As a former prison guard who’s seen my fair share of cellblocks and their inhabitants, I can confidently say that none of these movies even come close to the grim reality of life behind bars. The closest might be Papillon or Starred Up, but even they don’t capture the sheer despair and hopelessness that fills the air in real-life prisons.
Prison is a scary place. Even in the movies, it’s the kind of place that is impossible to romanticize, and Hollywood can do that with a lot of other terrible places. Prisons are also a place where storytellers can find interesting characters and angles to bring humanity to life. There is nothing good in prison, but there is that, there is humanity. Still, as the movies on this list will prove, you never want to end up there.
The Green Mile
In a different setting, there’s no doubt that death row is a far more harrowing existence than standard prison life. But if you were to spend time on death row in Louisiana during the 1930s, as portrayed in “The Green Mile,” it would be an unimaginably grim experience. Despite Tom Hanks’ character being compassionate, the other guards are a torment, and the overall atmosphere is one of despair. It almost seems that death would offer a respite from such misery.
The Last Castle
A military prison isn’t something to be taken lightly, especially when the wardens are as formidable as the one portrayed by James Gandolfini in The Last Castle. The film follows the familiar structure of many prison movies, reminiscent of Cool Hand Luke. One inmate, dissatisfied with the unjust treatment meted out by the warden and guards, stands up to them in a test of wills.
Escape From Alcatraz
“Escape From Alcatraz” is a timeless and thrilling film that offers an exciting journey. However, the depiction of life within “The Rock” isn’t something to be enjoyed. Viewing this movie makes it evident why inmates were determined to break free from the supposedly unbreakable prison.
Cool Hand Luke
Luke’s character in “Cool Hand Luke” wasn’t shaped by a lack of communication; instead, his harsh life on a prison chain gang appears to have been an unbearable ordeal. Yet, he did enjoy the perk of having as many eggs as he could consume.
The Longest Yard
At first glance, “The Longest Yard” seems to present an amusing portrayal of life within a correctional facility, where inmates play football and crack jokes throughout the day. However, upon closer examination and deeper contemplation, it becomes evident that the football field serves as the sole means of escape from the oppressive stress and monotony of imprisonment; resorting to extreme measures on this field is necessary. I’d rather pass on such an experience.
Dead Man Walking
Watching “Dead Man Walking“, with Sean Penn portraying a man facing execution on death row, is an extremely tough film experience. It’s terrifying to find oneself in a predicament where one knows death is imminent and there seem few possibilities for escape. Instead, one can only strive to find peace amidst the despair by consulting with a spiritual guide, praying that the afterlife may be more favorable than the present circumstances.
The Great Escape
Indeed, The Great Escape is primarily an exciting and entertaining film, but it also has some somber scenes. For instance, Archie Ives (played by Angus Lennie) experiences a tragic breakdown, attempting to escape over the fence, only to be stopped brutally by the guards. Despite its enjoyable nature, remember that this movie portrays life within prison walls.
In The Name Of The Father
The only thing worse than getting locked up for committing a crime is getting locked up as an innocent man. In the classic In The Name Of The Father, that’s exactly what happens to a man and his father, played by Daniel Day-Lewis and Pete Postlethwaite, respectively. They spend years in prison fighting for their freedom, which eventually comes, but too late for the father.
The Bridge On The River Kwai
World War II prison camps in the Pacific Theater were no joke. In one of the best movies of all-time, The Bridge On The River Kwai, the brutality of life in the camp is on display for the full run-time of the movie. It’s impossible to understand how those soldiers kept their dignity like they did.
The Shawshank Redeption
In one of, if not the top film from the ’90s, two individuals confront lengthy prison terms in a harsh penal facility located in Maine within the movie, “The Shawshank Redemption.” The compelling aspect is that Andy, portrayed by Tim Robbins, is an innocent man unjustly imprisoned, which adds to the brutal nature of the story. However, this film showcases humanity in a way that no one would willingly choose to encounter it.
Bronson
Bronson is an intense film centered around a notoriously violent individual known as “Great Britain’s most dangerous prisoner.” Portrayed by Tom Hardy, the main character bears a striking resemblance to a real-life criminal. A single glance at his interactions with others will make it clear that you wouldn’t want to encounter anyone like him. To ensure you don’t find yourself in such a situation, it’s advisable to steer clear of prison!
Brokedown Palace
Smuggling illicit items into a foreign country is about the worst idea, ever. Starring Claire Danes as Alice Marano and Kate Beckinsale as Darlene Davis, Brokedown Palace tells the story of two young women who make one major mistake and pay the price in the worst way in a brutal women’s prison in Thailand.
Escape From New York
It’s not always the case that prisons are fortified with walls, guards, or cells. Interestingly, some are actually the remnants of once-great cities like New York City. In the movie “Escape from New York,” the protagonist, Snake (played by Kurt Russell), has to maneuver through an apocalyptic setting that serves as a lawless prison on what used to be Manhattan Island. I’d rather pass, thank you.
Midnight Express
“Ever found yourself in a Turkish jail, reminiscent of the chilling portrayal in the 1978 film ‘Midnight Express’? That classic flick certainly gave us a taste of the grim reality behind bars, didn’t it?”
25th Hour
Although 25th Hour doesn’t physically occur within the confines of a prison, its emotional intensity might even surpass that experience. Edward Norton portrays a man sentenced to prison, grappling with his impending incarceration. The agony of waiting can be excruciating, and this masterfully directed film by Spike Lee provides an unparalleled illustration of this concept.
Con Air
Once more, we’re discussing a film that may seem entertaining from the outside, but delve deeper and you’ll find that the prisoners inside are genuinely frightening. Characters like Cyrus the Virus (John Malkovich) and Garland Green (Steve Buscemi) in Con Air make it clear that prison is a place best avoided.
The Hurricane
Once more, a heart-wrenching narrative unfolds of an unjustly imprisoned man, Ruben Carter in this case, who spent several decades behind bars due to a murder conviction in the 1970s. He tirelessly sought vindication from the justice system. The film “Hurricane” portrays his ordeal beautifully, and fortunately, he was eventually released and exonerated.
The Dark Knight Rises
In the old adage, the most wicked individuals are metaphorically cast into the deepest, darkest pits on Earth. This concept is accurately portrayed in the movie The Dark Knight Rises, as some of the most notorious villains such as Bane and Batman find themselves in such predicaments at different points. Few have ever managed to break free from these grim confines, with characters like Talia al Ghul (played by Joey King) and Bruce Wayne (portrayed by Christian Bale) being among the fortunate few who emerged.
12 Monkeys
Occasionally, it can be challenging to discern between a penitentiary and a mental health institution, particularly in a bleak future such as depicted in 12 Monkeys. In fact, the film portrays the latter as far more distressing than a typical prison. Regardless of the setting, one can only wish to avoid both places.
Sleepers
In movies, cruel and sadistic guards often serve as a reminder that prison is rarely portrayed as a desirable destination, even for juveniles. The character played by Kevin Bacon in Sleepers exemplifies this, being so wickedly sadistic that when he ultimately faces consequences, viewers may find themselves cheering and secretly hoping they never encounter similar hardships faced by the film’s young characters.
Deadpool 2
In a light-hearted superhero flick such as Deadpool 2, it’s best to avoid landing in prison like Wade (Ryan Reynolds). Not only does imprisonment hinder his powers and let cancer resurface, but he also becomes vulnerable to Cable (Josh Brolin).
The Power of One
Among Morgan Freeman’s lesser-known films, “The Power of One” stands out as a particularly impactful one. While it offers a powerful message of inspiration, it also serves as a reminder of the perils of ending up in prison – a fate that unfortunately befalls his character during the harsh era of apartheid in South Africa.
American History X
In American History X, one crucial lesson for avoiding a life similar to Edward Norton’s character is clear: you must strive tirelessly to steer clear of such a fate. His portrayal embodies the very essence of evil, and prison serves only to refine his skills in wickedness. It is not just about keeping distance from individuals like him; it is essential never to find yourself in circumstances that might lead you to emulate him.
Goodfellas
This one is a little tricky. For one, prison for wise guys doesn’t look that bad in Goodfellas. There is steak, lobster, and thinly sliced garlic. On the other hand, life in the witness relocation program, eating egg noodles with ketchup, sounds like a miserable existence, so its best to just avoid the whole situation and stay on the straight and narrow.
Papillion (2017)
2017’s “Papillon” is a modern adaptation of the 1973 film starring Steve McQueen, which tells the story of a man condemned to France’s infamous Devil’s Island prison. Both versions are captivating, making it difficult to choose between them. They will both send shivers down your spine and inspire you to take great lengths to avoid such an ordeal.
Stir Crazy
Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor can bring humor even to something as serious as prison, which is evident in the movie “Stir Crazy“. Although this film might cause viewers to laugh uncontrollably, it certainly doesn’t persuade anyone that prison is an appealing destination. In fact, it paints a clear picture of prison as an undesirable place.
The Stanford Prison Experiment
The Stanford Prison Experiment, as depicted in the movie, isn’t ranked highest on the list and doesn’t portray an authentic prison setting. However, those familiar with the real-life event this film is based on understand how disturbing it became. The experiment aimed to explore human behavior when ordinary individuals are subjected to the pressures of assuming prisoner and guard roles in a controlled, jail-like environment. The outcomes might shake your belief in humanity’s goodness.
Starred Up
The intensity of violence permeates prisons, and the film “Starred Up” immerses viewers in this brutality. It’s a challenging watch, as it leaves one questioning how anyone can endure such violence within those walls. Despite being somewhat overlooked, it’s not a role model to emulate.
Jailhouse Rock
One of Elvis Presley’s early career films, produced on a shoestring budget and quickly made, was the prison movie titled “Jailhouse Rock.” Although it doesn’t appear to be the most brutal prison in existence, with musical performances and dance numbers, it is still a penitentiary. The true imprisonment might lie in having to endure watching this film repeatedly for 23 hours out of every day during lockdown.
Alien 3
In the future, prisons seem bleak indeed, perhaps even more so when confined on a penal planet surrounded by hardened criminals and needing to shave one’s head to ward off lice. Add an extraterrestrial element to that? Absolutely not, I appreciate your offer but I must decline!
Law Abiding Citizen
Everyone want to root for the antihero and in Law Abiding Citizen, Gerard Butler’s character is one that is easy to root for. The time he spends in jail, however, is not something anyone could root for. Just like all the movies on this list. It all just sounds awful.
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2024-09-01 02:38