7 Movies To Watch If You Love The Lincoln Lawyer Series

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Prior to gaining popularity on Netflix as a streaming hit, “The Lincoln Lawyer” was already widely recognized among enthusiasts of legal thrillers due to its 2011 film adaptation starring Matthew McConaughey and Marisa Tomei. However, this movie isn’t the only one that fans of the highly successful TV series based on Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller novels will appreciate. There are numerous other captivating courtroom drama films from recent decades, including one from the past year, that make excellent companions to the “The Lincoln Lawyer” Netflix show.

Brad Furman’s 2011 film, “The Lincoln Lawyer,” adapted from Connelly’s first Mickey Haller novel, is a must-see if you’re a fan of the show. However, it shares a strong connection with the The Lincoln Lawyer series, while other movies may have similarities that are more coincidental. Notably, esteemed directors like Clint Eastwood and Francis Ford Coppola have crafted exceptional legal thrillers that fans of the show should consider adding to their watch lists. Some of these films even star A-list Hollywood actors playing characters akin to Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s Mickey Haller.

7. Blood Work (2002)

Directed By Clint Eastwood

In a twist that fans of “The Lincoln Lawyer” might appreciate, one of Clint Eastwood’s films isn’t centered around a lawyer as the main character. Instead, the principal figure in “Blood Work” is another notable creation by Michael Connelly – the expert criminal profiler Terry McCaleb. Eastwood assumes both the role and directorial duties for this well-crafted movie, which revolves around the joint efforts of the FBI and LAPD to apprehend a serial killer. The “Code Killer” in this film shares some similarities with the real-life “Son of Sam” from David Fincher’s “Zodiac,” as he leaves encoded messages intended for McCaleb.

Blood Work, while not one of Clint Eastwood’s best directorial efforts, remains an engaging thriller that fans of Mickey Haller’s legal cases won’t want to skip. The film benefits from Brian Helgeland’s skillful screenplay adaptation of Connelly’s novel, offering the necessary twists, subplots, and vibrant secondary characters that crime story enthusiasts crave. Moreover, Terry McCaleb is a captivating main character, whose rough demeanor, health issues, and apparent romantic inclinations bring depth and vitality to a plot that could otherwise slip into formulaic territory.

6. Fracture (2007)

Directed By Gregory Hoblit

In the realm of contemporary legal thrillers, “Fracture” stands out as one of the finest works directed by an American cinematic mastermind. I found myself immersed in this riveting tale where I played the role of a gifted young lawyer, Willy Beachum, assigned to prosecute Ted Crawford, a brilliant engineer with a sharp mind, accused of murdering his wife. Interestingly, instead of hiring another attorney, Crawford chose to represent himself in court. The film is brimming with captivating courtroom sequences that are hard to find in any other genre, as I grappled with the challenge of outsmarting Crawford’s masterful manipulation of the law for his personal advantage.

In “Fracture,” Anthony Hopkins delivers a chilling performance reminiscent of Hannibal Lecter, portraying the sinister Machiavel Crawford. This film uniquely turns legal procedure into an engaging thriller, much like “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Fans who appreciate the clever use of law within its storylines to create surprising plot twists will be captivated by the movie’s striking moments. Moreover, Ryan Gosling delivers one of his finest performances in a role that has been undervalued in the assessment of his acting career.

5. Juror #2 (2024)

Directed By Clint Eastwood

Juror #2″ stands out as one of the finest films from the 2020s thus far. A true gem among Clint Eastwood’s recent works, this movie delves into the enigma surrounding a woman’s suspected murder and its link to a juror in the defendant’s trial. The intricate screenplay penned by Jonathan Abrams is brilliantly brought to life by Eastwood as director, while Nicholas Hoult delivers what could very well be a landmark performance for his career in front of the camera.

The film “Juror #2” primarily unfolds within and near a courtroom setting, yet it transcends the technicalities of the main trial. It’s an exceptional demonstration of suspenseful storytelling, where viewers are privy to the plot twist early on, and find themselves sympathizing with what appears to be a guilty defendant. Simultaneously, it serves as a deep exploration into the essence of justice, delving into the morally gray areas of legal responsibility, as depicted in cases like this one.

4. Presumed Innocent (1990)

Directed By Alan J. Pakula

The film preceding Apple TV+’s “Presumed Innocent” starring Jake Gyllenhaal is Alan J. Pakula’s 1990 thriller, where Harrison Ford plays Rusty Sabich, a lawyer who’s under suspicion for murder. This movie is quite relevant to “The Lincoln Lawyer,” especially since the show’s fourth season will have defense lawyer Mickey Haller standing trial for the very same crime that Sabich was accused of. “Presumed Innocent” is another gripping film with a surprising twist, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.

In this film adaption of “Presumed Innocent,” Ford delivers a compelling dramatic performance that may well be his career’s finest. He demonstrates his exceptional acting abilities by holding his own alongside Brian Dennehy and Bonnie Bedelia, and maintaining control in every scene he appears in. This movie stands out as the most faithful and superior screen adaptation of Scott Turow’s 1987 novel. Fans of Jake Gyllenhaal’s work, or enthusiasts of “The Lincoln Lawyer,” will find multiple reasons to rewatch this film.

3. The Rainmaker (1997)

Directed By Francis Ford Coppola

The 1997 film by Coppola, a courtroom drama, teams up Matt Damon and Danny DeVito as two struggling attorneys. They collaborate with a tough ambulance-chasing lawyer, portrayed by Mickey Rourke. This movie delves deep into the intricacies of the courtroom, captivating audiences with its authentic portrayals of evidence presentation and intense witness cross-examinations. It stands out as one of the finest movies for those who appreciate the procedural nuances that are characteristic of legal thrillers.

For fans who eagerly anticipate courtroom scenes in “The Lincoln Lawyer,” The Rainmaker is the preferred movie. Notably, it shares with “The Lincoln Lawyer” a depiction of the justice system’s inner workings, where underhanded dealings are portrayed – a subject that Mickey Haller despises. Similarly to Haller, Damon and DeVito’s characters employ questionable methods in their quest for justice.

Additionally, it can be said that The Rainmaker shares a remarkably similar tone with The Lincoln Lawyer. The film’s deft blend of suspenseful underworld schemes and captivating personal narratives makes it an appealing choice for just about any fan of the series.

2. The Verdict (1982)

Directed By Sidney Lumet

In contrast to typical defense attorneys, Paul Newman’s character, Frank Galvin in “The Verdict,” shares many characteristics with Mickey Haller, particularly in terms of personality and background. Galvin is a lawyer who struggles with addiction and has lost faith in the legal system, yet he maintains a firm set of ethical values. He is an exceptional courtroom tactician, consistently completing every case he takes on, and excels at delivering compelling closing arguments. Furthermore, his personal life is complicated by tumultuous romantic relationships that often clash with his professional commitments.

Should Haller be your preferred TV lawyer due to any of the mentioned reasons, don’t miss out on watching Sidney Lumet’s timeless legal drama at the earliest chance. If Newman’s Galvin were still active today, he might have excelled even beyond Elliott Gould’s portrayal of Mickey Haller’s mentor in “The Lincoln Lawyer.” It wouldn’t be surprising to learn that Michael Connelly drew inspiration from the character of Galvin when creating Haller as a literary figure.

1. Primal Fear (1996)

Directed By

In essence, if Frank Galvin resembles Mickey Haller as a person, then Martin Vail from Primal Fear mirrors Mickey Haller in his legal prowess. Known for his self-assured demeanor in court, Defense Attorney Vail, portrayed by Richard Gere, is particularly drawn to high-profile cases. However, unlike the lead role in The Lincoln Lawyer, played by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Gere’s performance in Primal Fear is somewhat eclipsed by Edward Norton’s captivating portrayal of Vail’s client, Aaron Stampler.

In The Lincoln Lawyer, the film isn’t solely focused on Stampler’s trial; rather, it delves into the intricate details of the suspected crime, the questionable circumstances leading to his murder accusation, and Vail’s application of the insanity defense. This case is unlike any other in The Lincoln Lawyer, as the show can sometimes be quite grim. Gregory Hoblit’s Primal Fear truly embodies the essence of a legal thriller, deserving its reputation as one of the crime subgenre’s most remarkable big-screen achievements.

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2025-05-06 03:01