“The Great Escape,” “Unbroken” and “Rescue Dawn” are stunning films, but they were not included in the selection because they belong to the genre of films about prisoners of war. Here are the best dramas, thrillers and even comedies about people who have lost their freedom. 
1. "The Shawshank Redemption" 
Frank Darabont's drama "The Shawshank Redemption" is an interweaving of love, loss, friendship and the long-term consequences of life in prison. The film is based on the book by Stephen King. The plot centers on bank vice president Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), sentenced to life in prison for murders he did not commit. A man adapts to life in harsh conditions and develops an escape plan.
The film received seven Oscar nominations. Moreover, it has been ranked number one on IMDB's list of the 250 best films of all time for ten years.
2. "Green Mile" 
Another adaptation of a Stephen King novel, also directed by Frank Darabont.
The film tells the story of correctional officer Paul Edgecombe (Tom Hanks), who is in charge of a block of prisoners sentenced to death. The plot revolves around John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a huge African-American man with supernatural powers, convicted of murdering two girls.
The drama "The Green Mile" was highly acclaimed by critics and received four Oscar nominations.
3. "Moth" 
"The Moth", released in 1973, is about burglar Henri Charrière (Steve McQueen), who is wrongly accused of murder. He is sentenced to life imprisonment in a colony in French Guiana. Here he meets Degas (Dustin Hoffman), a timid counterfeiter who helps him plan his escape.
A remake was made in 2017 starring Charlie Hunnam and Rami Malek, but it's unlikely to compare to the original.
4. "Midnight Express" 
The 1978 thriller is based on real events. American student Billy Hayes is caught trying to smuggle drugs from Turkey and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The film was directed by Alan Parker from a script by Oliver Stone. "Midnight Express" became one of the most shocking and scandalous films of the 70s. The violence and inhumane conditions leave a lasting impression on the viewer. The Turkish authorities, of course, criticized the picture.
5. "From call to call" 
The British crime drama directed by David Mackenzie tells the story of 19-year-old criminal Eric Love (Jack O'Connell). Upon arrival at a maximum security prison, the protagonist enrolls in an anger management group to overcome his aggressive nature. However, his efforts are hampered by his father, who finds himself in the same prison. This is a painful and at the same time touching story about the relationship between father and son.
6. "Escape from Alcatraz" 
"Escape from Alcatraz" is a legendary film by Don Siegel starring Clint Eastwood.
The film skillfully combines dramatic and action scenes, which keeps the viewer in suspense. Interestingly, the plot is based on the true story of three prisoners who tried to escape from the notorious prison on Alcatraz Island.
7. "They pay for blood with blood" 
"Blood Pays in Blood" is a crime drama directed by Taylor Hackford. Although the film was a box office failure, it received positive reviews from critics and is considered a cult classic today. The film's cast includes such recognizable faces as Benjamin Bratt, Billy Bob Thornton and Damian Chapa.
This is a crime story about cousins from the Latin quarter of Los Angeles, making their way in a difficult life with its gang violence and drugs.
8. "Criminal" 
The dramatic thriller is about family man Wyde Porter (Stephen Dorff). After killing a burglar in his home, Wade is sent to a maximum security prison. Here he has to adapt to the harsh realities of life behind bars. The prison system, angry prisoners and corrupt guards make Porter's life hell.
The film was praised by critics for its realistic portrayal, as well as the compelling performances of Stephen Dorff and Val Kilmer. In addition, "Criminal" marked a turning point in the career of director Ric Roman Waugh, who had previously been known exclusively for stunt work.
9. "Law Abiding Citizen" 
The crime thriller Law Abiding Citizen follows Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler), a man who seeks revenge on the justice system after his family's killers are released in a plea deal.
"Law Abiding Citizen" provides a new look at the American justice system and its shortcomings.
10. "Rampant" 
1980 prison comedy starring Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. Due to false accusations, friends find themselves behind bars and try to adapt to unusual conditions.
The film was directed by Sidney Poitier, and it was one of the first films in which the prison genre moved into a comedic plane. Despite its prison setting, Crazy is an incredibly funny film, full of hilarious moments. This is a timeless classic that has been delighting audiences for over 40 years.
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