There's something uniquely thrilling about action films set in the claustrophobic confines of a metro system. The combination of high stakes, tight spaces, and the constant movement of trains creates a perfect backdrop for intense action sequences. This curated list of 10 metro action films not only promises adrenaline-pumping scenes but also showcases the diversity of storytelling within this niche genre. Whether you're a fan of gritty realism, high-tech espionage, or pure cinematic spectacle, these films will take you on an unforgettable ride through the tunnels of suspense and excitement.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: This classic film about a group of hijackers taking control of a New York City subway train set the standard for metro action thrillers.
Fact: The film's title refers to the train's departure time, 1:23 PM, which was a common time for trains to leave Pelham Bay Park station.
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Metro (1997)
Description: Eddie Murphy stars as a hostage negotiator dealing with a hostage situation on a San Francisco cable car, which, while not a subway, captures the essence of metro action.
Fact: This film was one of the first to use the San Francisco cable car system as a setting for an action movie.
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The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
Description: Based on a Clive Barker story, this film follows a photographer who discovers a serial killer using the subway to dispose of bodies.
Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, but the subway scenes were inspired by New York's underground.
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The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an insurance salesman caught in a high-stakes conspiracy on his daily commute, making this film a perfect fit for our metro action theme.
Fact: The film was shot in real New York City subway stations, providing an authentic feel to the action sequences.
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The Raid 2 (2014)
Description: While not exclusively set in a metro, the film features an iconic fight scene in a subway station, showcasing intense martial arts action.
Fact: The subway fight scene was choreographed to take advantage of the confined space, making it one of the film's most memorable sequences.
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The Ghost Train (1941)
Description: This British thriller involves a group of stranded passengers at a remote railway station, with elements of mystery and suspense.
Fact: The film was remade several times, but the original remains a classic of British cinema.
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The Incident (1967)
Description: This gritty drama unfolds on a New York City subway car, where two thugs terrorize passengers, showcasing the tension of metro settings.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in the New York City subway system.
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The Tunnel (2001)
Description: A British thriller where a group of people are trapped in a London Underground tunnel, facing both human and supernatural threats.
Fact: The film was shot in real London Underground tunnels, adding to its eerie atmosphere.
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The Tunnel (2011)
Description: An Australian found footage film where a news crew investigates a series of disappearances in an abandoned metro tunnel, blending horror with action.
Fact: The film was inspired by real urban legends about Sydney's abandoned railway tunnels.
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The Underground (1995)
Description: A Serbian film that, while not an action movie, uses the metro as a metaphor for political and social upheaval, with intense scenes set in tunnels.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting its critical acclaim.
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