The Shawshank Redemption

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The Shawshank Redemption

R

1994

2h 22m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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M.N. Miller

AwardsWatch

Sep 27, 2024

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

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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.

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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.

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Julie W

Sep 13, 2025

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

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Jeremy

Sep 12, 2025

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

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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!

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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.

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Julien M

@jmontmayeur7 2 days ago

One of if not the best movies of all time. The movie might feel slow, but it works. I was hooked throughout. The narration by Red is wonderful and is one of the best parts. Tim Robbins and Morgan Feeman are great at their roles. The character of Brooks is such a deep character as well. And the ending is probably one of if not the best in cinema history. The satisfaction it gives to the audience and the joy it brings is just unbelievable. This film is one of those that will get you into the world of cinema, novels, and storytelling.

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Jess I

@RT17627510 3 days ago

Must see at least once in a lifetime! If it feels like it has some old clichés, is because this is the movie in which old clichés are based. I went into it almost blind and I was greatly surprised. Perhaps in the beginning it might feel a little slow but I think it stands up as a nice film even today

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Frank Darabont

Director

Tim Robbins

Andy Dufresne

Morgan Freeman

Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding

Bob Gunton

Warden Samuel Norton

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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
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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