Three Fugitives

Three Fugitives

Year: 1989

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Francis Veber

ActionComedy

A hapless bank robber finds himself taking an ex-outlaw hostage, setting off a chain of comedic misadventures. As they try to clear Lucas’ name and secure Ned’s relationship with his daughter, Meg, their unlikely partnership becomes a frantic and unpredictable pursuit across the countryside. Chaos and humor abound in this wild chase.

Three Fugitives (1989) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Three Fugitives (1989) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a landscape where ordinary small‑town life collides with the absurd, a reluctant ex‑convict finds his plans for a quiet fresh start upended the moment he crosses paths with a well‑meaning but clumsy thief. The film opens with this unlikely pair thrust into a frantic chase, their mismatched personalities sparking a series of comic misadventures that bounce from cramped care‑home corridors to open roads bathed in endless sky. The tone is breezy yet kinetic, a road‑movie comedy that thrives on the tension between desperation and hilarity.

Daniel Lucas steps out of prison carrying the weight of his past and a yearning for redemption, only to be roped into a chaotic partnership with Ned Perry, whose motives are tangled in family love and naïve bravado. Their dynamic is a constant push‑and‑pull: Lucas’s cautious, almost solemn demeanor clashes with Ned’s reckless optimism, creating a rhythm of witty banter and reluctant camaraderie. The countryside becomes a character in its own right, a sprawling backdrop that amplifies both the absurdity and the occasional quiet moments of reflection.

Adding another layer to the chase is Detective Marvin Dugan, whose instinctive judgments keep the duo perpetually one step ahead of the law. His presence injects a mild undercurrent of tension, turning every scenic mile into a potential showdown while still allowing the film’s humor to linger. The world feels lived‑in, populated by quirky by‑standers and half‑hearted authority figures who mirror the protagonists’ off‑beat sensibilities.

Together, the trio navigates a whirlwind of mistaken identities, improvised schemes, and heartfelt intentions, all underscored by a playful score that matches the film’s rapid‑fire pacing. The story promises a blend of heart and hilarity, inviting viewers to wonder how far two unlikely allies will go when the road ahead is as unpredictable as the characters themselves.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:38

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Comedic Fugitive Chase Movies like Three Fugitives

Fast-paced buddy adventures where hilarious mishaps fuel a frantic escape.If you enjoyed the frantic, funny chase in Three Fugitives, you'll love these movies. This collection features hilarious misadventures of unlikely duos on the run, where the pursuit is as comedic as it is thrilling. Discover similar action-comedies with fast pacing and a light tone.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow fugitives or accidental outlaws who are forced together. The plot is driven by a series of chases and close calls, but the tension is consistently undercut by humorous mishaps, witty banter, and the developing camaraderie between the main characters.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared blend of a fast-paced fugitive plot with a dominant comedic tone. They balance action and humor, often featuring an evolving friendship at the core, resulting in an uplifting and chaotic viewing experience.

Movies about Unlikely Father Figures like in Three Fugitives

Gruff outsiders find purpose and connection by protecting a vulnerable child.Fans of the heartwarming father-daughter dynamic in Three Fugitives will appreciate these stories. Explore movies where a reluctant hero finds redemption through protecting a child, blending action or comedy with a sincere emotional core. Find similar tales of found family and personal transformation.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a flawed male protagonist who is initially unwilling or unprepared for responsibility. Through the necessity of protecting a child—who may be related, orphaned, or simply in need—he undergoes a transformation, shedding his selfishness and discovering a capacity for love and sacrifice.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core theme of redemption through unexpected parenthood. They mix a lighter, often comedic or action-oriented main plot with a sincere emotional undercurrent focused on family bonds and character growth, creating a satisfying and hopeful feel.

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Three Fugitives Summary

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Three Fugitives Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Three Fugitives

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Three Fugitives

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