Prison films are a popular type of film that crosses many other genres. Here are some of the best ones according to IMDb.
Some of them are based on real events, others are completely fictional, and some have become known as some of the most famous films of all time. Although there are many good stories.
10. Escape From Alcatraz (1979): Score 7.6
Alcatraz is one of the most famous prisons in the world. It is located off the coast of San Francisco and today serves as a landmark and museum. It served as a prison from the 1930s to the 1960s and is full of interesting stories. One such story inspired many such films as this one, which is still an unsolved mystery about how three prisoners escaped from this island prison.
This film tells its own version of the escape of three prisoners. It was named one of the best films of its time based on the famous actor Clint Eastwood.
9 The Birdman of Alcatraz (1962): Score 7.8
Alcatraz is so famous that there is more than one prison movie that is considered one of the best prison movies. It tells the fictional life of prisoner Robert Franklin Stroud. He was nicknamed "Alcatraz's Birdman" because he raised and took care of several injured sparrows he found in the prison yard. He even wrote a book called "Diseases of canaries» .
Not all prison films convey the oppressive feeling of imprisonment, but this one does. Like prison time itself, the pace is slow.
8 Moth (1973): Score 8.0
This historical prison drama film tells the story of two men who try to escape from a prison in French Guiana. At that time, it was quite expensive to shoot it due to the remoteness. However, the film was so loved and popular that it gave it back twice its budget.
As with many popular prison films, the sense of desperation, hopelessness, and brutality of incarceration is deeply etched. He shows the indomitability of the human spirit in such a way that the audience sits on the edge of the seat, clinging to a little hope, as the characters in the film do.
Also recently released a remake, quite good, with the same name.
7. 12 Monkeys (1995): Score 8.0
"12 Monkeys" very different from other prison films as it is also part of the sci-fi genre. The prison itself is also not entirely in the spotlight, however, all the events that take place occur due to the fact that the main character is imprisoned. Imprisoned in the future, he is experimented on and had to travel back in time to find a cure for a virus that has killed most of humanity.
The film makes the audience really question what is and what isn't. For example, you might ask, “Is this person from the future?”
6. In the Name of the Father (1993): Grade 8.1
This film is based on the true story of the Guildford Four, four innocent people convicted of the 1974 Guildford pub bombings that killed five people. The story is quite heartbreaking, and it has an extra twist based on real events.
Of course, as with any movie that tries to tell a story from reality, there are some facts that were left out. Regardless, it serves its main purpose as a terrific film about injustice.
5 Cool Hand Luke (1967): 8.1
Even those who have never seen this film must have heard of it as it is known as a classic. The story is based on the novel of the same name and follows a rioting prisoner in a Florida POW camp in the 1950s.
The film is rich in themes and symbolism with its Christian imagery and use of signs. In terms of awards, the film won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Laurel Award for Best Supporting Actor. It is also listed on the National Board of Film Preservation.
With such a legacy, it's no wonder it has such a high IMDb score and a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
4. The Great Escape (1963): Grade 8.2
This story is based on Paul Brickhill's 1950 non-fiction book of the same name, set in a World War II prison. Although the book is a first-hand account of the 1944 escape of British POWs from Germany, the film is quite fictional. For example, in the film, there were Americans among the fugitives, when in reality they were all British.
The film is quite famous. Even if it's never been seen, tons of pop culture references it, from video games likeMetal Gear, to films likeChicken Run, and TV shows such asThe Simpsons .
3. American History X (1998): Grade 8.5
While this film is not primarily set in a prison, the story is the result of an incarceration. The film stars two brothers who are involved in neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements. After one of them is arrested and returns reformed, he attempts to save his brother from further indoctrination by these toxic groups. The film is not only incredibly famous, but has also been used for educational purposes in the United States.
The film won numerous Best Actor awards and many critics have observed that its importance has not waned in the slightest since it first hit the big screen. In fact, one could argue that a 90s movie might be even more interesting for today's audience.
2. The Green Mile (1999): Score 8.6
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, this is a prison film steeped in the supernatural. The plot follows a correctional officer on death row during the Great Depression who witnesses supernatural events after a prisoner is admitted to his facility. The film won awards for music, actors and the audience award for best feature film.
The film is known to bring the audience moments of laughter, tears and just leave a strong impression.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994): Score 9.3
This film, based on another book by Stephen King, is so beloved that some claim it is one of the best films (not just prison films). The story follows Andy Dufresne after he is found guilty of murdering his wife and her lover. When moviegoers think of the prison genre, this movie is the first thing that comes to mind.
Due to its impact and cultural significance, the film was selected by the Library of Congress for inclusion in the National Film Registry. In a 2016 interview, King even mentioned that"The Shawshank Redemption" was his favorite adaptation of his work (along with "Stay with me") .
