Top 10 Handcuff Scenes in Movies

Poor Morpheus, it’s not easy being captured by Agents and nearly left for dead, especially if you’re handcuffed. Laurence Fishburne manages to demonstrate the tough problems that come with being cuffed to a chair, and it’s not just because of Hugo Weaving’s monotonous and constant mutterings. Propelling the film’s climax with a tense escape scene, Morpheus proves himself to be the true breaker of chains, both metaphorically and here...uh...digitally.

While Morpheus may have only spent ten minutes of screen time in cuffs, Russell Crowe nearly goes for half of the film with his hands bound, but we’re going to focus on this scene in which he almost manages to escape them. The leader of a ruthless gang of outlaws, Ben Wade finds himself in a brief conversational lock down with dear old Christian Bale after being goaded on by Byron and cornered by William. We love this scene not only because he uses the cuffs to incapacitate a man but also because he manages to wield a rifle with them on. It’s an exciting moment before they all venture through the dustbowls.

Speaking of venturing through large landscapes, try to imagine that with Adam Sandler handcuffed to you at all times. Yeah, we wouldn’t wish that on our worst enemy, but it provides for a nice comedic back-and-forth between former best friends in this action flick. For this, Adam Sandler earned a beloved Razzie nomination for needing to pee in the desert yet falling victim to certain interruption. Hey, we never said it was a critically successful comedic back-and-forth.

With the “Gladiator”’s introduction comes the return of Russell Crowe to our list. Handcuffed to his newfound friend in his first fight, Maximus signifies the exact idea behind the term ‘underdog’. With odds stacked against him, Maximus and Juba quickly learn what most other handcuffed characters don’t: that this fabled ‘team work’ thing may actually be a good idea. The high-paced action and choreography greatly impact how much we’re hooked on this scene.

Don’t let go Jack, because you can’t. When you’re slowly submerging into the North Atlantic Ocean, being handcuffed to the most notorious sinking ship is probably not the ideal place to be. But it’s the sincere and trusting nature of everyone’s favorite feature film couple that makes this a scene to watch. Breaking the chains off your beloved’s hands takes a lot time and practice, something Rose can’t afford. Given the title, most people know the outcome of the film, but this scene gets us in the pit of our stomach every time.

An old style western shootout in space with a bit of comedic flair comes our way when Chewbacca’s handcuffs don’t quite fit all the way around his hands, or paws. Seeking to rescue the Princess from cellblock 1138, which is also a reference to Lucas’ previous film “THX 1138,” it doesn’t take long for an old-fashioned fire fight to break out. Of course, Luke and Han would don handcuffs for real many years later when pitted against the sarlacc. While it’s a good way for handcuffs to bring out the comedy in a scene, we wouldn’t classify this situation as ‘normal’.

Prisoner-turned-captor is the name of this pirate’s favorite game as he utters his most famous catchphrase. Despite his compromising circumstances, Jack Sparrow’s gymnastics-filled escape is brought to life by the tenacious Johnny Depp. Proving almost experimental in his vigorous getaway, Sparrow uses his iron bands to assist him in the creation of a makeshift zip line. This adventure-filled franchise is so action-packed that it makes even the mundane parts one heck of a ride, almost like one you’d find at Disney World… oh wait.

No, it’s not just a “Simpsons” parody, it’s actually a seriously menacing film and you should watch it. What helps that tense atmosphere is our newfound favorite cinematic tool, as handcuff scenes are all over this movie. Whether it’s the tragic pleas of a mother forcibly locked to a railing, or good ol’ Bobby De Niro meeting a grimmer fate as his leg is cuffed to a sinking boat, handcuffs in this psychological thriller are usually used as a means of creeping out the characters. We’d say “The Simpsons” had a bit more fun with it.

Occurring in the opening moments of the film, this scene sets up the perfect introduction for one of cinema’s most deadly assassins. Strangling the Sheriff’s Deputy using only your handcuffs within minutes of arriving is not a decision most of us can come to lightly, but the sheer flippancy that drives Anton Chigurh’s attack is enough for us to know everything about him. He is cold, emotionless and horrific, but even if he were not wearing handcuffs, we as an audience would be none the wiser.

Before we uncuff our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions:
- Drowning in an Elevator
“P2” (2007)
- Forced to Ride
“Speed” (1994)
- Ride to Crematoria
“The Chronicles of Riddick” (2004)
- Loki’s Handcuffs
“Thor: The Dark World” (2013)
- Mystique’s Interrogation
“X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006)

The world’s most notorious cannibal certainly has his way when it comes to handcuffs. Bound by the wrists in his cell’s corner is not nearly enough to cage the sophisticated serial killer though. Effortlessly picking his own locks, Hannibal Lecter’s handicap soon becomes his weapon as he enjoys his – well – ‘second meal’. Sean Connery was originally approached for the role of Lecter, and that’s not surprising considering the Bond-like escape shown here. But when all’s said and done, there’s no denying our appetite for this cinematic switcheroo and we couldn’t imagine anyone else but Anthony Hopkins in the unforgettable Oscar-winning performance.

Do you agree with our list? Which famous big screen handcuffed scenes have escaped our clutches? For more gripping top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.