MovieChat Forums > Witness for the Prosecution (1958) Discussion > AFI's Top 10 Courtroom Dramas

AFI's Top 10 Courtroom Dramas

posted 13 years ago by thilo-950-73752
24 replies | jump to latest

This is the AFI list of best Courtroom Dramas as announced in 2008.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird
2. 12 Angry Men
3. Kramer vs. Kramer
4. The Verdict
5. A Few Good Men
6. Witness for the Prosecution
7. Anatomy of a Murder
8. In Cold Blood
9. A Cry in the Dark
10. Judgment at Nuremberg

It's quite a good list, but personally I would put 'Witness for the Prosecution' at least in the top 3, and 'A Few Good Men' much lower (9 or 10).
'Judgment at Nuremberg' was a little too preachy for me, and I wouldn't classify 'Kramer vs. Kramer' as Courtroom Drama (though it's a wonderful film).
'Inherit the Wind' and 'Breaker Morant' are two films that I would have liked to see up there.

What are your thoughts?

- "Your money's no good here, Mr. Torrance" -

[–] jztzt 13 years ago

My first reaction to the list was they should have put Inherit The Wind high up on the list. I also agree with you on Kramer and A Few Good Men.

[–] stuart-barriskell 12 years ago

Totally agree with that. Prosecution is a masterclass in acting. Easy to see why its followed by acting students. Laughton was a brilliant actor.

[–] edlitz36 12 years ago

I just don't understand why In Cold Blood is on the list. The movie is over 2 hours long, and there is less than 10 minutes in the courtroom, I think it was less than 5 minutes IIRC!! Although, it's a magnificent film.

Religion should be made fun of. If I believed that stuff, I'd keep it to myself. -Larry David

[–] AnaElisa 10 years ago

I just watched WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION for the first time, and think it's one of the best movies ever made. Simply stunning!

What about adding PRESUMED INNOCENT to the courtroom dramas list? Anyone else agree that it was a very good film of this genre?

-AnaElisa

"All life's riddles are answered in the movies."

[–] PussyCrusher_Principal 10 years ago

Since nobody commented about your post in the 2 months since, thought i'd take the opportunity - yes, AnaElisa, I think Presumed Innocent Is a wonderful film, might even make my top 10.

I agree with those who said Inherit The Wind should be there. Some head scratchers on the list, as was mentioned. in Cold Blood? Amazing film. Not a courtroom drama.

I agree Mockingbird and 1 Angry Men belong in Top. 5. I'd move Anatomy up, as well as Nuremberg. Maximilian Schell alone vaults it way up the list for me. And Monty Clift & Judy Garland.

My top 5:

1. Anatomy of a Murder
2. 12 Angry Men
3. Inherit The Wind
4. Judgment At Nuremberg
5. Witness For The Prosecution.

Then I'd have Mockingbird, but, allowing for opinion, I take no issue with it at or near top, even if I think it's more interesting outside the courtroom.

Takes two to tumble it takes two to tango
Speak up don't mumble when you're in the combo

[–] edlitz36 12 years ago

The AFI only recognizes American films. Breaker Morant is Austrailian.

Religion should be made fun of. If I believed that stuff, I'd keep it to myself. -Larry David

[–] ElMaruecan82 12 years ago

Never heard of Breaker Morant but you're right about Inherit the Wind, what the hell is In Cold Blood doing in that list anyway, it's a masterpiece but just because it features one trial doesn't make it a courtroom drama.

"Darth Vader is scary and I The Godfather"

[–] mikekrit62 10 years ago

Well, it's been over 2 years since you posted this...have you seen Breaker Morant yet?

Great movie.

[–] BCarl 12 years ago

"Anatomy of a Murder" should be #3. That is one film that EVERY time it's broadcast, I am there.

[–] marlarkey 11 years ago

And justice for all

[–] daduncan 11 years ago

My Cousin Vinnie. It was used to teach how to (and not to) deal with an expert witness. Fabulous courtroom movie.

[–] christopherbkk 10 years ago

I agree that My Cousin Vinnie was a great courtroom movie. Hilarious! And what about Nuts? Barbra's Nuts should be in the Top 10.

[–] 10 years ago

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