The start of a new week means the best streaming services have refreshed their top 10 lists over the weekend with newly added titles. Netflix’s “Frankenstein” has claimed the No. 1 spot since its release, and for good reason, while other movies have joined the trending list, including the legal drama “Just Mercy.”
It’s perhaps surprising to see this drama suddenly appear in the top 10, given it was added to Netflix's ever-growing library on November 1. The renewed interest may be thanks in part to its star, Michael B. Jordan, whose success in this year's “Sinners” has kept him firmly in the spotlight.
You might not immediately recognize the title, and that’s understandable. When “Just Mercy” first hit theaters in December 2019, it earned just $50 million worldwide and was released alongside the blockbuster “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which likely overshadowed it. Even so, it’s encouraging to see the drama reaching viewers on Netflix and gaining recognition for its important message, six years on.
Based on a harrowing true story and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, “Just Mercy” follows a young lawyer fighting to free a man wrongfully sentenced to death. If you’re looking for something to stream this week, here’s everything to know about this legal drama.
What is ‘Just Mercy’ about?
“Just Mercy” follows Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan), a young Harvard-educated lawyer who travels to Alabama to provide legal aid to prisoners unable to afford proper representation. Soon after arriving, he takes on the case of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), who has been sentenced to death for the murder of an 18-year-old girl despite overwhelming evidence of his innocence.
During his investigation, Bryan encounters significant resistance from the local justice system and a community reluctant to revisit the case. Working alongside local advocate Eva Ansley (Brie Larson), he gathers witnesses, re-examines testimony, and exposes the flaws that led to Walter’s conviction. Through perseverance and dedication, Bryan fights to bring the truth to light and secure Walter’s release.
‘Just Mercy’ reviews — what the critics think
“Just Mercy” may not have been a massive box office success back in 2019, but it still received widespread acclaim, scoring 85% on Rotten Tomatoes with audiences rating it an impressive 99%. These scores are a strong testament to how well the movie does its story justice.
Ann Hornaday from the Washington Post said: “From its smooth visuals and warm, swinging sounds to its magnificent performances, Just Mercy is masterfully constructed to keep us inside a story that otherwise would be too brutal to bear.”
Meanwhile, the Chicago Reader’s Kathleen Sachs stated it’s “both rage-inducing and awe-inspiring; the courage conveyed by the protagonists is a balm on the sting of injustice.” Wenlei Ma from News.com also echoed that thought: “Just Mercy is a deeply moving film, a human story about injustice and justice and how intangible and ephemeral they both really are.”
However, some critics were a bit more mixed. Michael Phillips said in their Chicago Tribune review that it’s a “solid, meat-and-potatoes docudrama filmmaking, if you don't mind a first-rate story of systemic injustice undercut by second-rate dialogue.”
The Playlist’s Jason Bailey stated it’s “clearly a film with its heart squarely in the right place. But the broad strokes are just too familiar here, and try as he might, Cretton simply can't put a fresh spin on them.”
Audiences were very vocal about their appreciation for “Just Mercy,” praising it as “a super impactful and eye-opening look at the reality of the criminal justice system.” One user called it “an absolute work of art,” while others mentioned the “amazing” acting and writing. Clearly, this legal drama resonated just a little more with audiences than it did with critics.
Stream ‘Just Mercy’ on Netflix now
If you’re looking for a powerful movie to stream this week, “Just Mercy” is a solid option. And it’s clear Netflix viewers agree, given its place in the No. 9 spot. I wouldn’t be surprised if it climbs even higher in the coming days.
“Just Mercy” is an example of a movie released at the wrong time, considering its clash with a “Star Wars” release, but it also shows how a movie can find new life on streaming years later. This legal drama features powerful performances and delivers an important message about the flaws of the criminal justice system. Just be warned, it’s not exactly a light watch.
However, if you’re not totally convinced, see what else is new on Netflix in November 2025 or stream these new to Netflix movies with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stream "Just Mercy" on Netflix.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
