The Shawshank Redemption

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The Shawshank Redemption

R

1994

2h 22m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

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146 Reviews

98%

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250,000+ Ratings

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover and is sentenced to a tough prison. However, only Andy knows he didn't commit the crimes. While there, he forms a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), experiences brutality of prison life, adapts, helps the warden, etc., all in 19 years.

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Critics Consensus

Steeped in old-fashioned storytelling and given evergreen humanity by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, The Shawshank Redemption chronicles the hardship of incarceration patiently enough to come by its uplift honestly.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

Deakins’s work here began his run of 16 Oscar nominations... it’s a crucial part of Shawshank’s enduring legacy.

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 20, 2024

Full Review

Jonathan Romney

Guardian

If this is a feel-good movie -- and by the end it certainly is -- then at least it challenges us to dig deep for those good feelings when everything inside those mausoleum walls is unrelievedly harsh and grey.

Mar 4, 2024

Full Review

Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

The Shawshank Redemption is both resigned and inspirational, grittily realistic and vaguely surreal, matter-of-fact and operatic. Somehow, these opposites are combined into a remarkably smooth and lyrical composition.

Mar 4, 2024

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M.N. Miller

AwardsWatch

[The Shawshank Redemption] is the cinematic equivalent of therapy, showcasing the power of vulnerability.

Sep 27, 2024

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Calum Cooper

Cinerama Film

The Shawshank Redemption is as beautiful and genuine now as it was in its initial overlooked run.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 25, 2024

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Grant Hermanns

Screen Rant

Frank Darabont's The Shawshank Redemption is not only still one of the best Stephen King adaptations, but also a wonderful exploration of hope.

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 23, 2024

Full Review

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Julie W

It was great to see my favorite movie on the big screen!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/13/25

Full Review

Jeremy

I hope that everyone will continue loving this movie because it is exceptional.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/12/25

Full Review

John

The Shawshank Redemption is my favorite movie. Nothing better than watching this classic film on the big screen. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are at their best. The music of Thomas Newman is remarkable in the theater. An amazing movie experience!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/21/24

Full Review

Jonathan L

One of the greatest movies of all time it was tremendous to see it on the big screen as it was meant to be seen, as an electric roller coaster ride.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/21/24

Full Review

It's Me B

This film is simply a work of art. The most amazing story, characters and acting performance i have ever witnessed. This film is GOATED. This film stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins both which are incredible actors. The film is set in a Prison in fictional town Shawshank and for a film made in 1994, is utterly genius and is thrilling from start to finish. WATCH THIS FILM!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/15/25

Full Review

Angel M

Nice and slow, and richly classic. Great cast, does not disappoint

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/11/25

Full Review

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Frank Darabont

Director

Tim Robbins

Andy Dufresne

Morgan Freeman

Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding

Bob Gunton

Warden Samuel Norton

William Sadler

Heywood

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Captain Byron Hadley

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Synopsis

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover and is sentenced to a tough prison. However, only Andy knows he didn't commit the crimes. While there, he forms a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), experiences brutality of prison life, adapts, helps the warden, etc., all in 19 years.

Director: Frank Darabont
Producer: Niki Marvin
Screenwriter: Frank Darabont
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment
Rating: R (Prison Violence|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 1, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.3M
Runtime: 2h 22m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby A, Stereo, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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