The Top 10 Best Escape Movies
Escape Your Problems With these Escape Movies!
It’s easy to feel trapped in your life, which is probably why escape movies tend to be so popular. There are dozens and dozens of these films out there, but not to worry, because this week I’ve gone ahead and narrowed it down to the Top 10 from the genre. The only rule for the list is that the characters in it have to have been imprisoned against their will and, of course, have to escape from it (spoiler alert). That being said, there are still a wide variety of movies out there that qualify for this list and I’ve managed to find some pretty inerresting flicks to fill the slots. While I can’t attest to how well any of these escape attempts might work in real life, if you’re looking at prison time, it certainly won’t hurt to marathon them for inspiration. That being said, hopefully, you won’t find yourself needing any of the tricks used in these escape movies.
10. Escape from New York
John Carpenter was truly one of the kings of cinema during the 80s. During his benevolent reign, he gave us one of the craziest escape movies of all time. There are a lot of strange prisons that have appeared in movies over the years, but none of them top his twisted vision of New York City. Escape from New York takes place in a dystopian future where the Big Apple becomes the ultimate prison without guards as prisoners are left to pretty much figure things out on their own. It might not sound that bad, but New York is home to the most violent and vile criminals on the planet, which basically means getting sent there is the same as being thrown to the wolves. While no one else has managed to escape the city, Snake Plisskin manages to do the impossible in this Carpenter classic.
9. The Count of Monte Cristo
Based on the book that we all “should” have read back in high school, the film adapts one of the most compelling revenge tales of all time. While this film might not qualify for Stars & Popcorn’s Best Revenge Movies list, it definitely earns a spot on this list of escape movies. The film tells the tale of a man who is thrown into prison through the treachery of men he once trusted. After a few years in his own living hell, he makes a daring escape and then sets out to make all those who betrayed him pay for their crimes. It’s a slow burn sort of revenge, but it proves that the long con is often the most effective. Still, it’s the breathtaking escape that earns The Count of Monte Cristo a spot on this list.
8. Cool Hand Luke
Not all convicts are created equal and none are quite as cool as old Luke. Originally Luke is a guy who seems happy to serve his time and make the best of a bad situation. However, his devil may care attitude quickly earns the respect of his fellow prisoners and the ire of his guards. So, while Luke might not have had any intention of making a prison break when he first arrives, the guards soon plant the idea in his mind as they take special measures to make an example of him. While a lot of the other escape movies on this list feature characters meticulously planning their breakouts, Luke is the kind of guy who just seizes opportunities when they come up. Despite being in leg chains most of the film, Luke is a character whose spirit is never broken.
7. Room
Not all escape movies take place in a prison. Room tells the horrific story of Joy, played by Brie Larson, a woman who is not only abducted but is also raped and forced to give birth to her captor’s biological son. The two are confined to a single room, unable to leave for any reason what so ever. Despite their terrible circumstances, Joy does her best to give her son a loving childhood until the two can ultimately make their escape. Unlike a lot of the escape movies on this list, their getaway takes place relatively early on. The rest of the film examines their reintegration into society, a journey that is incredibly difficult after being held captive for seven years. It’s even more difficult for Joy’s son who has only known the room.
6. O Brother Where Art Thou
So many escape movies save their big prison breaks till the very end, but O Brother Where Art Thou starts with it. Make no mistake though, because this film definitely deserves a shout out on this list of the best escape movies, because their break out lasts for the rest of the movie. With the cops hot on their trail the trio of escapees spend the rest of the film a hairs breath away from getting caught. Of course, they still have plenty of time for side adventures (like becoming one of the greatest movie rock bands of all time) that are loosely based on the Odessy (just check checkout John Goodman’s Cyclops). While it might not be the number one entry on this list, it’s definitely the funniest. If you haven’t seen it, O Brother Where Art Thou is well worth the watch.