Subway tunnels, with their claustrophobic atmosphere and intricate networks, provide a perfect setting for disaster films. These movies explore the chaos and terror that can unfold when something goes terribly wrong beneath the city streets. From natural disasters to man-made catastrophes, these films offer a thrilling escape into the depths of urban nightmares. Here are 9 films that capture the essence of subway tunnel disasters, each bringing its unique twist to the genre.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: This classic thriller involves a group of criminals hijacking a New York City subway train, leading to a tense standoff with the transit police. The film's setting in the subway tunnels adds to the suspense and claustrophobia.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original's gritty realism and tight pacing are often praised.


Subway (1985)
Description: A French film where a man on the run from the police hides in the Paris Metro, leading to a series of adventures and encounters. While not a disaster film, it captures the labyrinthine nature of subway tunnels.
Fact: Directed by Luc Besson, this film was his first major success, blending action, romance, and the underground world.


Daylight (1996)
Description: When an explosion seals off the Holland Tunnel, a group of survivors must navigate through the flooded and collapsing tunnel to escape. Sylvester Stallone stars as the hero trying to save the day.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI extensively for water effects, showcasing the technology of the time.


The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
Description: Based on a Clive Barker story, this horror film follows a photographer who discovers a dark secret on the New York subway, involving a butcher who preys on late-night passengers.
Fact: The film features Vinnie Jones in one of his most memorable roles as the menacing subway killer.


The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an ex-cop who gets embroiled in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute on a train. While not exclusively set in tunnels, the film's climax involves intense action in a subway tunnel.
Fact: The film was directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who has a knack for crafting thrilling action sequences in confined spaces.


The Incident (1967)
Description: A psychological thriller where two thugs terrorize passengers on a New York subway train, showcasing the tension and fear that can arise in such confined spaces.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on a subway train, providing a raw, gritty feel to the narrative.


The Tunnel (2001)
Description: A German film about a group of people who dig a tunnel under the Berlin Wall to escape to West Berlin. While not a disaster film, it captures the tension and claustrophobia of tunnel escapes.
Fact: The film is based on true events, showcasing the ingenuity and desperation of those trying to escape East Germany.


Creep (2004)
Description: A chilling British horror film where a woman becomes trapped in a London Underground station with a deranged killer. The film uses the eerie, abandoned tunnels to create a sense of isolation and dread.
Fact: The film was shot in real, disused stations of the London Underground, adding authenticity to its setting.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: An Australian found-footage horror film where a journalist investigates the abandoned tunnels beneath Sydney, only to uncover a terrifying secret. The film's use of real locations adds to its eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The movie was released for free online, making it one of the first feature films to do so.
