The Top 10 Modern Prison Movies (1990-2012)

              
                 Everybody loves a good prison film. They scare us, amaze us, and keep us on the edge of our seats, because anything can go down in the joint. Prison movies provide a dangerous and enthralling environment that many people know nothing about, which is what makes these movies so suspenseful and so exciting to watch. When people make lists or talk about their favorite prison movies, they almost always mention classics like Cool Hand Luke, Papillon, The Great Escape, Escape from Alcatraz, and Midnight Express. While I love all of these movies, I have often found that these films can sometimes distract viewers from the modern, more gruesome/realistic prison films that have been released in the last 20 years or so. On a side note, I have to mention what, in my opinion, is the greatest prison portrayal of all time: the television show Oz. Oz is intense, action packed, full of surprises, and just extremely fun to watch. If you want a brutally honest portrayal of our modern prison system, look no further than Oz.  To be honest, I have often found that the best prison portrayals are set in an environment completely immersed in the penal system, rather than a movie that may just partially take place in a prison.  With that in mind, here is our list of the best prison films made since 1990.

10) American History X (1998)
This movie rides a thin line between a prison film and a drama, which is why I have it at a number 10 spot rather than a 3 or 4. This racially charge masterpiece evokes fear and disgust from almost every person who watches it, most notably at its famously gruesome curb-stomping scene. Riding on the back of Edward Norton’s phenomenal acting performance, this movie perfectly explores the racial aspect of prison, and opens viewers up to this heinous and occult world. 



9) In the Name of the Father (1993)
Daniel Day-Lewis + Ireland = Awesome. In the Name of the Father is an emotionally charged biopic that tells the story of the wrongful imprisonment of supposed IRA devotee Gerry Conlon. This movie features the most badass prison I have ever seen in film, Kilmainham Jail. This jail is also the shooting location of The Escapist, another fantastic prison movie that is also on my list. In the Name of the Father, while not totally a prison movie, has some great jail scenes, and provides a realistic and brutal look at world of convicts.


8) Hunger (2008)
Another IRA biopic, Hunger tells the story of Bobby Sands, an influential Irish Republican who showed the world the injustices that plagued the British prison system. This raw and moving tale takes a genuine look at the controversial Maze prison in Northern Ireland, and the mental and physical boundaries of the body and mind.  Hunger is a story of debasement and embarrassment, so don’t expect a noble, idealistic look at a man’s accomplishments. Hunger’s raw power and viscous honesty make it one of the most realistic and moving prison films of our modern era.


7) Cell 211 (2009)
A relatively unknown Spanish movie, Cell 211 uniquely tells the story of a prison riot from the eyes of the inmate leading the riot, and a guard going undercover as a prisoner to survive. This movie has one of the best plots I have ever seen in a prison movie; this movie is many things, but not at all boring. The main mutineer character of Malamadre (what is that, “bad mother”?) is one of the best villains I have ever seen in a prison movie. Overall, this prison movie is a great watch; its action packed plot and amazing amount of twists and turns makes it one of the most entertaining and unnerving prison movies of all time.
6) The Escapist (2008)
You! Yes you at home reading this list… I know what you’re doing. You’re on IMDb and you’re looking up this movie because you’ve never heard of it before, and you are wondering why it is on my list. DO NOT see this movie’s 6.8 rating on IMDb and think “oh, well it must not be that good; I don’t know why he has it on his list.” This movie is unbelievably awesome, no doubt about it. If you’re into psychological thrilling prison movies, then The Escapist is definitely for you. Check it out.


5) Felon (2008)
On the surface, this movie does not look like much. The poster looks corny, the tagline is shitty, and the actors are straight off the B-list. However, somebody made this project work, as it is one of the most enthralling and intense prison movies I have ever seen. The overall feel of this movie is that of hopelessness, as a regular man is put through the maximum security prison system. This movie contains some of the most brutal and ferocious prison scenes I have ever seen, and has a strange element of corruption both inside and outside of the prison. Give Felon a chance, and if you like a good prison movie I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

4) The Green Mile (1999)
Steven King + Frank Darabont = A well-made movie. Every time, you can count on it. The Green Mile is an awesome, iconic prison movie that will never get old for me. Its riveting story and emotional portrayal of the sense of futility that lingers on death row never fails to bring me to tears. The Green Mile’s emotional story makes you question our own prison system by taking a realistic look at the inner workings of a functioning death penalty prison. This iconic, well-made prison movies deserves a spot on any prison movie list.
3) Das Experiment (2001)
Das Experiment, strangely enough, is a German movie about an American event: Philip Zimbardo’s “Stanford Prison Experiment”. In this experiment, a group of 24 students were assigned to work in a mock prison: 12 being the prisoners and 12 being the guards. This film is one of the most frightening and greatest prison movies of all time because it is a makeshift prison environment that feels extremely genuine, and it makes you almost scream out at the characters on the screen. This brutal yet beguiling prison movie is one of the most entertaining and dynamic prison movies to ever exist. If you want a good prison film that messes with your mind and makes you question your own sanity, hit up Das Experiment.

2) A Prophet (2009)         
Unbelievable acting and a brutally honest portrayal of life on the inside are what makes A Prophet one of the best prison movies of all time. This movie contains my favorite prison scene of all time: the razor blade scene (not to spoil anything). If you are looking for a realistic, action packed prison/mafia movie with a ton of surprises and a phenomenal storyline, look no further than A Prophet.



1) The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Basic. No surprises here, The Shawshank Redemption once again takes home the gold as the best prison movie of all time. Even though it never won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, or even a BAFTA, The Shawshank Redemption is widely known as the best modern prison film of all time. Every piece of the movie is synchronized to perfection, as it displays the common criminal in a way never seen before by the human eye. The Shawskank Redemption defines the genre of prison films: it is what every modern prison movie hopes to be, and there will never again be a prison movie as both well-made and entertaining as The Shawshank Redemption.



Corey B