The famous cult American film drama, released in 1994 and shot based on the works of Stephen King, still excites the audience’s imagination. Many people want to see something similar, which makes them sincerely empathize with the main character, worry about his future fate, and believe that he will be able to prevail over difficulties.
Especially for you, we have compiled a selection of 10 excellent films that are similar to “Shawshank Redemption”, filmed in about the same style, have a similar meaning and are related to detention.
10. Escape Plan | 2013
Viewers saw the “Escape Plan” in 2013. The main roles in the film were played by Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cavize. The plot of the picture revolves around Ray Breslin, who is one of the outstanding experts in security systems. He is often invited to test US prisons, almost all of them manage to get out without any problems.
But once the protagonist is invited to test the top-secret Tomb prison, he agrees, not knowing that he was framed and falls into a trap to get out of there, he has to resort to the help of a prisoner named Emil Rottmayer.
9. The Green Mile | 1999
The film was released in 1999, was shot based on the eponymous novel by Stephen King. The action takes place in a prison called "The Green Mile." She receives another prisoner named John Coffey, he is charged with serious rape and murder of two girls. John faces electrocution.
Paul Edgecomb works as a warden in the prison, who gradually began to notice that John Coffey could not commit such a terrible crime, the prisoner has a good disposition and possesses the power of a healer, helping others recover. But John refuses to Paul’s attempt to save him, saying that he prefers to die than live in such a terrible world among murderers.
8. Three days to escape | 2010
The film appeared before the eyes of the audience in 2010. The lead actor is Russell Crowe.
The life of a simple literature teacher John goes on, quite peacefully, until his wife Lara is accused of killing her boss and put in jail. Now the life of the protagonist is changing dramatically because he needs to return freedom to his beloved wife, and their son's mother. To achieve his goals, John does things that he would not have decided before. He develops a plan with which to help his wife get out, enters into a conspiracy with Damon, who has repeatedly escaped from prison. The film has a happy ending, the whole family reunites and goes to where they no longer bother.
7. Midnight Express | 1978
The drama was released in 1978. The protagonist of the film decided to take drugs from Turkey, was caught at the airport and sent to jail for 4 years and 2 months. When there was not much time left until his release, the court reviewed its decision and increased the prison term to 30 years.
Hayes was preparing to escape from prison, but he was issued by another prisoner - Rifki. This act angered the protagonist, and he beat the informer, bit off his tongue, for which he was sent to the sector for insane prisoners. From him he tried to transfer to the infirmary, giving a bribe to the warden, but he, taking the money, wanted to abuse Hays, this hero could not stand it, he was seized with terrible rage, having killed the guard, he changed into his clothes and escaped from prison.
6. The Moth | 1973
The premiere of the crime drama took place in 1973. The plot is autobiographical in nature. The main character's name is Henri Charlier. "Moth" is his nickname. He is falsely accused of murder and sent to prison. Many times a prisoner makes attempts to escape from there, but every time he fails.
In the end, he was sent to a French colony island, which is considered impossible to escape from. Henry makes a raft and jumps on it into the water from a cliff, thus gaining the freedom that he has always strived for.
5. The criminal | 2008
The audience saw the dramatic thriller in 2008. The main character, Wade Porter, kills the robber he found in his house and is sentenced to three years in prison. In prison, Wade is forced to take part in battles with other prisoners, which the guards arrange.
Once a prisoner John Smith arrives in prison, who killed 17 people, taking revenge for the rape of his wife and daughter. Wyde tries to stay in prison, once again, not getting into fights, waiting for the term of release, but it is not so simple. Overseers substitute him, the term of imprisonment increases by another six years. Wide ponders what to do next.
4. Escape (TV series) | 2005-2017
The television series was first seen on screens in 2005, until 2009 4 seasons were released. Then they released season 5 in 2017. The action of the picture takes place around two brothers. One of them - Lincoln Burroughs was sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, the other brother - Michael Scofield is trying to save him. The series over the course of all 4 seasons takes place in different prisons in the USA, Panama, Yemen.
3. Escape from Alcatraz | 1979
Frank Morris, who has already escaped from other prisons, is being taken to prison on the island of Alcatraz. In this prison, he has problems with the prisoner Wolfe, who harasses him. More than once Morris fights with Wolfe. Frank is sent to a punishment cell for one of the fights, after which he decides to escape from Alcatraz.
The prisoner plans to leave the prison through the ventilation shaft, he enters into a conspiracy with other prisoners, prepares everything necessary for escape. The prisoners manage to leave the walls of the prison.
The final of the motion picture says that it is not known whether they were able to swim to the mainland or died in the waves of the bay.
2. Flying over the cuckoo’s nest | 1975
The film premiered in 1975. The film takes place in 1963. A criminal named Randle Patrick McMurphy is transferred to a psychiatric clinic to conduct an examination.
Once in the hospital, the protagonist does not understand why all people endure a rude attitude on the part of her employees, allow them to interfere in their personal lives at group therapy sessions.
Riot in a psychiatric clinic is meaningless, since most of those in it agree with its laws. McMurphy wants to run, afraid to stay there forever. Having agreed with one of the patients of the psychiatric institution - the Leader, he plans an escape plan, but it ends in failure. After that, the protagonist undergoes a lobotomy. The leader strangles him with a pillow and runs through the window.
1. The Prophet | 2009
The film was released in 2009. The storyline of the film unfolds around the main character of a 19-year-old boy named Malik, who ended up in a French prison. It is not easy for him to be in conditions of detention; he has no relatives and friends outside.
Malik is forced to carry out the instructions of the gang of Corsicans who run the prison. Gradually, he settles in this difficult place, begins to think about his own plans and develop them.