Michael Clayton is a gripping legal thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. If you loved the intricate plot and intense performances in this genre, you’re in for a treat. Here are 19 movies like Michael Clayton that you should definitely check out. Find out more about Michael Clayton here.
1. A Few Good Men
A Few Good Men is a courtroom drama that delves into the complexities of military justice. Starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, it features a high-stakes legal battle that challenges moral and ethical boundaries.
2. The Firm
The Firm stars Tom Cruise as a young lawyer who uncovers a sinister conspiracy within his prestigious law firm. This legal thriller is based on John Grisham’s novel and keeps viewers captivated with its suspenseful plot.
3. The Pelican Brief
The Pelican Brief, featuring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, revolves around a law student who writes a legal brief that exposes a deadly conspiracy. The film is a masterclass in tension and intrigue.
4. Primal Fear
Primal Fear stars Richard Gere as a defense attorney who takes on the case of an altar boy accused of murder. The film is known for its shocking twists and Edward Norton’s breakout performance.
5. A Time to Kill
A Time to Kill is a courtroom drama based on John Grisham’s novel, featuring Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock. It explores themes of justice and racial tension in the deep South.
6. The Lincoln Lawyer
The Lincoln Lawyer stars Matthew McConaughey as a defense attorney who operates out of his Lincoln Town Car. The film combines legal drama with a compelling mystery.
7. Runaway Jury
Runaway Jury features John Cusack, Gene Hackman, and Dustin Hoffman in a tense legal thriller about jury tampering. The film is based on John Grisham’s novel and explores the manipulation of the legal system.
8. The Verdict
The Verdict stars Paul Newman as a down-and-out lawyer who takes on a medical malpractice case. The film is a powerful story of redemption and justice.
9. Erin Brockovich
Erin Brockovich features Julia Roberts in an Oscar-winning role as a legal assistant who uncovers a corporate cover-up. The film is based on a true story and highlights the impact of one determined woman.
10. The Rainmaker
The Rainmaker stars Matt Damon as a young attorney who takes on a powerful insurance company. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film is a compelling legal drama with strong performances.
11. Philadelphia
Philadelphia stars Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in a poignant legal drama about a man fighting for justice after being wrongfully dismissed due to his HIV status. The film is a powerful commentary on discrimination and human rights.
12. The Client
The Client is a legal thriller based on John Grisham’s novel, featuring Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones. It follows a young boy who becomes the target of both the mob and the FBI after witnessing a lawyer’s suicide.
13. Fracture
Fracture stars Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling in a cat-and-mouse legal thriller. The film centers around a man who confesses to shooting his wife, but the case is not as straightforward as it seems.
14. Presumed Innocent
Presumed Innocent features Harrison Ford as a prosecutor accused of murdering his colleague. The film is a gripping legal drama with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing.
15. The Judge
The Judge stars Robert Downey Jr. as a big-city lawyer who returns to his hometown to defend his estranged father, played by Robert Duvall, in a murder trial. The film explores family dynamics and the quest for justice.
16. The Insider
The Insider stars Russell Crowe and Al Pacino in a true story about a whistleblower exposing the tobacco industry’s secrets. The film is a tense and riveting legal drama that highlights the importance of truth and integrity.
17. Spotlight
Spotlight is a journalistic legal drama that follows The Boston Globe’s investigation into the Catholic Church’s cover-up of sexual abuse. The film features an ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams.
18. Bridge of Spies
Bridge of Spies stars Tom Hanks as a lawyer tasked with negotiating the exchange of spies during the Cold War. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film is a gripping historical legal drama.
19. The Devil’s Advocate
The Devil’s Advocate stars Keanu Reeves as a young lawyer who joins a powerful law firm with a sinister secret. Al Pacino delivers a memorable performance as the enigmatic head of the firm.
