There's something inherently thrilling about the combination of high-speed trains and suspenseful storytelling. Whether it's the claustrophobic setting, the relentless motion, or the potential for disaster, train thrillers have a unique way of keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. This collection of 10 films showcases the best in the genre, where locomotives become the backdrop for intense drama, mystery, and action. From classic tales to modern blockbusters, these movies are not just about the journey but the heart-pounding experiences that unfold along the tracks.

The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Description: Alfred Hitchcock's classic involves a young woman on a train who witnesses the mysterious disappearance of an elderly lady. The film's suspense, combined with the train's journey through Europe, creates a timeless thriller.
Fact: This was one of Hitchcock's last British films before moving to Hollywood.


The Train (1964)
Description: Set during WWII, this film involves a French Resistance leader trying to prevent a train loaded with priceless art from reaching Germany. The film's action sequences and the historical context make it a gripping watch.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events, though the story itself is fictional.


Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Description: Hercule Poirot investigates a murder on the luxurious Orient Express. The confined setting of the train and the intricate plot make this adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel a classic whodunit.
Fact: The film features an all-star cast including Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, and Ingrid Bergman, who won an Oscar for her role.


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: This film captures the tension of a hijacked subway train in New York City, where a group of criminals demand a ransom to release the passengers. The confined space of the train adds to the suspense, making it a classic in the genre.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original title refers to the train's departure time, 1:23 PM.


Silver Streak (1976)
Description: A mix of comedy and thriller, this film follows a man who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery aboard the Silver Streak train. The train's journey from Los Angeles to Chicago sets the stage for a series of comedic and suspenseful events.
Fact: Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor's chemistry was so well-received that they starred together in several more films.


Unstoppable (2010)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a runaway train carrying hazardous chemicals, with two railroad workers racing against time to stop it. The real-time chase and the high stakes make it a thrilling watch.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 2001 CSX 8888 incident, where a train ran uncontrolled for 66 miles.


The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an insurance salesman caught in a criminal conspiracy during his daily train commute. The film uses the train as a moving stage for a series of twists and turns, making it a modern take on the train thriller.
Fact: The film was shot on a real commuter train, adding authenticity to the setting.


The Ghost Train (1941)
Description: A group of passengers stranded at a remote station encounter a ghostly train that appears to be haunted. The film blends elements of horror and comedy, making it a unique entry in the train thriller genre.
Fact: This film was one of several adaptations of Arnold Ridley's play, which was also the basis for a British TV series.


Runaway Train (1985)
Description: Two escaped convicts find themselves on a runaway train speeding through the Alaskan wilderness. The film's intense atmosphere and the relentless pace of the train make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Jon Voight.


Transsiberian (2008)
Description: A couple traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway from China to Moscow finds themselves entangled in a web of drug smuggling and murder. The vast, isolated landscapes of Siberia add to the film's chilling atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot on the actual Trans-Siberian Railway, providing a realistic backdrop.
