The Verdict poster

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The Verdict

1982 · Movie · 129 min
A

MEANRANK

80/100

Averaged across 11 ratings · 137.7K votes

Every rating

Platform pages last read 29 September 2026. IMDb’s figure comes from IMDb’s own data file, which we re-read about once a month.

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66–94 out of 100

Mostly agreed

Lowest is Criticker on 66, highest is Google on 94.

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A washed-up, alcoholic Boston lawyer, drowning in regret and taking on any small case for a quick fee, is presented with a chance at redemption. He is offered a straightforward medical malpractice suit that is expected to be settled quietly out of court. Seeing this as his last opportunity for self-respect, he rejects the settlement against his clients' wishes, choosing to fight the powerful Catholic hospital and its ruthless legal team. He must overcome his own demons to uncover the truth and seek real justice.

Details

Director
Sidney Lumet
Released
8 December 1982
Country
United States
Language
English
Runtime
129 min
Rated
R
Budget
$16.0M
Box office
$54.0M
Awards
2 wins, 13 nominations

This title elsewhere

Paul Newman

Paul Newman

Frank Galvin

Charlotte Rampling

Charlotte Rampling

Laura Fischer

Jack Warden

Jack Warden

Mickey Morrissey

James Mason

James Mason

Ed Concannon

Milo O'Shea

Milo O'Shea

Judge Hoyle

Lindsay Crouse

Lindsay Crouse

Kaitlin Costello

Edward Binns

Edward Binns

Bishop Brophy

Julie Bovasso

Julie Bovasso

Maureen Rooney

Awards & nominations

See all 15 →

2 wins from 15 nominations across 7 ceremonies

Academy Awards 1982 Best Picture Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown Nominee
Academy Awards 1982 Best Director Sidney Lumet Nominee
Academy Awards 1982 Best Actor Paul Newman Nominee
Academy Awards 1982 Best Supporting Actor James Mason Nominee
Academy Awards 1982 Best Screenplay – Based on Material from Another Medium David Mamet Nominee
Golden Globe Awards 1982 Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama Paul Newman Nominee
Golden Globe Awards 1982 Best Motion Picture – Drama Nominee
Golden Globe Awards 1982 Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture James Mason Nominee
Show all 15 awards across 7 ceremonies

Awards from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.