It took long enough. Honestly, if you’re in the US, you’ve probably been waiting for what feels like an eternity to see Michael Caine’s final bow. For a while, The Great Escaper streaming options were basically non-existent unless you lived in the UK or felt like paying for a pricey import. But as of late 2025 and moving into 2026, the gates have finally opened.
The movie is a bit of a miracle itself. It stars two absolute titans—Sir Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson—reunited 47 years after they first worked together. It tells the real-life story of Bernard "Bernie" Jordan. You might remember the headlines from 2014. An 89-year-old veteran basically "escaped" his care home in Hove, stuck some medals under his raincoat, and hopped a ferry to France for the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
It was a "viral" moment before we used that word for everything. But the movie? It’s much heavier than the "cheeky old man" news snippets made it out to be.
Where to find The Great Escaper streaming right now
If you are looking for the most direct way to watch, here is the current breakdown. It’s a bit fragmented depending on which side of the Atlantic you're sitting on.
In the United States
For the longest time, American audiences were left out in the cold. Finally, PBS Masterpiece picked up the torch. It officially premiered on PBS in November 2025 and has been a staple of their streaming rotation throughout early 2026.
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- PBS App / PBS.org: This is your best bet. If you have a PBS Passport (their member benefit), you can stream it on-demand.
- Amazon Prime Video: You can find it here, but usually as a "PBS Masterpiece" channel add-on. Sometimes it pops up for rent or purchase on the main Prime store for about $3.99 to $5.99.
- Apple TV & Google Play: It’s available for digital purchase.
In the UK and Ireland
The film was a massive hit over there—actually the number one independent film of 2023 in Britain—so availability is much wider.
- Sky Cinema / NOW: This is the primary home for it. If you have a Sky sub or a NOW Cinema pass, it’s included.
- BBC iPlayer: Since BBC Film co-produced it, it cycles onto iPlayer periodically. It aired on BBC Two recently, so check the "Recently Aired" section.
- Sky Store / Amazon UK: Available for digital rental.
What most people get wrong about Bernie's "Escape"
People love the "rebellious senior" trope. They think Bernie snuck out in the middle of the night like a ninja.
The reality? It was way more touching. His wife, Rene (played by Glenda Jackson), knew the whole time. She basically covered for him, telling the care home staff he was just "out for a walk" to buy him enough time to reach the docks.
The film doesn't shy away from the dark stuff. While the news made it look like a jolly jaunt, the movie shows Bernie is actually struggling with massive, 70-year-old PTSD. He isn't going to France to party; he’s going to face the ghosts of the men who didn't make it off Sword Beach.
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The Caine and Jackson legacy
This film is heavy because it’s a double goodbye. Glenda Jackson passed away in June 2023, just months after they finished filming. She never even saw the final cut. Michael Caine, now 92, has officially confirmed this was his retirement.
Seeing them together on screen is like watching a masterclass in "less is more." Jackson is sharp-tongued and fierce even as her character faces her own health battles back at the home. Caine uses those famous eyes to do most of the acting. There’s a scene on the ferry where he meets another veteran, played by John Standing, and they just... talk. No explosions. No dramatic music. Just two old men sharing the weight of survival.
Why you should actually bother watching it
Is it a "weepie"? Yeah, kinda. But it’s not manipulative. It’s a quiet movie.
Director Oliver Parker made a specific choice to keep it grounded. They couldn't even film in France because of the actors' ages and travel restrictions at the time, so they recreated the Normandy beaches in the UK. You can barely tell. The focus is always on the faces.
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It’s about 96 minutes long. In an era of three-hour superhero epics, a tight hour-and-a-half about aging and forgiveness feels like a gift.
How to get the best experience
If you’re going to stream it, don't do it on your phone while distracted. This isn't a "background noise" movie.
- Check your local PBS listings: If you’re in the US, it’s still airing on local stations occasionally throughout 2026. Set your DVR.
- Look for the 4K version: If you're on Sky or buying it digitally, the cinematography by Christopher Ross is surprisingly beautiful, especially the coastal shots.
- Grab the tissues: No, seriously. The ending isn't some big Hollywood triumph. It’s a quiet, devastatingly honest moment between a husband and wife who realize they are at the end of their story.
The Great Escaper streaming status might change as licensing deals expire, but for now, PBS and Sky are your reliable anchors. If you see it on a service like Netflix or Disney+, it's likely a temporary regional licensing deal, so jump on it while you can.
To get started, check the PBS app first if you're in the US, or the Sky Go app if you're in the UK. Both platforms currently have the highest-quality versions available without extra per-view costs for subscribers.