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The Stanford Prison Experiment

2015 2h 2m
Thriller Drama History
MOVIEVIBE Rating
6.8/10
1,014 reviews
Your Rating
The Stanford Prison Experiment

In 1971, Stanford's Professor Philip Zimbardo conducts a controversial psychology experiment in which college students pretend to be either prisoners or guards, but the proceedings soon get out of hand. Based on a true story.

"They were given 2 weeks. It lasted 6 days."

Top Billed Cast

Billy Crudup
Billy Crudup
Dr. Philip Zimbardo
Michael Angarano
Michael Angarano
Christopher Archer
Ezra Miller
Ezra Miller
Daniel Culp / Prisoner 8612
Tye Sheridan
Tye Sheridan
Peter Mitchell / Prisoner 819
Olivia Thirlby
Olivia Thirlby
Dr. Christina Maslach
Nelsan Ellis
Nelsan Ellis
Jesse Fletcher
Moisés Arias
Moisés Arias
Anthony Carroll
Nicholas Braun
Nicholas Braun
Karl Vandy

Detailed Critic & Audience Reviews

R Reno Verified TMDB Critic
2016-10-04

**Be cautious about what you're signing for!**

Do you remember the Kubrick's film 'A Clockwork Orange', well, I'm not saying it is the same or similar film or storyline, but it reminded how it affects those people who are involved in a similar kind experiment. This is not too violent like that film, but it has its share where some might feel uncomfortable. Except in the opening and some other parts, the entire film takes place in a single location, most likely a studio setting. That part was well done, including the screenplay and direction. One of the rare films, about the rare subject, in...

J John Chard Verified TMDB Critic
2019-06-04

Another very worthwhile production of a chilling real life experiment.

The Stanford Prison Experiment makes for compelling reading/viewing, whichever format you choose to partake in, it's science gone bonkers and has the power to chill the blood. Did we need another film version? Especially since Das Experiment (2001) is an outstanding film and clearly the one that is recommended as a first port of call on the subject?

As it is this Kyle Patrick Alvarez directed version is special as well, managing to get under the skin whilst being vivid in detail. Not just for 1971 period accuracy (cl...

R r96sk Verified TMDB Critic
2020-08-11

I don't think they quite nailed what they were going for with this film, but I can't deny it does make for fairly uncomfortable viewing - which is the intention, I guess.

<em>'The Stanford Prison Experiment'</em> has a very localised and low-budget feel to it, things that arguably actually enhance the vibe of the production. The acting is up-and-down, while the run time is too long.

Billy Crudup is very good as Dr. Philip Zimbardo, while those who portray the team around him are also solid. It's when you get to the 'inmates' that the acting gets weaker, none of them are bad but they aren...