The theme of evacuation from a metro system has been a gripping plot device in cinema, offering a blend of suspense, action, and human drama. These films not only entertain but also give us a glimpse into the chaos and heroism that can emerge in such dire situations. Here's a curated list of 10 movies that capture the essence of metro evacuations, each with its unique twist and turn.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: This classic thriller involves a group of hijackers taking control of a New York City subway train, demanding a ransom for the passengers' release. The film showcases the intense negotiations and the subsequent evacuation efforts, making it a quintessential metro evacuation movie.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original remains a favorite for its gritty realism.


Metro (1997)
Description: While not strictly about evacuation, this action film features Eddie Murphy as a hostage negotiator dealing with a crisis on a San Francisco cable car, which shares similarities with metro evacuations due to its public transport setting.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI for a cable car chase scene.


The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
Description: A remake of the 1974 film, this version updates the story to modern times with a high-tech twist, focusing on the intense negotiations and the eventual evacuation of the subway train.
Fact: The film uses real-time elements to heighten the tension, with the entire story unfolding in real-time.


The Commuter (2018)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as an insurance salesman caught in a high-stakes game on a commuter train, where he must identify a hidden passenger or face dire consequences. The film builds up to a tense evacuation scenario, highlighting the claustrophobic nature of subway travel.
Fact: The film was shot on real trains in New York City, adding authenticity to the metro setting.


The Incident (1967)
Description: This film follows two thugs terrorizing passengers on a New York City subway train, leading to a tense standoff and eventual evacuation. It's a study in human behavior under stress in a confined space.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on a subway train, providing an authentic subway experience.


The Tunnel (2001)
Description: A German film about a group of East Berliners digging a tunnel under the Berlin Wall to escape to the West. While not a metro evacuation, the tunnel setting and the escape theme resonate with the theme.
Fact: The film is based on true events, showcasing the lengths people went to escape the oppressive regime.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: An Australian found footage horror film where a news crew investigates the abandoned metro system in Sydney, only to find themselves trapped and needing to escape. The film captures the eerie atmosphere of an underground evacuation.
Fact: The film was released for free online, making it one of the first feature films to do so.


The Tunnel (2011)
Description: Another film with the same name, this time from Australia, where a news crew explores an abandoned metro system, leading to a harrowing evacuation from unknown threats.
Fact: The film was released online for free, pioneering the distribution model for indie films.


The Underground (1976)
Description: A British film where a group of people are trapped in a London Underground station during a power outage, leading to a survival scenario. The film explores themes of evacuation and survival in a metro setting.
Fact: The film was shot in real Underground stations, adding to its realism.


The Tunnel (2004)
Description: This British film involves a group of people trapped in a tunnel during a terrorist attack, leading to a desperate evacuation. The film captures the claustrophobia and panic of such a situation.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events like the 7/7 London bombings.
