Collective escape behavior is a complex and rapid response of group-living animals to threats, which is crucial for the survival of animals. In open spaces with limited obstacles, the movement of animal groups is less constrained, and the collective escape can occur in both two-dimensional (e.g., herds) and three-dimensional (e.g., bird flocks and fish schools) spaces. The success of collective escape largely relies on the coordination between individuals in the group. In addition, escaping efficiency can be affected by various factors such as group size and habitat types, depending on the species. In enclosed spaces, movement is restricted, and animals must compete for limited exits and escape routes, often leading to selfish and herd behaviors. Therefore, blocking and clogging may be observed when groups of animals attempt to escape from an exit, resulting in the “faster is slower” effect. Such an effect can be reduced by wider exits and higher levels of coordination. Interestingly, some types of obstacles near the exit may also reduce blocking and increase evacuation efficiency. Even when there are more exits, individuals in the group may follow their predecessors and preferentially use one of the exits over the other ones, leading to the “symmetry breaking” phenomenon. Although collective escape is common and crucial for group-living animals including humans, very few studies have focused on the molecular mechanisms of this behavior. In addition, virtual simulation technology and bionics of collective escape are prospected.