Scared Straight! was a documentary directed by Arnold Shapiro and released in 1978.

The subject of the documentary was a group of cocky teenaged juvenile delinquents and the attempts to make them end their criminal ways by introducing them to actual convicts. In the movie, a group of jailed criminals known as the Lifers berate, scream at, and terrify the young hoodlums, and attempt to scare them straight by showing an ugly, harsh presentation of the realities of prison life. At film's end, the teenagers decide that they don't want to end up in jail. Narration was provided by Peter Falk.

The film was followed by Scared Straight! Another Story (1980), Scared Straight! 10 Years Later (1987), and Scared Straight! 20 Years Later (1999). The last sequel, hosted by Danny Glover, showed that the majority of the teens in the original program were, in fact, scared straight and went on to lead happy, productive lives.

The documentary was shown on television in the late 70s. It was aired uncensored, and was the first time that the word "fuck" was broadcast on many networks.

The film won the Academy Award for Documentary Feature in 1978. It also won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Individual Achievement - Informational Program and Outstanding Informational Program.

As a result of the film, many states introduced "scared straight" programs in an attempt to rehibilitate young delinquents. The effectiveness of such programs has been questioned.