When The Shawshank Redemption hit theaters in 1994, it struggled at the box office despite stellar performances from Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Even with Oscar nominations, the film initially went unnoticed. Fast forward to today, it reigns supreme as IMDb’s highest-rated movie of all time. So, what’s the secret behind its enduring success? In a recent interview, Tim Robbins shared his insights on what makes this cinematic gem resonate with audiences decades later.
Released in 1994, the film initially received mixed reviews, was nominated for an Oscar, but failed to achieve the box office success it hoped for.
In fact, it continues to hold its top spot on IMDb’s charts without being dethroned. So, what’s the secret behind its enduring success?
'When the film was first released, nobody watched it. Ted Turner changed its fate. He aired it on his TV channel, and that’s how it became so beloved. It ended up being IMDb’s most-loved film of all time. A quality film or series always stands the test of time. I’m against algorithms dictating what we should watch. What matters is not whether a film is a hit at its release but whether it is still cherished 15–20 years later.