The Most Famous Prison Escapees, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the prison escapees you think is the most famous!
Updated on Apr 17, 2024 07:58
Historically, tales of prison escapes have captured the public's fascination and curiosity. From makeshift tools to meticulously planned operations, each story unfolds unique strategies and intense pursuits. These accounts not only engage but also provide a study into the complexities of security systems and human ingenuity.
By evaluating and ranking these escape narratives, we gain insights into the varying methods and the resourcefulness of individuals. This interactive voting system allows you to participate in shaping how these escapees are remembered historically. Your input helps determine which escapes stood out in both audacity and impact. Join others in casting your votes and see how your opinions compare.
Who Are the Most Famous Prison Escapees?
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169votes
Frank_Abagnale.jpg: Marcus JB derivative work: SoWhy · CC BY 2.0Abagnale was a notorious con artist who escaped from prison twice. His story was depicted in the movie "Catch Me If You Can."Frank Abagnale Jr. in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous con artist
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252votes
FBI · Public domainDillinger was a notorious bank robber who escaped from prison twice. He was ultimately shot and killed by law enforcement.John Dillinger in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous bank robber
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous killer in Minnesota
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous criminal in America
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Irish mobster
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person from Gary, Indiana
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous highwayman
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317votesIn 1962, three inmates escaped from the infamous Alcatraz prison and were never found. Their escape is still widely talked about today.
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419votes
Unknown photographer · Public domainTed Bundy
Ted BundyBundy escaped from prison twice before his eventual capture and execution. He was a serial killer who murdered dozens of women.Ted Bundy was an American serial killer who terrorized the country during the 1970s. He was known for his charm and good looks, which he used to gain the trust of his victims before committing heinous acts of violence. Bundy's crimes were characterized by abduction, rape, and murder of young women. His case captured national attention due to the scale and brutality of his crimes, as well as his ability to evade capture for an extended period of time.- Number of Victims: Confirmed 30+, suspected over 100
- Method of Killing: Strangulation, bludgeoning, and blunt force trauma
- Victim Profile: Young women, usually college students
- Crime Spree Timeline: 1974-1978
- Modus Operandi: Attraction and deception to gain trust before abducting victims, often impersonating authority figures
Ted Bundy in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Death Row inmate
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular serial killer in America
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous killer in Texas
- Position 1 of 10 in Most intriguing serial killer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous criminal in America
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous criminal of all time
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515votesHenri Charrière, also known as Papillon, was a French criminal who escaped from multiple prisons, including the notorious Devil's Island. His story was depicted in the book and movie "Papillon."Papillon is a French word that translates to 'butterfly' in English. It is a term used to refer to the beautiful winged insects known for their vibrant colors and graceful flight. The word 'papillon' can also be metaphorically used to describe someone who is lively, free-spirited, or elegant.
- Gender: Papillon is a masculine noun in French.
- Pronunciation: The word is pronounced as 'pa-pee-yon.'
- Meaning: It means 'butterfly' in English.
- Symbolism: Butterflies represent transformation, beauty, and freedom.
- Usage: The word 'papillon' is commonly used in poetry, literature, and everyday conversations.
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66votes
US Federal Government · Public domainThe Anglin brothers were two of the three inmates who escaped from Alcatraz in 1962. Their fate is still unknown. -
714votes
Federal Bureau of Prisons · Public domainRay was the man who assassinated Martin Luther King Jr. He escaped from prison in 1967 and was recaptured a few days later.James Earl Ray in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous assassin
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812votes
DEA · Public domainGuzmán is a notorious drug lord who has escaped from prison twice in Mexico. He is currently serving a life sentence in the United States.Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous cartel leader
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Mexican outlaw
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous money launderer
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99votesFaïd is a French criminal who has escaped from prison multiple times, including a helicopter escape in 2018. He was recaptured in 2019.
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1011votesHayes was an American who was imprisoned in Turkey for drug smuggling. He escaped from prison in 1975 and wrote a book about his experiences called "Midnight Express."
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Ranking factors for famous prison escapees
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Notoriety of the individualThe fame and notoriety of the prison escapee can play a major role in determining how famous their escape is.
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Method of escapeThe method of the escape, including the level of planning and execution, can also play a significant role in determining the fame of the escapee.
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Time spent on the runThe amount of time that the escapee was able to evade capture after the escape can also contribute to their level of fame.
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Impact on society/crimeIf the escapee was a high-profile criminal, or their escape had a significant impact on society or crime, it can also increase their level of fame.
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Pop culture referencesIf the escapee's story has been referenced in pop culture, such as in movies or TV shows, it can also contribute to their level of fame.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous prison escapees. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or escapee is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2387 views
- 222 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each escapee once every 24 hours. The rank of each escapee is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous prison escapees
Prison escapes have fascinated people for centuries, with some of the most famous escapees becoming legends in their own right. While the reasons behind each prison break may vary, the desire for freedom is a common thread that connects them all. Whether through cunning strategies, sheer determination or sheer luck, these escapees have managed to break free from some of the most secure and well-guarded prisons in the world. From famous bank robbers to political dissidents, the list of prison escapees is long and varied, with each one leaving behind a legacy that still captures the public's imagination today. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous prison escapees of all time, from their daring escapes to their eventual recapture or continued freedom.
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