John Carpenter's Escape From L.A.

Play trailer

John Carpenter's Escape From L.A.

R

1996

1h 41m

Action

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

56%

Tomatometer

59 Reviews

39%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

In 2013, the United States president (Cliff Robertson) is exiling all citizens who don't conform to his hyper-conservative views to Los Angeles, which became an island after a huge earthquake. But, when the president's daughter nabs the detonator to her dad's apocalyptic weapon and sneaks into L.A. to be with the rebel leader she loves, the government taps commando-turned-crook Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) to retrieve the young woman. And, if he doesn't succeed quickly, he'll be executed.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Escape from L.A. has its moments, although it certainly suffers in comparison to the cult classic that preceded it.

Read Critics Reviews

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

06/14/2022

This time around, Russell seems uncomfortable in the part–a cartoon of a cartoon–but the production design by Blade Runner’s Lawrence G. Paull is so attractive and inventive that this is probably Carpenter’s most visually impressive feature.

Go to Full Review

Chris Peachment

Daily Telegraph (UK)

11/28/2017

Had this film come out 14 years ago, it would probably still be a late-night video treat, rather than looking a mite tired.

Go to Full Review

Desson Thomson

Washington Post

10/24/2002

Enjoyable in a playful way

Go to Full Review

Adrian Martin

Film Critic: Adrian Martin

Jul 30

3/5

I won’t tell you how things end in Escape from L.A., but I will say that the sight of Pliskin, alone with his cigarette in the dark, is one of the most sublime moments of 1990s cinema.

Go to Full Review

Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

09/08/2023

2.5/4

Not as iconic as Escape from New York, but still has some fun moments hidden behind pretty awful 90s-era visual effects.

Go to Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

06/08/2022

3/4

If viewers focus on what Carpenter is trying to say, as opposed to the half-hearted method in which he tries to say it, Escape from L.A. becomes a guilty pleasure and thought-provoking look at Carpenter’s worldview.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Jack F

@MovieFan111 Nov 28

It might follow the same template as its predecessor, but it's all still awesome!!!

See more

Kyle F.

@kfinley05 Sep 21

Obviously not on par with the original, but you have to appreciate the huge dump Carpenter is taking on Hollywood at this time. Fast forward 30 years, we haven’t evolved that much, and the theme is still relevant.

See more

George M

@Milkyway Sep 15

I don't consider the vastly overrated Escape from New York a great or even a cult film, but this worthless, barely watchable sequel is entirely trash. Even the cast seems bored by the trope filled story.

See more

Nick O

Jun 2

L.A. is bigger, badder and more outrageous in every possible aspect, whether Snake is surfin’ a tsunami with Peter Fonda or hang gliding the Hollywood hills with Pam Grier. I LOVE L.A.!

See more

Doris B

@RE196820214 Jun 1

Está entretenido de principio a fin me gusta visitar películas de los 90's.

See more

J H

Apr 24

There are some good performances, but the script is essentially just a rehash of the original. The budget was reportedly $50 million; the money is definitely not on the screen.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

John Carpenter

Director

Kurt Russell

Snake Plissken

Stacy Keach

Cmdr. Malloy

Steve Buscemi

Map to the Stars Eddie

Cliff Robertson

President

Peter Fonda

Pipeline

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Surfboard Car Chase

2:12

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Basketball to the Death

2:12

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Hang Glider Assault

2:13

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Shutting Down the Earth

2:13

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - The Surgeon General

2:13

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Fun Gun Injection

1:28

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Helicopter Explosion

2:12

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Bangkok Rules

2:13

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Shot and Sheared

2:11

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Torpedo Sub to L.A.

2:10

View more videos

Tank Girl

46%

62%

Tank Girl

Watchlist

Escape From New York

86%

77%

Escape From New York

Watchlist

Predator 2

36%

44%

Predator 2

Watchlist

No Escape

59%

41%

No Escape

Watchlist

Predator

65%

87%

Predator

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Predator

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Kurt Russell Chimes in On the "Escape from New York" Remake

"Ocean," "Dead," and "1408" Enlist New Cast Members

Snake Plissken to "Escape from Earth"?

View more photos

Synopsis

In 2013, the United States president (Cliff Robertson) is exiling all citizens who don't conform to his hyper-conservative views to Los Angeles, which became an island after a huge earthquake. But, when the president's daughter nabs the detonator to her dad's apocalyptic weapon and sneaks into L.A. to be with the rebel leader she loves, the government taps commando-turned-crook Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) to retrieve the young woman. And, if he doesn't succeed quickly, he'll be executed.

Director: John Carpenter
Producer: Debra Hill, Kurt Russell
Screenwriter: John Carpenter, Debra Hill, Kurt Russell
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Pictures International, Rysher Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.5M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Dolby Digital, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Most Popular at Home Now