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The Shawshank Redemption

Play trailer Poster for The Shawshank Redemption R 1994 2h 22m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 147 Reviews 98% Popcornmeter 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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The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption

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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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Critics Reviews

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Malcolm Knox Sydney Morning Herald Apr 29, 2026
Moving, absorbing and a grand platform for the less-is-more talents of Robbins and Freeman, two of the best going around. Go to Full Review Adam Kempenaar Filmspotting Sep 20, 2024
4.5/5
Deakins’s work here began his run of 16 Oscar nominations... it’s a crucial part of Shawshank’s enduring legacy. Go to Full Review Jonathan Romney Guardian Mar 4, 2024
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. Go to Full Review M.N. Miller Awards Watch Sep 27, 2024
[The Shawshank Redemption] is the cinematic equivalent of therapy, showcasing the power of vulnerability. Go to Full Review Calum Cooper Cinerama Film Sep 25, 2024
5/5
The Shawshank Redemption is as beautiful and genuine now as it was in its initial overlooked run. Go to Full Review Grant Hermanns Screen Rant Sep 23, 2024
4.5/5
Frank Darabont's The Shawshank Redemption is not only still one of the best Stephen King adaptations, but also a wonderful exploration of hope. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Julie W Sep 13, 2025 It was great to see my favorite movie on the big screen! See more Jeremy Sep 12, 2025 I hope that everyone will continue loving this movie because it is exceptional. See more John Mar 21, 2024 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! See more Jonathan L Mar 21, 2024 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. See more Ms. A @RT69904096 23 hrs ago An emotionally impactful movie with scenes I did not see coming, this movie is a cinematic masterpiece that absolutely deserves all the praise it gets. See more Jacob W @RT17896586 Oct 18, 2026 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. Upon its release audiences where not sure but as time as gone past this s slow burner has become a cult classic with Stella performances and like with Papillion 1974 if you hold your nerve and believe then justice will prevail. See more Read all reviews
The Shawshank Redemption

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Cast & Crew

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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

Clancy Brown

Captain Byron Hadley

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The Shawshank Redemption

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The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Poster Art The Shawshank Redemption (1994) The Shawshank Redemption (1994) (L-R) Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in "The Shawshank Redemption." (L-R) Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in "The Shawshank Redemption." A scene from The Shawshank Redemption. (L-R) Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in "The Shawshank Redemption." A scene from The Shawshank Redemption. View more photos

Movie Info

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
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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