Escape from New York
Seen it?1981 | 99 min | Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
People are still talking about it, it earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 8 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, sci-fi fans and action fans. If you loved Terminator 2: Judgment Day or John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, mind-bending.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 39 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam free. After the US president crash-lands inside, war hero Snake Plissken has 24 hours to bring him back.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$50 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 530K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Carpenter
- Kurt RussellSnake Plissken
- Lee Van CleefPolice Commissioner Bob Hauk
- Ernest BorgnineCabbie
- Donald PleasencePresident of the United States
- Isaac HayesThe Duke of New York
- Season HubleyGirl in Chock Full O'Nuts
- Harry Dean StantonHarold 'Brain' Helman
- Adrienne BarbeauMaggie
- Tom AtkinsRehme
- Charles CyphersSecretary of State