Being trapped in a confined space like a lift can turn an ordinary day into a nightmare. This curated list of 10 thriller films explores the tension, fear, and psychological drama that unfolds when characters find themselves stuck in a lift. These movies not only provide suspense and intrigue but also delve into human psychology, survival instincts, and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships under extreme stress. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or just looking for a gripping story, this collection offers a unique cinematic experience.

The Shaft (2001)
Description: An elevator in a high-rise building malfunctions, trapping a group of people. As they descend, they face not only mechanical failures but also a sinister presence.
Fact: The film was shot in Toronto, and the building used for exterior shots is the Scotia Plaza.


Devil (2010)
Description: A group of strangers are trapped in a lift, and one of them might be the devil. This film masterfully builds tension and paranoia among the characters, making it a quintessential lift-trapped thriller.
Fact: The film was part of M. Night Shyamalan's "Night Chronicles" series, and the twist ending is a signature of Shyamalan's style.


The Lift (1983)
Description: A lift starts to malfunction in mysterious ways, leading to a thrilling investigation into its sinister origins. This Dutch film is an early example of the lift-trapped thriller genre.
Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood as "Down" in 2001, but the original remains a cult classic.


The Lift (1983)
Description: A lift technician investigates a series of bizarre accidents involving a lift, uncovering a chilling secret.
Fact: The film's director, Dick Maas, also directed the remake "Down" in


Elevator (2011)
Description: Nine people are trapped in a lift on the 49th floor of a Wall Street skyscraper, revealing secrets and leading to a deadly game of survival.
Fact: The film was shot in a real lift, adding to the claustrophobic atmosphere.


The Elevator (1974)
Description: A group of people are trapped in a lift during a power outage, leading to tension and revelations about their personal lives.
Fact: This film was one of the first to explore the psychological effects of being trapped in a confined space.


The Elevator: Three Minutes Can Change Your Life (1983)
Description: A French thriller where a lift malfunction traps a group of people, leading to a psychological battle for survival.
Fact: The film was shot in a real lift in Paris, enhancing the realism of the setting.


Trapped in the Lift (2007)
Description: A group of strangers are trapped in a lift during a terrorist attack, leading to a tense and claustrophobic survival story.
Fact: The film was shot in London, using a real lift in a high-rise building.


The Lift (2018)
Description: A modern take on the lift-trapped thriller, where a group of people must solve a puzzle to escape a malfunctioning lift.
Fact: The film uses advanced CGI to simulate the lift's malfunctions, making the experience more intense.


The Lift (2015)
Description: A psychological thriller where a man is trapped in a lift with a mysterious woman, leading to a mind-bending exploration of reality.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, emphasizing the claustrophobic nature of the story.
