10 Must-Watch Films About Railroaders Based on True Stories

Description: This silent epic chronicles the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, focusing on the rivalry between two engineers. It's a tribute to the pioneers who connected the nation, showcasing the monumental effort behind this engineering marvel.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Nevada, where the actual railroad was built, and it was one of the most expensive films of its time.

Description: This film noir classic involves a detective escorting a key witness on a train, where danger lurks around every corner. While not directly about railroaders, it uses the train setting to heighten suspense and tension.

Fact: The film was remade in 1990, but the original is celebrated for its tight, claustrophobic atmosphere.

Description: This Disney film recounts the true story of Union soldiers who stole a Confederate train during the Civil War, leading to a thrilling chase. It's an adventure that celebrates the ingenuity and bravery of those involved.

Fact: The film was shot in Georgia, using the actual railroad tracks where the chase occurred, and it features one of the earliest uses of blue screen technology for special effects.

Description: Based on the true story of the French Resistance's efforts to prevent the Nazis from stealing art during WWII, this film uses the railroad as a central element in the plot, showcasing the strategic importance of rail transport during wartime.

Fact: The film was shot in France, with many scenes filmed on actual locations where the events took place.

Description: This thriller captures the tension of a New York City subway hijacking, based loosely on the novel by John Godey, which was inspired by real subway crimes. It's a gripping tale of negotiation, strategy, and the race against time.

Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, but the original remains a classic for its gritty realism and character-driven narrative.

Description: While not directly about railroaders, this film is based on the true story of the Tsavo maneaters, lions that terrorized workers on the Kenya-Uganda Railway in 1898. It's a tale of survival, courage, and the clash between man and nature.

Fact: The lions' taxidermied bodies are displayed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Description: Inspired by the real-life CSX 8888 incident, this film follows two railroad workers who must stop a runaway train loaded with toxic chemicals. It's a high-octane, edge-of-your-seat experience that showcases the bravery of everyday heroes.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Ohio and Pennsylvania, using real trains and tracks to maintain authenticity.

Description: Based on the memoir by Eric Lomax, this film tells the story of a former British Army officer who confronts his past as a prisoner of war during WWII, working on the infamous Burma-Siam Railway. It's a poignant exploration of trauma, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Fact: Colin Firth, who plays Lomax, lost weight to portray the character's physical decline, and the film was shot in various locations in Scotland, Thailand, and Australia.

Description: This pioneering silent film is one of the earliest examples of narrative filmmaking, depicting a staged train robbery, which was inspired by real-life events. It's a must-watch for its historical significance and its influence on the development of cinema.

Fact: The film was directed by Edwin S. Porter, who was inspired by the actual train robberies that were common during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description: Set during the Spanish Civil War, this film captures the chaos and desperation of refugees trying to escape on the last train out of Madrid. It's a poignant look at the human cost of war and the role of railroads in times of crisis.

Fact: The film was released during the war, making it one of the earliest cinematic depictions of the conflict.