32 Years Later, The “Greatest Movie of All Time” Makes a Comeback on New Streaming Home

While it’s easy to bicker over what the greatest movie of all time really is, users on IMDb have long believed that a Stephen King classic takes the crown. It’s hard to argue with them, as the film in question has everything a person could want in a movie, including universal themes of hope, resilience, and friendship, iconic performances, and an emotional payoff that sends the viewer home happy. Now, 32 years after it hit theaters, this little gem is set to take over its new streaming home of Peacock.

If the name Stephen King didn’t give it away, we’re talking about The Shawshank Redemption. Written and directed by Frank Darabont, the adaptation of King’s novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, has sat atop IMDb’s list of the Top 250 Movies for years. Holding a 9.3 rating from more than three million users, it tops other such favorites as The Godfather, The Dark Knight, and 12 Angry Men. Currently, The Shawshank Redemption is available to stream via Pluto TV, but on January 1, 2026, it will also be making its way to its new home of Peacock to reach a wider audience.

Starring the likes of Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, Clancy Brown, William Sadler, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, and James Whitmore, The Shawshank Redemption hit theaters on Sept. 23, 1994, and failed to make much of a splash at the box office. It wasn’t until the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards (including one for Best Picture) that people began to take notice of it. Eventually, it would become a bona fide classic, and rightfully so. The tale of an ordinary banker sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit hit all the sweet spots with the viewing public, who consider it a near-perfect movie. The official synopsis reads:

“The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy Dufresne (Robbins), a banker sentenced to life in Shawshank State Prison for murders he insists he didn’t commit. Over decades behind bars, Andy forms a deep friendship with fellow inmate Red (Freeman) while quietly using his intelligence and integrity to survive the prison’s corruption. What begins as a grim tale of incarceration ultimately becomes a powerful story about hope, perseverance, and the possibility of redemption.”

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ Is Also the Best Stephen King Movie Ever Made

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption

Columbia Pictures

As if the title of “greatest movie ever made” wasn’t enough, The Shawshank Redemption is also considered by many to be the best King adaptation in history. Coming in second on IMDb is The Green Mile with an 8.6 rating, while The Shining rounds out the Top 3 with a score of 8.4. Another classic, Stand By Me, sits fifth behind the Hulu adaptation of 11-22-63.

Of course, taste is subjective, so you might not consider The Shawshank Redemption to be the greatest movie ever, and that’s okay. There are tons of other greats to choose from, but for those that do hold the film in high regard and want to give it another watch, look for it to arrive on Peacock starting Jan. 1, 2026.