Welcome to the underground world of mystery and intrigue! The subway system, with its labyrinthine tunnels and bustling platforms, provides the perfect backdrop for suspenseful detective stories. This curated list of 10 films not only showcases the thrilling genre of detective cinema but also highlights the unique setting of the metro, making each film a must-watch for fans of both genres. From classic whodunits to modern thrillers, these movies will take you on a ride through the shadowy depths of urban transit, where every clue could be just around the next bend.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: This classic thriller follows a group of criminals who hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a hefty ransom. The film's tense atmosphere and clever plot make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original remains a favorite for its gritty realism and iconic performances.


Subway (1985)
Description: A stylish French film where a fugitive hides in the Paris Metro, encountering a mix of characters while evading the police. It's less about solving a crime and more about the journey through the underground.
Fact: The film features a memorable soundtrack by Eric Serra, who later worked with Luc Besson on "The Fifth Element."


The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
Description: Based on a Clive Barker story, this horror film follows a photographer who discovers a serial killer using the subway for his gruesome deeds. It's a dark, twisted detective tale set in the eerie late-night subway.
Fact: The film features a cameo by Clive Barker himself.


The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an ex-cop turned insurance salesman who gets embroiled in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute on a train. The film uses the train setting to great effect, creating a moving maze of suspense.
Fact: The film was shot on a real commuter train, adding to the authenticity of the setting.


The Ghost Train (1941)
Description: Although not set in a modern subway, this British film involves a group of stranded passengers at a remote railway station, where they encounter a ghost train. It's a classic mystery with a twist of supernatural elements.
Fact: The film was remade several times, including a 1931 German version.


The Incident (1967)
Description: A gritty, real-time drama set on a New York subway car, where two hoodlums terrorize the passengers. While not a traditional detective story, it captures the claustrophobic tension of subway travel.
Fact: The film was shot in one continuous take, showcasing the raw intensity of the setting.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: An Australian found-footage horror film where a journalist investigates the disappearance of homeless people in Sydney's abandoned railway tunnels, uncovering a chilling mystery.
Fact: The film was released for free online and became a cult hit.


The Underground Railroad (2019)
Description: This film isn't about a literal subway but uses the metaphor of an underground railroad to tell a story of escape and pursuit, blending elements of detective work with historical drama.
Fact: The film was inspired by Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name.


The Phantom of the Subway (1997)
Description: A lesser-known film where a detective investigates a series of mysterious disappearances linked to a ghostly figure haunting the subway system.
Fact: The film was shot in an actual abandoned subway station, adding to its eerie atmosphere.


The Subway Vigilante (1985)
Description: Inspired by real events, this film follows a man who takes justice into his own hands on the New York subway, sparking a debate on vigilantism and crime.
Fact: The film was loosely based on the Bernhard Goetz case, where a man shot four youths on a subway train.
