Elevators, those everyday conveniences, can turn into deathtraps in the blink of an eye. This curated list of 10 disaster films explores the harrowing scenarios where elevators become the central stage for chaos, fear, and survival. From high-stakes dramas to heart-pounding thrillers, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat, reminding you that sometimes, the most ordinary places can harbor the most extraordinary dangers.

The Lift (1983)
Description: A Dutch thriller where an elevator starts to malfunction in increasingly dangerous ways, hinting at a sinister force at play. It's a blend of horror and disaster elements.
Fact: The film was remade in English as "Down" in


The Shaft (2001)
Description: A group of strangers find themselves in a life-or-death situation when their elevator plummets into the depths of the building, forcing them to work together to survive.
Fact: The film was shot in a real elevator shaft, adding to the authenticity of the scenes.


High Rise (2015)
Description: While not solely about an elevator disaster, the film features a critical scene where an elevator malfunction leads to chaos and further unravels the social order within a high-rise building.
Fact: The movie is based on J.G. Ballard's novel of the same name, exploring themes of societal collapse.


Devil (2010)
Description: Five strangers are trapped in an elevator, and one of them is the devil. This film combines supernatural horror with the claustrophobic setting of an elevator.
Fact: The film is part of M. Night Shyamalan's "Night Chronicles" series.


Tower Block (2012)
Description: Residents of a tower block are trapped when their building is attacked, and an elevator becomes a critical point of survival and escape.
Fact: The film was shot in a real tower block in London, adding to its gritty realism.


The Tower (2012)
Description: A South Korean film where a fire breaks out in a luxury skyscraper, and the elevators play a crucial role in the characters' attempts to escape the inferno.
Fact: The film was a major box office success in South Korea, known for its realistic special effects.


Skyscraper (2018)
Description: While not exclusively about an elevator, a key scene involves Dwayne Johnson's character using an elevator shaft to escape a burning building, showcasing the dangers of elevators in emergencies.
Fact: The film was inspired by "The Towering Inferno" but adds modern twists.


The Elevator (1974)
Description: This film captures the essence of claustrophobia and panic when a group of people are trapped in an elevator during a power outage. It's a classic tale of human behavior under stress.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life incident where people were stuck in an elevator for hours.


Down (2001)
Description: An American remake of "The Lift," this film follows a similar plot where an elevator begins to kill its passengers, with a supernatural twist.
Fact: Naomi Watts stars in this film, which was her first major role in a Hollywood production.


The Elevator: Three Minutes Can Change Your Life (2011)
Description: A documentary-style film that explores the psychological effects of being trapped in an elevator, based on real-life accounts.
Fact: The film was shot in real elevators, capturing genuine reactions from participants.
