A “masterpiece” American courtroom drama that’s hailed as one of the most “perfect films ever made” is streaming now in the UK. 12 Angry Men (1957) focuses on a jury of men as they deliberate whether to convict or acquit a teenager charged with murder on the basis of the principle of reasonable doubt.

The film is a critique of the US jury system amid a climate of suspicion during the anti-communist “McCarthy era”. It was directed by Hollywood filmmaking titan Sidney Lumet, and features an ensemble cast including Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E. G. Marshall, and Jack Warden.

It was adapted by Reginald Rose from his teleplay Twelve Angry Men. A TV film based on the movie was released in 1997, directed by William Friedkin.

Fans have taken to Rotten Tomatoes to heap praise on the movie, with one saying: “Every moment feels strong, important and continuous and you feel like you’re sitting in the room with the jurors.

“The lack of non-diegetic sound lets you feel part of the film and the minimal camera cuts support the same feeling. The cinematography only builds this into the masterpiece it is.”

Collider included the classic among a list of 10 “Movie Masterpieces That Are As Good As Everyone Says They Are”, saying: “Tightly written, impeccably staged, and performed to perfection, 12 Angry Men is truly one of the most perfect films ever made.”

Another wrote: “My first watch -2025 and it’s gobsmackingly good. Breathtaking even. Was not expecting to like it, but it blew me away!

“To be so relevant in today’s world is a masterful achievement of cinematic greatness. I applaud every bit of this masterpiece!”

A third added: “Fantastic film that has stood the test of time. Each character shows a different personality that brings different views to the same problem. Pacing is perfect and keeps you watching.”

A fourth said: “This is what you call entertainment, no fancy sets or anything… pure talent and a great plot…”

The film has a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, based on 61 reviews. This reflects the percentage of approved critics who have given it a positive review.

It also has a superb 97% score among general audiences.

12 Angry Men is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.