20 Must-Watch Prison Movies for Every Movie Buff
Prison movies offer powerful stories that prompt viewers to question the darker aspects of human nature and the value of freedom. These movies explore the tough life struggles of inmates, their friendships, and their survival skills, while also delivering important messages about the justice system.
The prison environment reflects the internal conflicts and transformations of the characters, fostering deep empathy in the audience. Sometimes filled with despair and other times overflowing with courage, these stories provoke thought and evoke strong emotions.
In this content, we will take an in-depth look at 20 prison movies. Each movie presents a unique experience and perspective, inspiring us with stories of how individuals resist under these challenging conditions. If you’re ready, let’s step together into this captivating world!
1.Brubaker
Henry Brubaker, an idealistic warden, decides to go undercover and join the inmates in his new prison to evaluate their conditions. Brubaker becomes a threat to the administration in the eyes of the governor due to his efforts to secure basic human rights.
Information about Brubaker (1980)
- Title: Brubaker
- Director: Stuart Rosenberg
- Cast: Robert Redford, Yaphet Kotto, Jane Alexander, Murray Hamilton
- Release Year: 1980
- Duration: 131 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Similar Movies: Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Brubaker on IMDb
2.I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
The movie, known as the ancestor of prison movies, tells the story of what an innocent man can become under difficult conditions. Paul Muni‘s magnificent acting makes this movie a timeless work. As you watch the movie, you will realize that it sheds light on those that followed it.
Information about I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
- Title: I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
- Director: Mervyn LeRoy
- Cast: Paul Muni, Glenda Farrell, Helen Vinson
- Release Year: 1932
- Duration: 93 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Language: English
- Age Rating: Not Rated (Classic Film)
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Cool Hand Luke (1967)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang on IMDb
3.Hunger
How much can a person give up for ideals, and how far can determination take someone? The movie, adapted from the true story of Bobby Sands, is a must-watch with its long and tense scenes. You will especially not forget the sequence where Michael Fassbender and Liam Cunningham show off to each other.
Information about Hunger (2008)
- Title: Hunger
- Director: Steve McQueen
- Cast: Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 96 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom, Ireland
- Genre: Biography, Drama, History
- Language: English
- Age Rating: Not Rated (Note: Graphic content)
- Available Platforms: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Similar Movies: 12 Years a Slave (2013), Shame (2011)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Hunger on IMDb
4.Stalag 17
Information about Stalag 17 (1953)
- Title: Stalag 17
- Director: Billy Wilder
- Cast: William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger
- Release Year: 1953
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, War
- Language: English
- Age Rating: Approved
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Similar Movies: The Great Escape (1963), Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Stalag 17 on IMDb
5.Carandiru
Adapted from a true event, the movie is an extremely impressive work that shows how extreme violence can be, making the audience lose interest in life and even humanity.
Information about Carandiru (2003)
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- Title: Carandiru
- Director: Héctor Babenco
- Cast: Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos, Milton Gonçalves, Ivan de Almeida
- Release Year: 2003
- Duration: 145 minutes
- Country: Brazil
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Language: Portuguese
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Similar Movies: City of God (2002), Elite Squad (2007)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Carandiru on IMDb
6.Prayer times
The movie, which was only released years after it was shot due to the bans, tells the full story of the torture and ill-treatment Tonia, who did not even know what her crime was, received in prison.
Information about Przesłuchanie (1989)
- Title: Przesłuchanie (Interrogation)
- Director: Ryszard Bugajski
- Cast: Krystyna Janda, Adam Ferency, Janusz Gajos
- Release Year: 1989
- Duration: 118 minutes
- Country: Poland
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Language: Polish
- Age Rating: Not Rated (contains intense and disturbing themes)
- Available Platforms: [Availability varies by region]
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Similar Movies: Man of Marble (1977), Man of Iron (1981)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Przesłuchanie on IMDb
7.Blood In, Blood Out
The movie, which tells the story of the survival struggle of three young Mexicans, draws the audience in with its fast pace and powerful drama that will not leave you bored for even a moment, despite its long running time.
Information about Blood In, Blood Out (1993)
- Title: Blood In, Blood Out
- Director: Taylor Hackford
- Cast: Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Bratt
- Release Year: 1993
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Language: English, Spanish
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: [Availability varies by region]
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Similar Movies: American Me (1992), Carlito’s Way (1993)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Blood In, Blood Out on IMDb
8.A Man Escaped
How strong is the survival instinct? Fontaine, who is about to be executed, tells the story of his escape from a maximum-security prison as a last hope. This movie is one of the most impressive examples of minimalist cinema.
Information about A Man Escaped (1956)
- Title: A Man Escaped
- Director: Robert Bresson
- Cast: François Leterrier, Charles Le Clainche, Maurice Beerblock
- Release Year: 1956
- Duration: 101 minutes
- Country: France
- Genre: War, Drama
- Language: French
- Age Rating: Not Rated
- Available Platforms: Criterion Channel, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Similar Movies: The Great Escape (1963), Le Trou (1960)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: A Man Escaped on IMDb
9.Cool Hand Luke
Luke, who was imprisoned for a minor crime, has his sentence extended due to his inconsistent behavior and attempts to escape. Luke will soon gain everyone’s respect thanks to his indestructible stance against the oppression he faces. Paul Newman and his smile will never leave your mind in this impressive critique of the system.
Information about Cool Hand Luke (1967)
- Title: Cool Hand Luke
- Director: Stuart Rosenberg
- Cast: Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin
- Release Year: 1967
- Duration: 126 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Cool Hand Luke on IMDb
10.Das Experiment
Adapted from a true story, the movie tells the story of the mind-boggling results of a psychological experiment. It is a movie that you will never forget once you watch it, revealing that humans are ultimately animals and that in some ways we have just emerged from the cave.
Information about Das Experiment (2001)
- Title: Das Experiment
- Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
- Cast: Moritz Bleibtreu, Christian Berkel, Oliver Stokowski
- Release Year: 2001
- Duration: 119 minutes
- Country: Germany
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Language: German
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Similar Movies: The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015), A Clockwork Orange (1971)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Das Experiment on IMDb
11.Cell 211
Juan, who arrives early for work one day, accidentally faints while touring the prison. When he wakes up, a riot has broken out, and if Juan wants to survive this riot, he must be very careful. Cell 211, one of the best products of Spanish cinema in recent years, is a fast-paced and powerful movie. You will not forget the character of Malamadre.
Information about Cell 211 (2009)
- Title: Cell 211
- Director: Daniel Monzón
- Cast: Luis Tosar, Alberto Ammann, Antonio Resines
- Release Year: 2009
- Duration: 113 minutes
- Country: Spain
- Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
- Language: Spanish
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Similar Movies: The Great Escape (1963), Prisoners (2013)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Cell 211 on IMDb
12.American History X
When Derek Vinyard, a neo-Nazi, is imprisoned after killing three Black people, he learns important lessons about how life is not what he thought it was. One of the best movies about racism, American History X has unforgettable scenes and a moving ending.
Information about American History X (1998)
- Title: American History X
- Director: Tony Kaye
- Cast: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D’Angelo
- Release Year: 1998
- Duration: 119 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Similar Movies: A Clockwork Orange (1971), The Green Mile (1999)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: American History X on IMDb
13.The Great Escape
A prisoner of war camp and prisoners trying to escape during the Second World War… This is a must-see movie that weaves together the planning and implementation stages without delving into too many side stories, leaving a significant mark in the history of cinema.
Information about The Great Escape (1963)
- Title: The Great Escape
- Director: John Sturges
- Cast: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
- Release Year: 1963
- Duration: 172 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, War
- Language: English
- Age Rating: Approved
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Similar Movies: Saving Private Ryan (1998), Where Eagles Dare (1968)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Great Escape on IMDb
14.Escape from Alcatraz
Adapted from a true story, the movie tells the tale of four people who plan to escape from Alcatraz prison, which is considered impossible to escape. Clint Eastwood once again delivers an impressive performance as the tough, charismatic man we have come to expect. In particular, the fact that the original story is faithful to the movie is one of the elements that makes it beautiful and mysterious.
Information about Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
- Title: Escape from Alcatraz
- Director: Don Siegel
- Cast: Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Roberts Blossom, Jack Thibeau
- Release Year: 1979
- Duration: 112 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Similar Movies: The Shawshank Redemption (1994), The Green Mile (1999)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Escape from Alcatraz on IMDb
15.Papillon
Wrongfully convicted for murder, Henri Charrière forms an unlikely relationship with fellow inmate and quirky convicted counterfeiter, Louis Dega, in an attempt to escape from the notorious penal colony on Devil’s Island.
Information about Papillon (2017)
- Title: Papillon
- Director: Michael Noer
- Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Rami Malek, Tom Holland, Eve Hewson
- Release Year: 2017
- Duration: 133 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Similar Movies: The Great Escape (1963), Escape Plan (2013)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Papillon on IMDb
16.Birdman of Alcatraz
Robert Stroud is a tough-tempered prisoner who has given up hope for life in Alcatraz, one of the harshest prisons in the world. Stroud will find a wounded bird, and this will change his life forever. Based on a true story, Birdman of Alcatraz tells the life of Robert Stroud, one of the world’s most important ornithologists. One of the best aspects of the movie is that it does not try to perfect the leading role we see in most true stories.
Information about Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
- Title: Birdman of Alcatraz
- Director: John Frankenheimer
- Cast: Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Thelma Ritter, Edmond O’Brien
- Release Year: 1962
- Duration: 149 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: Not Rated
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Similar Movies: The Green Mile (1999), The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Birdman of Alcatraz on IMDb
17.The Prophet
Malik Djabena, who was a nobody when he was sent to prison, will quickly rise in the world of crime by taking advantage of the opportunities that come his way. Thanks to Tahar Rahim‘s superior performance, you will not get bored despite its long duration while watching the movie. The Underground Prophet captivates the audience with its realistic narrative, making it one of the honorable works of French Cinema.
Information about The Prophet (2009)
- Title: The Prophet
- Director: Roger Allers
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, John Krasinski, Quvenzhane Wallis
- Release Year: 2009
- Duration: 84 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Similar Movies: The Little Prince (2015), Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Prophet on IMDb
18.In the Name of the Father
Gerry Conlon, who lives his life to have fun, is sent to prison with his father for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being a member of the IRA. Here, Gerry Conlon will learn important lessons about life. An idealist lawyer named Gareth Peirce is determined not to let go of the incident. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best movies by Sheridan-Lewis, one of the best director-actor duos in the history of cinema. In the movie For My Father, which best tells the story of the corruption of the justice system, Daniel Day-Lewis gives one of the best performances of his career. Let’s not forget that it is based on a true story.
Information about In the Name of the Father (1993)
- Title: In the Name of the Father
- Director: Jim Sheridan
- Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Emma Thompson, Pete Postlethwaite
- Release Year: 1993
- Duration: 133 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: The Green Mile (1999), The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: In the Name of the Father on IMDb
19.The Shawshank Redemption
Andy Dufresne, who was convicted of murdering his wife, will quickly gain everyone’s respect in prison and develop a friendship with Red that will last for many years. However, Andy has a completely different plan. As one of the best movies ever made about hope, friendship, and patience, The Shawshank Redemption draws attention with its strong supporting characters and storyline. The Shawshank Redemption, which has not lost its throne in the IMDb Top 250 for a long time, is a perfect movie.
Information about The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Title: The Shawshank Redemption
- Director: Frank Darabont
- Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
- Release Year: 1994
- Duration: 142 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
- Similar Movies: The Green Mile (1999), Prisoners (2013)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Shawshank Redemption on IMDb
20.The Trou
Gaspard, who is in prison for attempted murder, learns that the prisoners are planning to escape when he is transferred to his new cell. Le Trou, which has no trouble drawing the audience in, will have you digging, sweating, and getting nervous along with the characters. With its top-notch acting, script, and magnificent ending, Le Trou is a masterpiece that prison movie lovers should not miss.
Information about Le Trou (1960)
- Title: Le Trou
- Director: Jacques Becker
- Cast: Michel Constantin, Claude Brasseur, Jean Keraudy
- Release Year: 1960
- Duration: 132 minutes
- Country: France
- Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller
- Language: French
- Age Rating: Not Rated
- Available Platforms: Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Similar Movies: The Great Escape (1963), Papillon (1973)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Le Trou on IMDb
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