This collection of films offers a unique blend of family entertainment with the backdrop of women's prisons. These stories delve into themes of resilience, friendship, and personal growth, providing both educational value and emotional depth. They are perfect for family viewing, offering insights into the lives of women behind bars, often with a touch of humour or drama that appeals to all ages.

Caged (1950)
Description: This film provides a gritty yet family-friendly look at the life of a young woman sent to prison, focusing on her journey of survival and adaptation.
Fact: "Caged" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay.


The Rose Tattoo (1955)
Description: This film, while not set entirely in a prison, features a subplot where the main character visits her daughter in jail, offering a family-friendly narrative about love and redemption.
Fact: Anna Magnani won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film.


The Longest Yard (1974)
Description: Although primarily about a men's prison, the film includes a subplot involving a women's prison, providing a comedic and family-friendly look at prison life.
Fact: The film was remade in 2005 with Adam Sandler, but the original is noted for its cultural impact and the inclusion of Burt Reynolds.


Reform School Girls (1986)
Description: A campy, over-the-top film that explores the dynamics within a reform school, offering a mix of humour and drama suitable for a mature family audience.
Fact: The film includes a cameo by Wendy O. Williams, lead singer of the punk band Plasmatics.


Bad Girls (1994)
Description: While not strictly a family film, "Bad Girls" explores the lives of four women in a 19th-century prison, offering a historical perspective on women's incarceration that can be educational for older children.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of the "Wild Women of the West," a group of women who were imprisoned for various crimes.


Chicago (2002)
Description: This musical comedy-drama set in the 1920s follows two women in jail for murder, showcasing their journey through the legal system with a light-hearted, satirical tone suitable for family viewing.
Fact: "Chicago" won the Academy Award for Best Picture, making it one of the few musicals to achieve this honour.


The Women's Prison (1955)
Description: A classic film that delves into the lives of women in prison, offering a narrative that can be educational for family viewing about the justice system and rehabilitation.
Fact: The film was based on a play by Margaret Webster, who also directed the original Broadway production.


The Big Doll House (1971)
Description: A cult classic, this film offers a mix of action, drama, and a bit of camp, making it an intriguing watch for older family members interested in the genre.
Fact: It was one of the first films to feature an all-female cast in a prison setting, paving the way for the "Women in Prison" film genre.


Women in Chains (1972)
Description: This made-for-TV movie provides a dramatic yet family-friendly look at the lives of women in a prison work camp, focusing on themes of injustice and solidarity.
Fact: It stars Ida Lupino, a notable actress and director of the era.


The Concrete Jungle (1982)
Description: This film, while not strictly for children, offers a dramatic portrayal of life in a women's prison, with themes of friendship and survival that can be appreciated by older viewers.
Fact: The film features Tracey Bregman, who later became known for her role in "The Young and the Restless."
