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.

Included in
Starring Harry Dean Stanton
Position 7
Included in
Directed by John Carpenter
Position 4
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Postapocalyptic Sci-Fi
Position 6
Included in
October 2021
Position 47
Included in
New York Stories

Position 31

Credits

Crew

DirectorJohn Carpenter

WriterNick Castle, John Carpenter

CinematographerDean Cundey

ComposerAlan Howarth, John Carpenter

EditorTodd C. Ramsay

ProducerLarry Franco, Debra Hill

Cast

Kurt Russellas Snake Plissken

Lee Van Cleefas Police Commissioner Bob Hauk

Ernest Borgnineas Cabbie

Donald Pleasenceas President of the United States

Isaac Hayesas The Duke of New York

Season Hubleyas Girl in Chock Full O'Nuts

Harry Dean Stantonas Harold 'Brain' Helman

Adrienne Barbeauas Maggie

Tom Atkinsas Rehme

Charles Cyphersas Secretary of State

Frank Doubledayas Romero

John Strobelas Cronenberg

George Buck Floweras Drunk

John Cothranas Gypsy #1

Nancy Stephensas Stewardess

Steven Fordas Secret Service #2

John Carpenteras Secret Service #2 / Helicopter Pilot / Violin Player

Jamie Lee Curtisas Narrator / Prison Recording Voice (uncredited)

Nick Castleas Pianist

Debra Hillas Computer (voice)

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Someone's Watching Me!1978

Both directed by John Carpenter

Escape from New York (1981) | Criteria