Escape From Alcatraz

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Escape From Alcatraz

PG

1979

1h 47m

Mystery & Thriller

Action

History

Drama

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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

Jul 17, 2019

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

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Variety Staff

Variety

Mar 26, 2009

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

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Jan 26, 2006

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.

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Erick Estrada

Cinegarage

Apr 26, 2023

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

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Mar 27, 2023

3/4

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

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Feb 23, 2023

4/5

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

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lolblog T

@RT47829063 2 hrs ago

a very great movie, the main character is such smart and stay on ground guy you always feel connected to, even more astonishing when you dive a little bit on the real story behind it, i enjoyed every minute of it. i give it an 8 out of 10 just because is not my kind of movie, but it was a perfect one, i think the best it could be done tbh.

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Jacob W

@RT17896586 1 day ago

Long before the Rock Clint Eastwood had already Escaped. Perhaps they should have had him instead of Sean. How different that would have been. The partnership between the director and Clint had already given us some great films together and it’s fair to say that as a director Eastwood learned a lot from him which makes him as well as an actor the successful director he is. In my opinion one of the best prison movies there is enjoy.

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Thomas V

@TomVee Oct 3, 2026

There's no surprises here, but nevertheless this is a really strong, tense, suspenseful prison escape drama, well played by Eastwood and company. Patrick McGoohan is excellent, managing to avoid the stereotypical cruel warden cliches and delivering cool menace. One of the best of this subgenre.

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mark G

@Mark_Alan_G. Sep 28, 2026

Expertly directed and acted. In my opinion the best prison movie ever made. The real life shooting locations also enhance a very believable and taut story. One of Eastwood's best.

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Keith B

@Okbullard Aug 3, 2026

I thought the first half was really good but I found myself checking the time repeatedly the second half. It was getting a little long and tedious. I've always liked Clint Eastwood but this one wasn't my favorite.

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Graham M

@Greyzer Jul 5, 2026

Superb film. Very well performed and a terrific script.

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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

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Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Stopping a Prison Shanking

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

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Escape From Alcatraz: Official Clip - Prison Shower Beatdown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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, Action, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 47m

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