Escape from New York
“1997. New York City is a walled, maximum security prison. Breaking out is impossible. Breaking in is insane.”
Synopsis
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.
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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official Trailer #2Official
Type: Trailer • Published 2015-04-07
Top Cast
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Kurt Russell
Snake Plissken
Lee Van Cleef
Police Commissioner Bob Hauk
Ernest Borgnine
Cabbie
Donald Pleasence
President of the United States
Isaac Hayes
The Duke of New York
Season Hubley
Girl in Chock Full O'Nuts
Harry Dean Stanton
Harold 'Brain' Helman
Adrienne Barbeau
Maggie
Tom Atkins
Rehme
Charles Cyphers
Secretary of State
Frank Doubleday
Romero
John Strobel
Cronenberg
George Buck Flower
Drunk
John Cothran
Gypsy #1
Nancy Stephens
Stewardess
Steven Ford
Secret Service #2
John Carpenter
Secret Service #2 / Helicopter Pilot / Violin Player
Jamie Lee Curtis
Narrator / Prison Recording Voice (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
USA Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
July 10, 1981
Wide Cinema Exhibition
November 21, 2000
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$6M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$50.2M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
8.37x
+$44.2M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Carpenter
- Screenplay & Story
- Nick Castle, John Carpenter
- Original Score
- Alan Howarth, John Carpenter
- Original Title
- Escape from New York
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom, Germany, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 39m
- Production Budget
- $6M
- Worldwide Gross
- $50.2M
- Production Studios
- AVCO Embassy Pictures, Goldcrest Films International, International Film Investors, City Films, Taurus Film
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Carpenter
Nick Castle, John Carpenter
Alan Howarth, John Carpenter
Dean Cundey, Jim Lucas
Todd C. Ramsay
Debra Hill, Larry Franco
Department Leadership Roster
Debra Hill
Producer
Nick Castle
Screenplay
Stephen Loomis
Costume Design
Larry Franco
Producer
John Carpenter
Director
John Carpenter
Screenplay
Alan Howarth
Original Music Composer
Joe Alves
Production Design
John Carpenter
Original Music Composer
Todd C. Ramsay
Editor
Dean Cundey
Director of Photography
Dick Warlock
Stunt Coordinator
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Escape from New York.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Escape from New York
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Escape from New York about?
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.
Who directed Escape from New York?
Escape from New York was directed by John Carpenter.
Who stars in Escape from New York?
The principal cast of Escape from New York includes Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes.
When was Escape from New York released and how long is it?
Escape from New York was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 1h 39m.
What was the box office and production budget of Escape from New York?
Escape from New York had a reported production budget of $6M and grossed $50.2M at the worldwide box office (8.37 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Escape from New York?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Escape from New York was composed by Alan Howarth, John Carpenter.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Escape from New York?
Escape from New York holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).