Prison

Prison

Year: 1988

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Renny Harlin

Budget: $4M

DramaThrillerHorrorCrime

After being wrongly executed, an inmate mysteriously returns from the dead seeking vengeance against the corrupt warden responsible for his demise twenty-five years earlier. The film is a tense thriller exploring themes of justice, morality, and the complex relationship between life and death, as the vengeful prisoner confronts the warden and his dark secrets.

Prison (1988) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Prison (1988) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the remote stretches of Wyoming, Creedmore Penitentiary awakens from decades of silence, its stone walls humming with an uneasy mixture of routine and something far more unsettling. The facility has been re‑opened under a strict, punitive regime that reflects the uncompromising philosophy of its new warden. Shadows cling to the corridors, hinting at old sins that have never truly been buried, and the atmosphere feels charged with a tension that borders on the supernatural.

Eaton Sharpe, the man now in charge, commands with an iron fist, his reputation for discipline matched only by whispers of a darker past. Opposing him from within the corrections system is Katherine Walker, a reform‑driven official who senses the cracks in Sharpe’s facade and refuses to ignore the moral cost of his methods. Among the inmates, the seasoned Cresus carries the weight of memories from an earlier era of Creedmore, while the newest arrivals—Burke, a seasoned thief, Joe “Lasagna” Lazano, a proud Italian‑American, and the hulking Tiny—must quickly learn where the line between survival and surrender lies. Their interactions paint a portrait of a community forced together by circumstance, each bearing their own grudges, hopes, and hidden histories.

Beneath the rigid order, a lingering injustice begins to surface: an inmate who was wrongly executed decades ago now drifts through the prison’s cold halls, a vengeful presence that forces everyone to confront the morality of the system that condemned him. The film pulses with a tense, claustrophobic thriller vibe, balancing stark realism with an eerie, otherworldly edge. As the characters grapple with authority, redemption, and the specter of past wrongs, the story asks whether true justice can ever be reclaimed in a place built on punishment and secrecy.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:52

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Supernatural prison revenge movies like Prison

Wronged spirits return to exact vengeance within oppressive institutional walls.If you liked the vengeful ghost and oppressive setting of Prison, you'll find similar thrills here. This list features movies where supernatural forces deliver justice within the claustrophobic confines of prisons, asylums, and other institutions, creating a tense mix of horror and revenge.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a historical wrong committed within an institution. Years later, the reopening or continued use of the location unleashes a vengeful supernatural presence. The story unfolds as a series of confrontations, where the ghost systematically targets those responsible, forcing a reckoning with past sins.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared core premise: a confined setting becomes a stage for supernatural retribution. They blend horror and thriller elements with themes of institutional corruption and delayed justice, resulting in a consistently tense and grim viewing experience.

Institutional horror and corruption thrillers like Prison

Stories where the true monster is the cruelty of the system itself.Fans of Prison's themes of wrongful execution and systemic cruelty will appreciate these movies. Discover similar stories where the horror is rooted in institutional corruption, featuring bleak settings, heavy themes, and confrontations between the oppressed and their powerful, morally bankrupt oppressors.

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Narrative Summary

These stories often follow a protagonist, either an inmate, patient, or employee, who uncovers the deep-seated corruption of the institution that confines them. The conflict is a battle against an almost monolithic evil system, where survival or achieving justice comes at a great personal cost, often leaving the core problem only partially solved.

Why These Movies?

They share a focus on the horror of institutional power and the moral ambiguity of fighting it. The tone is consistently dark and intense, with a heavy emotional weight derived from themes of injustice, cruelty, and the complex nature of retribution within a broken system.

Unlock the Full Story of Prison

Don't stop at just watching — explore Prison in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Prison is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Prison Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Prison, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Prison Summary

Prison Timeline

Track the full timeline of Prison with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Prison Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Prison

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Prison. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Prison

More About Prison

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Prison: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Prison

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