As a movie fan, it’s always exciting to delve into the captivating world of prison movies, where stories of survival, friendship, and redemption are told against the backdrop of incarceration. With the vast collection of Netflix, the world’s leading streaming platform, at your fingertips, it’s never been easier to access some of the best prison movies ever made. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 21 prison movies on Netflix that will leave you emotionally moved and on the edge of your seat.
Below is the list of Top 21 Prison Movies on Netflix
Courtesy: IMDb
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
IMDb Rating: 9.3
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%
“The Shawshank Redemption” is considered one of the greatest films of all time. Directed by Frank Darabont, this movie stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, who deliver exceptional performances as inmates who become friends in the harsh realities of prison life. The story of hope, friendship, and redemption has touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide.
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Courtesy: IMDb
The Green Mile (1999)
IMDb Rating: 8.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%
Based on a novel by Stephen King, “The Green Mile” is a moving and heart-wrenching story about a death row prison guard named Paul Edgecombe (Tom Hanks) and a mysterious inmate named John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan). This movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to experience the power of cinema.
Courtesy: IMDb
Shot Caller (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 70%
“Shot Caller” is a gripping thriller about a white-collar businessman (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) who is sent to prison after a tragic accident. As he struggles to survive in the brutal world of prison, he becomes a powerful gang leader, but at a great cost to his family on the outside. This movie is a must-watch for those who love action-packed dramas.
Courtesy: Kung-Fu Kingdom
Blood and Bone (2009)
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 71%
This film follows the story of a former Marine named Isaiah Bone (Michael Jai White), who is released from prison and enters the underground world of underground fighting. With an electrifying performance from Michael Jai White, this movie is a thrilling ride that will leave you breathless.
Courtesy: The New Yorker
The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%
“The Stanford Prison Experiment” is a harrowing portrayal of the infamous psychological experiment of the same name conducted in the early 1970s. The film stars a talented cast including Billy Crudup, Ezra Miller, and Olivia Thirlby, who deliver performances that will leave you stunned and emotionally drained.
Courtesy: Project Figures
The Nightingale (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%
“The Nightingale” is a brutal and unflinching film that depicts the horrors of colonialism and patriarchy in 19th century Australia. The film stars Aisling Franciosi as a young Irish convict seeking revenge on a cruel British officer (Sam Claflin) who has wronged her and her family. This movie is not for the faint of heart but is an essential watch for those who want to experience a powerful and thought-provoking film.
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Courtesy: IMDb
The Platform (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 80%
“The Platform” is a Spanish science-fiction thriller that takes place in a prison where the inmates are fed via a platform that travels through the levels. The higher the level, the better the food, but the lower levels suffer from starvation and desperation. This film explores themes of inequality, greed, and human nature, and is a thought-provoking and intense watch.
Courtesy: Phoenix Film Festival
Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%
“Escape from Alcatraz” is based on the true story of three inmates who attempted to escape from the infamous Alcatraz Island prison. Clint Eastwood stars as Frank Morris, the mastermind behind the escape plan, in a thrilling and suspenseful movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Courtesy: Movie Nation
Papillon (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 51%
This movie is a remake of the 1973 classic starring Steve McQueen, based on the memoirs of French convict Henri Charriere. Charlie Hunnam and Rami Malek deliver great performances as two inmates who form a strong bond while enduring the brutal conditions of a notorious prison in French Guiana.
Courtesy: Google Play
The Hurricane (1999)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
Denzel Washington gives an Oscar-nominated performance in “The Hurricane,” a biographical drama about the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. The film follows Carter’s fight for justice, aided by a young African-American boy who believes in his innocence.
Courtesy: The Super Network
Bronson (2008)
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 75%
“Bronson” is a biographical crime film based on the life of notorious British inmate Michael Gordon Peterson, who is known for his violent behavior and multiple prison stints. Tom Hardy delivers a stunning performance as Bronson, in a movie that explores the psyche of a violent criminal and the impact of incarceration on the human mind.
Courtesy: The Movie Database
Starred Up (2013)
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 99%
“Starred Up” is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in a British prison, following the story of a young offender who is “starred up” or transferred to an adult prison due to his violent behavior. Jack O’Connell delivers a powerful performance as the troubled youth, and Ben Mendelsohn shines as his estranged father who is also an inmate.
Courtesy: Watz Up
American History X (1998)
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%
“American History X” is a powerful drama that explores themes of racism, redemption, and the destructive power of hate. Edward Norton gives a tour-de-force performance as a former neo-Nazi who tries to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps, after he is released from prison.
Courtesy: idrawonmywall.com
The Hateful Eight (2015)
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 74%
Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” is a Western crime thriller set in a blizzard-bound Wyoming, where a group of strangers are stranded together in a cabin. The movie features an all-star cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, in a suspenseful and violent tale of betrayal and revenge.
Courtesy; What’s on Netflix
The Yard (2019)
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 57%
In this Turkish action-drama, a former soccer player gets sent to a tough prison, where he must fight for survival and respect. He soon discovers that the only way to earn his way out is to play in the prison yard’s soccer team, which means facing off against the toughest inmates.
Courtesy; IMDb
Animal Factory (2000)
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 70%
“Animal Factory” is a gritty prison drama directed by Steve Buscemi and based on the novel by Edward Bunker. The film stars Willem Dafoe and Edward Furlong, who deliver outstanding performances as seasoned inmate Earl Copen and young prisoner Ron Decker, respectively. The story follows Decker as he navigates life in prison, learning the rules from Copen while trying to avoid trouble.
Courtesy: IMDb
Cool Hand Luke (1967)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%
“Cool Hand Luke” is a classic prison movie starring Paul Newman as a charismatic prisoner who refuses to conform to the rules of the system. The film is known for its iconic scenes, such as the egg-eating challenge and the famous line, “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.”
Courtesy: Flicks
The Informer (2019)
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 62%
Set in Northern Ireland, “The Informer” tells the story of a former soldier and ex-convict (Joel Kinnaman) who is coerced into becoming an informant for the FBI to help take down a dangerous drug lord. However, things go awry when he gets caught between the police, the FBI, and the drug lord, and must fight for his life.
Courtesy: Apple TV
Out of the Furnace (2013)
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 52%
“Out of the Furnace” is a gripping crime drama that tells the story of two brothers who get caught up in the world of underground fighting and drug trafficking in rural Pennsylvania. Christian Bale and Casey Affleck deliver powerful performances as the brothers, who must confront the harsh realities of their lives and make difficult choices to survive.
Courtesy: IMDb
The Escape Artist (1982)
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 80%
Starring Griffin O’Neal and Raúl Juliá, “The Escape Artist” is a unique prison movie that combines elements of comedy, drama, and suspense. O’Neal plays the son of a famous escape artist who gets framed for a crime he didn’t commit and must use his father’s skills to clear his name and escape from prison.
Courtesy: Time Out
A Prophet (2009)
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
“A Prophet” is a French crime drama that tells the story of a young Arab man who rises through the ranks of a Corsican prison’s criminal hierarchy. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film explores themes of identity, power, and survival, and features outstanding performances by Tahar Rahim and Niels Arestrup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of prison movies is vast and varied, offering audiences a chance to explore the many facets of incarceration through the lens of cinema. The top 20 prison movies on Netflix, as listed in this article, offer a range of stories and genres, from heartwarming tales of friendship and redemption to action-packed thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each of these movies has something unique to offer, whether it’s a powerful performance, a compelling storyline, or a thought-provoking message. So, grab some popcorn and settle in for a movie marathon that will take you on an emotional and unforgettable journey.
