In 2024, Clint Eastwood released his latest film,Juror #2, and after watching it, audiences may be eager to find even more legal dramas, courtroom thrillers, and movies withmorally gray protagonists. Released in October 2024,Juror #2follows Justin, a man who is called away from his pregnant wife to serve jury duty. Despite his best attempts, he is ultimately chosen for the trial. However, the situation goes haywire when Justin realizes that the case he is trying may have more to do with him than he thought. In fact, he might be the killer.
Juror #2harks back tothe classic courtroom drama movie. There is mystery, deception, and tense discussions that will make audiences question their own ideas of justice. In particular,Juror #2’sstrength comes from the moral conundrum at the heart of the film. Justin must decide whether it is better for him to come forward as the murderer, which would prevent an innocent man from going to jail, or if he should save himself and his family. With Nicholas Hoult as the lead and Eastwood behind the camera, this film has plenty to offer in a neat, straightforward package.
The Judge
Cast
In the 2014 drama The Judge, Robert Downey Jr. stars as successful lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his hometown to defend his estranged father, Joseph Palmer (Robert Duvall), a judge accused of murder. Vera Farmiga, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jeremy Strong, Dax Shepard, Billy Bob Thornton, and Leighton Meester round out the rest of the main cast.
One positive ofJuror #2is its star-studded cast, including Hoult, Toni Collette, Chris Messina, Gabriel Basso, and Zoey Deutch. Another legal drama with a similarly stacked cast is 2014’sThe Judge.Starring Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, and Jeremy Strong, this movie follows a talented yet suspect lawyer who returns to his hometown to attend his mother’s funeral. He soon begins to butt heads with his judge father, but their situation changes when his father is charged with a hit-and-run.The lawyer decides to defend his father, despite their disagreements.
The Judgeis far from being the best courtroom drama out there, but it definitely still has its strengths. Despite having a 49% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences have lauded the film for having a heartwarming story and amazing performances, especially from RDJ.LikeJuror #2, The Judgemerges justice with family,making for a complicated tale that brings into question what is right and what is good.
The Menu
A darkly comedic horror-thriller, The Menu focuses on a group of diners invited to a high-end restaurant on a private island by one of the world’s greatest chefs. Shortly after arriving on the island, Margot Mills begins to realize something is strange beyond the perceived pompous nature of the menu. Her suspicions are confirmed when the night turns deadly as the restaurant staff begins to descend into a cult-like madness.
Though not a legal drama, another great movie to watch afterJuror #2isThe Menu.This horror comedy follows a couple who dine at an isolated yet world-famous restaurantalongside other wealthy customers. Preparing themselves for good food and a fancy experience, neither of them are ready for the horrors that await them, as they soon discover that the head chef is as violent as he is brilliant.
Nosferatu
Thomas
The main reason to watchThe MenuafterJuror #2is because it offers yet another outstanding performanceby Hoult. InJuror #2,Hoult embodies the everyday modern man; he is kind, respectful, and generally normal with just a splash of goofiness. However, inThe Menu,Hoult ramps up his wacky nature, leading to an extra entertaining experience. Plus,The Menuhas just as much tensionasJuror #2,if not more, as it combines morality with horror.
Primal Fear
Primal Fear follows a prestigious attorney who defends a young altar boy accused of murdering a bishop. As the case unfolds, the attorney discovers hidden complexities, calling into question the boy’s involvement and suggesting the possible presence of a third party during the crime.
Courtroom dramas have been a staple movie genrefor decades, but some of the best came in the 1990s. One example is the 1996 film,Primal Fear.The movie follows Martin Vail, a defense attorney who typically picks cases based on money and reputation. Yet,he soon finds himself controversially defending an altar boy accused of murdering the archbishopof Chicago. On top of that, he is pitted against his former pupil and ex-lover. Thus, Vail gets pulled deeper and deeper into this dark and twisted case.
Once again, this is a legal drama that is bolstered by its incredible cast.Primal Fearstars Richard Gere as Vail, alongside Laura Linney, Edward Norton, Jon Seda, and Maura Tierney. Beyond that,Primal Fearis perfect for those who love a haunting plot full of unexpected turns.Though the movie can occasionally feel like it’s pulling in too many unnecessary directions, the final product is one that is entertaining and quite satisfying.
Just Mercy
Just Mercy is a historical drama film that tells the true story of young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Bryan decides to skip the lucrative job opportunities offered to him. Instead, he heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned, with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley.
For those who like their legal movies more hopeful than horrifying,Just Mercymay be just the right movie to check out. Based on a true story,this movie follows lawyer Bryan Stevenson as he dedicates himself to defending criminals who have been wrongly condemnedor who lack proper representation. Over time, Stevenson begins to see the systemic ways in which the legal system hurts innocent people, and even the lawyers trying to help them.
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Unlike many of the movies on this list,Just Mercyis not intended to shock or stun audiences. Instead, the movie aims to teach a lesson about the flaws of the American legal system, through the eyes of a first-hand witness. However, this does not make the film any less enjoyable. LikeJuror #2,Just Mercybrings up countless questions about what is right and wrong, and about what innocence really means.Just Mercyis ideal for those who want to chew on such moral quandries.
A Few Good Men
Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and Kiefer Sutherland star in A Few Good Men, a legal drama that follows military lawyer Daniel Kaffee, who defends two Marines on trial for murder, uncovering a high-level conspiracy in the process. The 1992 movie is based on the eponymous stage play written by Aaron Sorkin.
A popular legal thriller that audiences should most definitely watch if they lovedJuror #2isA Few Good Men.The film follows Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a military lawyer who is known for taking plea bargains for his clients. Yet,when he receives the case of two Marines who killed a third Marine at Guantánamo Bay, he is convinced to take a much riskier route. Kaffee calls their commander to the stand, attempting to uncover a much larger conspiracy.
Of course, no one can forget the film’s most iconic scenes, when Jack Nicholson yells from the witness stand, “You can’t handle the truth.”
A Few Good Menis a beloved courtroom drama for a reason. With a Certified Fresh 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie has been praised for its tight execution and highly dramatic courtroom scenes. Of course, no one can forget the film’s most iconic scenes, when Jack Nicholson yells from the witness stand, “you’re able to’t handle the truth.“Ultimately,A Few Good Menis exactly what audiences are looking for when it comes to mystery and justice.
Gran Torino
Gran Torino stars Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran and retired auto worker who forms an unexpected bond with his Hmong neighbors. Set in a Detroit neighborhood, the film explores themes of racial tension, cultural exchange, and redemption. Directed by Eastwood, it delves into the complexities of aging, prejudice, and the search for connection in a changing world.
IfClint Eastwood’s directingis the element that stuck out most when watchingJuror #2,then another great Eastwood project isGran Torino.In this film,Eastwood is both the director and the lead actor, taking on the role of Walt Kowalski, a retired mechanic and Korean War veteranwho hates his diverse community. Walt’s viewpoint changes though, when he saves a young Asian boy from being inducted into a gang. From there, he learns to embrace his neighbors.
Clint Eastwood has directed 40 movies in his lifetime.
At first glance,Gran Torinomay seem nothing likeJuror #2.The premises are completely different, and the characters are quite different. However, at their core, these movies share some incredibly important themes. In the same way that Walt learns to understand his community, Justin must learn to accept his fellow jurors.Eastwood shows that by learning more about your peers, you can become a more understanding (or more manipulative) person, depending on the scenario at hand.
The Pelican Brief
The Pelican Brief is a legal thriller starring Julia Roberts as law student Darby Shaw, who uncovers a conspiracy that links the murders of two Supreme Court justices. Based on John Grisham’s novel, the film follows her tense journey with investigative reporter Gray Grantham, played by Denzel Washington.
One of the best parts ofJuror #2is the fact that the protagonist is not just an innocent observer to a horrifying case, but is actually right in the middle of the action. The same goes for the 1993 classic,The Pelican Brief.Starring Julia Roberts,The Pelican Brieffollows a young law student who writes a brief about the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. Apparently on the right track to solving the case,she soon becomes the killers' next target, and must team up with a journalist to unravel the mystery.
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The Pelican Briefsucceeds at weaving a narrative that is both external and personal,just asJuror #2does. Both movies offer audiences the blatant facts of a crime before throwing their lead characters into the mix, creating an even more complicated scenario.The Pelican Briefis somewhat pulpy, and can be overshadowed by other legal thrillers, but its strong connections toJuror #2(and its amazing performances by Roberts and Denzel Washington) make it worth the watch.
Presumed Innocent
Presumed Innocent is a legal thriller based on the novel by Scott Turow, featuring Harrison Ford as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor accused of murdering his colleague. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, the 1990 film explores themes of justice and betrayal as Sabich navigates the complexities of his trial and tries to prove his innocence amidst mounting evidence and personal turmoil.
A movie that comes quite close to the plot ofJuror #2isPresumed Innocent.Originally released asa movie in 1990,Presumed InnocentfollowsRusty Sabich, a prosecutor who is tasked with investigating the grisly murder of his coworker, with whom he was having a secret affair. Once this secret comes out, Rusty is quickly accused of committing the crime himself, and is put on trial. Thus, Rusty’s career and relationship with his wife is upended.
The best part ofPresumed Innocentis the fact that no one seems to really know the truth.
The best part ofPresumed Innocentis the fact that no one seems to really know the truth. Although Rusty is the main character, even he is a big question mark to viewers. The only thing audiences can do is strap in and watch, hoping to gain some clarity by the end of the film.There is no denying that Rusty’s situation is similar to Justin’s inJuror #2.Both men may or may not be guilty depending on who you talk to.
Anatomy of a Fall
Anatomy of a Fall is a crime-drama film by director Justine Triet and made its initial debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. Following the death of successful writer Sandra’s husband Samuel in the French Alps, she is arrested and accused of murder. With their blind son, Daniel, the only witness to Samuel’s death, Sandra must face nearly impossible odds to prove her innocence.
One of the greatest courtroom dramas in recent years has to beAnatomy of a Fall.This Academy-award-winning drama followsSandra, a woman who is suspected of murder after the shocking death of her husband, who seemingly fell (or was pushed) from the top floor of their home. The only witness to the crime is Sandra’s blind son. Thus begins a devastating and intense chase for the truth amid a highly complex relationship.
Courtroom scenes are some of the most riveting of all dramatic tropes, and those withinAnatomy of a Fallare absolutely captivating. Audiences may find themselves rewinding in order to catch all the amazing dialogue and shocking revelations, expertly acted by Sandra Hüller. Once again, likeJuror #2,Anatomy of a Fallpaints suspicion in its main character, but also, it brings into question the idea of how justice can rip apart a familythat needs stability now more than ever.
12 Angry Men
12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama centered around a jury deliberating the fate of a young Spanish-American accused of patricide. As discussions unfold, the jurors' biases and preconceptions surface, transforming what seemed to be a straightforward decision into a tense examination of justice and morality.
Without a doubt, one of the greatest legal dramas of all time is 1957’s12 Angry Men.In this iconic film,a group of 12 male jurors come together to discuss the fate of an inner-city youth who is accused of murder. Although the verdict seems cut and dry at the start, one juror casts doubt on the truth, leading to a compelling conversation about how bias can reshape justice. Though the movie has been remade before,12 Angry Menis at its best in its original form.
When watchingJuror #2,it is hard not to see elements of12 Angry Men.When Justin tries to persuade his fellow jurors to change their biases, scenes from12 Angry Menreadily come to mind, although in quite the opposite way. Rather than seeking an innocent verdict, Justin is hoping for a guilty one. Either way though, anyone who enjoyedJuror #2will find joy in the biting moral issues of12 Angry Men.
Juror #2
Justin Kemp, a juror in a prominent murder trial, encounters a moral conflict as he realizes his influence over the jury’s decision. Struggling with the potential consequences, he faces the ethical challenge of possibly swaying the verdict to either convict or free the wrong individual, complicating his role significantly.
