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The Shawshank Redemption
1994
Drama
Crime
2h 22m
Andy Dufresne is a young and successful banker whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover. Set in the 1940's, the film shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red, the prison entrepreneur, turns out to be a most unconventional prisoner. (imdb)
Directed by:
Your probable score
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The Shawshank Redemption
1994
Drama
Crime
2h 22m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 80.11% from 25492 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
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Rated 17 May 2008
97
99th
Tim robbins, Morgan Freeman, and William Sadler all give some of the best performences in the history of movies, the plot is impecable and the filming and direction are the best in the industry.
Rated 17 May 2008
Rated 09 Mar 2007
95
99th
A true exercise in the form. You know it's a good movie when what you just saw should feel hokey, but it doesn't. (some of the narration, read on paper, is questionable. 'No good thing ever dies?' What?) Maybe that's manipulation, but so be it. I'll just call it movie magic. Frank Darabont had the perfect storm of people surrounding him (Newman, Deakins, King.) TNT could run this shit bi-daily and I wouldn't care.
Rated 09 Mar 2007
Rated 25 Jul 2018
100
97th
Has definitely suffered from overexposure (it's probably playing on at least three cable channels right this second), but this is still absolutely one of the best movies of all time. Like an engrossing novel, it sucks you in with richly-drawn characters and resonant themes, leaving you stunned and elated when it's over. A masterpiece.
Rated 25 Jul 2018
Rated 23 Feb 2007
10
98th
A movie that is well deserved of all the praise it gets. Very moving and easily the best prison movie ever made. You gotta love that ending scene on the beach, you can't really get a better ending.
Rated 23 Feb 2007
Rated 26 Feb 2007
100
99th
A true joy to watch and a must see for any film fan.Definitly one of the greatest films ever made.
Rated 26 Feb 2007
Rated 19 Mar 2007
97
99th
As close to perfection as you could ever care to be. On subsequent viewings I have attempted to find something to dislike about the film, but have been unsuccessful simply because it has been so well made any faults pale into relative insignificance. Excellent plot, magnificent acting and superb production.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
Rated 24 Jun 2008
99
99th
One of the best ever made. Great ending to a great movie.
Rated 24 Jun 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
98th
Just a great movie, and that's why it's on so many lists near the top. Because it's a great movie that EVERYONE loves (and those that don't only dislike it in spite of others).
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 02 May 2007
37
34th
The bad guys are killed and emasculated, the good guys -- complicit in a laundering scheme -- end up on a beach together, and the queer rapist enjoys the rest of his life sans teeth. Watch it with the family
Rated 02 May 2007
Rated 24 Feb 2008
98
99th
Not like any other book of Stephen King, but damn what a story. It's so touching, so well done, the acting is great, .. However there is no action at all in this film, it's just breathtaking. I love Morgan freeman in this movie btw.
Rated 24 Feb 2008
Rated 03 Oct 2009
70
71st
The best movie of all time? (no)
Rated 03 Oct 2009
Rated 29 Apr 2020
100
97th
A masterclass for everything: The feel-good story is perfect as an audience member or for a writer looking to study it. The performances are inspiring & technically amazing. The flawless editing helps you understand the passage of time. The music is wonderfully composed and executed, and works as a sort of lyric-less gospel, helping you get through the tough times. And the imagery is awesome, with so many frames that can be a painting. Perfect, and quite easily the greatest movie ever made.
Rated 29 Apr 2020
Rated 01 Mar 2009
45
34th
Cleverly constructed but overly mechanical prison fairytale. Composes the themes of hope and fear, as well as of gifts and promises, and, of course, justice and redemption. Some of this is not entirely without interest, but the controlling (yet detached) hand of the author is too clearly present throughout. In short, it tends to reduce its audience to the condition of being a herd to be led.
Rated 01 Mar 2009
Rated 20 Mar 2008
96
96th
The powerful feeling of literary and poetic greatness that flows through your mind while watching this movie is truly indescribable. Darabont shines with this remarkable film; unprecedented in its elaborate mixture of magnificent acting, subtle, but solid cinematography, and moving, melodious tones that gracefully swell beneath an enchanting tale of Andy Dufresne. Freeman's narration will send chills down your spine as Robbins' performance brings tears to your eyes. Absolutely phenomenal.
Rated 20 Mar 2008
Rated 25 Jan 2012
99
98th
It is said that Netflix had a bunch of people try to come up with the best way to accumulate people's rankings to improve recommendations. Eventually they had to exclude "The Shawshank Redemption" because it broke every format. Every type of genre fan, whether drama, action, horror, whatever, they all like this film.
Rated 25 Jan 2012
Rated 02 Jan 2007
4
70th
It's a collection of cliches, to be sure, but it never feels overly cliched because it's all so well-done. The leads turn in some fine performances, and the story is engaging and well-paced. Beyond that, it's just plain heartwarming.
Rated 02 Jan 2007
Rated 20 Feb 2007
65
40th
Very manipulative movie full of cliches. It's good, but it not the masterpiece some claim it to be.
Rated 20 Feb 2007
Rated 14 Nov 2012
97
94th
I have my favorite movies, but this may be, without a doubt, one of the best movies ever made, and I'm not putting that lightly. Everything is just near-perfect to me. Deakins' pretty cinematography, Newman's pivotal score, Darabont's soft direction and mighty writing, and the the well-casted actors. Stretching a short story to 142 minutes? This could have been awful, but it was everything but. Very well paced and handles with care. Definitely, DEFINITELY give it a try.
Rated 14 Nov 2012
Rated 27 May 2008
95
99th
Throughout Morgan Freeman's career, he has played the same character - the wise, old black man, and this film is no different. He does a fantastic job moving this story forward, and his relationship with Tim Robbins is perfect. Has a voice made for narration. Just a great film overall.
Rated 27 May 2008
Rated 24 Aug 2008
100
99th
No matter how many times this movie comes on cable, you can't help but watch it every time. It's one of the great ones, with a legendary script and flawless direction. Over-exposure has hurt it's reputation some, but that's only because basically everyone has seen it. Some will criticize the ending, but every now and then we need a beautifully told story of triumph and redemption.
Rated 24 Aug 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
99th
It's rare that a movie can improve on the written word, but I feel this film does do more than justice to Stephen King's novella. From the dialogue to the story to the soundtrack, it's A+ all the way.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 15 Mar 2008
100
98th
I really wish I could see this for the first time again.
Rated 15 Mar 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
It provides vital inspiration for the heart and nourishment for the soul, letting us know that even amid the most trying of circumstances, hope should never be extinguished. Shawshank lasts two hours and twenty minutes, but its resonance stays with you forever.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
97th
This is a movie I seem to be able to watch over and over again (and sometimes do - does TBS show anything else?). Just a great story with great characters. Morgan Freeman's narration is smooth and easy to listen to and doesn't distract from the on-screen happenings. A must watch.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 27 Oct 2020
90
95th
Can't believe I haven't watched it until now. It was mostly due to the long runtime. The problem with watching great popular movies after everyone else is that it spawns imitators and parodies that clouds my judgment of the original. Even the damn poster gave away the ending. Anyway, great characters, great pacing, a bit too much torture porn for me, and the ultimate escape is improbable (nobody looked behind the giant poster?). Morgan Freeman can narrate anything. Fav scene: rain escape.
Rated 27 Oct 2020
Rated 20 Nov 2012
75
77th
For me, this is good and has no glaring flaws - but it's nothing special, either. One thing is to rate a movie, another thing entirely is to rank it. The collective taste of IMDb users places this movie as #1 of all time. On a ranked list of the films I've watched from 1994, I'm gonna put it just below 'Timecop'.
Rated 20 Nov 2012
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
Yep! One of my all-time favorites. I can honestly say that I saw this before most people did and was a part of that grassroots compaigning that it was an instant classic, and one of the best movies I had ever seen... When a movie is done right, Stephen King proves to be one of our best story-tellers ever...
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
35th
a bit cliched and corny
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 20 Apr 2009
90
97th
Ustalara saygi...
Rated 20 Apr 2009
Rated 19 May 2011
83
78th
Sure, it's really cliched and sappy at times (or all the time), but it's just executed so well. Robbins and Freemen are excellent, they really carry the film.
Rated 19 May 2011
Rated 05 Jun 2016
2
10th
I was playing a show and the band after us said "this song goes out to the movie lovers" and it was about Shawshank Redemption. My brother threw a bottle at his head.
Rated 05 Jun 2016
Rated 07 Apr 2008
68
38th
Down-trodden white man meets guilt-ridden old black man. They have wild sex on a beach. There, you don't need to see it now. P.S. of course Escape from Alcatraz is better.
Rated 07 Apr 2008
Rated 21 Feb 2009
98
99th
One of the best character driven stories of all time. Takes a very real look at hope and friendship, and is done so in near-perfect fashion. Freeman and Robbins are outstanding.
Rated 21 Feb 2009
Rated 27 Feb 2007
80
74th
I used to LOVE this movie, but after surfin' round IMDB I've discovered that it is for n00bs. WHY IS IT IN TOP 250? What evs I still gotta give props.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
Rated 25 Feb 2011
97
99th
Simply a fantastic movie .. the ultimate narration by Freeman, the ultimate enigma in Robbins and around three scenes that every time I watch this CLASSIC film has me in tears. The only reason for a less that 100 score is the ending, which is too drawn out, too "hollywood", and the original ending on the bus would have been the ideal place to stop .. even if it didnt tie everything up with a bow, as some people seem to like.
Rated 25 Feb 2011
Rated 05 Mar 2007
100
99th
In the best movies I have ever seen..excellent, wonderful
Rated 05 Mar 2007
Rated 17 Mar 2007
6
53rd
watching shawshank redemption is like being punished for a crime you didn't commit lOLOLOLllol
Rated 17 Mar 2007
Rated 22 Nov 2017
96
87th
My 2nd favorite movie based on a Stephen King story. Brilliant acting, writing, and story. Morgan Freeman plays a redheaded Irish inmate named "Red", while never having red hair throughout the entire movie. That should tell what a great actor he is.
Rated 22 Nov 2017
Rated 08 Jan 2017
100
99th
I just can't come up with anything to comment on this movie.. Just noting "this is my favorite movie of all time" isn't going to earn me any stars, and neither is spewing out glorious adjectives. Not that I'm trying to get stars. My self esteem is flawless and I don't care what other people think. Really, I mean it, I'm not needy at all. So uh... This is my favorite movie of all time.
Rated 08 Jan 2017
Rated 05 Apr 2023
30
36th
you, too, can hope to escape the dehumanizing reality of prison with a marketable skill! god, what an awful institution
Rated 05 Apr 2023
Rated 20 Sep 2010
97
99th
Find whatever trivial problems you can with it, it is still very well made and well acted.
Rated 20 Sep 2010
Rated 09 Aug 2007
81
76th
Disgustingly overated, although it is still a good picture. The Green Mile is a better Darabont film.
Rated 09 Aug 2007
Rated 13 Feb 2012
93
98th
Fantastic by any standard. The story is simple, well-told, and moving. The performances are all top notch. It's impossible not to root for Dufresne.
Rated 13 Feb 2012
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
i honestly cannot come up with a single thing that i dislike about this film. i hesistate to give it a 100, but when you can find no personal fault in a film, might as well swing for the fence. one of the greatest films ever.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 07 Jun 2011
98
98th
Excellent film, well acted and the music is perfect.
Rated 07 Jun 2011
Rated 18 Jan 2010
95
96th
I often consider Shawshank a victim of pretentious critics. It is, for the most part, an extremely well received film. However lately, as with anything universally popular, it is deemed "uncool" to like by some. I'm not sure why. It's one of the best written films I can remember, with some remarkable acting across the board. It's also an extremely powerful movie, with some incredibly emotional scenes. There are few people who criticize this film, but I truthfully can't see why anyone would.
Rated 18 Jan 2010
Rated 22 Aug 2010
99
99th
It dont get much better than this. Cinematic perfection in every possible way. The ultimate feel good movie.
Rated 22 Aug 2010
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
50th
I'm not sure why, but my appreciation of The Shawshank Redemption has dropped. I still think the big reveal with the tunnel behind the poster was a great moment, but other parts of the movie no longer appeal that much to me. It's a good movie, though.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 25 May 2018
100
98th
There is nothing to fault in this movie. As long as it is, it is poignant and just draws the viewer in making it hard not to watch this any time its on TV. Darabont does a great job directing here and Roger Deakins cinematography embodies the spirit of the film and the character choices of Andy Dufresne. Its truly a perfect film techinically speaking, and its certainly one that I outright love
Rated 25 May 2018
Rated 06 Jul 2022
84
90th
Its good but it felt like something I would have to watch in school.
Rated 06 Jul 2022
Rated 29 Jul 2008
98
99th
My favorite straight-up drama of all time. Probably my favorite ending of all time. Probably the best buddy film of all time. One of the best scores of all time. Morgan Freeman is one of my favorite actors, and he is at his best. Films cannot get much better than this.
Rated 29 Jul 2008
Rated 04 Jan 2012
100
96th
I could watch this movie once a day, every day, for the next twelve years and not get sick of it. It amazes me that his got absolutely no recognition with the Academy. One of the few movies I can call "perfect" without questioning.
Rated 04 Jan 2012
Rated 01 Aug 2018
70
29th
An earthy and interesting film, the Shawshank Redemption is an excellent watch, but by no means worthy of a 100, or being one of the best films ever produced. The characters are a believable and the dialogue is well-written.
Rated 01 Aug 2018
Rated 23 Jul 2012
100
99th
Just watched it again and still love it... Its just a greatly told story and Freemans VO doesn't make it any worse ;-) The Brooks getting out of prison segment always touches me and this is still, no matter how much my fellow students roast me for it, one of the best films in the world, and I could watch it again any day!!!
Rated 23 Jul 2012
Rated 14 Aug 2007
52
11th
It is a mystery to me why this film is so revered. This is simply too Hollywood for my tastes, with a story that strives for sentimentality.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 21 Feb 2011
85
95th
The Shining (and Kubrick's alterations that made it insanely better) aside, this is probably the best thing to come out of King adaptations, with "stand by me" a close second...third? whatever.
Rated 21 Feb 2011
Rated 29 Dec 2012
60
69th
Well crafted but ultimately hollow. An educated white male get sent to prison, wrongfully of course, and nonchalantly bootstraps his way out, leaving the riff-raff there to rot.
Rated 29 Dec 2012
Rated 17 Apr 2012
97
99th
What a movie! It is a truly beautiful work of art!
Rated 17 Apr 2012
Rated 01 Feb 2007
89
95th
This is an impressive movie that you can't help but enjoy, with a great take home message: If you annoy the politicians enough, they'll eventually give in.
Also, the man doesn't care about the truth, only his own self interest, just like the criminals.
Rated 01 Feb 2007
Rated 01 Mar 2007
100
95th
If i was to cry at the end of any movie, this would be the one.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
Rated 18 Mar 2007
87
78th
The Shawshank Redemption is an excellent movie of friendships and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. It's a movie that will stay with you for as long as you want it to and it is emotionally engaging unlike most others.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
Rated 31 Oct 2017
85
78th
Solid movie, I think great for its time but some of the plot elements have become a bit generic/predictable/sappy in modern times.
Rated 31 Oct 2017
Rated 15 Dec 2010
100
93rd
Masterpiece. I used to watch this constantly.
Rated 15 Dec 2010
Rated 21 Apr 2007
10
97th
(after repeated viewing) Probably the best film to sit through when you're feeling down. Moving, compelling, perfect blend of story and characters. Just see it.
Rated 21 Apr 2007
Rated 10 Feb 2015
95
97th
I do like The Green Mile better, so I can't call it the definitive prison film OR Frank Darabont's best, but what I can say is that this is a must-see that can be watched over and over again. Frank Darabont knows how to do Stephen King like nobody else can.
Rated 10 Feb 2015
Rated 08 Sep 2008
92
92nd
Consumer Warning: Do not combine the consumption of alcohol and this film. Within 2 hours, you're down 4 scotch and sodas and crying uncontrollably.
Rated 08 Sep 2008
Rated 13 Dec 2011
100
99th
A great film. It makes you feel good after every viewing. Amazing performances by both Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.
Rated 13 Dec 2011
Rated 15 Nov 2010
100
97th
My favorite movie of all time. Great story, powerful imagery and score, the remarkable acting of Morgan Freeman. A twisty surprise ending to surpass all others. It shows the horrors and tedious pace of prison but it doesn't drag the story into the depths. If you don't love this movie then I wonder if you have ever experienced redemption.
Rated 15 Nov 2010
Rated 21 Aug 2009
96
99th
This is about as close to a perfect film as I have seen. Truly awe inspiring in its depth and vision, The Shawshank Redemption redefines the level of respect a viewer can have for the characters in a film. Its greatest achievement is that it never feels dark or depressing despite the atrocious experiences the main character goes through. Instead, it is inspiring and touching all the way to the end. If you haven't seen this film, I would seriously suggest that you do.
Rated 21 Aug 2009
Rated 23 Oct 2008
15
0th
Don't understand the big deal about this movie.
Rated 23 Oct 2008
Rated 20 Jul 2009
82
70th
A nice movie. Underrated when it came out...now overrated in the minds of those that did like it. Well put together and finely acted, but don't get your expectations too high.
Rated 20 Jul 2009
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
99th
While this movie may play every two days on TNT or TBS, this film is of the highest quality.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 01 Apr 2009
96
97th
Can't believe went so long with out seeing this film. Gives you hope.
Rated 01 Apr 2009
Rated 17 Apr 2020
82
82nd
The perfect movie, or damn near it. If this is on your list, watch it already. You won't regret it.
Rated 17 Apr 2020
Rated 14 Sep 2007
85
96th
This movie almost doesn't have any flaws. Almost everything is just the way it should be and it does not have any dull moments at all. The only thing that annoyed me a (very) little bit was the cheesy ending.
Rated 14 Sep 2007
Rated 03 May 2010
90
88th
Don't get all freaked out on me, I really don't like prison movies, I have a difficult time watching them and this wasn't any different for me.
Rated 03 May 2010
Rated 20 Aug 2018
77
77th
A perfectly fine movie that is rather wholesome than exciting or gripping. But that shouldn't be a bad thing. If I would play devil's advocate I could say it's perfectly mediocre with nothing noteworthy. But I won't because in the end it's still a good and enjoyable movie.
Rated 20 Aug 2018
Rated 23 Dec 2010
97
90th
One of the most amazing powerful stories to ever grace to silver screen. Ending is one of the few to bring tears of joy to my eyes
Rated 23 Dec 2010
Rated 14 Aug 2007
58
52nd
Good, but not great. Perhaps I am biased against Tim Robbins, whose work I have never really enjoyed. Not even in Bull Durham, long before he became a political target.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 08 Jun 2019
95
56th
Alright, I really do like it, but it's far from the best film of all time, IMDB. If I watched 10 movies all year, I might think this was just the greatest, but I watch four or five hundred a year, and this is fine, but I can think of 100 right now that top it easily.
Rated 08 Jun 2019
Rated 14 Mar 2010
77
77th
Predictable, yet entertaining, feel-good film.
Rated 14 Mar 2010
Rated 08 Aug 2009
40
7th
About as formulaic a Hollywood prison drama as I could think of. No thanks.
Rated 08 Aug 2009
Rated 21 Feb 2011
100
95th
The best cinematic debut before or since, this film is a veritable mountain of hardship, friendship and [hum!] redemption in the face of adversity. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are now the classic male screen couple, and so they should be; their friendship is so heart warming and subtly realised that the audience finds themselves utterly immersed in the world of the film with 10 minutes of the opening. Frank Darabont should be beatified in the Church of Cinema for this, his great achievement!
Rated 21 Feb 2011
Rated 08 Aug 2009
82
62nd
Vastly overrated by many, but still a great film and probably an essential watch.
Rated 08 Aug 2009
Rated 23 Jun 2012
94
97th
If you don't love Shawshank, chances are you're beyond redemption.
Rated 23 Jun 2012
Rated 31 Oct 2008
90
96th
The best Stephen King adaptations are mostly non-horror dramas! Like this one. Brilliant story and good performances.
Rated 31 Oct 2008
Rated 12 Oct 2009
90
96th
I heard a rumour about Tim Robbins being the real director on this, whilst Darabont was sitting in a corner playing Gameboy. Probably untrue, unfounded and unfair, but when you watch Darabont's other dramas, you can't help but questioning how come this is so much better...
Rated 12 Oct 2009
Rated 01 Sep 2008
65
21st
Nah, watch A Man Escaped instead...
Rated 01 Sep 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
89th
Another great Morgan Freeman movie. I beginning to think he can do no wrong. This is a fantastic film, probably the best Steven King adaptation ever. I can't remember another prision movie that has enthralled me like this one.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
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