3.1 million fans can’t be wrong. “The Shawshank Redemption” is the highest-rated film on IMDb of all time. If you want to enjoy this classic, now 31 years old, for the first time or the umpteenth time, you can still do so via Amazon Prime for just a few more hours.
What is “The Shawshank Redemption” about? The classic by director Frank Darabont from 1994 is based on the novella “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” by Stephen King. Unlike many other King works, this is not horror, but a thrillingly told drama.
At the center is bank manager Andy Dufresne, who is accused of murdering his wife and sentenced to life imprisonment. In 142 minutes, we follow how Andy copes with the harsh prison daily life, makes new friends, and ultimately takes his fate into his own hands in clever ways (while also getting back at the nasty warden Norton and the sadistic guard Hadley).
On IMDb, not only are the best films selected, but also the biggest flops:
Can be watched repeatedly
What makes “The Shawshank Redemption” special? Above all, the great cast. Tim Robbins shines as Andy Dufresne, Morgan Freeman as his buddy “Red.” Clancy Brown gives a wonderfully nasty performance as Hadley. Old hands like Bob Gunton, William Sadler, James Whitmore, and Jeffrey DeMunn complete the ensemble.
Fun fact: Tom Hanks, Kevin Costner, and Tom Cruise were also discussed for the role of Andy Dufresne.
“The Shawshank Redemption” also shines with the story of a deep friendship between two men, and due to the narrative style, the 142 minutes fly by. The twist at the end is also cleverly constructed, rewarding both Andy and the viewer with a heartwarming happy ending.
Unfortunately, despite 7 Oscar nominations, there was no golden statue in the end. The main reason: Forrest Gump dominated in 4 of the 7 categories.
On the film website imdb.com, however, “The Shawshank Redemption” has been at the top of the Top 250 list for what feels like forever, thanks to more than 3.1 million ratings that come to a score of 9.3 out of 10. If you want to see the classic for the first time or again, you should hurry. “The Shawshank Redemption” is only available this weekend (November 8th/9th, 2025) on Amazon Prime.
Morgan Freeman demonstrates, by practical example, that it’s never too late to start a career in acting. Today, Freeman is among the best actors of his time, thanks to “The Shawshank Redemption.” In the following article, we’ve listed 10 well-known actors who only made it big internationally after 30+: 10 actors who had a late breakthrough
