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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
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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 Josh T @Tanzzz. 4 days ago In The Shawshank Redemption, the acting is incredible, the setting is spot on, and the music is fitting. Director Frank Darabont did a fantastic job really getting the atmosphere of the setting as a whole, and making everything follow that dark and gloomy prison. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins did an amazing acting job and acted in a way that felt very natural. This movie had very round, complex characters that we were able to watch grow and change. In a way I look at this movie as just watching different characters lives and how they change over time and I'm able to do that because the characters are so complex. The story telling from Red's view makes the movie much more interesting because it's hard to fully understand Andy and what goes on in his mind. The cinematography is really good and fun to watch. One specific moment is when Andy takes over the music and all the people are standing outside, the bird's-eye shot really captures a sense of freedom for the prisoners. See more Benny M @RT53990799 Sep 14, 2026 Top 5 movies of all time See more Read all reviews
The Shawshank Redemption

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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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