Top 7 Smart and Thrilling Prison Break Movies

Shawshank Redemption, though lacking in action and bloodshed, deeply touches hearts by portraying the truest essence of friendship and camaraderie behind prison walls. Emotions gleam like a flicker of light, subtly maneuvering through the darkness of the prison to subsist in this harsh setting.

The film also depicts the psychological development of the main character, Andy, in an extraordinary manner, always carrying hope and noble qualities. His intense will to live becomes a potent motivation, aiding his escape from what is considered the most severe prison. The duo of Andy and fellow inmate Red will bring tears to the audience with the moments they create, especially the conclusion.

• IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
• Release Date: 14/10/1994
• Genre: Drama, tragedy, political
• Duration: 142 minutes
• Country: USA
• Director: Frank Darabont
• Main Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman

Since its debut in season 1, it has won the hearts of millions of viewers. The series revolves around the story of two brothers. One wrongfully sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. Subsequently, his genius younger brother devises a complex plan to help him escape from prison. With 22 episodes, first aired on August 29, 2005, it keeps the audience eagerly anticipating each episode.

Building on the success of season 1, Prison Break has released subsequent seasons, consistently well-received by the public. Season 6 is set to premiere in April 2020, and since its announcement, it has garnered significant attention from viewers.

• First episode: August 29, 2005
• Last episode: May 30, 2017
• Number of seasons: 5
• Number of episodes: 90
• Genres: Action, Weekly series, MORE
• Main theme songs: Prison Break Anthem, Prison Break, Over the Rainbow, Pas le temps

Based on a true event in the year 1962, when three prisoners successfully escaped from Alcatraz - a place believed to have never witnessed a successful breakout. Director Don Siegel crafted authentic and faithful scenes to immerse viewers in this legendary escape.

While watching, many are left breathless due to the suspenseful and continuously evolving plot. Especially the scenes where the three prisoners seem on the verge of discovery but manage to escape at the last moment. The film also brings fascination as the escape plan is meticulously detailed, using simple tools like spoons, fabric, concrete, or improvised items.

• Release Date: June 22, 1979 (USA)
• Director: Don Siegel
• Cast: Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Roberts Blossom,
• Genre: Action Film,
• Country: N/A
• Duration: 112 minutes

The film vividly portrays the harsh reality of 1970s prisons, a place dark and filled with brutality. The color palette of the movie combines various shades of light and darkness, accompanied by chilling sounds, delivering a suspenseful and spine-chilling experience for viewers with every frame.

Papillon depicts a true story of two characters enduring countless punishments and humiliation in prison. Together, they devise a plan to escape. The escape journey consistently brings heart-stopping action, elevating the tension to the highest level.

• Original Release Date: September 7, 2017
• Director: Michael Noer
• Premiere: September 9, 2017 (TIFF); August 24, 2018 (USA); September 28, 2018 (Vietnam)
• Revenue: $4.5 million USD
• Based on: Papillon and Banco; by Henri Charrière
• Adaptations: Papillon, Papillon: The Lost Prisoner

Juan, a newly hired prison guard, faced an unfortunate twist of fate on his first day at work. A prison riot erupted, causing an explosion that left him unconscious and trapped in cell 211. In order to survive, he assumed the role of a prisoner, hoping for a chance to escape from this perilous situation.

He befriended the notorious gang leader known as Badass, who believed Juan to be a new inmate. They decided to collaborate, and in this dire circumstance, Juan gained a profound understanding of the emotional turmoil prisoners endure. The film explores themes of fear, escape, resilience, government deception, providing viewers with fresh perspectives on the prison break genre.

• Vietnamese Title: Phòng Giam 211
• Imdb Score: 7.6 (Imdb Votes: 60,102)
• Year of Production: 2009
• Languages: Spanish, Basque, English
• Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
• Countries: Spain, France
• Director: Daniel Monzón
• Authors: Jorge Guerricaechevarría (adaptation), Daniel Monzón (adaptation), Francisco Pérez Gandul (novel)
• Cast: Luis Tosar, Alberto Ammann, Antonio Resines, Manuel Morón

If you're accustomed to the image of the innocent schoolboy from Harry Potter portrayed by the renowned actor Daniel Radcliffe, prepare to be surprised. This time, the English lad transforms into an intelligent prisoner, collaborating with his comrades to meticulously devise cunning plans for their escape.

Distinct from most other prison break films, Escape From Pretoria offers viewers 'mind-bending' moments as the two main characters execute a detailed plan to break free from Pretoria prison. The storyline is based on true events involving two political activists in South Africa who were arrested while attempting to protest against the Apartheid regime.

• Original Release Date: February 29, 2020
• Director: Francis Annan
• Release Dates: March 6, 2020 (UK); May 9, 2020 (Vietnam)
• Based on: Inside Out: Escape from Pretoria Prison by Tim Jenkin
• Editing: Nick Fenton
• Cinematography: Geoffrey Hall

A Prophet is a psychological prison break film directed by Jacques Audiard. The story follows 19-year-old Malik, sentenced to 6 years in a Paris prison. Illiterate and emotionally immature, he faces brutal violence in the early days of incarceration. To earn trust, he is forced to kill a gang leader. Once trusted, he quietly strategizes to ascend the hierarchy.

A Prophet was acclaimed at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and garnered key nominations at the Oscars. It won the 2010 BAFTA for Outstanding Foreign Film. Additionally, it stood as a worthy contender for the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars. A film truly deserving of a once-in-a-lifetime watch.

• Director: Jacques Audiard
• Cast: Tahar Rahim, Niels Arestrup, Adel Bencherif
• Duration: 155 minutes | Release Year: 2009
• IMDB Score: 7.9
• Genres: Crime, Drama
• Country: Europe, America