12 Angry Men Review: A Classic for a Reason

Twelve men stand in a crowded room in a black and white still from the film 12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men remains a quintessential classic film due to its innovative direction, clever screenplay, and powerhouse performances.


Director: Sidney Lumet
Genre: Crime, Drama, Courtroom Drama, Psychological Drama
Run Time: 96′
Release Date: April 10, 1957
Where to Watch: On digital & VOD, and DVD & Blu-Ray

When I watch a classic like Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men, I wonder how much its reputation seeps into my brain. It’s like when someone tells you how amazing Citizen Kane is before you see it. How much does that comment affect your own viewing of the film? I’ve seen 12 Angry Men several times, but each time I was conscious of how deeply it’s become ingrained into our culture.

For this viewing, I tried to keep its cultural significance completely out of mind, and wrestle with the film on its own terms. Has 12 Angry Men truly earned its status as a classic? I am happy to report that it has.

The 1957 courtroom drama, following 12 jurors who are tasked with determining the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murdering his father, remains innovative in a number of ways. The first way is in Lumet’s direction. While keeping a steady pace, Lumet adds shots into this story that places the movie’s themes in clearer view.

Take the opening shot, which is looking up from outside the bottom steps of the courthouse, the pillars looming over the camera. The viewer feels small in the face of this justice system, just as the 18-year-old young man feels small in the face of his likely conviction. Likewise, the closeups of the jurors’ faces key the viewers into their thoughts and emotions. Every shot is methodical. Even the cinematography adds to the storytelling. Rather than a stark black-and-white you might see in an old detective movie, 12 Angry Men lingers in the gray, revealing the complicated, not-straightforward nature of the deliberations

The second reason for 12 Angry Men’s classic status is its clever screenplay. The film is confined to one room, where all 12 jurors debate and argue over the boy’s innocence. That limitation can become a strength if the screenplay relies on tension between the characters. The script highlights the ideological, philosophical differences of all the jurors, from the kindhearted, questioning Juror #8 (Henry Fonda) to the brash, uncompromising Juror #3 (Lee J. Cobb). Add in twists and turns that are revealed throughout the jury’s deliberations, and the result is a tense, exciting ride even in the confines of one location.

12 Angry Men: Trailer (Amazon MGM Studios)

Fonda and Cobb both give towering performances that stand the test of time, which is the third reason this film remains a classic. Fonda’s patience is shown in his eyes, while Cobb’s anger and resentment is shown in his aggrieved face and loud voice. While each juror gets his own time in the spotlight, it’s in Jurors #3 and #8 where the dramatic tension lies. What makes the characters and performances ring true is their authenticity. Odds are, we know people exactly like these characters. Lumet crafted personalities, whether young and idealistic or old and curmudgeonly, that feel as real now in 2025 as they surely did in 1957.

An easy thing to do as a film fan is to simply declare an old movie a “classic” without deep consideration as to why. “Of course Citizen Kane is great! It’s Citizen Kane!” When we do this, we limit the movie’s power and grip it can have on our lives. 12 Angry Men is great because of its filmmaking, its thematic depth, and its ability to stand the test of time. It uses powerful, subtle direction that highlights its universal themes. It utilizes a screenplay that would still feel fresh today, and it has performances that still pack a powerful punch. It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s a film that everyone should see at least once in their life.

12 Angry Men: Movie Plot & Recap

Synopsis:

A jury convenes on a hot summer day to determine the guilt or innocence of an 18-year-old accused of killing his father. What seems like a clear case becomes more convoluted thanks to the determined questioning from one of the jurors. Other jurors slowly take his side, leaving other members of the jury frustrated.

Pros:

  • Lumet’s direction is not only precise, but it also enhances the movie’s themes of justice and humanity.
  • The screenplay is cleverly written. It uses fun wordplay, humor, and callbacks to move the story forward.
  • The performances, especially from Fonda and Cobb, hold up nearly 70 years later.

Cons:

  • N/A

Get it on Apple TV

12 Angry Men is now available to watch on digital and on demand, and on DVD & Blu-Ray.

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