A Civil Action
1998, English. Directed by Steven Zaillian.
Justice has its price.
Jan Schlickmann is a cynical lawyer who goes out to 'get rid of' a case, only to find out it is potentially worth millions. The case becomes his obsession, to the extent that he is willing to give up everything—including his career and his clients' goals—in order to continue the case against all odds.
- Runtime
- 1h 55m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.5/10 from 523 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch A Civil Action
A Civil Action isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Steven ZaillianDirector
- John TravoltaJan Schlichtmann
- Robert DuvallJerome Facher
- Tony ShalhoubKevin Conway
- William H. MacyJames Gordon
- Željko IvanekBill Crowley
- Bruce NorrisWilliam Cheeseman
- John LithgowJudge Walter J. Skinner
- Kathleen QuinlanAnne Anderson
- Peter JacobsonNeil Jacobs
- Mary MaraKathy Boyer
- James GandolfiniAl Love
- Stephen FryPinder
Details
- Released
- 25 December 1998
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Steven Zaillian
- Budget
- $70M
- Box office
- $57M
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News & fan talk
What A Civil Action is based on
A Civil Action is based on A Civil Action (1996) by Jonathan Harr, published by wine harvest.
1996
A Civil Action
By Jonathan Harr
Published by wine harvest
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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A Civil Action: quick answers
Is A Civil Action worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.5/10 from 523 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is A Civil Action?
A Civil Action runs 115 minutes (1h 55m).
Does A Civil Action have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for A Civil Action. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
A Civil Action parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
A Civil Action is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is A Civil Action on?
A Civil Action isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like A Civil Action?
If you liked A Civil Action, try Erin Brockovich, The Safety of Objects, Marshall.
Who directed A Civil Action?
A Civil Action (1998) was directed by Steven Zaillian and stars John Travolta, Robert Duvall, Tony Shalhoub.
What is A Civil Action based on?
A Civil Action is based on A Civil Action (1996) by Jonathan Harr, published by wine harvest.