10 Movies & Shows Like Stronghold (2023)

Description: A noir-style prison film depicting the brutal conditions and the inmates' desperate bid for freedom. The story is driven by tension and the harsh realities of incarceration.

Fact: The film was controversial for its time due to its violent and realistic portrayal of prison life. It was one of the first movies to depict the psychological toll of imprisonment.

Description: A classic tale of camaraderie and ingenuity as prisoners of war orchestrate a massive escape. The film highlights meticulous planning and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

Fact: The movie is based on a true story from World War II, though it takes some creative liberties. The motorcycle jump scene was performed by stuntman Bud Ekins, not Steve McQueen, as commonly believed.

Description: A character-driven story about a nonconformist prisoner who becomes a symbol of resistance. The film explores themes of individuality and defiance against authority.

Fact: The egg-eating contest scene was real—Paul Newman ate 50 hard-boiled eggs over the course of filming. The film's famous line, 'What we've got here is failure to communicate,' became iconic.

Description: A harrowing account of survival and repeated escape attempts from a brutal penal colony. The film emphasizes the unyielding human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

Fact: The movie is based on the autobiography of Henri Charrière, though its accuracy has been questioned. Steve McQueen performed many of his own stunts, including the infamous cliff jump.

Description: A gripping tale of meticulous planning and execution of an escape from one of the most notorious prisons in history. The film emphasizes the psychological and physical challenges faced by inmates.

Fact: The movie was shot on location at Alcatraz Island, adding to its authenticity. It is based on the real-life 1962 escape attempt, which remains unsolved.

Description: A story of hope, friendship, and perseverance within the walls of a harsh prison. The protagonist's intelligence and patience play key roles in his quest for freedom.

Fact: Despite its initial box office failure, it became a cult classic through word of mouth and frequent television airings. The oak tree featured in the film was struck by lightning and destroyed in

Description: A gritty and intense portrayal of life inside a maximum-security prison, exploring themes of power, survival, and morality. The series is known for its raw and unflinching depiction of prison life.

Fact: It was HBO's first one-hour dramatic television series, paving the way for future shows like The Sopranos. The name 'Oz' is a reference to the nickname for the Oswald State Correctional Facility.

Description: A military prison drama focusing on leadership, rebellion, and the struggle for dignity within a confined environment. The story revolves around a high-stakes power struggle and the inmates' fight for justice.

Fact: The film's prison set was built specifically for the movie and was one of the largest sets constructed at the time. It was designed to resemble a real military prison.

Description: A high-stakes series centered around an elaborate escape plan, blending suspense, strategy, and personal drama. The narrative thrives on tension and the constant threat of discovery.

Fact: The show's iconic blueprints tattoo was designed by a real tattoo artist and took hours to apply for filming. The series was initially planned as a limited miniseries but expanded due to its popularity.

Description: A modern take on the prison escape genre, featuring a security expert who must break out of a high-tech, inescapable facility. The film combines action with clever problem-solving.

Fact: This was the first time Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger starred together in a major film. The prison set was designed to be a labyrinth, making escape seem impossible.