The 50+ Best Movies About Women In Prison
- 1
Sweet Sugar
Phyllis Davis, Timothy Brown, Jim HoughtonA potent 1972 blend of action, seduction, and vengeance set within a deadly Caribbean sugar plantation, this WIP film is known for its shocking twists and turns.
- 2Janine Lindemulder, Ron Jeremy, Erik Estrada
A WIP flick that follows an innocent young woman framed for a crime she did not commit and ends up in a prison run by a sadistic warden. However, her sister is on the outside, teaming up with a martial arts expert to rescue her. Over-the-top performances and campy action sequences make this 1989 movie an entertaining watch.
- 3Linda Blair, John Vernon, Sybil Danning
Known for its international cult following since its 1983 release, this popular WIP movie stars Linda Blair as a naïve girl thrown into the corrupt, violent world of a women's prison. Add cult favorite Sybil Danning as a fellow inmate, and you have an explosive mix of sexploitation and revenge.
- 4
Freeway
Kiefer Sutherland, Reese Witherspoon, Brooke ShieldsReese Witherspoon and Kiefer Sutherland star in this twisted crime thriller. Witherspoon plays an illiterate runaway teen who ends up in jail for shooting a psychopathic child predator posing as a cop (Sutherland). Grim but oddly compelling humor permeates this 1996 classic.
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- 5Linda Blair, Sylvia Kristel, Herb Andress
At the height of the Cold War, Linda Blair stars as an American athlete framed for drug possession while visiting East Germany in this 1985 WIP movie. She must navigate her treacherous prison environment and prove her innocence to regain her freedom. Blending suspense, corruption, and power struggles, Red Heat offers a unique Soviet Union-era perspective.
- 6Pam Grier, Margaret Markov, Sid Haig
A 1972 exploitation film starring Pam Grier and Margaret Markov as two inmates who escape from a Filipino prison while chained together. The tension between the racially diverse women adds depth to their journey as they fight to evade the law.
- 7Pam Grier, Sid Haig, Christiane Schmidtmer
This iconic 1971 WIP movie begins our list, serving as a blueprint for the genre. Pam Grier leads an ensemble cast of women trying to survive in a brutal prison in the Filipino jungle. The film's seething atmosphere sets it apart from others, with ample doses of violence, exploitation, and girl power.
- 8Claire Danes, Kate Beckinsale, Bill Pullman
An emotionally engaging 1999 drama starring Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale as two friends whose trip to Thailand goes terribly wrong when they're accused of drug smuggling. The grim reality of their prison ordeal serves as a cautionary tale and an intense, gritty addition to the WIP genre.
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- 9Pam Grier, Sid Haig, Anitra Ford
A classic from the golden era of WIP films, The Big Bird Cage stars Pam Grier and Anitra Ford as two female prisoners plotting to escape from a nightmarish sugar plantation prison. The movie boasts thrilling action, dark humor, and lavish exploitation elements, making it indispensable for fans of the genre.
- 10Howard Vernon
Controversial director Jess Franco helms this grim, gritty 1973 flick in which female inmates endure sadistic torture and degradation. Argentinian actress Maria Schell's portrayal of a cruel warden makes the film a must-watch for fans of '70s exploitation cinema.
- 11Lauren Graham, Rhonda Shear, Mary Woronov
- 12
Women in Chains
Ida Lupino, Jessica Walter, Lois NettletonThis 1972 TV movie focuses on the injustices and abuse within a women's prison. It was a movie of the week on ABC that focuses on corruption themes and serves as a cautionary tale.
- 13Barbara Steele, Desireé Cousteau, Gary Goetzman
This 1974 WIP film features memorable performances from its bold female cast as they plot to overthrow the oppressive authorities in their prison. Directed by Jonathan Demme, this fast-paced flick expertly blends action, satire, and seduction.
- 14Meiko Kaji, Isao Natsuyagi, Akemi Negishi
A 1972 Japanese WIP flick praised for its stunning visuals and intense, stylized violence. Meiko Kaji stars as Nami Matsushima, who seeks revenge against her cruel, corrupt captors after a harrowing prison escape.
- 15
Vendetta
Rosie Flores, Sandy Martin, Kin ShrinerThis 1986 film stands out with its gritty storyline and intense action, following Laurie Collins (Karen Chase) exacting brutal revenge after her sister falls victim to violence at the hands of vicious inmates. Packed with both vengeance and ferocity, Vendetta's unforgettable heroines embody the WIP temper.
- 16Pam Grier, Roberta Collins, Paquito Diaz
The 1971 foray into the genre teams up Pam Grier with director Gerry De Leon, resulting in an engrossing tale of revenge, backstabbing, and treachery. Grier plays a corrupt guard who pushes inmates to their breaking point, keeping true to the gritty and sordid spirit of WIP movies.
- 17Anne Heche, Ione Skye, Jon Polito
Released in 1956, this classic B-movie tells the story of Anne Carson (Phyllis Thaxter), an innocent woman framed for a crime she didn't commit. Teaming up with fellow convicts, she plans an elaborate escape from the notorious Girls in Prison world.
- 18Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea
Although not your typical WIP film, this political thriller set in a dystopian future does feature a memorable portrayal of imprisonment, interrogation, and resilience. Natalie Portman delivers a captivating performance as the iconic Evey Hammond, breaking free of societal and self-constructed chains.
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- 19Wendy O. Williams, Sybil Danning, Sherri Stoner
Released in 1986, this punk-infused WIP film takes a slightly more comedic approach than its predecessors. Atrociously over-the-top characters and a rebellious spirit make Reform School Girls an essential, campy cult classic.
- 20Tommy Lee Jones, Ashley Judd, Bruce Greenwood
This 1999 suspenseful thriller stars Ashley Judd as a woman wrongly convicted of her husband's murder. Upon her release, she discovers he's still alive—and sets out on a dangerous quest for justice. Solid performances and high-stakes tension make this one an entertaining addition to the WIP genre.
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- 21Sharon Stone, Rob Morrow, Randy Quaid
Sharon Stone gives a gripping performance in this provocative 1996 movie about a woman on death row pleading for clemency. Examining the implications of capital punishment and the vagaries of the legal system, Last Dance delivers an impactful message.
- 22
Girls in Prison
Anne Heche, Ione Skye, Jon PolitoThis campy 1994 TV movie embraces its WIP roots as it follows a young woman unjustly locked up in an all-female correctional institution.
- 23
The Concrete Jungle
Jill St. John, Peter Brown, Tracey E. BregmanA 1982 addition to the WIP genre, this film examines the power struggle between inmates and authorities within a brutal women's prison. Packed with tense action, the movie explores the collateral damage that occurs when corruption breeds violence behind bars.
- 24Yvette Mimieux, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Carradine
This 1976 film highlights Yvette Mimieux as an advertising executive seeking freedom after being wrongfully jailed for murder. Filled with high-stakes drama, prison escapes, and vengeance, the movie remains a suspenseful addition to the WIP genre.
- 25Anna Madeley, Zoe Tapper, Anne Reid
Based on Sarah Waters' novel, this 2008 Victorian-era drama tells the tale of a spiritualist medium who forms a strong bond with a broken-hearted young woman visiting her in prison. Their captivating story is enveloped in secrets, romance, and bleakness that deftly avoid any cliches found in the WIP genre.
- 26Barbara Stanwyck, Lillian Roth, Preston Foster
A 1933 offering from the early era of WIP films, Barbara Stanwyck stars as a gun moll turned inmate. The film provides a classic celluloid portrayal of crime, prison hierarchies, and romance behind bars.
- 27Glenn Close, Pauline Collins, Cate Blanchett
This 1997 World War II drama follows a group of women prisoners banding together to form a vocal orchestra to lift spirits in their Japanese internment camp. Starring Glenn Close, Frances McDormand, and Julianna Margulies, Paradise Road is a powerful testament to hope and resilience under extreme adversity.
- 28Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross
Although not a traditional WIP film, The Reader features an Academy Award-winning performance by Kate Winslet as a former Nazi SS officer imprisoned for war crimes. The powerful story provides a sobering look at the weighty consequences of complicity, all while examining the complexities of love and forgiveness.
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- 29Faye Emerson, Julie Bishop, Frank Wilcox
A precursor to the WIP genre, this 1942 crime drama stars Faye Emerson as a woman facing false accusations of murder. Determined to find a way out of her locked cell, she effortlessly manages her love life, all while proving her innocence - a true heroine story.
- 30
The Muthers
Jayne Kennedy, Jean Bell, Rosanne KatonThis 1976 hybrid WIP-blaxploitation film introduces two women launching a high-stakes rescue mission to save a fellow inmate from a pirate-controlled island prison. Compelling characters and non-stop action make The Muthers an exhilarating watch for fans of niche cinema genres.
- 31Agnieszka Holland, Krystyna Janda, Janusz Gajos
An unsettling 1982 Polish film, Interrogation documents the harrowing experiences of a woman who endures severe interrogations and abuse as a political prisoner. This powerful piece of cinema remains an evocative journey into the darker aspects of human nature.
- 32Alison Lohman, Robin Wright, Michelle Pfeiffer
A haunting adaptation of Janet Fitch's novel, Michelle Pfeiffer plays a femme fatale convicted of a murder that is navigated by her daughter through heartbreaks with the foster care system in this 2002 movie.
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- 33Laura Gemser, Gabriele Tinti, Lorraine De Selle
Drenched in sadistic brutality, this controversial 1982 Italian film from cult director Bruno Mattei features Laura Gemser as a journalist infiltrating a corrupt Brazilian prison in search of justice. This is not for the faint of heart but certainly leaves an impression.
- 34
Terminal Island
Tom Selleck, Marta Kristen, Phyllis DavisThis 1973 dystopian movie sends inmates to a deserted island, where they must create their own society. The volatile mix of violence, paranoia, and despair that unfolds explores human nature's darker side, making it a fascinating entry in the WIP genre.
- 35Eleanor Parker, Agnes Moorehead, Hope Emerson
Released in 1950, this groundbreaking drama follows the fate of a young woman imprisoned for accidentally killing her abusive husband. Eleanor Parker delivers a heartbreaking performance in one of the first serious entries in the WIP genre.
- 36Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern
Charlize Theron gives an unforgettable performance in this grim 2003 biopic, chronicling the life and incarceration of real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos.
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- 37Joy Smithers, Denholm Elliott, Hugo Weaving
An Australian mini-series from 1989, Bangkok Hilton stars a young Nicole Kidman as a tourist falsely accused of drug smuggling by Thai authorities. Her desperate struggle for survival in a brutal foreign prison system is a chilling portrayal of vulnerability and betrayal.
- 38
Slammer Girls
Veronica Hart, Sharon Kane, Beth BroderickAn irresistible blend of outrageous comedy and exploitation, this 1987 WIP gem mixes campy humor with scenes of cruel punishment for a truly unique viewer experience.
- 39Yolonda Ross, Davenia McFadden, LaTonya "T" Hagan
An emotionally intense drama directed by Cheryl Dunye, this 2001 film follows a young woman in prison who seeks out the mother she never knew, also incarcerated. Their bond is tested by the unforgiving world surrounding them, resulting in a powerful exploration of love, loyalty, and identity.
- 40Luciana Paluzzi, Herbert Lom, Maria Rohm
A highly-regarded film from erotica master Jess Franco, 99 Women is a 1969 exploitation classic that explores both the sadism and camaraderie among female inmates on a remote island prison. With compelling performances, this risqué gem has earned its place as an influential WIP movie.
- 41
Ombline
Mélanie Thierry, Corinne Masiero, Nicole ValbergThis touching French drama from 2012 tells the story of a young woman imprisoned for assaulting a police officer while pregnant. As she struggles to raise her newborn son within a rough prison environment, Ombline's resonant tale reveals the depth of a mother's love.
- 42Trine Dyrholm, Kirsten Olesen, Nicolaj Kopernikus
A French feature that tells the story of a woman forced to give birth during her incarceration, this 2010 drama intertwines themes of despair and hope while championing the indomitable spirit of motherhood.
- 43Ajita Wilson, Anthony Steffen, Luciano Pigozzi
Director Edoardo Mulargia helms this graphic and brutal 1980 masterpiece, where two women are forced into extreme measures to survive their sadistic captors within a cruel, violent prison system.
- 44Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Armando Trovajoli
Three short stories comprise this 1963 anthology film featuring the legendary Sophia Loren in all three roles, including a portrayal of a hard-hitting prisoner navigating life behind bars.
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- 45Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Brian Dennehy
Elizabeth Banks gives a gripping portrayal of a woman imprisoned for murder whose desperate husband (Russell Crowe) makes a daring and meticulous plan to rescue her in this 2010 thriller.
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- 46
Nothing but the Truth
Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, Angela BassettExploring the prison system in a refreshingly different context, this 2008 political thriller stars Kate Beckinsale as a journalist imprisoned for refusing to reveal her source. The film presents the harsh realities of women's prisons while emphasizing the importance of journalistic integrity and free speech.
- 47Thomasin McKenzie, Anne Hathaway, Shea WhighamMore Eileen
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- 49Demián Bichir, José Julián, Dolores Heredia
A touching 2011 Mexican-American drama, A Better Life explores the relationships formed within a women's prison while also shedding light on the plight of undocumented immigrants serving time in American penitentiaries.
- 50Marla Sokoloff, Marley Shelton, Melissa George
This 2001 satire mixes high school cheerleading adventures with WIP elements to create a unique take on the genre. Here, an expectant mother and her squad turn to crime to finance their dreams, only to face potential punishment for their misdeeds.
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- 51Rodrigo Santoro, Elli Medeiros, Martina Gusman
Stylish and hard-hitting, this 2008 Argentine drama explores Maternity wards within penitentiaries – an often-overlooked aspect of women in confinement in the cinematic world.
- 52Meiko Kaji, Mikio Narita, Kōji Nanbara
The 1973 third installment in the popular Japanese series follows Nami Matsushima (Meiko Kaji) as she continues her quest for revenge against a twisted criminal underbelly while evading authorities.
- 53Meiko Kaji, Akemi Negishi, Masakazu Tamura
In this 1973 conclusion to the Scorpion saga, Nami faces assassination attempts, betrayal, and a fresh round of oppression when she is wrongfully imprisoned once again. Despite the challenges, she remains dedicated to exacting vengeance on those who have tormented her.
- 54Chloë Grace Moretz, Marin Ireland, Jennifer Ehle
Far removed from the traditional tropes of WIP films, this coming-of-age drama follows a teenager sent to conversion therapy, forcing her to acclimate to the perverse rules and regulations of a prejudice institution.
- 55Meiko Kaji, Fumio Watanabe, Kayoko Shiraishi
Meiko Kaji continues to captivate audiences in this 1972 sequel to the Japanese WIP classic. It chronicles the rise and fall of Scorpion as she escapes captivity, unites with fellow outlaws, and seeks retribution against those responsible for her suffering.
- 56Lee Young-ae, Song Kang-Ho, Choi Min-sik
South Korean auteur Park Chan-wook's conclusion to his Vengeance trilogy, this 2005 film follows a woman seeking revenge against her enemies after being released from prison. The tale combines social commentary with enthralling, suspenseful storytelling.
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