20 Best Movies about Prison You Must Watch!

Although prison is not a pleasant place to be, prison can be an interesting movie theme. Many prison movies come in various genres, but most of them have the same main storyline of breaking out of the prison.

However, there are also prison-themed movies that offer a slightly different and even humorous narrative, which makes them interesting. If you're curious about these movies, let's check out the 20 prison movie recommendations below!

1. The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption portrays the life of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a convict who becomes friends with Ellis Redding, also known as Red (Morgan Freeman).

Andy is serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife and her lover. However, the harsh reality of prison life makes him the target of abuse from his fellow inmates.

The movie is not only explore the lives of the prisoners, but also exposes the corruption of the prison guards who keep their own criminal secrets.

With its complex storyline, The Shawshank Redemption has earned its place as one of the greatest movies of all time. It has a near-perfect rating and has earned tremendous praise from movie critics.

2. The Green Mile

The Green Mile differs from other prison-themed movies with its unique storyline. Instead of centering on an escape attempt, the film focuses on Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), a prison warden responsible for overseeing a death penalty facility.

Paul's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets John Coffey, an inmate accused of raping and murdering a child.

Despite his unsettling appearance, John Coffey exhibits very gentle behavior and possesses mysterious powers that he wants to use to help others. This prompts Paul to question whether John Coffey really deserves the death penalty.

3. The Great Escape

The Great Escape, directed by John Sturges and featuring an all-star cast including Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough, is a movie inspired by a true story. The movie tells the story of British soldiers' brave attempt to escape from a German prison camp during World War II.

The story is about a group of British soldiers, including officer Bartlett (Richard Attenborough), who is known for his adventurousness. Bartlett devised a mass escape plan, which involved building underground tunnels, aimed at freeing hundreds of prisoners.

Although rooted in true events, the movie incorporates fictional elements. The screenplay adds a touch of comedy to enhance its appeal, as seen in the prisoners's clever strategies to trick the prison guards and hide their grand plan.

4. Cool Hand Luke

In Cool Hand Luke movie, Luke (Paul Newman) is imprisoned for the seemingly minor offense of vandalizing a parking meter. Despite his status as a prisoner, Luke maintains a defiant and arrogant attitude, which makes him disliked by other prisoners.

Interestingly, Luke has a charming side that manages to win over his fellow prisoners. He boasted of being able to eat 50 hard-boiled eggs in an hour, and he became a source of entertainment for the bored inmates in the midst of their monotonous routine. Also, Luke was known for his rebellious nature, who was always trying to escape from custody.

5. Stalag 17

If you're a fan of World War II movies, Stalag 17 is a must-watch movie. Considered one of the best films about prisoners of war alongside "The Bridge on the River Kwai," this black-and-white film captivates audiences with its gripping narrative.

The story centers on two American prisoners held captive by the Germans. Their failed attempt to escape through a tunnel ends tragically when they are shot by a guard.

Speculation abounds, fueled by rumors of a German "insider" acting as an informant for the two Americans.

6. Papillon

Papillon tells the suspenseful story of Henri Charriere (Steve McQueen), a French prisoner who is determined to escape. In his quest, Henri gets help from Louis Dega (Dustin Hoffman), a master conman.

Arrested and exiled to Guyana on murder charges, Charriere's initial escape attempt proved to be a failure. He served six months of solitary confinement as punishment. Henri Charriere began another escape, knowing the there are many challenges ahead of him.

Based on Henri Charriere's own experiences, Papillon has already been remade in 2018, starring Charlie Hunnam as Henri Charriere and the talented Rami Malek as Louis Dega.

7. A Prophet

In A Prophet movie, Malik El Djebana (Tahar Rahim) is a young man who's imprisoned for assaulting a police officer. Life in prison proves to be rough for Malik as he experiences mistreatment from his fellow inmates.

Malik is also asked to kill people by another prisoner, Cesar Luciani (Niels Arestrup) who is a mafia chief. To complicate matters further, Malik, who is of Arab descent, is forced to target people with similar backgrounds.

The movie explores the ongoing story of Malik El Djebana, offering an immersive experience. Watch "A Prophet" or "Un Prophete" to watch Malik's journey firsthand.

8. Birdman of Alcatraz

Birdman of Alcatraz is a prison-themed movie with a unique storyline, which received several Oscar nominations. Robert Franklin Stroud (played by Burt Lancaster) is imprisoned in Alcatraz, a maximum security facility, after committing a murder in Alaska. Stroud's violent and rebellious nature sparks conflict with the prison warden, Harvey Shoemaker (Karl Malden).

When Stroud's mother tried to visit him but was not allowed by prison officials, Stroud became enraged and attacked an officer, fatally stabbing him. As a result, Stroud received a death sentence. However, through his mother's campaign, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.

In prison life, Stroud found consolation in caring for sparrows. His hobby grew, and he eventually acquired a large collection of birds and cages. Through his deep love for birds, Stroud became an expert on poultry diseases and even published a book, making him known as a knowledgeable veterinarian.

9. Hunger

The movie Hunger tells the dark story of a prison in Northern Ireland. The depressing atmosphere experienced by the prisoners is vividly portrayed, especially through the eyes of Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender), a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

To oppose the government, the prisoners went on a horrific hunger strike, refusing to wear clothes and wrapping their bodies in blankets. Bobby, who pioneered this action, becomes the central character. Directed by Steve McQueen, the movie presents a series of horrors that are sure to leave a lasting impact. Are you brave enough to watch it?

10. Escape from Alcatraz

Based on a true story, Don Siegel's movie Escape from Alcatraz draws inspiration from the escape of three inmates from the highly secure island prison, Alcatraz. The trio consisted of Frank Morris (Clint Eastwood), Clarence (Jack Thibeau), and John Anglin (Fred Ward).

Frank Morris, a convicted bank robber, is described as a brilliant individual with a high IQ. He forms a team and meticulously devises a plan to break free from prison. Their endeavor involves using a modified spoon to punch holes in the concrete walls.

Escaping from Alcatraz proved to be a difficult and time-consuming task. In reality, the three prisoners managed to escape, although the details of their whereabouts in the outside world remain uncertain.

11. Carandiru

Carandiru is about the experiences of Dr. Drauzio Varella, who ventured to Carandiru, the largest prison in Latin America located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Despite its size, Carandiru suffers from severe overcrowding, exceeding its supposed capacity.

Dr. Varella's purpose for visiting Carandiru was to conduct a series of HIV/AIDS tests on the inmates. During his time there, he meets prisoners who share heart-wrenching stories with him.

The movie is based on Varella's own true story. Carandiru Prison remained operational until 2002, just a year before the movie was released. However, the facility, which was built in the 1920s, no longer exists.

12. Midnight Express

In the movie Midnight Express, the main character, Billy Hayes (Brad Davis), tries to smuggle marijuana by attaching drugs to his body. Unfortunately, he was arrested at the airport in Turkey while trying to return to America.

Once in prison, Billy experiences various injustices from various parties, including cruel prison guards and scheming fellow inmates. However, he manages to form friendships with three other inmates: Jimmy (Randy Quaid), Max (John Hurt), and Erich Norbert Weisser). Together, they plan an escape from prison.

Midnight Express is a movie that depicts the true story of Billy Hayes. Although initially sentenced to four years in prison, Billy's sentence was extended to 30 years after serving only 53 days of his sentence.

13. Sleepers

Sleepers portrays the harsh realities of prison life experienced by a group of teenagers. These four teens imprisoned for their mischievous behavior, they faced a world of violence and abuse that left an indelible mark on their lives.

Thirteen years have passed, and the teens who were once in prison have taken different paths. Some have become common criminals, others work in the prosecutor's office, and some have chosen the path of journalism, writing for newspapers.

Time has failed to fade the haunting memories of their prison experiences. Now, as grown men, these four former teenagers are united with a common goal: to take revenge on those who tortured them during their time behind bars.

14. The Rock

The Rock centers around Alcatraz Island, which is famous for being a maximum security prison where only hardened criminals are incarcerated to prevent easy escapes.

In this movie, Alcatraz Island is under the control of Brigadier General Francis Hummel (Ed Harris) and his loyal marines. They seize the island and take 81 tourists hostage.

Hummel's goal is to force the government by threatening to launch a deadly chemical weapon from Alcatraz Island towards San Francisco. To prevent this catastrophic event, the government was forced to fulfill Hummel's demand of $100 million.

15. Law Abiding Citizen

Law Abiding Citizen, directed by F. Gary Gray, highlights the crumbling state of the American legal system. The movie opens with Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler), a brilliant man whose home is invaded by robbers. Tragically, he witnesses the brutal murder of his wife and child before his very eyes.

The two assailants, Darby and Ames, are put on trial but almost escape conviction due to insufficient evidence. Prosecutor Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) eventually struck a deal with the defendants, resulting in Ames receiving the death penalty while Darby, the man responsible for the Shelton family murders, received only a prison sentence.

Unhappy with this result, Shelton began a series of carefully planned acts of revenge. Although Shelton was eventually arrested and imprisoned, the murders continued. Nick Rice was convinced that Shelton was behind it all, but he didn't have enough evidence to catch him and end his vendetta.

16. Bad Boys (1983)

The movie "Bad Boys" released in 1983 is not related to the Will Smith and Martin Lawrence series. These two movies have no connection at all.

The storyline of 1983's "Bad Boys" is about Mick O'Brienn (Sean Penn), a young man who tragically causes the accidental death of his enemy's younger brother. As a consequence, he must face the consequences and serve a prison sentence.

O'Brienn finds himself subjected to harsh and brutal incarceration at a young age. It is in prison that he discovers the disturbing reality that violence is the path to gaining respect in such an environment.

17. Bronson

Bronson, which is based on the true story of Charles Bronson, also known as Charles Salvador, explores the life of one of Britain's most notorious prisoners. In this movie, Tom Hardy plays the character of Charles Bronson.

In the movie adaptation, Bronson's real name is Michael Gordon Peterson, while he adopted the name Charles Bronson as a sort of "stage name".

From the beginning, Peterson yearned for widespread recognition. Unfortunately, his name is known not for positive achievements, but rather for the crimes he has committed.

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, the movie also features Kelly Adams and Luing Andrews alongside Tom Hardy. Have you had a chance to watch this movie yet?

18. The Longest Yard

The Longest Yard challenges the negative stereotypes associated with prisoners, by showing that they can also achieve positive feats. The movie follows the journey of Paul Crewe (Burt Reynolds), an American football player who is imprisoned after stealing a car, driving under the influence, and causing damage to several police vehicles. As a result, Crewe was sentenced to three years in prison.

Crewe's exceptional soccer skills proved to be a positive influence within the prison walls. He took on the role of coaching fellow inmates to form a soccer team to compete against the prison guards' team, which sparked a transformative and uplifting experience for the inmates.

19. The Last Castle

The Last Castle portrays a gripping story set in a violent prison environment. The movie revolves around Irwin (Robert Redford), a former general who is tried and then sentenced to prison.

In prison, Irwin suffers abuse from the guards. In addition, many prisoners complained about the cruel actions of Colonel Winter (James Gandolfini), an authoritarian figure in the prison.

Determined to seek justice, Irwin took matters into his own hands. The former general leads a rebellion, aiming to overthrow Colonel Winter's oppressive leadership and bring change to the prison's cruel regime.

20. Escape Plan Movie Series

The Escape Plan movie series revolves around the theme of prison escapes. Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone) plays a prison security tester, who specializes in infiltrating prisons as an inmate to identify vulnerabilities in their system.

One day, Breslin receives an exciting offer to become an inmate at a highly secure facility known as The Tomb. The Tomb is covered in secrecy, making it even more challenging to escape.

When Breslin is "thrown" into The Tomb, he soon discovers that he has been deliberately framed to prevent his escape. Initially struggling to uncover the prison's weaknesses, Breslin coincidentally meets a fellow inmate named Rottmayer (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Together, they form an alliance and collaborate on a plan to break free.

The Escape Plan movie series continued with subsequent installments, including Escape Plan: Hades (2018) and Escape Plan: The Extractors (2019), which delves further into the prison escape story.

These recommendations are about a variety of prison-themed movies, from the suspenseful to the emotionally impactful. With so many prison movies available, feel free to share additional recommendations in the comments section!