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Sing Sing

Sing Sing

Trust the process.

2023107 minRMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Greg Kwedar
Starring
Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San Jose, Paul Raci

Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Sing Sing?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Sing Sing streaming on Cinemax via Apple TV and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Apple TV

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Sing Sing?

Sing Sing earns 8 badges, led by Top 5% of films and Universally Loved.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Sing Sing worth watching?

Sing Sing's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 365K ratings across 6 sources. 84% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

97th percentile among Drama96th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)94th

79 /100

96th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Drama95th percentile among 2020s

Critics 83 · Audience 79

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

84% liked it

94th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Drama93rd percentile among 2020s
84% rated it 7–1016% rated it 1–6

Critics 97% · Audience 98%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 29 wins / 67 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama

97th percentile

365K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 14% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$2M
Opening weekend$137K
Domestic gross$3.1M
Worldwide gross$5.3M

Returned 2.7× its budget — 79th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a sincere, well-intentioned drama about the rehabilitative power of theatre inside Sing Sing prison, carried by the real-life participants' authenticity but limited by a slim, anecdotal story.

Fans praised

  • genuine, non-exploitative depiction of prison rehabilitation through theatre
  • astounding authenticity from casting formerly incarcerated men as themselves
  • Coleman Domingo's layered lead performance anchors the ensemble

Detractors panned

  • thin narrative structure with little plot momentum or conflict
  • underdeveloped supporting characters and lack of prison reality beyond the theatre program
  • over-reliance on feel-good sentiment at the expense of dramatic stakes

What stands out

Acting85

Colman Domingo is commanding; non-professional cast brings raw, lived-in authenticity

Emotional impactDivisive78

many fans moved to tears; detractors find it manipulative and unearned

Atmosphere75

immersive prison setting with palpable claustrophobia and isolation

OriginalityDivisive72

fresh angle on prison drama by foregrounding theatre; avoids typical prison tropes

Dialogue68

naturalistic and raw but occasionally on-the-nose; humor lightens heavy moments

CharactersDivisive62

supporting inmates feel thinly sketched; protagonist's arc is warmly drawn but too clean

Plot and storyDivisive55

loose, meandering structure with little dramatic tension outside the courtroom

Pacing53

sluggish in stretches; intention undermines urgency for some viewers

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 10 points higher than over-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 15 points higher than critics.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Sing Sing like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
HopefulBittersweetContemplative
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
WarmTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its subjects with deep compassion, never winking at its drama, and maintains a grounded, naturalistic style.
The rideThe film maintains a steady, reflective emotional register, with the heaviest emotional weight concentrated in the later acts as the characters face the realities of prison life and their futures.
StructureThe narrative unfolds chronologically, focusing on Divine G's journey from engagement to crisis to resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's emphasis on redemption and the transformative power of art leaves a lingering sense of hope, tempered by the loss and setbacks along the way.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows imprisoned men finding purpose through theater, centering on personal transformation and healing rather than a conventional plot archetype.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% (this title) · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Art · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how a man wrongfully imprisoned finds meaning and identity through creative expression and connection with fellow inmates.
StanceThe film affirms the transformative and healing power of art and community, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

The world

Early 21st centuryInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalAmbientSupportive music · original score · Bryce Dessner
SettingSing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in upstate New York
MusicThe score likely underscores the film's emotional warmth and contemplative mood without overwhelming the performances.

Content guide

Is Sing Sing okay for kids?

R

Sing Sing is rated R: “Rated R for language throughout” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (4/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at severe (86/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (29/100) and frightening material at mild (31/100). Overall it is heavier than 22% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 19 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15A
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Argentina+13
  • CL14
  • FinlandK-12
  • ID13+
  • LTN-13
  • NetherlandsAL
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • PortugalM/12
  • PRR
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland16
  • TH15
  • VIR
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 49% of all filmsHeavier than 22% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 84%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 16%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 16%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Sing Sing have?

MovieCove's classifier found no depicted content warnings in Sing Sing. 1 is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Addiction or relapse. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

MentionedAddiction or relapse

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Sing Sing?

Cast

At least 2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Colman Domingo
as John Divine G Whitfield
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Clarence Maclin
as Clarence Maclin
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sean San Jose
as Mike Mike
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Paul Raci
as Brent Buell
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Johnny Simmons
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sharon Washington
John Divine G Whitfield
as The Book Fan
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
David Giraudy
as David Giraudy
Patrick Griffin
as Patrick Griffin
Mosi Eagle
as Mosi Eagle

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Sing Sing?

Movies like Sing Sing include The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) and Carandiru (2003). Of the 7 closest matches, most are prison dramas, and several are films about purpose.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 7 share its world: life inside an institution. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Sing Sing?

682 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: prison drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.