Disaster Films: Train Wrecks

Description: Set during World War II, this film involves a French resistance fighter trying to prevent a train full of stolen art from reaching Germany. While not a traditional disaster film, the train's journey is fraught with danger and sabotage.

Fact: The film was based on a true story and features actual French railway equipment from the era. It was directed by John Frankenheimer, known for his intense, action-packed films.

Description: This classic thriller involves a hijacked subway train in New York City, where the tension escalates as the hijackers demand a ransom for the passengers' release. It's not a traditional train wreck, but the potential for disaster is palpable.

Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original film's title refers to the train's departure time, 1:23 PM.

Description: A train carrying passengers infected with a deadly plague heads towards a collapsing bridge known as the Cassandra Crossing, creating a race against time to save lives.

Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Sophia Loren, Richard Harris, and Ava Gardner. The Cassandra Crossing is a fictional bridge, but the film's premise is inspired by real-life bridge disasters.

Description: A light-hearted thriller where a train journey turns into a comedic adventure involving murder, romance, and a runaway train, culminating in a dramatic derailment.

Fact: The film was one of the first to combine elements of comedy, romance, and action in a train setting. It was also one of the first major roles for Gene Wilder.

Description: Two escaped convicts board a train that becomes a runaway, hurtling through the Alaskan wilderness. The film captures the isolation and the impending doom as the train speeds towards disaster.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life incident in 1963 when a train in the Soviet Union ran out of control. It was also nominated for three Academy Awards.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a runaway freight train carrying hazardous chemicals, creating a potential disaster as it barrels towards a populated area. It's a race against time to stop the train before it's too late.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life CSX 8888 incident in

Description: While not a disaster film per se, this silent film includes a staged train robbery and a dramatic chase, setting a precedent for future train-related action and disaster sequences in cinema.

Fact: It's considered one of the earliest narrative films and was directed by Edwin S. Porter. The film's final scene, where the bandit shoots at the camera, was groundbreaking for its time.

Description: While not a direct depiction of a train wreck, this British comedy-horror film involves a group of passengers stranded at a remote railway station, where they encounter a ghostly train that leads to a series of eerie events.

Fact: The film was based on a play by Arnold Ridley, who later became known for playing Private Godfrey in the TV series "Dad's Army."

Description: This point-and-click adventure game set on the Orient Express in 1914 involves political intrigue, murder, and a train that becomes a focal point for disaster as Europe teeters on the brink of World War I.

Fact: While not a film, it's included for its cinematic storytelling and detailed recreation of the train's interior. It was developed by Jordan Mechner, known for "Prince of Persia."

Description: A Japanese film where a bullet train is hijacked, and the terrorists demand a ransom, threatening to blow up the train if their demands aren't met. The tension builds as the train speeds towards potential disaster.

Fact: The film was remade in 2015 as "The Bullet Train: High Speed Chase." It was one of the first films to showcase the potential dangers of high-speed rail travel.