The Great Escape

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The Great Escape

Released Jul 4, 1963

2h 52m

War

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

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53 Reviews

95%

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100,000+ Ratings

Imprisoned during World War II in a German POW camp, a group of Allied soldiers are intent on breaking out, not only to escape, but also to draw Nazi forces away from battle to search for fugitives. Among the prisoners determined to escape are American Captain Virgil Hilts and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett. Outwitting their captors by digging a tunnel out of the prison grounds, the soldiers find the stakes much higher when escape becomes a reality.

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Critics Consensus

With its impeccably slow-building story and a cast for the ages, The Great Escape is an all-time action classic.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

This star-laden real-life tale of teamwork and derring-do is a trifle flabby at nearly three hours, but there is no denying that this is one of the best loved of all Second World War films.

Dec 27, 2023

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Jamie Ludwig

Chicago Reader

For all its missteps, when it comes to escapism, intrigue, and indulgence, you could do a whole lot worse than The Great Escape. Just watch it with an open eye.

Feb 21, 2019

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Anthony Lane

The New Yorker

This is a Boys' Own Tale, and, as boys, we wanted it, cleansed of horrors, for ourselves.

Apr 23, 2014

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Olly Richards

Sunday Times (UK)

Steve McQueen turns his movie-star glint to maximum as the swaggering American Cooler King...

Sep 19, 2022

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Even though the filmmakers make changes to benefit an American audience, the memory of the 50 executed airmen will never be forgotten.

Rated: 5/5

May 29, 2022

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Somehow, The Great Escape manages to mourn the dead and uphold a unified sense of defiance in the same movement.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 17, 2022

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Michael S

So great to see it again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/09/22

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Bill T

The Great Escape was probably one of the best movies Steve McQueen and Paul Newman done together hands down. If you've not seen this classic movie you need to see this or put it on your watch list it's definitely a must see even if you have to buy it. Paul Newman and Steve McQueen deliver a spectacular performance in the movie about the great prison escape World War II great movie I would highly recommend it to anybody that's a Steve McQueen or Paul Newman fan. And as far as I'm concerned this is suitable for practically all ages at least at the very least 10 years old and up I would say.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/27/25

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Johnathon W

Superb war film that ranks as one of the very best of all time, thanks to a brilliant cast and excellent direction by John Sturges. The actors are excellent across the board, with many being military and war veterans themselves, thus bringing authenticity to their roles (Donald Pleasance was even a POW during WWII). Behind the camera, director John Sturges crafts a superb action, with the perfect mix of action, drama and humor, showing the planning of the escape to what went wrong, being to its tragic but heroic end. The film is also bolstered by Elmer Bernstein's brilliant score, one of the most iconic ever produced. Just a great film and a must for any collection.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/13/25

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John M

First of all let me say that the Great Escape is a Great movie!! I have seen this movie several times and I will be watching it again soon. It is a classic for a reason the acting is First Rate! James Garner Steve McQueen who could ask for more than that?? I know that it has taken many liberties with the actual fa cts but it is Loosely based on anv actual events. I say Loosely because they take a lot of liberties with the facts. Nonetheless it is a great movie! If you like older movies and great acting then you will love love this movie for sure. If you love history and war movies you will love this.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/31/25

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CJ V

One of the greatest movies of all time... based on a true story, a must see for WWII fanatics. The cast is full of names of some of the finest actors of the time. My personal favorite.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/30/25

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jacob c

The ultimate cinematic showcase of teamwork and perseverance, star-studded and beautifully realized.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/30/25

Full Review

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John Sturges

Director

Steve McQueen

Capt. Hilts 'The Cooler King'

James Garner

Flight Lt. Hendley 'The Scrounger'

Richard Attenborough

Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett 'Big X'

Charles Bronson

Flight Lt. Danny Velinski 'The Tunnel King'

James Donald

Group Capt. Ramsey 'The SBO'

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Synopsis

Imprisoned during World War II in a German POW camp, a group of Allied soldiers are intent on breaking out, not only to escape, but also to draw Nazi forces away from battle to search for fugitives. Among the prisoners determined to escape are American Captain Virgil Hilts and British Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett. Outwitting their captors by digging a tunnel out of the prison grounds, the soldiers find the stakes much higher when escape becomes a reality.

Director: John Sturges
Producer: John Sturges, James Clavell
Screenwriter: Paul Brickhill, James Clavell, W. R. Burnett
Distributor: United Artists, Criterion Collection, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Mirisch Company
Genre: War, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 4, 1963, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Runtime: 2h 52m

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