8 Movies Like The Shawshank Redemption to Add to Your Watch List: The Irishman to A Beautiful Mind
The Morgan Freeman starrer was up for the Academy Awards, but the cast and the crew of the film were left with no prize. The film is based on the central theme of Hope, and below are some movies like The Shawshank Redemption.
The Irishman
Director: Martin Scorsese
Release Year: 2019
Genre: Crime/Drama
IMDB Rating: 7.8
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Irishman is a perfect watch for fans of the crime and thriller genres. The Martin Scorsese directorial is set in the town of Pennsylvania, where a truck driver, portrayed by the legendary Robert de Niro, goes on to become the top hitman.
He also gets involved with the powerful Teamster, who has ties to the criminals. The film also stars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. The movie resonates well with The Shawshank Redemption as it is well settled on the theme of prison survival.
12 Years a Slave
Director: Steve McQueen
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Drama/History
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Based on the true and tragic story of Solomon Northup, 12 Years a Slave is a heart-wrenching film. The fans of The Shawshank Redemption would love the movie, considering it features elements of slavery, prison, and the hope and human spirit winning in the end.
The film stars Chiwetel, playing the lead role. The plot of the movie revolves around a freeman being offered a job as a musician in the US. However, upon reaching, Northup is drugged and sent into the slave prison. Brad Pitt also makes an appearance in this cinematic piece that won three Oscars.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Release Year: 2007
Genre: Family/Drama
IMDB Rating: 8/10
Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime
Will Smith proves his potential in The Pursuit of Happyness. The movie is based on the theme of motivation and hope, similar to that of The Shawshank Redemption.
The story of the cinematic piece revolves around Chris Gardner, who is attempting to improve his life for himself and his son, whose custody is with Chris after his wife left him. The Oscar-winning film is most likely to leave the audience weeping.
The Green Mile
Director: Frank Darabont
Release Year: 2000
Genre: Fantasy/Drama
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
The Green Mile is quite similar to The Shawshank Redemption on many levels. The 2000 film stars Tom Hanks and Michael Clark Duncan as the lead characters. They play the roles of the prison guard and the prisoner, respectively.
The movie is hailed by the same director as the former one and tells the tale of a black man who is convicted of the murder of two girls. When Paul Edgecomb, played by Hanks, meets the prisoner, his life changes, knowing that the latter possesses special skills. The movie received four Oscar nominations that year.
Scent of a Woman
The screens light up with Al Pacino's presence in Scent of a Woman. The movie is a perfect choice for fans of the thriller genre. The film revolves around a preschool student who is in desperate need of money.
To earn a living, he agrees to help a visually impaired Colonel as his caregiver. Lesser known to the student, portrayed by Chris O'Donnell, the latter has motives of his own. The movie was up for Oscars, and Al Pacino went on to win it in the category of Best Actor.
The Pelican Brief
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Release Year: 1993
Genre: Thriller/Crime
IMDB Rating: 6.6
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts starrer The Pelican Brief is set against the backdrop of a whodunnit. The plot of the film states that when two Supreme Court judges are killed, a college student, Sam, is given the intel on who the murderer is.
Shortly after, Sam is assassinated, and it is all on his girlfriend, Darcy, to find out the truth. Fans of The Shawshank Redemption are sure to love it, as, just like Frank Darabont directorial, The Pelican Brief also talks about hope and following one's instincts.
A Beautiful Mind
Director: Ron Howard
Release Year: 2000
Genre: Thriller/Romance
IMDB Rating: 8.3
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
Ron Howard struck gold with A Beautiful Mind. When a genius mathematician, Josh Nash, believes himself to be in a lot of pain, he discovers he is suffering from a disorder. The movie stars Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.
Moreover, fans of The Shawshank Redemption are in for a treat, as the film tells the tale of a triumph for the human spirit and freedom. The movie also won four Oscars in 2001.
Shutter Island
Director: Martin Scorsese
Release Year: 2010
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Shutter Island proves to be one of Leonardo DiCaprio 's best works. The movie revolves around two US marshals who have been sent out to an asylum on a remote island to investigate the case of the missing prisoner.
The movie is quite similar to The Shawshank Redemption, as it explores the theme of freedom, features an elaborate prison story, and is known for keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the end.
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