The Shawshank Redemption is easily one of my favorite movies of all time. Its compelling storytelling, strong character development, memorable quotes, and outstanding performances will leave you in awe. This timeless movie is available to stream on Netflix, but not in all countries. This is as a result of Netflix’s geo-blocks.
Here’s the good news: You can use a reputable VPN to change your digital location to that of a country of your choice, like Germany or Australia where The Shawshank Redemption is available to stream on Netflix. Read on to learn how.
Summary: How to Watch The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix
You need a VPN to watch The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix in countries where it’s unavailable. Here’s how:
Why You Need a VPN to Watch The Shawshank Redemption From Anywhere
Netflix has different content libraries around the world. For example, there’s Netflix US, Netflix Japan, Netflix Australia, and so on. The reason these different libraries exist is because the content they carry also varies. This is a result of the licensing agreements Netflix has with content creators and media houses.
These agreements dictate in which countries and for what duration of time a piece of content is going to air. For this reason, Netflix uses geo-blocking software to keep its content within the right jurisdiction as mandated by its agreements.
A reputable VPN allows you to legally change your digital location to that of a country of your choice. For example, NordVPN has servers in 60+ countries that you can connect to and get an IP address for that country and access content restricted to that country.
How to Watch The Shawshank Redemption From Anywhere
Below find simple step-by-step instructions on how to download and set up a VPN to watch The Shawshank Redemption from any corner of the globe.
- Subscribe to a VPN: I recommend NordVPN. It’s beginner-friendly and blazing fast.
- Download and install NordVPN: There’s a NordVPN app for all popular devices. Get the right one for your device from its app store or NordVPN’s website.
- Log in to the NordVPN app: Use the credentials from step one to log in to your new NordVPN app.
- Connect to a server in Germany or Australia.
- Log in to Netflix and find The Shawshank Redemption.
- Hit Play and Enjoy!
NordVPN: The Best VPN For Watching The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix
There are dozens of VPNs out there but not all of them are capable and consistent at bypassing geo-blocks on Netflix and other streaming platforms. Below find the main reasons why I recommend NordVPN.
- Blazing fast speeds: NordVPN has the fastest speeds of any VPN that I’ve tested. I comfortably streamed The Shawshank Redemption without lag or hiccups.
- Intuitive interface: NordVPN’s interface is super easy to use and navigate. In most cases, it will take you a single click to connect to a server.
- Affordable: This is the cheapest VPN I’ve come across that has excellent features. NordVPN also has offers and discounts sometimes of up to 70%.
- Simultaneous connections: You can connect up to six devices under one subscription. Feel free to also share your subscription with friends and family.
- Bypass geo-blocks: In my tests, NordVPN consistently bypasses geo-blocks on streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.
Watch The Shawshank Redemption: Plot
The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The movie tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence.
The movie follows Andy’s life in prison, his friendship with fellow inmate Red, and his eventual escape from prison. The movie is a saga of a group of sometimes reluctant heroes who set forth to save their world from consummate evil.
Here’s the trailer for The Shawshank Redemption.
Here are some tidbits on The Shawshank Redemption.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Stephen King’s Selling Price | Stephen King sold the film rights of his novella, “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption,” to Frank Darabont for only $1. King has a practice of selling film rights of his short stories to aspiring filmmakers for a nominal fee, famously termed as his “dollar babies.” |
| Box Office Performance | Despite its current acclaim, the movie was not a box office success initially. It earned just enough to cover its budget. The film’s popularity soared after its release on home video and television broadcasts. |
| Casting of Red | The character of Red, played by Morgan Freeman, was originally written as a middle-aged Irishman with red hair in King’s novella. The film adapted the role for Freeman, but kept the Irish background in a nod to the original character, humorously explaining his nickname as “maybe it’s because I’m Irish.” |
| Real Life Inspiration for Shawshank | The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, served as the fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary. After the film’s release, the site became a popular tourist destination and remains so. The prison was scheduled for demolition but was saved partly due to the film’s success. |
| The Opera Scene | The aria played by Andy Dufresne over the prison loudspeakers is “Canzonetta sull’aria” from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.” This scene is often cited as one of the film’s most powerful moments, symbolizing the enduring power of hope and beauty in the bleakest conditions. |
| Hidden Biblical References | The film contains subtle Biblical references, including the name of the warden, Norton, who shares his name with a Bible publishing company, and Andy’s escape mirroring a resurrection story, emerging from a symbolic ‘tomb’ (the sewer pipe). |
Conclusion: Watch The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption is available to stream on Netflix. However, due to geo-restrictions, the classic movie is only available in a few countries. Don’t fret, though! You can use a VPN to change your digital location to that of a country where The Shawshank Redemption is available like Germany and enjoy it.
You may also be interested in:
- How to Watch The Godfather 2 on Netflix
- How to Watch Fight Club on Netflix
- How to Watch John Wick on Netflix
FAQ: How to Watch The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix
Below find frequently asked questions on how to watch The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix from anywhere.
Is The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix?
Yes, The Shawshank Redemption is available on Netflix but only in a few countries. Luckily, by using a VPN, you can watch the show from anywhere in the world, as described in this article.
Where can I watch The Shawshank Redemption Online?
You can watch The Shawshank Redemption online on Netflix and Prime Video.
What countries can watch The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix?
You can watch The Shawshank Redemption in Germany, Australia, Japan, and Switzerland.
Can I watch The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix with a free VPN?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Why? Free VPNs lack the server network for changing your digital location to where The Shawshank Redemption is available on Netflix.
Is using a VPN to watch The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix legal?
Yes. A VPN is a privacy tool millions of people use to protect their data and identity online.
