Legal dramas have always fascinated audiences with their mix of courtroom tension, clever arguments, and the personal dilemmas of those who uphold (or bend) the law.
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Whether you’re a fan of intense courtroom scenes or morally complex characters, here are 7 must-watch TV shows and movies where lawyers take center stage.
1. Suits (TV Series)
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Cast: Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Meghan Markle, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty
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Release: 2011–2019
Synopsis:
Suits follows the sharp and charismatic attorney Harvey Specter and his associate Mike Ross, a brilliant college dropout who fakes his way into a top law firm. Together, they handle corporate legal battles while hiding Mike’s secret—he never attended law school.
2. The Lincoln Lawyer (Movie & TV Series)
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Movie Cast (2011): Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe
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TV Series Cast (2022–): Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell
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Release: Movie (2011), TV Series (2022–)
Synopsis:
Mickey Haller is a defense attorney who runs his legal practice from the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car. Whether it’s the big screen or the Netflix series, The Lincoln Lawyer dives into high-stakes cases, corruption, and Haller’s personal redemption arc.
3. Better Call Saul (TV Series)
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Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Michael McKean
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Release: 2015–2022
Synopsis:
This Breaking Bad prequel tells the origin story of Jimmy McGill, a struggling attorney who gradually transforms into Saul Goodman, the morally ambiguous lawyer we know and love. Better Call Saul offers deep character development and a masterclass in legal drama storytelling.
4. A Few Good Men (Movie)
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Cast: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon
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Release: 1992
Synopsis:
When two Marines are accused of murder at Guantanamo Bay, Navy lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee is tasked with defending them. What begins as a simple defense turns into a confrontation with military power and corruption. Known for its iconic courtroom climax, A Few Good Men remains a legal classic.
5. How to Get Away with Murder (TV Series)
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Cast: Viola Davis, Alfred Enoch, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King
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Release: 2014–2020
Synopsis:
Annalise Keating, a brilliant and ruthless law professor, selects a group of students to intern at her firm. But when they become entangled in a real-life murder plot, their lives spiral into a chaotic mix of lies, manipulation, and shocking twists. Viola Davis delivers a powerhouse performance.
6. The Firm (Movie)
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Cast: Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, Jeanne Tripplehorn
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Release: 1993
Synopsis:
Based on John Grisham’s novel, The Firm tells the story of a young, ambitious lawyer who discovers that the prestigious firm he’s joined is a front for the mob. As the pressure mounts, he must outsmart both the FBI and his dangerous employers.
7. Boston Legal (TV Series)
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Cast: James Spader, William Shatner, Candice Bergen
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Release: 2004–2008
Synopsis:
Set in a high-powered Boston law firm, Boston Legal combines outrageous legal cases with witty banter and heartfelt moments. The show revolves around Alan Shore and Denny Crane, two eccentric attorneys whose friendship and legal antics make for a unique and thought-provoking watch.
Final Thoughts
From the polished suits of corporate law to the gritty backrooms of criminal defense, these TV shows and movies showcase the many faces of the legal profession. Whether you’re looking for sharp drama, moral complexity, or just clever courtroom battles, there’s something in this list for every legal drama fan.
