Judgment at Nuremberg

Released Dec 19, 1961

3 hr. 6 min.

Drama

List

92%

26 Reviews

Tomatometer

93%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood (Spencer Tracy) hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning (Burt Lancaster) and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe (Maximilian Schell), but also from the widow of a Nazi general (Marlene Dietrich), an idealistic U.S. Army captain (William Shatner) and reluctant witness Irene Wallner (Judy Garland).

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered May 01

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Watch Judgment at Nuremberg with a subscription on Prime Video, rent on Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

Judgment at Nuremberg dramatizes historical atrocity with thoughtfulness and vitality, interrogating complicity and genocide with an all-star cast at the peak of their respective powers.

Read Critics Reviews

Autumn M

Spencer Tracy is at the top of his game in this piercing legal thriller that dramatizes one of the most shameful chapters in modern history. Judy Garland is similarly captivating in her small role. Highly recommended.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/11/24

Full Review

Alec B

Kramer's films can be a bit overlong and a bit too obsessed with their own importance. While "Judgment at Nuremberg" suffers from both, neither issue eclipses the film's stronger elements (namely most of the performances, and the writing).

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/24

Full Review

Dr D

On the one hand, the film is remarkable, great story, great acting. However, being made in 1961, its wider and superbly attempted moral truth is slightly confined by a looming US sensibility about the impending Cold War with Russia. Dr. JD MA(Oxford) MD(Barts)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/21/23

Full Review

JM M

Excellent movie. My main criticism is that it's apparent which actors were cast bc of popularity or studio pressure - Montgomery Clift and Judy Garland. Both great actors but both out of place here.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/15/23

Full Review

Yash B

"Judgment at Nuremberg" is a classic courtroom drama that has many engaging and well-acted scenes. The movie can be a bit on the talkier side, but it is worth watching. The historic element of the film feels important and the performances feel very real throughout. This is a movie that comes down to the dialogue and I think even though I would say the movie is just good, the screenplay is great. It never really feels like a movie and it shines in the courtroom scenes, whereas the other moments do make the film much longer, it does add to the character depth and motivations. Overall, it is a movie that might seem slow on paper but is engaging to watch because of the dialogue and performances that carry the drama all the way to the end of the film.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/17/23

Full Review

Blobbo X

Mandatory viewing --- or should be.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/15/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Stanley Kramer

Director

Spencer Tracy

Chief Judge Dan Haywood

Burt Lancaster

Dr. Ernst Janning

Richard Widmark

Colonel Tad Lawson

Marlene Dietrich

Mrs. Bertholt

Maximilian Schell

Hans Rolfe

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

60%

73%

Town Without Pity

93%

91%

Inherit the Wind

71%

77%

The Young Lions

89%

62%

Two Weeks in Another Town

31%

59%

From the Terrace

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Variety Staff

Variety

Tracy delivers a performance of great intelligence and intuition.

Nov 7, 2007

Full Review

Chicago Reader

Watchable enough on its own terms, but insufferably glib next to something like Shoah.

Nov 7, 2007

Full Review

Time Out

There are no surprises in the direction, and Abby Mann's screenplay plays the expected tunes, but there's enough conviction on display to reward a patient spectator.

Jun 24, 2006

Full Review

Victor Pineyro

Seventh Art Studio

Few 3-hour long court dramas are as compelling and thrilling as Judgement at Nuremberg. A film about injustice and war while portraying hopelessness and double standards. Incredible script, magnificent directing. Full review in Spanish

Rated: 8/10

Apr 8, 2022

Full Review

Betsy Bozdech

DVDJournal.com

One of American cinema's landmark dramas, as well as one of the most powerful courtroom dramas ever filmed.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 8, 2022

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Far from a simplistic condemnation of fascism.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 18, 2021

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood (Spencer Tracy) hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning (Burt Lancaster) and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe (Maximilian Schell), but also from the widow of a Nazi general (Marlene Dietrich), an idealistic U.S. Army captain (William Shatner) and reluctant witness Irene Wallner (Judy Garland).

Director: Stanley Kramer
Screenwriter: Abby Mann
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: Roxlom Films Inc.
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1961, Original
Release Date (DVD): Sep 14, 2004

Most Popular at Home Now