Everyone has their favorite movie, but on IMDb, many believe a Stephen King adaptation is the best of all time. It’s easy to see why – the film has everything you could ask for: inspiring themes of hope and friendship, memorable acting, and a truly satisfying ending. Now, over three decades after its release, this beloved movie is coming to Peacock.
Most people recognize the name Stephen King, so we’re discussing The Shawshank Redemption. Directed and adapted by Frank Darabont from King’s short story, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, this film has consistently been ranked number one on IMDb’s Top 250 Movies list for years. With a 9.3 rating based on over three million votes, it’s more popular than classics like The Godfather, The Dark Knight, and 12 Angry Men. You can currently watch The Shawshank Redemption on Pluto TV, and starting January 1, 2026, it will also be available on Peacock, reaching an even larger audience.
Starring the likes of Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, Clancy Brown, William Sadler, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, and James Whitmore, The Shawshank Redemption hit theaters on Sept. 23, 1994, and failed to make much of a splash at the box office. It wasn’t until the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards (including one for Best Picture) that people began to take notice of it. Eventually, it would become a bona fide classic, and rightfully so. The tale of an ordinary banker sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit hit all the sweet spots with the viewing public, who consider it a near-perfect movie. The official synopsis reads:
The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Over many years, Andy builds a strong friendship with another inmate, Red, and uses his wits and strong character to cope with the corruption he finds inside. Though it starts as a dark look at life in prison, the film ultimately becomes an inspiring story of hope, determination, and the chance for a new beginning.
‘The Shawshank Redemption’ Is Also the Best Stephen King Movie Ever Made
Columbia Pictures
Beyond being called one of the greatest films ever, The Shawshank Redemption is widely considered the best movie based on a Stephen King story. The Green Mile is close behind as the second highest-rated film on IMDb with a score of 8.6, and The Shining completes the top three at 8.4. Another beloved film, Stand By Me, ranks fifth, following the Hulu miniseries adaptation of 11-22-63.
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Everyone has different tastes, so you might not agree that The Shawshank Redemption is the best movie ever, and that’s perfectly fine! There are plenty of other amazing films out there. But if you love this one and want to watch it again, it will be available on Peacock starting January 1, 2026.
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2026-01-01 23:50