The theme of evacuation from a subway system taps into our primal fears of being trapped underground, making for some of the most intense and gripping cinematic experiences. This curated list of films delves into various scenarios where characters must navigate the labyrinthine tunnels of the metro to escape danger, showcasing human resilience, ingenuity, and the will to survive. From action-packed thrillers to suspenseful dramas, these films provide not only entertainment but also a fascinating look at how people react under pressure in confined spaces.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: This classic film sets the stage for subway hostage situations, where a group of criminals hijack a subway train and demand ransom. The tension builds as the city scrambles to evacuate the passengers and thwart the criminals' plans.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original remains a gritty, suspenseful masterpiece.


Creep (2004)
Description: A British horror film where a group of partygoers find themselves trapped in a London Underground station with a killer on the loose. Their desperate attempts to escape make for a claustrophobic thriller.
Fact: The film was shot in real, disused stations of the London Underground, adding to its eerie atmosphere.


The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an insurance salesman caught in a deadly game on his daily commute home. The film showcases a tense evacuation scenario as passengers are forced to make life-or-death decisions in the confined space of a subway train.
Fact: The film was shot in London, using the real-life London Underground for authenticity.


The Incident (1967)
Description: While not directly about evacuation, this film features a harrowing incident on a New York City subway where passengers are held hostage by two thugs, leading to a tense situation where escape seems impossible.
Fact: The film is notable for its real-time narrative, unfolding over the course of one subway ride.


The Tunnel (2001)
Description: A German film based on true events, where a group of East Berliners dig a tunnel under the Berlin Wall to escape to the West, showcasing the ingenuity and desperation of those trapped in a divided city.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life "Tunnel 57" escape attempt.


The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
Description: A modern remake of the 1974 classic, this film features Denzel Washington and John Travolta in a high-stakes hostage situation on a New York City subway, with a focus on the city's response to the crisis.
Fact: The film was shot in New York City, using real subway trains for authenticity.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: An Australian found footage horror film where a journalist investigates the disappearance of homeless people in Sydney's abandoned metro tunnels, leading to a harrowing escape from an unknown threat.
Fact: The film was inspired by urban legends about the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: Another film with the same title, this one is an Australian mockumentary horror where a journalist investigates the disappearance of homeless people in Sydney's abandoned metro tunnels, leading to a harrowing escape from an unknown threat.
Fact: The film was inspired by urban legends about the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: An Australian found footage horror film where a journalist investigates the disappearance of homeless people in Sydney's abandoned metro tunnels, leading to a harrowing escape from an unknown threat.
Fact: The film was inspired by urban legends about the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.


The Underground (1995)
Description: This Serbian film, although not exclusively about evacuation, includes scenes where characters navigate through the tunnels of Belgrade's metro during wartime, offering a unique perspective on survival in underground settings.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
