10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Metro (1997)

Description: Similar to Metro (1997), this film revolves around a hostage situation on public transportation, specifically a subway train. Both movies explore themes of urban crime, negotiation under pressure, and the tension between law enforcement and criminals. The gritty, realistic tone of Pelham One Two Three mirrors the intense atmosphere of Metro.

Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The title refers to the train's departure time (1:2from Pelham station. The film's score by David Shire is considered one of the best in thriller cinema.

Description: The quintessential 'trapped hero' film that inspired many others, including Metro. Both feature a protagonist trapped in a confined space (skyscraper/subway) battling terrorists, with themes of resourcefulness, courage against overwhelming odds, and explosive action sequences.

Fact: Bruce Willis was fourth choice for the role after Richard Gere, Sylvester Stallone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film was based on the novel 'Nothing Lasts Forever'. Alan Rickman's Hans Gruber was his first major film role.

Description: This airline hijacking thriller shares Metro's theme of transportation under siege. Both feature skilled protagonists (Wesley Snipes as an air marshal/Eddie Murphy as a transit cop) using their expertise to outmaneuver terrorists in confined spaces.

Fact: Wesley Snipes did many of his own stunts. The film's villain was played by Bruce Payne, who became typecast as villains afterward. The famous line 'Always bet on black' was improvised by Snipes.

Description: This film shares Metro's theme of a lone hero (Steven Seagal as a cook/navy SEAL) battling terrorists who have taken over a confined space (a battleship). Both movies feature intense action sequences and a protagonist using their unique skills to outsmart the villains.

Fact: Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey play the main villains. The film was nicknamed 'Die Hard on a battleship'. It was Seagal's most successful film, earning over $150 million worldwide.

Description: While not transportation-based, Cliffhanger shares Metro's themes of extreme physical challenges, survival against odds, and a protagonist (Sylvester Stallone) overcoming personal trauma to defeat criminals. Both feature spectacular stunts and breathtaking environments (mountains/subway tunnels).

Fact: The opening stunt sequence cost $1 million to film. John Lithgow played against type as the villain. The film's production was plagued by bad weather and injuries.

Description: Like Metro, Speed is a high-stakes thriller set on public transportation (a bus in this case) where the protagonists must prevent a disaster. Both films feature tense, real-time action sequences and explore the dynamics between hostages, law enforcement, and a cunning antagonist.

Fact: Keanu Reeves turned down roles in Pulp Fiction and The Crow to star in Speed. The bus jump scene was performed practically without CGI. Sandra Bullock's breakout role earned her an MTV Movie Award.

Description: This airline hijacking thriller shares Metro's tense, real-time pacing and theme of experts (including Kurt Russell's analyst) forced into action hero roles. Both films feature intricate plans to outsmart terrorists in confined transportation spaces.

Fact: Steven Seagal was unexpectedly killed off early in the film. The film used real Boeing 747 interiors for authenticity. It was one of the first major films to address Middle Eastern terrorism post-Cold War.

Description: Similar to Metro's subway setting, The Rock takes place primarily on Alcatraz Island, another confined, pressure-cooker environment. Both films feature a race against time to prevent disaster, with a mix of military precision and rogue heroism.

Fact: Sean Connery's character was loosely based on a real SAS operative. Nicolas Cage performed many of his own stunts. The film marked Michael Bay's transition from commercials to major features.

Description: Like Metro's subway setting, this film uses the confined space of the presidential plane for its high-stakes thriller. Both feature a heroic protagonist (Harrison Ford as the president) battling terrorists in a moving vehicle, with themes of leadership under pressure.

Fact: Harrison Ford suggested the famous 'Get off my plane' line. The film's budget was $85 million, huge for its time. Gary Oldman prepared for his role by studying terrorist manifestos.

Description: Like Metro's transportation-themed thriller, Con Air centers on a hijacked prison transport plane. Both films feature charismatic antiheroes, over-the-top action sequences, and a diverse cast of dangerous criminals.

Fact: Nicolas Cage kept his long hair to honor his brother's request. John Malkovich improvised many of his lines. The film's budget ballooned to $75 million due to extensive reshoots.