Top 10 Speedy Train Thrillers

Description: This classic thriller involves a group of criminals who hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a ransom for the passengers' release. The tension escalates as the police and the hijackers engage in a high-stakes negotiation.

Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original subway car used in the film was preserved and can be seen at the New York Transit Museum.

Description: Passengers on a European train are exposed to a deadly virus, leading to a government decision to divert the train onto a collapsing bridge to contain the outbreak.

Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Sophia Loren, Richard Harris, and Ava Gardner.

Description: A book editor on a train from Los Angeles to Chicago witnesses a murder, leading to a comedic yet thrilling chase involving mistaken identities and a plot to steal a priceless painting.

Fact: The film features a memorable scene where Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor jump from a moving train onto a flatbed truck.

Description: A Japanese thriller where a disgruntled employee places a bomb on a bullet train, demanding a ransom to prevent its detonation. The film captures the tension of the race against time.

Fact: This film was one of the first to use the Shinkansen (bullet train) as a central plot element, showcasing its speed and the potential for disaster.

Description: Two escaped convicts board a freight train that becomes a runaway, hurtling through the Alaskan wilderness at dangerous speeds. Their struggle for survival against the elements and the train itself is a thrilling ride.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life incident in 1903 where a train in Montana ran away after its crew jumped off. It was also nominated for three Academy Awards.

Description: Based on true events, this film follows a veteran engineer and a young conductor who must stop a runaway train loaded with toxic chemicals before it causes a catastrophic disaster.

Fact: The film was inspired by the 2001 CSX 8888 incident, where a train ran uncontrolled for 65 miles. Director Tony Scott was known for his love of trains, which is evident in the film's detailed portrayal.

Description: An assassin boards a bullet train in Japan, only to find himself entangled in a web of competing killers. The film's fast-paced action sequences take full advantage of the train's speed and setting.

Fact: The film is based on the Japanese novel "Maria Beetle" by Kōtarō Isaka. It features an ensemble cast including Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock.

Description: Liam Neeson stars as an insurance salesman caught in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute on a train. The film uses the train's confined space to heighten the suspense.

Fact: The film was shot on a real train, with many scenes filmed on location on the Long Island Rail Road.

Description: While not a traditional thriller, this film involves a journey on a train where a professor becomes involved in a mystery surrounding a book's author, leading to a suspenseful exploration of identity and history.

Fact: The film was adapted from the novel by Pascal Mercier and features Jeremy Irons as the lead, exploring themes of existentialism and personal discovery.

Description: A couple traveling on the Trans-Siberian Express from China to Moscow become embroiled in a drug smuggling operation, leading to a tense and dangerous journey.

Fact: The film was shot on the actual Trans-Siberian Railway, providing authentic visuals of the train and its route.