The Verdict (1982)
Kernel Score: 83% · 712 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 1982-12-08
Runtime: 129 minutes
Where to watch The Verdict
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Frank Galvin is a down-on-his-luck lawyer and reduced to drinking and ambulance chasing, when a former associate reminds him of his obligations in a medical malpractice suit by serving it to Galvin on a silver platter—all parties are willing to settle out of court. Blundering his way through the preliminaries, Galvin suddenly realizes that the case should actually go to court—to punish the guilty, to get a decent settlement for his clients... and to restore his standing as a lawyer.
The Verdict parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Verdict is an R-rated courtroom drama featuring a lawyer's struggle with alcoholism and moral redemption.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Central character is depicted as an alcoholic whose drinking affects his life and career; R rated.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Verdict
If you liked The Verdict, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Rainmaker (1997) — 78%
- Philadelphia (1993) — 86%
- Awakenings (1990) — 88%
- The Judge (2014) — 84%
- Good Will Hunting (1997) — 88%
- If I Stay (2014) — 83%
- Inherit the Wind (1960) — 84%
- Marshall (2017) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Paul Newman as Frank Galvin
- Charlotte Rampling as Laura Fischer
- Jack Warden as Mickey Morrissey
- James Mason as Ed Concannon
- Milo O'Shea as Judge Hoyle
- Lindsay Crouse as Kaitlin Costello
- Edward Binns as Bishop Brophy
- Julie Bovasso as Maureen Rooney
- Roxanne Hart as Sally Doneghy
- James Handy as Kevin Doneghy
The Verdict FAQ
Is The Verdict good?
The Verdict has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 712 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Verdict?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Verdict OK for kids?
The Verdict is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Verdict is an R-rated courtroom drama featuring a lawyer's struggle with alcoholism and moral redemption.
What movies are like The Verdict?
If you liked The Verdict, try The Rainmaker, Philadelphia, Awakenings and The Judge.