Wondering what to watch over the winter break? It’s your time to decompress, recharge, and prepare for the next challenge, whether it's another semester or the bar exam. While rest is essential, keeping your legal mind sharp is just as important—so why not do both?
We’ve curated a list of must-watch legal films that are favorites of our own Directors of Legal Education (DLEs). These movies offer more than just entertainment; they provide valuable lessons in advocacy, ethics, and perseverance. They are a powerful reminder of why you chose this path. Use this downtime to relax with a bowl of popcorn and gain a fresh perspective on the law.
The Ultimate Legal Movie Marathon List
From courtroom classics to modern dramas, these films were handpicked for their relevance to your legal journey. Each one showcases a different facet of the law, offering inspiration and insight that will serve you well in your studies and your career.
The Paper Chase (1973)
James Hart is a hardworking first-year student at Harvard Law School who finds himself clashing with the brilliant but intimidating Professor Charles W. Kingsfield Jr. The film chronicles Hart’s struggle to survive the demanding, high-pressure environment of law school and win the respect of his formidable professor.
Why it’s a must-watch: This film perfectly captures the intensity and rigor of law school and bar prep. “There’s lots of relatable content for law students: getting called on in class, studying for finals, and more,” according to DLE Maggie Hubbard.
Professor Kingsfield's Socratic method will feel familiar to any law student, reminding you that discipline and dedication to mastering the material is the path to confidence and competence.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Two young New Yorkers are wrongly accused of murder while driving through rural Alabama. They call on the only lawyer they know: their cousin, Vinny Gambini, a personal injury attorney from Brooklyn with no trial experience. With help from his sharp-witted fiancée, Mona Lisa Vito, Vinny must adapt to an unfamiliar courtroom and prove his clients’ innocence.
Why it’s a must-watch: This is perhaps the most accurate and entertaining depiction of courtroom procedure and the rules of evidence in cinematic history. “The courtroom scenes are amazing, and the movie is so darn funny,” Senior DLE Chuck Shonholtz says.
Vinny’s journey from incompetent novice to effective litigator is a powerful lesson in preparation and cross-examination. For anyone preparing for the bar exam, it's a brilliant study on how to think on your feet and use evidence to your advantage.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Andy Dufresne, a successful banker, is wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Sentenced to two life terms at the brutal Shawshank Penitentiary, he uses his wits, patience, and hope to survive decades of hardship, all while holding onto his sense of self and ultimately seeking justice.
Why it’s a must-watch: While not a traditional courtroom drama, this film is a profound exploration of justice and perseverance against impossible odds. Andy’s meticulous, long-term planning is a testament to the power of a strategic mind—a skill every successful lawyer must possess. It’s a lesson in resilience that will resonate deeply as you face the bar exam. It’s also why DLE Liz Arnkoff has this movie on repeat.
Liar Liar (1997)
A fast-talking, career-driven lawyer, Fletcher Reede, finds his life turned upside down when his son’s birthday wish magically forces him to tell the truth for 24 hours. The result is chaos in both his personal and professional life as he tries to navigate a major court case without the ability to lie.
Why it’s a must-watch: “Although it’s a silly comedy that pokes fun at lawyers, it also sends a positive message that lawyers can (and do) successfully win their cases, even when certain limitations are put on them,” DLE Kristen Brosek explains.
Liar Liar is a sharp commentary on legal ethics and the importance of credibility. It demonstrates how a reputation for honesty (or dishonesty) can make or break a case. This film reinforces a core principle: your integrity is non-negotiable.
The Rainmaker (1997)
Rudy Baylor is a fresh-faced law school graduate who finds himself taking on a corrupt insurance giant. With the help of a cynical but seasoned paralegal, Rudy fights for a poor family whose son is dying from leukemia but has been denied coverage for a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
Why it’s a must-watch: The Rainmaker is a story about justice and the impact one determined lawyer can have. It showcases the David-vs-Goliath battles that define many legal careers. For students, young lawyers, and Maggie Hubbard, it’s an inspiring reminder of the profession's power to create meaningful change.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Based on a true story, this film follows Erin Brockovich, an unemployed single mother who becomes a legal assistant and single-handedly takes on Pacific Gas & Electric Company. She uncovers evidence that the company was poisoning a city's water supply for years and builds a direct-action lawsuit that results in the largest settlement ever paid in U.S. history.
Why it’s a must-watch: This is the ultimate story of an underdog fighting for justice. Erin’s relentless investigation and genuine connection with the plaintiffs demonstrate that passion and hard work can triumph over a lack of formal training. Her story proves that a successful legal strategy requires not just legal knowledge, but also empathy and tireless fact-finding.
DLE Lindsey McMullen has a very personal take on the movie: “I love how she advocates for the good of others and that has become her life’s work. I was able to meet the real Erin in college and speak with her, and it really reminded me that anyone can make a difference.”
Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods gets dumped for not being “serious” enough, so she decides to follow her ex to Harvard Law School to prove him wrong. What starts as a revenge plot turns into a journey of self-discovery as Elle finds her natural talent for the law, culminating in a high-profile murder trial.
Why it’s a must-watch: This film is a masterclass in challenging expectations and the power of unconventional thinking. Elle’s success proves that strong preparation and believing in yourself are your greatest assets. It’s a powerful lesson for any bar prepper: your background doesn’t define you, but your performance does.
For Senior DLE Lauren Hamilton, Legally Blonde and Elle Woods were her inspiration to go to law school. “I was always interested in the law and wanted a career where I could help people, but as a pink-loving fashionista and sorority girl, I was worried that pursuing a career in the legal field would be boring and would force me to wear black suits every day. I saw Legally Blonde for the first time in college, and it instantly provided inspiration that I could be myself, bright colors and all ... Even when I had to wear suits while in court, I always kept my love for fashion and bright colors by accessorizing while still looking professional.”
The Judge (2014)
Big-city defense attorney Hank Palmer returns to his rural Indiana hometown for his mother's funeral. His estranged father, the town's long-serving judge, is suddenly accused of a hit-and-run murder. Hank must defend his father in court, forcing them to confront years of family conflict and uncover the truth.
Why it’s a must-watch: The film offers a compelling look at the complexities of the justice system from both sides of the bench. The dynamic between a defense attorney and a judge, especially when they are family, provides a rich exploration of legal ethics, bias, and the search for objective truth. DLE Brianna Galasso sees The Judge as a cinema standout because “it represents the passion that lawyers and judges have for their cases— sometimes to their own detriment.”
Make Your Downtime Count
This winter break, take the time to relax and recharge, but do it with purpose. Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the legal world you are striving to master. They remind us that the law is not just about statutes and casebooks; it’s about people, principles, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Use this inspiration to fuel your preparation for what’s next. Enjoy!
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