Imagine being trapped in a confined space, with the only way out plummeting into darkness. This collection of films delves into the heart-pounding scenarios where lifts become death traps. From engineering failures to human errors, these movies showcase the terror and ingenuity of those caught in the midst of lift shaft catastrophes. Whether you're a fan of suspense, survival stories, or just love a good old-fashioned disaster flick, this curated list will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Shaft (2001)
Description: A group of people are trapped in a lift during a power outage, leading to a desperate fight for survival. This film captures the claustrophobic terror of being stuck in a lift shaft.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life incidents of people being trapped in lifts, highlighting the everyday dangers of urban living.


The Tower (2012)
Description: Although primarily about a fire in a skyscraper, the lift plays a significant role in the escape attempts of the characters, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life event of the Grenfell Tower fire in London, though it takes creative liberties with the storyline.


Tower Block (2012)
Description: While not exclusively about a lift, this British thriller involves residents of a tower block who are targeted by a sniper, with the lift playing a crucial role in their survival strategy.
Fact: The film was shot in a real tower block in London, adding to the gritty realism of the setting.


The Lift (1983)
Description: This Dutch thriller, which has been dubbed into British English, explores the sinister side of technology when a lift starts to malfunction in increasingly dangerous ways. It's a classic example of how a simple piece of machinery can turn into a deadly trap.
Fact: The film was directed by Dick Maas, who also directed the well-known Dutch film "Amsterdamned." It was remade in Hollywood as "Down" in


Down (2001)
Description: A remake of "The Lift," this film follows a similar storyline but with a more modern twist. It's a chilling tale of a lift with a mind of its own, trapping passengers in a nightmare scenario.
Fact: The film was shot in the same building where the original Dutch film was made, adding an eerie authenticity to the setting.


The Elevator (2015)
Description: A group of strangers are trapped in a lift during a blackout, leading to revelations and tensions among them. This film delves into the psychological aspects of being confined.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, emphasizing the claustrophobic environment.


The Lift (1972)
Description: An early British film about a lift that malfunctions, trapping passengers and leading to a series of unfortunate events. It's a suspenseful tale of human error and mechanical failure.
Fact: This film was one of the first to explore the theme of lift shaft disasters, setting a precedent for future movies in the genre.


The Lift (2001)
Description: A different film from the 1983 Dutch original, this British version explores similar themes of a lift with a mind of its own, leading to chaos and survival challenges.
Fact: The film was shot in a real lift shaft, providing an authentic backdrop for the suspense.


The Lift (2010)
Description: Another take on the lift disaster theme, this film focuses on a group of people trapped in a malfunctioning lift, showcasing their struggle to escape.
Fact: The film was part of a series of low-budget thrillers that gained cult status for their intense settings and minimalistic storytelling.


Elevator (2011)
Description: A group of strangers are stuck in a lift, leading to a series of revelations and conflicts. This film explores the psychological and social dynamics of being trapped together.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, with the entire story unfolding within the confines of the lift, making it a unique viewing experience.
