Tom Hiddleston Calls The Shawshank Redemption the Most ‘Astonishing’ Movie He’s Ever Seen

Tom Hiddleston, the beloved English actor known for his captivating performances, has named The Shawshank Redemption as the most “astonishing” film he’s ever seen. Speaking to Far Out magazine last month, Hiddleston included the 1994 Stephen King adaptation in his top four favorite movies and described the profound impact it had on him.

“I have thought about that film and how it’s inspired me so many times,” Hiddleston said. “It made a big dent in my heart and soul when I was young. It’s a meditation on friendship and on the freedom of the human spirit. I can remember almost every frame of it. It’s quite astonishing.”

Hiddleston’s praise adds to the long-standing admiration for The Shawshank Redemption, a film often cited as one of the greatest of all time. With an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and decades of dedicated fans, the movie continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

A Faithful and Heartbreaking Stephen King Adaptation

Based on King’s novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption from his Different Seasons collection, the film tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover—crimes he insists he did not commit. Inside the prison walls, Andy forms a friendship with Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman), a longtime inmate and prison fixer.

Director Frank Darabont took a patient approach to storytelling, allowing the 142-minute film to unfold slowly and organically over several decades, mirroring the novella’s timeline. This pacing allows viewers to immerse themselves in the harsh realities of prison life and witness Andy’s quiet resilience as he navigates brutal challenges, including threats from guards and violent inmates known as the Sisters.

Darabont’s decision to resist rushing the narrative paid off, creating a multi-layered portrait of hope, friendship, and endurance. Coupled with the outstanding performances of Robbins and Freeman—both of whom imbue their characters with depth and humanity—the film transcends typical prison drama.

Casting and Legacy

The journey to cast Andy was complex. Director Darabont considered several top actors of the time, including Gene Hackman, Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, and Nicolas Cage. All turned down the role for various reasons, leaving the path clear for Tim Robbins, whose understated but compelling presence in Jacob’s Ladder convinced Darabont he was the right choice.

Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Red provides the film’s emotional center, particularly during the poignant parole hearings where his gradual acceptance of freedom is beautifully conveyed.

Stephen King himself has praised The Shawshank Redemption as one of his favorite adaptations, a rare honor given the numerous films based on his work.

From Box Office Underdog to Timeless Classic

Despite its enduring reputation today, The Shawshank Redemption struggled upon release. The film’s marketing was unusual for a Stephen King adaptation—it did not prominently feature his name, nor did it fit neatly into the horror genre he was famous for. This, combined with a somewhat vague title, left audiences uncertain what to expect.

Opening in a limited release, the film earned just $727,000 on its debut weekend. However, strong word of mouth, critical acclaim, and later home video success transformed it into a beloved classic, regularly ranking high on lists of the greatest films ever made.

Why The Shawshank Redemption Endures

At its core, The Shawshank Redemption resonates because it explores timeless themes: friendship, hope, freedom, and the indomitable human spirit. It is a film that stays with viewers, offering comfort and inspiration across generations.

For Tom Hiddleston, and millions of others, it remains “astonishing”—a testament to the power of cinema to touch the heart and soul in ways that last a lifetime.