The Shawshank Redemption Review (1994) — 90% Celluloid Score
Directed by Frank Darabont · 1994 ·
Is The Shawshank Redemption worth watching?
Yes. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) earns a 90% Celluloid Score. That makes it a Celluloid Pick, our highest tier. Audiences (98%) responded more warmly than critics (91%). See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as Sueño de fuga Cadena perpetua Les Évadés Die Verurteilten Um Sonho de Liberdade ショーシャンクの空に 쇼생크 탈출 肖申克的救赎
Warner Bros. Where to watch
- MGM+
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home, Spectrum On Demand
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Where to watch The Shawshank Redemption by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | Netflix |
| Japan | Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT |
| Malaysia | Netflix |
| Nigeria | Netflix |
| Pakistan | Netflix |
| Philippines | Netflix |
| South Africa | Netflix |
| South Korea | Netflix, Wavve |
| Thailand | Netflix |
| United Kingdom | HBO Max, Sky Cinema |
| United States | MGM+ |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (91/100).
- Audiences widely enjoyed it (98%).
- Metascore signals universal acclaim (82/100).
- Letterboxd diarists rate it highly (4.7/5).
- IMDb users score it 9.3/10.
Best for
- Viewers who want a well-regarded drama pick
Not ideal for
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is The Shawshank Redemption worth watching?
Yes — The Shawshank Redemption earns a 90% Celluloid Score. That makes it a Celluloid Pick, our highest tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded drama pick. Read our full review (5/5).
Celluloid verdict
The ultimate crowd-pleaser — a prison drama about hope that IMDb voters elevated to all-time number one.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Audiences (98%) responded more warmly than critics (91%).
What is The Shawshank Redemption about?
Two imprisoned men bond over years at Shawshank State Penitentiary, finding redemption through acts of common decency and quiet resistance to institutional cruelty.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Review: Hope Built Patiently
★★★★★
The Shawshank Redemption is Frank Darabont's prison drama about a friendship that outlasts decades behind bars, and it still earns every ounce of its reputation.
Yes. It is a generous, beautifully told drama about friendship and endurance that works for almost any adult audience, first time or fifth.
The Shawshank Redemption stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
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The Shawshank Redemption: frequently asked questions
Is The Shawshank Redemption worth watching?
Yes. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) has a Celluloid Score of 90%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That is a Celluloid Pick, our highest tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch The Shawshank Redemption?
In the United States, The Shawshank Redemption streams on MGM+ with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Netflix in Indonesia; Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT in Japan; Netflix in Malaysia; Netflix in Nigeria. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is The Shawshank Redemption?
The Shawshank Redemption runs 2 hours 22 minutes (142 minutes).
What is The Shawshank Redemption rated?
The Shawshank Redemption is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, U in India, MA 15+ in Australia and 14A in Canada. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in The Shawshank Redemption?
The Shawshank Redemption is directed by Frank Darabont and stars Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton.
What is the Metascore for The Shawshank Redemption?
Metacritic's Metascore for The Shawshank Redemption is 82 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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