Top 10 Documentaries About Prison Life

Top 10 Documentaries About Prison Life Uncategorised

Delving into the world of incarceration, these documentaries offer a raw, unfiltered look at life behind bars. From the harsh realities of prison systems around the world to the personal stories of inmates, these films provide an eye-opening perspective on justice, rehabilitation, and human resilience. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast or simply curious about the criminal justice system, this collection will captivate and educate.

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)
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Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)

Description: This documentary examines the infamous Abu Ghraib prison scandal, where U.S. soldiers were involved in the abuse of Iraqi detainees. It delves into the psychological effects on both the prisoners and the soldiers involved.

Fact: The film features interviews with former prisoners, military personnel, and experts to provide a comprehensive view of the events.

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A Place to Stand (2016)
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A Place to Stand (2016)

Description: This film chronicles the life of Jimmy Santiago Baca, a poet who spent much of his youth in prison. It explores his journey from a life of crime to becoming an acclaimed writer, highlighting the transformative power of education and art.

Fact: The documentary is based on Baca's memoir of the same name.

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Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall (2013)
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Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall (2013)

Description: This film documents the final days of Jack Hall, a terminally ill inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary, exploring themes of forgiveness, compassion, and the end of life in prison.

Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.

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The Farm: Angola, USA (1998)
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The Farm: Angola, USA (1998)

Description: This documentary takes viewers inside the Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola, one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the U.S. It follows the lives of inmates, exploring themes of redemption, punishment, and the possibility of change.

Fact: The film was shot over a period of 10 years, providing an in-depth look at the prison's culture and the lives of its inmates.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
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The Road to Guantanamo (2006)
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The Road to Guantanamo (2006)

Description: This docudrama recounts the experiences of three British Muslims who were detained by the U.S. military in Afghanistan and held at Guantanamo Bay, shedding light on the controversial detention practices.

Fact: The film was banned in Guantanamo Bay itself.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
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The Interrupters (2011)
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The Interrupters (2011)

Description: While not exclusively about prisons, this documentary follows former gang members and ex-convicts who work to prevent violence in Chicago, often dealing with individuals who are at risk of ending up in prison or returning to it.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
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Serving Life (2011)
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Serving Life (2011)

Description: Set in the Louisiana State Penitentiary, this documentary focuses on the hospice program run by inmates, offering a poignant look at life, death, and redemption within the prison walls.

Fact: It provides an intimate portrayal of inmates caring for their dying fellow prisoners.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
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The House I Live In (2012)
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The House I Live In (2012)

Description: This documentary examines the War on Drugs and its impact on American society, particularly how it has led to mass incarceration, especially among minority communities.

Fact: It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
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13th (2016)
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13th (2016)

Description: Directed by Ava DuVernay, this film explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, linking the prison boom to the 13th Amendment.

Fact: The title refers to the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery except as punishment for crime.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
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Attica (1974)
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Attica (1974)

Description: This documentary provides a detailed account of the 1971 Attica Prison uprising, one of the most significant events in U.S. prison history, focusing on the inmates' demands for better living conditions and the violent response by authorities.

Fact: The film includes interviews with survivors and uses archival footage to recreate the events.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
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