9 Best Legal Drama Movies Like Just Mercy

Just Mercy is a 2019 American biographical legal drama film, based on the memoir of the same name by Bryan Stevenson, a prominent lawyer and activist who dedicated his life to fighting for justice for those who have been wrongfully convicted or unfairly sentenced. The movie follows Stevenson as he takes on the case of Walter McMillian, an African-American man who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of a white woman in Alabama.

The primary themes of Just Mercy include racial injustice, discrimination, and the flaws in the American justice system. The movie sheds light on the harsh reality of racism and how it affects the lives of people of color, especially in the criminal justice system. It highlights the power of empathy and compassion, as well as the importance of fighting for what is right, no matter the odds.

The reason people love Just Mercy is because it is a powerful and emotional story that resonates with people of all races and backgrounds. The film’s themes are universal, and its message of hope and perseverance in the face of injustice is inspiring. It also features outstanding performances from its cast, including Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and Brie Larson.

Just Mercy has been widely popular and critically acclaimed, receiving numerous nominations and awards, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The movie has also been praised for its accuracy and authenticity, as well as its ability to spark meaningful conversations about race and social justice.

Some other interesting facts about Just Mercy include that it was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously worked on the movie Short Term 12, which also starred Brie Larson. Additionally, the real-life Bryan Stevenson makes a cameo appearance in the film, playing a small role as a judge. Just Mercy has also inspired a number of social justice initiatives and programs, including the Just Mercy Fellowship, which provides funding and support to individuals and organizations working towards criminal justice reform.

1. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020): This movie tells the story of the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters who were charged with conspiracy and incitement to riot.
2. Selma (2014): Directed by Ava DuVernay, this movie chronicles the events leading up to the historic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
3. The Hurricane (1999): Based on the true story of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent nearly 20 years in prison.
4. Fruitvale Station (2013): This movie follows the last day in the life of Oscar Grant, a young Black man who was killed by police at a subway station in Oakland, California.
5. 13th (2016): A powerful documentary that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States and the ways in which the criminal justice system perpetuates this inequality.
6. Just Like a Woman (1992): This film tells the story of a woman who becomes a lawyer and takes on a case involving a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder.
7. The Green Mile (1999): A powerful drama about a death row corrections officer who begins to question the justice of the system he works in after encountering a man who was wrongfully convicted.
8. A Time to Kill (1996): Based on the novel by John Grisham, this movie follows a young lawyer who defends a Black man accused of murdering the two white men who raped his daughter.
9. When They See Us (2019): A powerful mini-series about the Central Park Five, a group of young Black and Latino men who were wrongfully convicted of raping a woman in Central Park.

1. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a historical legal drama movie based on the true story of the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters who were charged with conspiracy and incitement to riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The movie follows the trial of these seven men, including the prominent anti-war activists Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, and Tom Hayden, as they fight against the government’s attempt to silence their voices.

The film, directed by Aaron Sorkin, is similar to Just Mercy in its themes of social justice, political activism, and the flaws in the American justice system. The Trial of the Chicago 7 also portrays the power of empathy and the importance of standing up for what is right, no matter the cost. The movie features an outstanding cast, including Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who deliver powerful performances that bring the story to life.

2. Selma (2014)

Selma is a historical drama movie directed by Ava DuVernay that chronicles the events leading up to the historic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The movie focuses on the efforts of King and other civil rights leaders to secure voting rights for Black Americans in the face of violent opposition from white supremacists and local law enforcement.

Similar to Just Mercy, Selma explores themes of racial injustice, discrimination, and the power of collective action. The film depicts the harsh reality of racism and the toll it takes on the lives of people of color, while also highlighting the resilience and courage of those who fight against it. Selma features exceptional performances from its cast, including David Oyelowo as Dr. King and Carmen Ejogo as his wife, Coretta Scott King.

3. The Hurricane (1999)

The Hurricane is a biographical drama movie directed by Norman Jewison, based on the true story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent nearly 20 years in prison. The movie follows Carter’s life, from his early days as a promising boxer to his wrongful conviction and eventual exoneration.

Like Just Mercy, The Hurricane is a powerful story about the flaws in the American justice system and the devastating impact they can have on the lives of those who are wrongly accused. The movie highlights the importance of perseverance and the power of the human spirit in the face of injustice. The Hurricane features a standout performance from Denzel Washington, who brings Carter’s story to life with incredible depth and emotion.

4. Fruitvale Station (2013)

Fruitvale Station is a drama movie directed by Ryan Coogler that tells the true story of Oscar Grant III, a young Black man who was killed by police at a subway station in Oakland, California. The movie follows Grant’s last day alive as he tries to turn his life around and be a better father to his daughter.

Like Just Mercy, Fruitvale Station deals with themes of racial injustice and police brutality. The movie portrays the tragic consequences of systemic racism and the impact it has on individuals and their communities. The film features an outstanding performance from Michael B. Jordan, who portrays Grant with compassion and empathy, making the viewer feel the weight of his loss.

5. 13th (2016)

13th is a documentary movie directed by Ava DuVernay that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States and the ways in which the criminal justice system perpetuates this inequality. The film highlights the ways in which mass incarceration has been used as a tool of social control against Black Americans since the end of slavery.

Like Just Mercy, 13th is a powerful indictment of the American justice system and its disproportionate impact on people of color. The movie highlights the need for systemic change and the importance of grassroots activism in bringing about that change. 13th features insightful commentary from a variety of experts and activists, making it a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the roots of racial inequality in the United States.

6. Just Like a Woman (1992)

Just Like a Woman is a legal drama movie directed by Christopher Monger that tells the story of a woman named Geraldine who becomes a lawyer and takes on the case of a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder. The movie explores themes of justice, redemption, and the power of the legal system to bring about change.

Like Just Mercy, Just Like a Woman deals with the theme of wrongful conviction and the importance of fighting for justice. The movie highlights the complexities of the legal system and the challenges faced by those seeking to right the wrongs of the past. Just Like a Woman features strong performances from its cast, including Adrian Pasdar as the wrongfully convicted man and Julie Walters as Geraldine, the lawyer determined to clear his name.

7. The Green Mile (1999)

The Green Mile is a fantasy drama movie directed by Frank Darabont that tells the story of a death row corrections officer named Paul Edgecomb and his relationship with a gentle giant inmate named John Coffey, who has been sentenced to death for the murder of two young girls. The movie explores themes of justice, redemption, and the power of compassion.

Like Just Mercy, The Green Mile deals with the theme of wrongful conviction and the impact it has on both the accused and those tasked with enforcing the law. The movie highlights the importance of empathy and the power of forgiveness in the face of injustice. The Green Mile features exceptional performances from its cast, including Tom Hanks as Edgecomb and Michael Clarke Duncan as Coffey, making it a powerful and emotionally resonant film.

8. A Time to Kill (1996)

A Time to Kill is a legal drama movie directed by Joel Schumacher that tells the story of a young Black girl who is brutally raped and beaten by two white men in Mississippi. When the girl’s father, Carl Lee Hailey, kills the men in a fit of rage, he is put on trial for murder. The movie explores themes of justice, race, and the moral complexities of the legal system.

Like Just Mercy, A Time to Kill deals with the theme of racial injustice and the struggle for justice in the face of systemic oppression. The movie highlights the importance of empathy and the power of storytelling in influencing public opinion and bringing about change. A Time to Kill features strong performances from its cast, including Samuel L. Jackson as Hailey and Matthew McConaughey as his lawyer, making it a gripping and thought-provoking film.

9. When They See Us (2019)

When They See Us is a biographical drama miniseries directed by Ava DuVernay that tells the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of Black and Latino teenagers who were wrongfully convicted of raping a white woman in New York City in 1989. The series explores themes of racial injustice, police brutality, and the flaws in the American justice system.

Like Just Mercy, When They See Us deals with the theme of wrongful conviction and the devastating impact it can have on the lives of those accused. The series highlights the need for systemic change and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. When They See Us features exceptional performances from its cast, including Jharrel Jerome as Korey Wise, one of the Central Park Five, making it a powerful and essential viewing experience.

Here is a table of the IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomatoes scores for the movies mentioned: