With the countless readings and crowded timetables that Durham students take on, everyone needs to take a break every now and then. Now, some students may hesitate taking hours out of their day to specifically not study. However, what if this free time could be used to educate and even further someone’s understanding of their course content? Well, here are five films that every Durham student should watch, starting with those taking Law. Courtrooms make great drama in and of themselves, but these five films go beyond just that. Using the cinematic medium, students will be able to see the human psychology behind every facet of the legal system.

Courtrooms make great drama in and of themselves, but these five films go beyond just that

1. 12 Angry Men (1957)

Let’s set the stage here. We see twelve jurors, one blisteringly hot room, and an eleven-to-one vote. Sidney Lumet’s classic legal drama is a textbook example of seeing persuasion and reasonable doubt in action. This rich and detailed screenplay shows how juries operate, with questions being asked and answers not being immediately given. This film is a top recommendation for Law students so they can gain personal insight into how psychology, prejudice, and emotional well-being form final verdicts. Must watch. This one is essential.

2. Michael Clayton (2007)

In this fascinating thriller, George Clooney plays a fixer at a large New York corporate law firm, cleaning up its clients’ dirty work, until one of them turns into a cover-up. This film is an important watch for law students because it asks how one deals with a client, an employer and your own psyche when they all want different things. Writer-director Tony Gilroy shows the viewer what working in the field is like, balancing ethics, rules, and pressure. Must watch. An overlooked contemporary classic right here.

3. Legally Blonde (2001)

Yes, I know, everybody and their mother has seen this pop culture hit. That doesn’t mean this isn’t worth a mention though. Reese Witherspoon’s iconic Elle Woods gets accepted into Harvard Law and is underestimated by her peers and her superiors yet cracks her first case by noticing a crucial point that the entire room looked over. Law students would love this film since it’s an easy watch and a joyful dive into law school culture, cross-examination, and brief preparation. Additionally, it has an uplifting message about not judging a lawyer by their cover. Must watch. A sensational punch of nostalgia.

4. In the Name of the Father (1993)

Out of all five films listed here, this is definitely the most unknown. This film from Jim Sheridan is based on the Guildford Four, a group of men wrongly convicted of the 1974 IRA pub bombings. If law students watch this, they will find a gripping story of coerced confessions, judicial error, and concealed evidence in English law. Daniel Day-Lewis and Emma Thompson give astounding performances, so viewers need not worry about the film not being engaging enough. Must watch. A somewhat hidden gem that needs a new audience.

5. Marriage Story (2019)

This award-winning drama from Noah Baumbach follows a married couple that follows through with a divorce, then watches it get intense and petty once lawyers step in. This film is a sharp and poignant look at how a flawed legal system can make personal tensions worse. Law students will get a direct view into how the process affects the client, as shown by the remarkable and generational performances from Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. Even though the setting is American and not British or European, the emotional core still carries over. Must watch. A modern masterpiece for the ages.

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