Lift thrillers offer a unique blend of claustrophobia, suspense, and unexpected twists, making them a niche yet captivating genre. These films explore the psychological and physical constraints of being trapped in a confined space, often leading to intense human drama and unexpected plot developments. This curated list not only provides a thrilling cinematic experience but also showcases the versatility of storytelling within the tight confines of a lift.

The Shaft (2001)
Description: An elevator malfunction traps a group of people, and as they try to escape, they uncover a sinister plot involving the building's construction.
Fact: The film was released in the UK as "Down," and it's a remake of the Dutch film "De Lift."


High Rise (2015)
Description: While not exclusively about a lift, the film features scenes where the lift becomes a central element in the social dynamics and chaos within a high-rise building.
Fact: The film is based on J.G. Ballard's novel of the same name. It stars Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, and Sienna Miller.


Devil (2010)
Description: This film revolves around five strangers trapped in a lift, where one of them is the devil. The tension escalates as they try to figure out who among them is the malevolent force.
Fact: The film was produced by M. Night Shyamalan, known for his twist endings. It was originally intended to be part of a larger anthology series called "The Night Chronicles."


Elevator Game (2023)
Description: A group of teenagers play a game in an elevator that supposedly leads to another dimension, but things go horribly wrong when they get stuck.
Fact: The film is based on an urban legend known as "The Elevator Game," which has gained popularity on the internet.


The Lift (1983)
Description: A Dutch thriller where a lift starts to malfunction in mysterious and deadly ways, leading to an investigation by a lift repairman who discovers the lift has a mind of its own.
Fact: This film was remade in Hollywood as "Down" in


The Elevator (2011)
Description: Nine strangers are trapped in a lift, and as the situation deteriorates, their true natures are revealed, leading to a battle for survival.
Fact: The film was shot in a real lift, adding to the authenticity of the claustrophobic setting.


Elevator (2011)
Description: A group of people from different walks of life are stuck in a lift, leading to revelations and confrontations as they face their fears and secrets.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, emphasizing the confined space and building tension.


The Elevator: Three Minutes Can Change Your Life (2000)
Description: A French thriller where a group of people are trapped in an elevator, leading to a psychological breakdown and unexpected alliances.
Fact: The film was shot in a real elevator, enhancing the realism of the trapped environment.


Trapped in the Elevator (2015)
Description: A group of strangers are stuck in an elevator during a power outage, leading to tension and revelations about their lives.
Fact: This film was part of the Lifetime Movie Network's "Trapped" series, focusing on various scenarios of confinement.


The Lift (2018)
Description: A modern take on the lift thriller, where a group of people are trapped in a lift, leading to a fight for survival as the lift's system goes haywire.
Fact: This film is not to be confused with the 1983 Dutch film of the same name, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.
