If you're a fan of heart-pounding suspense and the adrenaline rush of a good disaster flick, then buckle up for a cinematic journey like no other. This curated list of 10 thrilling train disaster movies will take you through the chaos, the heroism, and the sheer terror of railway calamities. From runaway trains to sabotaged tracks, these films showcase the raw power of locomotives and the human spirit in the face of disaster. Whether you're looking for a gripping narrative or just want to experience the thrill of a high-stakes adventure, this collection has something for every thrill-seeker.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: A group of armed men hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a hefty ransom. The film's tension escalates as the city's transit police work to resolve the situation before it turns deadly.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original film's title refers to the time of the train's departure, 1:23 PM.


The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
Description: A train carrying passengers, including a terrorist with a deadly virus, is rerouted onto a condemned bridge, leading to a race against time to prevent a catastrophe.
Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Sophia Loren, Richard Harris, and Burt Lancaster.


Silver Streak (1976)
Description: A book editor on a cross-country train trip finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery, leading to a series of comedic and thrilling escapades.
Fact: The film was one of the first major roles for Gene Wilder, who stars alongside Richard Pryor, marking the beginning of their famous on-screen partnership.


Breakdown (1997)
Description: While not strictly about a train, the film involves a car breakdown leading to a kidnapping, with a chase sequence involving a train that adds to the tension.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Arizona, providing a stark backdrop for the high-stakes drama.


Unstoppable (2010)
Description: A runaway freight train carrying hazardous chemicals barrels through the Midwest, and it's up to two unlikely heroes to stop it before it causes a catastrophic disaster.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life CSX 8888 incident in


The Commuter (2018)
Description: An insurance salesman's daily commute turns into a high-stakes game of survival when he's drawn into a criminal conspiracy aboard a train.
Fact: The film was shot on a real commuter train, providing an authentic feel to the action sequences.


Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
Description: A Swiss professor boards a train to Lisbon after a chance encounter, leading him into a web of intrigue and personal discovery, with the train journey playing a pivotal role.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Pascal Mercier and stars Jeremy Irons, exploring themes of identity and existentialism.


The Ghost Train (1941)
Description: A group of travelers stranded at a remote station encounter a spectral train that seems to bring death with it, creating a chilling atmosphere of suspense and mystery.
Fact: This British film was based on a play by Arnold Ridley, who later became famous for playing Private Godfrey in the TV series "Dad's Army."


Runaway Train (1985)
Description: Two escaped convicts board a runaway train in the Alaskan wilderness, facing not only the elements but also the relentless pursuit of a determined railroad worker.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real incident in 1963 involving a runaway train in the Soviet Union. It was nominated for three Academy Awards.


The Bullet Train (1975)
Description: A Japanese bullet train is hijacked by a terrorist who demands a ransom, leading to a tense standoff between the passengers, the authorities, and the terrorist.
Fact: The film was remade in 2015 as "The Bullet Train" (Shinkansen Gekijouban: Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim: Movie War Full Throttle).
