The Pelican Brief
1993, English. Directed by Alan J. Pakula.
Two Supreme Court Justices have been assassinated. One lone law student has stumbled upon the truth. An investigative journalist wants her story. Everybody else wants her dead.
A law student's theory about the recent deaths of two Supreme Court justices embroils her in a far-reaching web of murder, corruption, and greed.
- Runtime
- 2h 21m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.6/10 from 1,859 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Pelican Brief
The Pelican Brief is streaming on Netflix in India.
Stream
Netflix
Apple TV Store
YouTube
Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Alan J. PakulaDirector
- Julia RobertsDarby Shaw
- Denzel WashingtonGray Grantham
- Sam ShepardThomas Callahan
- John HeardGavin Vereek
- Tony GoldwynFletcher Coal
- James B. SikkingDenton Voyles
- William AthertonBob Gminski
- Robert CulpThe President
- Stanley TucciKhamel
- Hume CronynJustice Rosenberg
- John LithgowSmith Keen
- Anthony HealdMarty Velmano
Details
- Released
- 17 September 1993
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Alan J. Pakula
- Budget
- $45M
- Box office
- $195M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Pelican Brief is based on
The Pelican Brief is based on The Pelican Brief, a 1992 novel by John Grisham.
Novel · 1992
The Pelican Brief
By John Grisham
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Pelican Brief: quick answers
Is The Pelican Brief worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.6/10 from 1,859 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Pelican Brief?
The Pelican Brief runs 141 minutes (2h 21m).
Does The Pelican Brief have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Pelican Brief. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Pelican Brief parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Pelican Brief is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Pelican Brief on?
The Pelican Brief is streaming on Netflix in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Pelican Brief?
If you liked The Pelican Brief, try The Rainmaker, The Lincoln Lawyer, Primal Fear.
Who directed The Pelican Brief?
The Pelican Brief (1993) was directed by Alan J. Pakula and stars Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard.
What is The Pelican Brief based on?
The Pelican Brief is based on The Pelican Brief, a 1992 novel by John Grisham.