There's something uniquely gripping about crime films set in the claustrophobic confines of a metro system. These films not only provide a thrilling narrative but also explore the darker side of human nature in a setting that's both familiar and foreboding. Here's a curated list of 10 crime films that take you on a suspenseful journey through the tunnels and platforms of the metro, offering a unique blend of tension, mystery, and intrigue.

The French Connection (1971)
Description: While not exclusively set in the metro, this iconic film features a famous car chase scene that starts in the New York subway, showcasing the gritty realism of urban crime.
Fact: The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The chase scene was improvised, with the director giving the actors directions through walkie-talkies.


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: This classic film revolves around a group of criminals who hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a hefty ransom for the passengers' release. The tension escalates as the police and the hijackers engage in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Fact: The film was so popular that it inspired a remake in 2009 starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original title refers to the train's departure time, 1:23 PM.


Creep (2004)
Description: Set in the London Underground, this film follows a woman who becomes trapped in the system after missing the last train, leading to a night of terror as she encounters a deranged killer.
Fact: The film was shot in real, abandoned stations of the London Underground, providing an eerie authenticity to the setting.


The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
Description: Based on a Clive Barker short story, this horror-thriller follows a photographer who discovers a sinister secret behind a series of disappearances linked to a late-night subway train.
Fact: The film was initially rated NC-17 due to its graphic violence but was edited down to an R rating. Bradley Cooper stars in one of his earlier roles.


The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an insurance salesman caught in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute on a metro train. The film cleverly uses the confined space of the train to build suspense and deliver unexpected twists.
Fact: The film was shot on real trains in New York City, giving it an authentic feel. Neeson's character, Michael MacCauley, is named after the film's director, Jaume Collet-Serra.


The Ghost Train (1941)
Description: Though not a modern crime film, this British comedy-thriller involves a group of passengers stranded at a remote station, encountering a supposed ghost train, which leads to a series of mysterious and criminal events.
Fact: The film was based on a play by Arnold Ridley, who later became famous for playing Private Godfrey in the British TV series "Dad's Army."


The Incident (1967)
Description: This lesser-known gem captures a tense night on a New York subway where two hoodlums terrorize passengers, exploring themes of fear, courage, and human nature.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in the New York subway, adding to its raw, documentary-like feel. It was one of the first films to use the subway as a primary setting for its entire narrative.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: This Australian found footage horror film involves a group of journalists investigating the disappearance of homeless people in Sydney's abandoned metro tunnels, only to uncover something far more sinister.
Fact: The film was released for free online, with donations encouraged to support the filmmakers. It gained a cult following for its unique setting and storytelling.


The Subway (2015)
Description: A South Korean thriller where a man's life spirals out of control after he witnesses a murder on a subway train, leading him into a web of deceit and danger.
Fact: The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of Seoul's subway system and its intense, claustrophobic atmosphere.


The Underground (1995)
Description: This Serbian film, while not strictly a crime film, features a complex narrative set during WWII, with scenes in Belgrade's metro system, showcasing the chaos and crime of wartime.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and is known for its non-linear storytelling and dark humor.
