The allure of trains in cinema combines the thrill of speed, the isolation of travel, and the potential for danger in confined spaces. This curated list of 10 thrilling films about locomotives not only showcases the cinematic use of trains but also delves into suspense, mystery, and high-stakes drama. Whether it's a classic whodunit or a modern action thriller, these films offer a unique blend of tension and the romance of rail travel, making them a must-watch for enthusiasts of both genres.
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Description: This classic Hitchcock thriller involves a mysterious disappearance on a train, setting the stage for suspense and intrigue.
Fact: Alfred Hitchcock's last British film before moving to Hollywood; it was remade in 1979 with Elliott Gould and Cybill Shepherd.
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Strangers on a Train (1951)
Description: A psychological thriller where two strangers meet on a train and discuss swapping murders, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith; the famous tennis match scene was shot at Forest Hills Stadium.
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The Train (1964)
Description: Set during WWII, this film follows a French Resistance fighter's efforts to prevent a train full of art treasures from reaching Germany.
Fact: Burt Lancaster did many of his own stunts; the film was shot on location in France using real trains from the era.
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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: A group of criminals hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a ransom for the passengers.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta; the original was shot on location in the NYC subway.
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Silver Streak (1976)
Description: A comedic thriller where a book editor gets embroiled in a murder mystery aboard a train from Los Angeles to Chicago.
Fact: The film features one of the first major roles for Gene Wilder; the train used was the actual Silver Streak.
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Runaway Train (1985)
Description: Two escaped convicts find themselves on a runaway train with no way to stop it, leading to a survival thriller.
Fact: Jon Voight won a Golden Globe for his role; the film was inspired by a real-life incident in
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Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995)
Description: A sequel where Casey Ryback must stop terrorists who have taken over a train and plan to use a satellite weapon.
Fact: Steven Seagal performed many of his own stunts; the film was one of the first to use CGI for a train sequence.
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Unstoppable (2010)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows two railroad employees trying to stop a runaway train carrying toxic chemicals.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 2001 CSX 8888 incident; Denzel Washington and Chris Pine did some of their own stunts.
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The Commuter (2018)
Description: An insurance salesman gets caught in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute on a train.
Fact: Liam Neeson performed many of his own stunts; the film was shot on a real train in New York.
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Transsiberian (2008)
Description: A couple traveling on the Trans-Siberian Express become embroiled in a smuggling ring and a murder mystery.
Fact: The film was shot on the actual Trans-Siberian Railway; it features a mix of American and Russian actors.
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