10 Movies & Shows Like To Freedom (2023)

Description: A thrilling tale of Allied prisoners orchestrating a massive escape from a German POW camp, showcasing ingenuity, camaraderie, and the indomitable will to be free.

Fact: The film is based on a real-life escape from Stalag Luft III, though it takes creative liberties. The iconic motorcycle jump scene was performed by stuntman Bud Ekins, not Steve McQueen.

Description: A rebellious prisoner's defiance against the oppressive prison system, illustrating themes of individualism, resistance, and the cost of freedom.

Fact: The famous egg-eating scene was real; Paul Newman ate 50 hard-boiled eggs over several takes. The film's title refers to the protagonist's unflappable demeanor, as in 'cool as a cucumber.'

Description: Chronicles the harrowing experiences of a prisoner determined to break free from an inescapable penal colony, highlighting themes of survival, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

Fact: The film is based on the autobiography of Henri Charrière, who claimed the story was true, though some details have been disputed. The production faced numerous challenges, including filming in remote locations under harsh conditions.

Description: A harrowing account of a young man's brutal imprisonment in a Turkish jail and his desperate attempts to escape, highlighting the physical and psychological toll of incarceration.

Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Billy Hayes, who later criticized it for its inaccuracies and negative portrayal of Turks. The title refers to prison slang for an escape attempt.

Description: Based on a true story, this film captures the meticulous planning and daring execution of a prison escape, emphasizing themes of determination and the unyielding desire for liberty.

Fact: The real-life escape from Alcatraz remains unsolved, with the fate of the escapees still unknown. The film was shot on location at the actual Alcatraz Island, adding to its authenticity.

Description: A wrongfully convicted man's relentless pursuit of freedom and justice, blending intense action with a deeply personal quest to clear his name.

Fact: The film was inspired by a 1960s TV series of the same name. The famous train wreck scene was one of the most expensive stunts ever filmed at the time, costing over $1 million.

Description: A powerful story of hope and perseverance set within the confines of a prison, focusing on the resilience of the human spirit and the quest for freedom against all odds.

Fact: Despite its initial box office disappointment, it became a cult classic through word of mouth and is now considered one of the greatest films of all time. The film was shot over three months, mostly in a repurposed Ohio State Reformatory.

Description: Set in a Depression-era prison, this film explores themes of injustice, redemption, and the supernatural, with a focus on the bonds formed between inmates and guards.

Fact: The film was adapted from a serial novel by Stephen King, released in six monthly installments. The electric chair used in the film was a replica of the real one used at Sing Sing prison.

Description: A tale of wrongful imprisonment, revenge, and ultimate redemption, showcasing the protagonist's transformation and his relentless quest for justice and freedom.

Fact: The story has been adapted numerous times, but this version is one of the most visually lavish. The Château d'If, where much of the film is set, is a real fortress off the coast of Marseille.

Description: The true story of an Olympic athlete's survival in a Japanese POW camp, emphasizing endurance, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

Fact: The film is based on Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling biography of Louis Zamperini. Zamperini himself lived to see the film's release, passing away shortly after its completion.