Escape from New York

Year: 1981

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: John Carpenter

ActionSci-Fi

After Manhattan is transformed into a prison island following a devastating attack, the President is captured and held hostage. A daring rescue mission is launched, and former Special Forces operative Snake Plissken is offered a perilous chance at redemption. He must brave the dangerous, lawless environment and confront ruthless adversaries to locate and extract the Commander-in-Chief, all while seeking his own freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Escape from New York yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Escape from New York (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Escape from New York (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Manhattan, Liberty Island, World Trade Center, New York Public Library

Manhattan serves as a dystopian high-security prison in 1997, defined by its chaotic gangs and desolate landscapes. Liberty Island acts as the control center for the US police force, overseeing the tumultuous prison island environment. The World Trade Center represents a key location for the protagonist's missions, while the New York Public Library provides crucial information in the search for the President.

🏙️ City 🏰 Fortress 📖 Library

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:27

Main Characters – Escape from New York (1981)

Meet the key characters of Escape from New York (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:27

Major Themes – Escape from New York (1981)

Explore the central themes of Escape from New York (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:27

Unlock the Full Story of Escape from New York

Don't stop at just watching — explore Escape from New York in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Escape from New York is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Escape from New York Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Escape from New York, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Escape from New York Timeline

Track the full timeline of Escape from New York with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Escape from New York Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Escape from New York that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Escape from New York

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Escape from New York: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Escape from New York

Discover movies like Escape from New York that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.