Escape From Alcatraz

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2:01

Escape From Alcatraz

PG

1979

1h 47m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Frank Morris (Clint Eastwood), a hardened con with a history of prison breaks, is sent to serve the rest of his life sentence at Alcatraz -- America's most infamously brutal and inescapable maximum security prison. Morris quickly realizes the prison's dehumanizing effects and clashes with its cruel warden (Patrick McGoohan). Fed up with life at Alcatraz, Morris and two convict brothers (Fred Ward, Jack Thibeau) meticulously plan the unthinkable: an escape from the island.

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Critics Consensus

Escape from Alcatraz makes brilliant use of the tense claustrophobia of its infamous setting -- as well as its leading man's legendarily flinty resolve.

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Escape From Alcatraz is a nifty prison movie, among the best of that genre ever made.

Jul 17, 2019

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Escape from Alcatraz is relentless in establishing a mood and pace of unrelieved tension.

Mar 26, 2009

Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

It's an austere depiction of the tedious routines of prison life, and of the courage and strength of spirit needed in coping with unpleasant warders, tough fellow-inmates, and a life sentence.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

Erick Estrada

Cinegarage

The film is dry and contained and has an almost kitsch charm, proper of the times... [Full review in Spanish]

Apr 26, 2023

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

For an Eastwood vehicle, there’s very little action per se, but few will mind.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 27, 2023

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Escape from Alcatraz remains a timeless thriller over 40 years after its release and makes great use of its setting.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 23, 2023

Full Review

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Isa B

This is a prison escape movie that undoubtedly had an influence on many which came after it. This film is based on a true story, and it certainly has a realistic feel to it. Clint Eastwood is terrific in his role as Frank Morris. Roberts Blossom gives an excellent, and heartbreaking performance as "Doc". Escape From Alcatraz is a timeless classic, and one that I highly recommend. 91/100

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 47 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/25

Full Review

Audience Member

A great movie based on a true story, Beastwood killed it...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/19/25

Full Review

Leaburn O

A classic of the jailbreak genre. Eastwood is his usual ice cool self. Well built up, many scenes later adopted by Shawshank. Based on a true story and the infamous prison off San Fran bay. Has aged well and remains exciting. Watched on Netflix.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/19/25

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Dan L.

Classic Eastwood. Totally get Fred Ward in The Naked Gun 33 1/3 now!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

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Alfie M

On the re-watch Escape From Alcatraz remains an excellent thriller but unfortunately is downgraded slightly. I never realised two things one, how funny this film is and two how great Larry Hankin is. The 1962 Alcatraz escape has always been fascinating for me because it's impossible how people can vanish, thus I do believe the 3 men made it out alive.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

Full Review

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Don Siegel

Director

Clint Eastwood

Frank Morris

Patrick McGoohan

Warden

Jack Thibeau

Clarence Anglin

Roberts Blossom

Doc

Fred Ward

John Anglin

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Welding in a Prison Cell

2:46

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Stopping a Prison Shanking

2:21

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Escaping Prison on a Homemade Raft

2:18

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Some Men Are Destined Never To Leave Alcatraz... Alive

1:17

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Prison Shower Beatdown

1:42

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - The Papier Mache Head Suspenseful Scene

2:40

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Doc Hacks Off His Fingers Violent Scene

3:00

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Discovering the Escape Ending Scene

3:00

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Cutting Prison Bars Tense Scene

2:44

Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Morris vs. Wolf Prison Yard Fight

1:38

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Escape From Alcatraz: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Frank Morris (Clint Eastwood), a hardened con with a history of prison breaks, is sent to serve the rest of his life sentence at Alcatraz -- America's most infamously brutal and inescapable maximum security prison. Morris quickly realizes the prison's dehumanizing effects and clashes with its cruel warden (Patrick McGoohan). Fed up with life at Alcatraz, Morris and two convict brothers (Fred Ward, Jack Thibeau) meticulously plan the unthinkable: an escape from the island.

Director: Don Siegel
Producer: Don Siegel
Screenwriter: Richard Tuggle
Production Co: Paramount, Paramount Pictures International
Rating: PG
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 47m

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