There's something inherently thrilling about a train crash in a detective film. The chaos, the urgency, and the mystery that follows such an event provide a perfect backdrop for intricate plots and compelling character development. This curated list of 10 detective films, each featuring a train crash, offers viewers a blend of suspense, investigation, and cinematic storytelling. Whether you're a fan of classic whodunits or modern thrillers, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat, piecing together clues as the characters navigate through the aftermath of a derailment.
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Description: This Alfred Hitchcock classic involves a young woman who wakes up from a nap to find her elderly traveling companion has vanished from their train compartment. The ensuing investigation leads to a train crash, adding layers of suspense and intrigue.
Fact: The film was remade in 1979 with a different plot but retained the train setting. Hitchcock himself appears in a cameo as a man at Victoria Station.
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The Train (1964)
Description: Although primarily a war film, it includes a sequence where a train carrying stolen art is sabotaged, leading to a crash. The detective work involves outwitting the Nazis.
Fact: The film was shot on location in France using real trains from the era.
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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: While not directly about a train crash, the film's climax involves a subway train being hijacked, leading to a tense standoff and a dramatic derailment. It's a classic heist film with detective elements.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original remains a favorite for its gritty realism.
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The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
Description: A terrorist attack on a train leads to a quarantine and a decision to send the train over an unsafe bridge, resulting in a catastrophic crash. The film features a large ensemble cast solving the mystery.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life events of the Granville rail disaster in Australia.
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Silver Streak (1976)
Description: Gene Wilder stars as a book editor who gets embroiled in a murder mystery aboard a train, leading to a dramatic derailment. The film combines comedy with suspense, making it a unique entry in the detective genre.
Fact: The film was one of the first to feature a train crash on such a grand scale, using a real train for the crash sequence.
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The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an ex-cop turned insurance salesman who gets caught up in a criminal conspiracy on his daily train commute, leading to a crash. The film combines detective elements with action.
Fact: The film was shot on real trains, giving it an authentic feel.
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Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
Description: While the film focuses on a journey of self-discovery, it includes a train crash that sets the protagonist on a path of investigation and introspection.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Pascal Mercier and features Jeremy Irons in a leading role.
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The Ghost Train (1941)
Description: Passengers stranded at a remote station encounter a ghost train that leads to a series of mysterious events and a train crash. This British film blends horror with detective elements.
Fact: The film was remade several times, but the 1941 version is noted for its atmospheric tension.
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Runaway Train (1985)
Description: Two escaped convicts find themselves on a runaway train with no brakes, leading to a thrilling chase and eventual crash. The film explores themes of fate, redemption, and survival.
Fact: The screenplay was based on an unproduced script by Akira Kurosawa, giving the film a unique narrative depth.
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The Bullet Train (1975)
Description: A Japanese thriller where a bomb is planted on a bullet train, leading to a tense investigation and a dramatic crash. It's a blend of action, suspense, and detective work.
Fact: The film was remade in 2015 as "The Bullet Train: The Movie."
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