- The Great Locomotive Chase (1956)
- The Train (1964)
- The Wild Bunch (1969)
- The Train Robbers (1973)
- The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
- The First Great Train Robbery (1978)
- The Newton Boys (1998)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- The Professionals (1966)
- The Great Train Robbery (1903)
The allure of the Wild West combined with the high-stakes drama of a train heist creates a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and timeless. This curated list of ten Western films focuses on daring train robberies, showcasing the genre's ability to blend action, adventure, and the rugged spirit of the frontier. Each film in this collection not only entertains but also provides a glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of train heists in Western cinema, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of the genre.
The Great Locomotive Chase (1956)
Description: This Disney film recounts the true story of a Union raid during the Civil War, where a train was stolen to disrupt Confederate supply lines.
Fact: The film was shot in Georgia and features real steam locomotives.
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The Train (1964)
Description: Set during WWII, this film involves the French Resistance trying to prevent a train full of art from being stolen by the Nazis.
Fact: The film used real French locomotives and was shot on location in France.
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The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: While not solely about a train heist, this film includes a memorable train robbery scene, marking the end of an era for outlaws.
Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic violence, which was groundbreaking at the time.
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The Train Robbers (1973)
Description: John Wayne stars in this tale of a widow hiring a group of men to recover gold stolen by her late husband from a train.
Fact: The film was shot in Mexico, and the train used in the film was a real steam locomotive.
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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: Though set in modern times, this film's plot revolves around a train heist in New York City, echoing the themes of Western train robberies.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta.
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The First Great Train Robbery (1978)
Description: Although not a traditional Western, this film is based on the real-life Great Gold Robbery of 1855, showcasing the planning and execution of a train heist.
Fact: Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland star, and the film was shot in Ireland to mimic Victorian England.
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The Newton Boys (1998)
Description: This film tells the true story of the Newton Gang, who pulled off one of the largest train robberies in U.S. history.
Fact: Matthew McConaughey and Ethan Hawke star, and the film was shot in Texas.
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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: While focusing on the life and death of Jesse James, the film includes a train robbery that showcases his criminal exploits.
Fact: The film was shot in Alberta, Canada, and features a haunting score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.
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The Professionals (1966)
Description: A group of mercenaries are hired to rescue a woman from a Mexican revolutionary, but the film includes a significant train heist sequence.
Fact: The film was shot in the Coachella Valley, California, and features an impressive cast including Burt Lancaster and Lee Marvin.
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The Great Train Robbery (1903)
Description: This silent film is considered one of the earliest examples of a narrative film, featuring a train heist that set the standard for future Westerns.
Fact: It was one of the first films to use cross-cutting, a technique that would become common in cinema.
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