10 Movies and Shows Similar to Scarred (2013)

Description: 'American Me' and 'Scarred' both provide a stark, realistic portrayal of prison life, focusing on the violence, gang culture, and systemic issues within the penal system. Both works delve into the personal stories of inmates, highlighting the cyclical nature of crime and incarceration. The raw, unfiltered depiction of prison in 'American Me' resonates with the documentary-style approach of 'Scarred'.

Fact: 'American Me' was directed by and stars Edward James Olmos. The film is based on the true story of the Mexican Mafia. The production faced real-life threats from gang members during filming.

Description: 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Scarred' both explore the themes of hope, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of incarceration. While 'Shawshank' is a more uplifting narrative, it shares with 'Scarred' a focus on the personal transformations that occur within the prison environment. Both works highlight the emotional and psychological impact of long-term imprisonment.

Fact: 'The Shawshank Redemption' was based on a Stephen King novella. Despite its critical acclaim, the film was a box office disappointment initially. It has since become one of the most beloved films of all time, frequently topping 'best movie' lists.

Description: 'Oz' and 'Scarred' both offer a brutal, unflinching look at life inside prison, with a focus on the violence, power struggles, and survival tactics employed by inmates. While 'Oz' is a fictional drama, its realistic portrayal of prison life aligns with the documentary-style realism of 'Scarred'. Both works explore the darker aspects of incarceration, including the psychological and physical scars left on those who endure it.

Fact: 'Oz' was HBO's first one-hour dramatic television series. The show is set in the fictional Oswald State Correctional Facility. Many actors from 'Oz' went on to star in other HBO series, such as 'The Wire' and 'The Sopranos'.

Description: While 'Prison Break' is a fictional drama, it shares with 'Scarred' a focus on the extreme measures individuals take to survive and escape the prison system. Both works explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the psychological impact of incarceration. The tension and high-stakes environment of 'Prison Break' echo the intense atmosphere depicted in 'Scarred'.

Fact: 'Prison Break' was originally planned as a 14-episode miniseries but was expanded due to its popularity. The show's protagonist, Michael Scofield, has a full-body tattoo of the prison's blueprints. The series has been adapted in several countries, including Russia and India.

Description: 'Felon' and 'Scarred' both examine the brutal realities of prison life, with a focus on the physical and psychological toll it takes on inmates. Both works highlight the struggles of individuals trying to survive in a violent, unforgiving environment. The intense, realistic portrayal of incarceration in 'Felon' mirrors the documentary-style realism of 'Scarred'.

Fact: 'Felon' stars Stephen Dorff and Val Kilmer. The film was inspired by real-life events and prison conditions. It was written and directed by Ric Roman Waugh, a former stuntman.

Description: 'Orange Is the New Black' and 'Scarred' both provide a deep dive into the lives of incarcerated individuals, though the former is a dramedy and the latter a documentary. Both works highlight the personal stories of inmates, exploring their backgrounds and the circumstances that led them to prison. The emotional and psychological toll of incarceration is a central theme in both, with 'Orange Is the New Black' adding a layer of humor and humanity to the narrative.

Fact: 'Orange Is the New Black' is based on Piper Kerman's memoir of the same name. The show was one of Netflix's first original series to gain widespread acclaim. It has been praised for its diverse cast and portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters.

Description: 'Shot Caller' and 'Scarred' both explore the transformation of individuals within the prison system, focusing on how the environment forces them to adapt or perish. Both works depict the harsh realities of incarceration, including violence, power struggles, and the psychological scars left on inmates. The gritty, realistic tone of 'Shot Caller' aligns with the documentary-style approach of 'Scarred'.

Fact: 'Shot Caller' stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, best known for his role in 'Game of Thrones'. The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of prison life. It was inspired by real-life stories of white-collar criminals who become hardened inmates.

Description: Similar to 'Scarred' (2013), '60 Days In' delves into the harsh realities of incarceration, focusing on the psychological and physical toll it takes on individuals. Both productions offer a raw, unfiltered look at life behind bars, emphasizing survival and adaptation in a hostile environment. While 'Scarred' is a documentary-style film, '60 Days In' is a reality TV series where civilians experience jail life firsthand, providing a unique perspective on the prison system.

Fact: '60 Days In' was filmed at the Clark County Jail in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The participants were not known to the actual inmates or staff, adding to the authenticity of the experience. The show has been praised for its eye-opening portrayal of the U.S. prison system.

Description: 'Brawl in Cell Block 99' and 'Scarred' both offer a visceral, unflinching look at the brutality of prison life. While 'Brawl' is a fictional action film, its hyper-realistic violence and focus on survival in a hostile environment echo the intense realism of 'Scarred'. Both works highlight the extreme measures individuals take to protect themselves and their loved ones while incarcerated.

Fact: 'Brawl in Cell Block 99' stars Vince Vaughn in a rare dramatic role. The film was directed by S. Craig Zahler, known for his gritty, violent storytelling. It was praised for its brutal, no-holds-barred depiction of prison violence.

Description: 'Hard Time' shares with 'Scarred' a gritty, documentary-style approach to exploring the lives of inmates, focusing on their struggles and the often brutal conditions they face. Both works highlight the personal stories of those incarcerated, shedding light on the emotional and physical scars left by the prison experience. The raw, unflinching portrayal of prison life in 'Hard Time' mirrors the intense realism found in 'Scarred'.

Fact: 'Hard Time' is a National Geographic documentary series. It was filmed in various prisons across the United States. The series provides an in-depth look at the daily lives of inmates, including their interactions with guards and fellow prisoners.