Top 10 Movies About Human Rights Lawyers To Watch in 2024

Last updated on September 12th, 2025 at 12:02 pm

Human rights lawyers are essential to maintaining the rule of law and protecting people’s rights everywhere. Several documentaries that highlight the difficulties and successes of legal advocacy have focused on their unwavering efforts to combat injustice and advance equality. Also See 14 examples of unconscious bias in 2025

The best 10 human rights lawyer movies to see in 2024 will be discussed in this article. These films have gripping stories that inform and inspire viewers about the role that the law can play in promoting human rights.

1. “Philadelphia” (1993)

Starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, “Philadelphia” follows the story of Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer who is wrongfully terminated from his law firm due to his HIV status. With the help of his attorney, Joe Miller, Beckett takes on a discrimination lawsuit that challenges societal prejudices and fights for justice.

2. “Erin Brockovich” (2000)

Based on a true story, “Erin Brockovich” stars Julia Roberts as the titular character, a legal assistant who uncovers a case of water contamination affecting a California community. With her determination and tenacity, Brockovich assists in a groundbreaking lawsuit against a powerful corporation, highlighting the impact of environmental injustice.

3. “A Civil Action” (1998)

Starring John Travolta and Robert Duvall, “A Civil Action” tells the story of a personal injury lawyer who takes on a case involving water contamination and toxic waste dumping in a Massachusetts town. The film explores the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers as they pursue justice against corporate negligence.

4. “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (2013)

Based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” chronicles the life of the iconic South African leader and his struggle against apartheid. The film highlights Mandela’s legal advocacy and his role as a human rights lawyer in fighting for equality and justice.

5. “Just Mercy” (2019)

“Just Mercy” stars Michael B. Jordan as Bryan Stevenson, a renowned civil rights lawyer who defends a wrongly convicted death row inmate, Walter McMillian, played by Jamie Foxx. The film explores themes of racial injustice and systemic discrimination within the criminal justice system.

6. “The Accused” (1988)

Starring Jodie Foster and Kelly McGillis, “The Accused” follows the legal proceedings of a gang rape case and the challenges faced by the prosecuting attorney in securing justice for the survivor. The film raises important questions about victim blaming and the rights of sexual assault survivors.

7. “North Country” (2005)

Based on a true story, “North Country” stars Charlize Theron as a female miner who faces sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. With the help of her lawyer, played by Woody Harrelson, she files a landmark lawsuit that challenges gender inequality in the mining industry.

8. “The People vs. Larry Flynt” (1996)

“The People vs. Larry Flynt” depicts the legal battles of Larry Flynt, the publisher of Hustler magazine, as he fights for freedom of speech and expression. The film explores Flynt’s controversial career and his landmark Supreme Court case on First Amendment rights.

9. “The Rainmaker” (1997)

Based on John Grisham’s novel, “The Rainmaker” follows a young lawyer, played by Matt Damon, who takes on a powerful insurance company accused of denying coverage to a dying patient. The film highlights the challenges faced by idealistic attorneys in the pursuit of justice.

10. “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (2017)

Denzel Washington stars as Roman J. Israel, a brilliant but eccentric defense attorney who works tirelessly to advocate for his clients. The film explores themes of ethics, morality, and the complexities of the legal profession.

The gripping stories in these ten best films about human rights attorneys highlight the crucial role that legal activism plays in advancing equality and justice. 

These movies encourage viewers to consider the role that the law plays in upholding justice and protecting human rights, whether via the stories of historic instances or individual battles. 

Watching these movies might help to remind us of the continuous struggle for human rights and the crucial role that attorneys play in promoting social change as we start a new year.