There's something uniquely thrilling about action films set on trains. The confined space, the relentless forward motion, and the sense of impending danger all combine to create a perfect backdrop for suspense, action, and drama. This curated list of 10 films not only showcases some of the most exhilarating train sequences in cinema but also offers a mix of genres, from pure action to heist thrillers, ensuring there's something for every action aficionado. Whether it's a high-speed chase or a tense standoff, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Train (1964)
Description: Set during WWII, a French Resistance leader must prevent a train carrying priceless art from reaching Germany.
Fact: The film was shot on location in France, using real trains and actual WWII-era equipment.
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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: This classic film sets the standard for train heist movies, where a group of criminals hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a hefty ransom for the passengers' release.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original is often considered superior for its gritty realism.
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The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
Description: A train carrying passengers, including a terrorist with a deadly virus, is rerouted to an unsafe bridge to contain the outbreak.
Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including Sophia Loren, Richard Harris, and Ava Gardner.
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Silver Streak (1976)
Description: Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor star in this comedic action film where a book editor gets embroiled in a murder mystery aboard a train.
Fact: The film marked the beginning of a successful comedic partnership between Wilder and Pryor.
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Runaway Train (1985)
Description: Two escaped convicts find themselves on a runaway train with no brakes, leading to a high-stakes survival story.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life incident where a train in Alaska went out of control.
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Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995)
Description: Steven Seagal reprises his role as Casey Ryback, this time thwarting a terrorist plot on a train equipped with a satellite uplink.
Fact: The film features an early role for Katherine Heigl, who would later become famous for her role in "Grey's Anatomy."
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Unstoppable (2010)
Description: Based on true events, this film follows two railroad employees trying to stop an unmanned, runaway train loaded with toxic chemicals.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 2001 CSX 8888 incident, where a train ran uncontrolled for 65 miles.
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The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson plays an insurance salesman caught in a criminal conspiracy on his daily train commute.
Fact: The film was shot on a real train, adding to the authenticity of the action sequences.
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Transsiberian (2008)
Description: A tense thriller set on the Trans-Siberian Express, where an American couple encounters danger and intrigue.
Fact: The film was shot on the actual Trans-Siberian Railway, providing a realistic backdrop for the story.
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The Bullet Train (1975)
Description: A Japanese film about a bomb threat on the Shinkansen bullet train, showcasing the tension of a race against time.
Fact: It was remade in 2015 as "The Bullet Train" in Japan, but the original remains a cult classic.
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