Commuter trains have long been a fascinating setting for filmmakers, offering a microcosm of society, a backdrop for suspense, and a canvas for storytelling. This collection of films delves into the lives of passengers, the adventures that unfold on the rails, and the mysteries that can only be found in the rhythm of the tracks. Whether you're a train enthusiast or just love a good story, these films will take you on a journey you won't forget.

The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Description: A young woman on a train in Europe searches for a missing elderly lady, uncovering a sinister plot in the process.
Fact: Alfred Hitchcock directed this film, which was one of his last British productions before moving to Hollywood.


The Train (1964)
Description: During WWII, a French Resistance leader must prevent a train full of stolen art from reaching Germany, leading to a thrilling chase across the French countryside.
Fact: The film was shot on location in France, using real trains from the era, including the iconic SNCF 231K steam locomotive.


The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: A group of armed men hijack a New York City subway train, demanding a ransom, leading to a tense standoff with the transit police.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original film's title refers to the train's departure time.


Unstoppable (2010)
Description: While not exclusively about commuter trains, this film features a runaway freight train, showcasing the importance of rail safety and the heroism of train operators.
Fact: The movie is loosely based on the real-life CSX 8888 incident, where a train ran uncontrolled for 65 miles.


Source Code (2011)
Description: A soldier wakes up in the body of another man on a commuter train, reliving the same eight minutes before a bomb explodes, tasked with finding the bomber to prevent future attacks.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by the video game "Quantum Conundrum." The train scenes were shot on a Chicago commuter train.


The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an insurance salesman whose daily commute turns into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse when he's offered a large sum of money to find a passenger on his train.
Fact: The film was shot on a real commuter train, providing an authentic feel to the setting. The train used was the Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line.


The Railway Man (2013)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a former British Army officer who confronts his past as a prisoner of war during WWII, where he was forced to work on the Burma Railway.
Fact: The film features real locations from the Death Railway in Thailand, where much of the story takes place.


The Ghost Train (1941)
Description: A group of passengers stranded at a remote railway station encounter a ghost train, leading to a series of mysterious and comedic events.
Fact: This film is based on a play by Arnold Ridley, who later became known for playing Private Godfrey in the British sitcom "Dad's Army."


Runaway Train (1985)
Description: Two escaped convicts board a freight train that becomes a runaway, hurtling through the Alaskan wilderness with no way to stop.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life incident in 1905 involving a runaway train in Russia.


Transsiberian (2008)
Description: An American couple's journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway turns into a nightmare when they encounter a pair of mysterious travelers with dark secrets.
Fact: The film was shot on location on the actual Trans-Siberian Railway, providing an authentic backdrop for the story.
