My Favourite Films About Redemption of All-Time

Not many genres have earned appreciation of redemption. Since the 1970’s, stories of redemptive characters have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s redemptive prisoners, police officers or gangsters, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about redemption that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Shawshank Redemption

Hope is something that I’ve often found hard finding. As far as I can remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began to fail classes in my high school that caused sorrow. Unable to cope with the tense pressure that was posed by high school studies, I faced intense anxiety. During a painful time, it was impossible for me to see a bright light that shined at the end of the pitch-black tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how hope can allow people to achieve their redemption goals as powerfully as “The Shawshank Redemption”. Ever since its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about redemption. With the greatest film of his career, Darabont used innovative cinematic techniques to capture dark prisoners in jail seeking redemption that face despair. Darabont has always excelled at making great movies about the great power of redemption, and “The Shawshank Redemption” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Darabont used voice-over narration to capture the strong bonds between a pair of close inmates forming bold friendships in prison.  For instance, the scene in which Red recounts his memories of laying eyes on Andy Dufresne in prison for the first time experiencing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Morgan Freeman, who portrayed an inmate seeking redemption. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” my favourite film about redemption of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most prison movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years after the release of a film about inmates questioning whether they should get busy living or get busy dying developing long-lasting relationships in a frightening prison, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which definitely deserve immense celebration.

2. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I was taught about the Holocaust by a great professor that often had immense knowledge. Several years ago, I was taught about the grim genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a sad ghetto. My teacher believed that movies were an art from that could never capture a genocide that tore lives apart. As someone treasuring memories of a teacher that loved to list facts about the Holocaust, I adored “Schindler’s List”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie captured the life of a businessman that sought redemption during the Holocaust. Spielberg used captivating black-and-white visuals capturing obstacles victims of the Holocaust were facing. For instance, the scene in which Schindler laments that he could have saved more Jews causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Liam Neeson, who embodied a businessman seeking redemption. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Holocaust movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of a genocide in which innocent civilians died, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre making good movies which always leave audiences deeply satisfied.

3. Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker that inspired my cousin years ago. I remember my cousin was once a huge fan of a famous filmmaker making movies about the film industry in danger. He would always love having a discussion about a filmmaker making timeless pulp fiction. Redemption has often been a common theme in Tarantino’s movies, and it is clearly evident in “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Tarantino’s most iconic movie capturing redemptive gangsters facing adversity. Tarantino used captivating dramatic monologues capturing gangsters seeking redemption in a life of crime that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Jules seeks redemption for his crimes by forgiving bank robbers at a dinner causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Samuel L. Jackson, who embodied a gangster seeking redemption. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Quentin Tarantino movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about forgiveness which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jules’ desire to become a gangster, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making engaging movies which audiences always treasure.

4. Leaving Las Vegas

Alcohol addiction causes tension. Years ago, I witnessed a companion endure alcohol addiction. He was a reckless kid that enjoyed heavy drinking. Nothing in the whole world gave him as much satisfaction as spending all day drinking. Our friendship ended when I decided I couldn’t longer bear seeing him get wasted. Alcohol addiction became a barrier that prevented him from achieving redemption. As someone treasuring a friend that suffered from alcohol addiction which was dangerous, I adored “Leaving Las Vegas”. Released in 1995, Mike Figgis’ movie painted bold portraits of alcohol addicts seeking redemption. Figgis uses montages capturing an alcoholic whose health is declining. For instance, the scene in which Ben has breakdowns after a night of drinking causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Nicolas Cage, who captures an alcoholic facing damage. Ultimately, what makes “Leaving Las Vegas” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about alcohol consumption, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A phenomenal portrait of alcohol addiction causing writers in Las Vegas to crumble, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre which audiences consider extremely special.

5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a book series that shaped my identity. I grew up to value a series about wizards casting a magical spell. Redemption has always been a common theme in the series, and it is most evident in the final movie “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. Released in 2011, David Yates’ final Harry Potter movie brought the series to a satisfying conclusion by exploring themes of redemption. Yates used captivating flashbacks capturing a magical school teacher seeking redemption. For instance, the scene in which Harry becomes aware of Snape’s sacrifice for his mother causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Alan Rickman, who embodied a magical school teacher facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would definitely relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about death which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell to a series about wizards casting a powerful spell, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which commonly excel.

6. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

It’s always challenging to cope with the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family lost a beloved relative causing sorrow. As someone that treasured memories of a relative that passed away in tragedy, I adored “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri”. Released in 2017, Martin McDonagh’s movie captured grieving mothers seeking redemption. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” stand out is its depiction of grief. McDonagh uses captivating montages capturing hardships grieving families are facing. Assisted by Frances McDormand who is amazing in the lead role, McDonagh created a compelling portrait of grief. A powerful portrait of grief causing families to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing unforgettable movies audiences appreciate.

7. Slumdog Millionaire

Redemption is a common goal sought by citizens in India. India has built an image of being a country where citizens often seen redemption from damage. The struggles faced by individuals seeking redemption in India with a burden to bear are beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie depicted the lives of poor orphans in India seeking redemption. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating montages capturing hardships Indian kids seeking redemption from poverty are facing. Assisted by Dev Patel who is amazing in the lead role, Boyle created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of redemption in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

8. Short Term 12

Mental hospitals are a setting where redemption is common. Individuals in mental hospitals often seek redemption as a means of overcoming a past that’s painful. The short-term struggles faced by teens seeking redemption in mental hospitals are beautifully depicted in the film “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie depicted teens in mental hospitals seeking redemption. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Short Term 12” stand out is its depiction of mental hospitals. Cretton uses captivating mental hospitals showcasing struggles teens are facing. Assisted by Brie Larson who is amazing in the lead role, Cretton created a mental health drama. A powerful portrait of heavy burden teens in mental hospitals bear, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about which audiences care.

9. Cinderella Man

When it comes to real-life boxers that sought redemption, it’s worth discussing James Braddock. During the 1920’s, Braddock was a boxer that lived a life of extreme poverty. Seeking to escape his impoverished situation, Braddock achieved redemption in the boxing profession. In 2004, Ron Howard honoured the iconic boxer with a redemption plan in his movie “Cinderella Man”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Cinderella Man” stand out is its depiction of boxing. Howard uses captivating montages capturing hardships boxers seeking redemption are facing. Assisted by Russell Crowe who is amazing in the lead role, Howard honoured a boxer that achieved redemption years ago. A beautiful tribute towards a boxer that achieved redemption with power, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies that audiences treasure.

10. Crash

Few movies ever made about individuals seeking redemption from a crash are as beloved as “Crash”. Released in 2004, Paul Haggis’ movie captured individuals in L.A. seeking redemption. Haggis used captivating montages capturing hardships that individuals in L.A. affected by racism are facing. Assisted by Michael Pena who is amazing in the lead role, Haggis captured redemption in America. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of redemption allowing people to overcome racism has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre.  A powerful portrait of individuals seeking redemption in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.