Armored trains have long captured the imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike, offering a unique blend of historical intrigue, action, and adventure. From the battlefields of World War II to the wild west, these films showcase the power and mystique of these formidable machines. This curated list of 10 films not only entertains but also provides a fascinating look into different eras and cultures where armored trains played pivotal roles, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of history, action, and cinematic storytelling.
The Train (1964)
Description: This film, set during WWII, follows the efforts of French Resistance fighters to prevent a train loaded with art treasures from reaching Germany. The armored train plays a crucial role in the climax, showcasing its strategic importance.
Fact: Burt Lancaster performed many of his own stunts, including jumping onto a moving train. The film was shot on location in France, using real WWII-era trains.
30 Days Free The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: Although not strictly about an armored train, this film features a hijacked subway train, which can be seen as a modern equivalent, highlighting the tension and strategy involved in such operations.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original's director, Joseph Sargent, was known for his ability to create suspense in confined spaces.
30 Days Free The Iron Horse (1924)
Description: This silent epic by John Ford tells the story of the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, with scenes involving armored trains during the Civil War.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use real trains for action sequences, showcasing the scale of early Hollywood productions.
30 Days Free The Great Locomotive Chase (1956)
Description: Based on a true story from the Civil War, this Disney film features Union soldiers commandeering a Confederate train, which leads to a thrilling chase involving an armored train.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Georgia, using the same route as the historical event. It was one of the first films to use Technicolor.
30 Days Free The General (1926)
Description: Buster Keaton stars in this silent comedy about a Confederate train engineer who must rescue his beloved and his locomotive during the Civil War, involving an armored train in the chase.
Fact: Keaton performed all his own stunts, including a famous scene where he sits on the cowcatcher of a moving train.
30 Days Free The Last Train from Madrid (1937)
Description: Set during the Spanish Civil War, this film features a group of passengers on an armored train trying to escape the conflict, highlighting the train's role in wartime logistics.
Fact: The film was one of the first to depict the Spanish Civil War on screen, providing a contemporary view of the conflict.
30 Days Free The Train Robbers (1973)
Description: John Wayne leads a group to recover a gold shipment from an armored train, showcasing the train's significance in the Wild West.
Fact: This was one of the last films John Wayne made before his death, and it was shot in Mexico, using real steam locomotives.
30 Days Free The Bullet Train (1975)
Description: A Japanese thriller about a bomb threat on the Shinkansen, which can be seen as a modern armored train, highlighting the tension and technology involved.
Fact: The film was remade in 2015 as "The Bullet Train" with a modern twist.
30 Days Free The Train (1964)
Description: This film, set during WWII, follows the efforts of French Resistance fighters to prevent a train loaded with art treasures from reaching Germany. The armored train plays a crucial role in the climax, showcasing its strategic importance.
Fact: Burt Lancaster performed many of his own stunts, including jumping onto a moving train. The film was shot on location in France, using real WWII-era trains.
30 Days Free The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Description: Although not strictly about an armored train, this film features a hijacked subway train, which can be seen as a modern equivalent, highlighting the tension and strategy involved in such operations.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The original's director, Joseph Sargent, was known for his ability to create suspense in confined spaces.
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