Movies About Escape

Updated May 1, 2024

Have you heard all of these Movies About Escape? We think you'll find some new picks. We wrote about 18 of our favorites.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

★★★★

3.7 out of 4 stars

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont. It is based on Stephen King's 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Shawshank State Penitentiary. While there, he befriends a fellow inmate named Red and finds himself protected by the guards due to his financial knowledge. With the help of his friends, Andy is able to escape and start a new life outside of prison. Along the way, he discovers the importance of friendship and the power of hope in the face of adversity. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won Best Adapted Screenplay. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

Papillon (1973)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman, Victor Jory, Don Gordon
Rated R

Papillon is a 1973 adventure drama film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. It is based on the autobiographical novel Papillon by Henri Charrière. The story follows Henri "Papillon" Charrière (Steve McQueen), a French safecracker convicted of murder in the 1930s. He is sent to the notorious penal colony on Devil's Island, where he must battle against the harsh conditions and the cruelty of the other prisoners. With the help of his friend, Louis Dega (Dustin Hoffman), Papillon attempts to escape from the island, enduring multiple hardships along the way. In the end, despite his many challenges, Papillon manages to escape and make his way to safety.

The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Kevin Reynolds, starring Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Christopher Adamson, JB Blanc
Rated PG-13

The Count of Monte Cristo is a 2002 adventure drama film directed by Kevin Reynolds and based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. The film stars Jim Caviezel as Edmond Dantes, a sailor who is betrayed by his best friend Fernand Mondego (Guy Pearce) and falsely accused of treason. Edmond is imprisoned on the remote island of Chateau d��If, where he spends 14 years in solitary confinement. With the help of another prisoner, Edmond escapes the island and finds a hidden fortune on the island of Monte Cristo. Using his newfound wealth, Edmond seeks revenge on those who betrayed him. Along the way, he meets a beautiful woman (Dagmara Dominczyk) who helps him in his quest for justice. The story of The Count of Monte Cristo follows Edmond's journey as he seeks to right the wrongs inflicted upon him and regain his honor.

Escape from Alcatraz (1979)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Don Siegel, starring Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Roberts Blossom, Jack Thibeau
Rated PG

Escape from Alcatraz is a 1979 American thriller film directed by Don Siegel, based on the 1963 non-fiction book of the same name by J. Campbell Bruce. The film stars Clint Eastwood as Frank Morris, an inmate of the notorious Alcatraz Island prison who attempts to escape. With the help of two other inmates, Morris devises an intricate plan to break free from Alcatraz, defying the odds and going against the seemingly inescapable conditions of the island. Despite the challenges posed by surveilling guards and the hazardous waters that surround the island, Morris and his cohorts attempt the daring escape, putting their lives on the line in their desperate bid for freedom.