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%

Tomatometer

53 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

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

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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Pongo K

This movie is about REAL and important history. The movie is well worth watching for that reason alone. Besides, the movie is good. So, WATCH IT!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/03/25

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Chanse S

Great movie slow build up but over all would watch it again

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/02/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Intense, interesting war film that holds up very well. Strongly recommend even though it is long but the length seems justified.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/11/25

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Scott M

Best old school war film ever. I've watched it numerous times I love it so much. Especially McQueen, who is such an insanely good actor.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/10/25

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Micah H

Pretty well made and quite intense. Better character building than some war movies, although not quite excellent in that field.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/31/25

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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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