If you're fascinated by the inner workings of the criminal justice system or just love a gripping tale of human endurance, our curated list of documentaries about prisons is for you. These films delve deep into the lives of inmates, the conditions they endure, and the societal issues surrounding incarceration. From shocking exposés to poignant personal stories, this collection promises to enlighten and perhaps even challenge your views on punishment, rehabilitation, and justice.
The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: Although not a documentary in the traditional sense, this film dramatizes the famous psychological study where students played the roles of prisoners and guards, revealing the dark side of human nature.
Fact: The study was cut short due to the extreme behavior of the participants, highlighting ethical issues in psychological research.
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The House I Live In (2012)
Description: Eugene Jarecki's film examines the War on Drugs and its impact on American society, focusing on how it has led to mass incarceration, particularly among minority communities.
Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in
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The Farm: Angola, USA (1998)
Description: This film provides an unflinching look at life inside Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola, one of America's most notorious maximum-security prisons. It follows the lives of several inmates, showcasing their daily routines, hopes, and struggles.
Fact: The documentary was filmed over a period of 10 years, capturing the transformation of Angola from a place of despair to one of hope through the introduction of a hospice program.
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Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)
Description: This documentary investigates the notorious abuses at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, providing firsthand accounts from both prisoners and military personnel involved in the scandal.
Fact: The film includes interviews with soldiers who were directly involved in the abuses, offering a rare glimpse into the mindset behind the actions.
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The Prison in Twelve Landscapes (2016)
Description: Rather than focusing on life inside the prison, this documentary looks at how the prison system affects communities and landscapes outside the prison walls.
Fact: The film was nominated for the Best Documentary Feature at the Canadian Screen Awards.
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13th (2016)
Description: Directed by Ava DuVernay, this documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, highlighting how the prison system has evolved into a modern form of slavery.
Fact: The title refers to the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery except as punishment for crime.
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Attica (1974)
Description: This documentary recounts the infamous 1971 Attica Prison riot, where inmates took over the prison, leading to a violent standoff with law enforcement.
Fact: The film includes rare footage from inside the prison during the uprising, providing a raw perspective on the events.
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Incarceration Nation (2016)
Description: This documentary explores the disproportionate incarceration rates of Indigenous Australians, examining the systemic issues that contribute to this phenomenon.
Fact: The film was screened at the United Nations in Geneva to highlight global issues of indigenous incarceration.
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Doing Time, Doing Vipassana (1997)
Description: It documents the introduction of Vipassana meditation into Tihar Jail in India, one of the largest prisons in the world, and its profound impact on the inmates.
Fact: The film was co-directed by Eilona Ariel, who also helped bring the meditation program to the prison.
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Captive (2000)
Description: This documentary follows the story of a group of hostages held by the IRA in a Belfast prison, exploring the psychological and emotional toll of captivity.
Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of former hostages, providing an authentic recount of their experiences.
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