trial where Elle cross-examines the witness is literal trial perfection; a must-watch for all who can't get enough of courtroom juiciness. 

2. The People Vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

This hidden gem on Netflix (originally on FX) is so binge-able that it can be finished in one sitting. The 10-episode series stars Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark and Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden who are co-prosecutors for the case against the legendary criminal law attorneys Jonnie Cochran (Courtney B. Vance) and Robert Shapiro (John Travolta). Because everything portrayed actually happened to one extent or another (some things are, of course, dramatized for the sake of television), true crime junkies will adore this one. 

3. 12 Angry Men

This classic should make it on everyone's weekend watch list. This one is especially unique because most of the drama here actually occurs behind the scenes during jury deliberations, where one holdout (Juror #8 played by Henry Fonda) tries to get the rest of the group to open their minds and look at the possibility that there may be more to this case than meets the eye. 12 Angry Men is a fascinating look at how preconceived notions and prejudices influence a lot of our decisions, both in the courtroom and out. 

4. Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind is also based on true events– the Scopes Monkey Trials. This version takes some liberties with the real-life characters; it features Spencer Tracy playing Harry Drummond and Fredric March as Matthew Harrison Brady. Both of these players are fictionalized versions of their true life counterparts, but the subject of the trial remains the same– they are challenging the bill that prohibits the teaching of evolution in public schools. At the time this was an extremely controversial idea, and so tempers and passions were at an all-time high. Basically, the perfect ingredients for a riveting courtroom drama. 

5. My Cousin Vinny

This one is on the lighter side, but still packs all the excitement that makes a courtroom drama so watchable. Vinny (Joe Pesci) is an inexperienced lawyer who just passed his bar exam after several failed attempts, and he has the difficult task of defending his cousins who are on trial for a murder they did not commit. Though perhaps Marisa Tomei as Mona Lisa Vito steals the show here, wowing everyone with her extensive automotive knowledge and winning a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role. If you need a little comic relief after these more serious suggestions, but you're still in a courtroom mood, My Cousin Vinny is a perfect choice. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you're into serious nail-biting drama or more lighthearted excitement, this list of courtroom dramas has something for everyone to enjoy.