A British science fiction series from the 1960s. A man wakes up in a mysterious village after resigning from his top-secret government job. Known only as Number Six, he's held captive and constantly interrogated to reveal why he quit. This is more of a psychological exploration of control and identity than a traditional prison break story. The series is celebrated for its innovative storytelling, surreal atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes. The iconic line, 'I am not a number, I am a free man!' encapsulates the series' central conflict. 'The Prisoner' remains a cult classic, influencing numerous films, television shows, and video games with its unique and enigmatic vision.

Set in a women's prison, this series follows Piper Chapman as she adjusts to life behind bars. While it incorporates elements of comedy and drama, the escape attempts are secondary to the characters' daily lives. The show stands out for its diverse cast and its exploration of social issues. While it has escape attempts, they are not central to the show's narrative, focusing more on the relationships and personal stories of the inmates. The series received critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and its honest portrayal of life in prison. 'Orange Is the New Black' paved the way for greater representation of women and LGBTQ+ characters on television, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

This Spanish television drama, originally titled 'Vis a Vis,' centers on Macarena Ferreiro, a young woman who is sent to prison after being manipulated by her boss to commit financial crimes. In prison, she must learn to survive in a harsh and dangerous environment, navigating complex relationships with fellow inmates and corrupt guards. The series is known for its intense drama, strong female characters, and exploration of themes such as survival, loyalty, and redemption. 'Locked Up' gained international popularity through platforms like Netflix, drawing comparisons to 'Orange Is the New Black' but with a darker and more suspenseful tone. The series spawned multiple seasons and spin-offs, further exploring the lives of the inmates and their struggles within the prison system.

Loosely based on the French film 'Anything for Her', this thriller stars Russell Crowe as John Brennan, a college professor who embarks on a desperate mission to break his wife, Lara (Elizabeth Banks), out of prison after she is wrongly convicted of murder. As he navigates the criminal underworld and faces seemingly insurmountable obstacles, John's determination is tested to its limits. The film ratchets up the tension as John races against time, using increasingly risky methods to achieve his goal. While the film received mixed reviews, Crowe's committed performance and the suspenseful plot make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the thriller genre. Liam Neeson makes a cameo appearance as an escape expert, providing John with crucial advice.

This miniseries, directed by Ben Stiller, recounts the true story of the 2015 Clinton Correctional Facility escape in upstate New York. Patricia Arquette, Benicio del Toro, and Paul Dano star as Tilly Mitchell, Richard Matt, and David Sweat, respectively. The series delves into the relationships that enabled the escape, with Tilly, a prison employee, becoming romantically involved with both inmates and aiding their plan. 'Escape at Dannemora' is notable for its gritty realism and its exploration of the characters' motivations and flaws. Arquette gained weight for the role to accurately portray Tilly's physical appearance. The series received critical acclaim for its performances and direction, offering a compelling and suspenseful account of the infamous prison break.

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger team up in this action thriller where Ray Breslin (Stallone), a security expert specializing in breaking out of prisons, finds himself framed and incarcerated in a high-tech, inescapable facility he designed himself. Forced to team up with fellow inmate Emil Rottmayer (Schwarzenegger), Breslin must use his skills to escape. The film offers plenty of action and suspense as the duo navigates the complex prison and faces off against a ruthless warden. While not a critical darling, 'Escape Plan' delivers solid entertainment for fans of the action genre, particularly those who enjoy seeing classic action heroes working together. The film spawned two sequels, further exploring Breslin's expertise in prison security.

Based on Henri Charrière's autobiographical novel, 'Papillon' tells the harrowing story of a man wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in a French penal colony in South America. Steve McQueen plays Charrière, nicknamed 'Papillon' for the butterfly tattoo on his chest, with Dustin Hoffman co-starring as Louis Dega, a wealthy counterfeiter. The film depicts the brutal conditions of the prison and Papillon's relentless attempts to escape, showcasing his indomitable spirit and resilience. While the accuracy of Charrière's book has been questioned over the years, the film remains a powerful testament to the human desire for freedom. The film's ending, showing Papillon finally achieving his freedom, is both triumphant and bittersweet, symbolizing the high cost of his long struggle.

Starring Clint Eastwood, this film recounts the purportedly true story of Frank Morris and his audacious escape from the infamous Alcatraz Island prison in 1962. Directed by Don Siegel, the movie emphasizes the meticulous planning and resourcefulness required for such a daring feat. Filmed on location at Alcatraz, the movie adds an extra layer of authenticity. The film avoids excessive violence, focusing instead on the suspense and the psychological tension of the escape. The mystery surrounding the true fate of Morris and the Anglin brothers (who escaped with him) continues to fascinate, as no conclusive evidence of their survival has ever been found. The film's ending intentionally leaves the audience to ponder whether the escapees survived.

This action-packed television series centers on Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller), a structural engineer who deliberately gets himself incarcerated to break out his wrongly accused brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), from Fox River State Penitentiary. Known for its intricate plot twists and suspenseful cliffhangers, 'Prison Break' captivated audiences with its creative escape plans and the complex relationships between the characters. Despite mixed reviews in later seasons, the show's initial run was a global phenomenon, spawning video games, and international adaptations. The origami cranes that Michael leaves as clues were a signature element of the show. A revival series aired in 2017, continuing the saga of the Scofield brothers.

A thrilling and iconic World War II film based on the real-life escape from Stalag Luft III, a German POW camp. Starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough, the movie follows a group of Allied prisoners planning an audacious escape. The meticulous planning, the tense execution, and the camaraderie among the prisoners make for a gripping cinematic experience. Steve McQueen's motorcycle chase is legendary, even though, due to insurance regulations, the iconic jump over the barbed wire fence was performed by his friend and stuntman Bud Ekins. The film captures the daring and ingenuity of those who risked everything for freedom, solidifying its status as a classic war film. While some characters are based on real POWs, others were composites or entirely fictionalized for dramatic effect.

Frank Darabont's masterful adaptation of Stephen King's novella is more than just a prison escape story; it's a profound exploration of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are iconic, drawing you into a world of injustice and despair, yet always hinting at the possibility of redemption. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, its initial box office performance was modest, but its reputation grew over time, cementing its place as one of the greatest films ever made. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and its ability to resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Fun fact: Morgan Freeman's character, 'Red,' is portrayed as a white Irishman in Stephen King's original novella.