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The Getaway

The Getaway

A dangerous deal. A double cross. And the ultimate set up is yet to come.

1994115 minRMidcredits score: 34th percentile of all films
Director
Roger Donaldson
Starring
Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Michael Madsen, James Woods

An ex-con and his devoted wife must flee from danger when a heist doesn't go as planned.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Getaway?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Getaway streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, Shout! TV via Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Getaway?

The Getaway earns 5 badges, led by Bittersweet and Broadly Agreed.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Getaway worth watching?

The Getaway's Midcredits score is the 34th percentile of all films, from 33K ratings across 6 sources. 33% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

34th percentile

Better received than 34% of films

50th percentile among Action37th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)42nd
Approval (how many liked it)27th

59 /100

42nd percentile of all films

58th percentile among Action45th percentile among 1990s

Critics 51 · Audience 60

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.9 — solid but not unanimous.

33% liked it

27th percentile of all films

41st percentile among Action29th percentile among 1990s
33% rated it 7–1067% rated it 1–6

Critics 33% · Audience 29%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 4 noms overall

89th percentile

33K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Action84th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 64% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$30M
Opening weekend$5.8M
Domestic gross$16M
Worldwide gross$30M

Returned 1.0× its budget — 72nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A competent but derivative remake that follows the original's plot closely while updating the violence and sex for the 1990s.

Fans praised

  • electric on-screen chemistry between Baldwin and Basinger
  • sleek, fast-paced action with exciting set pieces
  • strong supporting villain turns from Woods and Madsen

Detractors panned

  • leads lack McQueen's charisma and menace
  • pallid, scene-for-scene copy lacking originality or grit
  • unsympathetic, unlikeable protagonists make it hard to care

What stands out

PacingDivisive70

fast-moving momentum in chase sequences

ActingDivisive68

Baldwin adequate but not McQueen; Basinger sexy but limited; Woods and Madsen steal scenes

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

competent gunfights and car chases, some slow-motion

TensionDivisive60

some suspenseful set pieces but overall flat

Plot and storyDivisive55

straight heist-and-chase narrative with double-crosses

AtmosphereDivisive50

too clean and sterile compared to original's grit

CharactersDivisive40

unsympathetic leads with weak moral grounding

OriginalityDivisive25

nearly scene-for-scene remake with few new ideas

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Getaway like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrilling
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents its violent and morally complex material without irony, maintaining a tense, gritty atmosphere.
The rideThe film maintains a tense, relentless pace, especially in the second half as the pursuit intensifies.
StructureThe story unfolds linearly from the prison release to the heist and final shootout, following a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe resolution is satisfying yet morally complex, leaving the viewer to ponder the cost of the couple's freedom.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows Doc McCoy on a mission to rob a dog track and escape with his wife, driven by a clear objective of getting the money and crossing into Mexico.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfLoyaltyBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Loyalty · 4% of filmsSurvival
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film tests the bond between Doc and Carol through betrayal and sacrifice, while they fight to survive against enemies.
StanceThe film presents its protagonists' relationship and survival without idealizing or condemning them.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Mark Isham
SettingSouthwestern US, 1990s heist and getaway

Content guide

Is The Getaway okay for kids?

R

The Getaway is rated R: “Rated R for violence, sexuality and language” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (79/100), sexual content at intense (71/100), language at intense (70/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). Overall it is heavier than 62% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • UK18
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Czechia15+
  • Greece16
  • Spain18
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 77% of all filmsHeavier than 62% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 63%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 89%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 57%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 38%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence, sexual content, and language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Getaway have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Getaway?

Cast

Alec Baldwin
as Carter 'Doc' McCoy
Kim Basinger
as Carol McCoy
Michael Madsen
as Rudy Travis
James Woods
as Jack Benyon
David Morse
as Jim Deer Jackson
Jennifer Tilly
as Fran Carvey
James Stephens
as Harold Carvey, DVM
Richard Farnsworth
as Slim
Burton Gilliam
as Gollie
Philip Seymour Hoffman
as Frank Hansen

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Getaway?

Movies like The Getaway include The Getaway (1972), Love and a .45 (1994) and Stolen (2012). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Jim Thompson, and most are stories about partners in crime.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: the criminal underworld. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Getaway?

1.2K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: thief. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.