A prison setting is fertile ground for a thriller movie full of drama, suspense, tension, and, in some cases, shocking violence. The best prison thriller movies center on protagonists in a difficult situation as they attempt to survive harsh conditions, cruel treatment from guards, unpredictable fellow inmates, and maybe even find a way to escape their confinement.
Over the years, many excellent thriller movies have effectively used a prison setting, from true classics of cinema to more modern favorites. That’s why I’m rounding up some of my personal favorites in this subgenre. These are the best prison thriller movies to watch now, and don't just take my word for it; every single pick on this list has scored at least 90% or higher on review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, proving their quality.
