Is The Getaway Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Getaway is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 123 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Getaway Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1972, The Getaway emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A recently released ex-convict and his loyal wife go on the run after a heist goes wrong. Unlike standard genre fare, The Getaway attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Getaway features a noteworthy lineup led by Steve McQueen . Supported by the likes of Ali MacGraw and Ben Johnson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Getaway (1972) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Getaway Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Getaway is a Action, Crime, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. A recently released ex-convict and his loyal wife go on the run after a heist goes wrong. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
The Getaway Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Getaway resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Getaway reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Getaway Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Getaway incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Getaway adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Getaway?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
The Getaway Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.4M |
| Worldwide Gross | $36.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Getaway Budget
The estimated production budget for The Getaway is $3.4M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Getaway
- Steve McQueen – Carter "Doc" McCoy
- Ali MacGraw – Carol McCoy
- Ben Johnson – Jack Beynon
- Sally Struthers – Fran Clinton
- Al Lettieri – Rudy Butler
Top Highlights
Steve McQueenCarter "Doc" McCoy
Ali MacGrawCarol McCoy
Ben JohnsonJack Beynon
Sally StruthersFran Clinton
Al LettieriRudy Butler
Slim PickensCowboy
Richard BrightThe Thief
Jack DodsonHarold Clinton
Dub TaylorLaughlin
Bo HopkinsFrank Jackson
Where to Watch The Getaway Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Getaway is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Getaway stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Getaway movie hit or flop?
The Getaway is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Action, Crime, Thriller movies.
Is The Getaway worth watching?
Yes, The Getaway is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Action, Crime, Thriller cinema.
Where can I watch The Getaway online?
The Getaway may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Getaway Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Getaway
**_Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw and others chasing a bag of cash in Texas_** A prisoner in Huntsville (McQueen) is released early due to his wife (MacGraw) making a deal with a corrupt official (Ben Johnson). The cost of his freedom is to head a bank heist in San Marcos with the officer’s questionable henchmen (Al Lettieri and Bo Hopkins). O, what a tangled web we weave. “The Getaway” (1972) is a crime thriller written by Walter Hill based on Jim Thompson’s book and was director Sam Peckinpah’s second most successful film at the box office, after “Convoy” six years later. It was remade in 1994 with Alec Baldwin and influenced soon-to-come movies like “The Outfit,” "Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry," "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" and “The Gauntlet,” as well as later ones like “No Country for Old Men.” If you like those flicks, you’ll appreciate this one, although it ranks with the least of ’em IMHO. Why? Because the bank job is unnecessarily convoluted, not to mention expensive, with the myriad pre-caper photographs, a cliched last-minute briefing session in a basement, severing electrical cables in the sewer tunnels and even diversionary explosions. Why Sure! Then there’s the curious train station sequence with a convenient con man that’s inserted into the midsection, which I admit is entertaining in a Hitchcockian way. Lastly, despite some amusing bits, the proceedings are shrouded by a pessimistic and ugly perspective. I get that the protagonists are antiheroes, but the film needed more glimmerings of nobility and love, and less murderous venality. “Pulp Fiction” is a good example. Ali looks good on the feminine front and is, thankfully, way less annoying than her character in “Love Story.” Blonde Sally Struthers eventually appears and never looked better at 23 during shooting, but her character is a ditzy turnoff. McQueen would marry costar MacGraw seven months after the movie’s release, but their marriage would only last five years. It runs 2 hours, 2 minutes, and was shot entirely in Texas at Huntsville (prison), San Marcos (bank robbery), San Antonio (train station), Fabens (city street confrontation) and El Paso (Laughlin Hotel). GRADE: B-/C+
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
