Train heists have always captured the imagination of audiences with their high stakes, intricate planning, and the allure of the moving target. This collection of films showcases some of the most memorable and thrilling train robberies in cinema, offering a mix of suspense, action, and sometimes, a touch of humour. Whether it's the classic black-and-white era or modern-day blockbusters, these films provide a fascinating look into the world of crime on the rails.

The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Description: Alfred Hitchcock's classic involves a mysterious disappearance on a train, blending elements of a heist with suspense and intrigue.
Fact: The film was remade in 1979, but the original is renowned for its clever plot and Hitchcock's signature style.


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 Nazi Germany.
Fact: The film used real trains and authentic locations, which added to the film's realism and intensity.


The Train Robbers (1973)
Description: John Wayne stars in this Western where a group of men attempt to recover gold stolen from a train.
Fact: This was one of the last films John Wayne made before his death, showcasing his enduring appeal in the Western genre.


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: While not a traditional train heist, this film involves the hijacking of a New York City subway train, making it a unique addition to the genre.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original remains a cult classic for its gritty realism.


The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
Description: While not a heist in the traditional sense, this disaster film involves a train carrying passengers through a dangerous situation, with elements of suspense and action akin to a heist.
Fact: The film features an international cast, including Sophia Loren and Richard Harris, and was one of the last major films to use a real train for its action sequences.


The First Great Train Robbery (1978)
Description: Based on the real-life 1855 Great Gold Robbery, this film stars Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland in a meticulously planned heist of gold from a moving train.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Ireland, with the train scenes being particularly challenging due to the logistics of filming on a moving train.


The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery (1966)
Description: This British comedy involves the students of St. Trinian's school plotting to rob a train, mixing heist elements with schoolgirl antics.
Fact: The film was part of a series of St. Trinian's films, known for their anarchic humor and satirical take on British institutions.


The Great Train Robbery (1903)
Description: Often considered one of the first narrative films, this silent short film by Edwin S. Porter set the stage for the train heist genre with its depiction of a staged robbery.
Fact: It was one of the earliest films to use cross-cutting, a technique that would become standard in film editing.


The Narrow Margin (1952)
Description: This film noir features a detective protecting a witness on a train, with elements of a heist as they navigate through danger.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on a train set, which was a significant technical achievement at the time.


The Great Train Robbery (1963)
Description: This British film recounts the infamous 1963 robbery where a gang stole £2.6 million from a Royal Mail train.
Fact: The film was released just a year after the actual event, capitalizing on the public's fascination with the crime.
