Trains have long been a captivating setting in cinema, offering both a confined space for drama and a moving backdrop for adventure. From thrillers to romances, trains have served as a metaphor for journeys, life, and even danger. Trains offer a confined space for tension, a dynamic backdrop for visuals, and a metaphorical journey for characters. These films showcase the versatility of this unique setting, proving why it continues to captivate filmmakers and audiences alike. Here’s a list of the 20 greatest train-themed movies, with details about their plots, behind-the-scenes insights, and why these films remain timeless.
Murder on the Orient Express (1974 & 2017)
Plot: Agatha Christie’s classic tale of a luxurious train ride turned crime scene as detective Hercule Poirot solves a murder.
Why It’s Great: The confined space amplifies tension as Poirot interrogates a colorful array of suspects.
Behind the Scenes: The 1974 version features an all-star cast, including Albert Finney, while the 2017 remake, directed by Kenneth Branagh, showcases opulent production design.
Fun Fact: For the 2017 film, an entire train was reconstructed to achieve authenticity.
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Snowpiercer (2013)
Plot: In a dystopian future, the last remnants of humanity live on a train perpetually circling a frozen Earth. A rebellion breaks out between the oppressed and the elite.
Why It’s Great: The train becomes a microcosm of society, with each compartment representing a different class.
Behind the Scenes: Director Bong Joon-ho used narrow sets to heighten the claustrophobia.
Fun Fact: Chris Evans wore prosthetics to show his character’s frostbitten injuries.
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The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Plot: A young woman discovers that a fellow passenger has mysteriously disappeared during a train journey through Europe.
Why It’s Great: Alfred Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense shines in this classic mystery-thriller.
Behind the Scenes: Hitchcock filmed the train interiors on a single soundstage, relying heavily on clever camera angles.
Fun Fact: The film was remade in 1979, though it lacked the charm of the original.
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Train to Busan (2016)
Plot: A zombie outbreak traps passengers on a speeding train to Busan, turning their survival into a gripping fight.
Why It’s Great: A fresh take on zombie films, combining heart-pounding action with emotional depth.
Behind the Scenes: The tight train corridors made filming action scenes particularly challenging.
Fun Fact: The movie’s success led to an animated prequel (Seoul Station) and a sequel (Peninsula).
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The Polar Express (2004)
Plot: A magical train takes a skeptical boy to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Why It’s Great: A heartwarming holiday tale brought to life with groundbreaking motion-capture animation.
Behind the Scenes: Tom Hanks performed multiple roles, including the train conductor and the boy’s father.
Fun Fact: The film’s animation, though innovative, drew mixed reactions for its “uncanny valley” effect.
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Strangers on a Train (1951)
Plot: Two strangers meet on a train and discuss swapping murders—one takes the pact seriously.
Why It’s Great: Another Hitchcock masterpiece, blending psychological tension with moral dilemmas.
Behind the Scenes: The climactic carousel scene required dangerous stunts, some performed by the cast.
Fun Fact: Hitchcock makes a cameo carrying a double bass onto the train.
TCM
The Taking of Pelham 123 (1974 & 2009)
Plot: Criminals hijack a New York subway train, demanding ransom while a transit worker tries to outsmart them.
Why It’s Great: The original is a gritty, fast-paced thriller; the 2009 remake modernizes the tension.
Behind the Scenes: The 1974 version inspired Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (the color-coded nicknames for criminals).
Fun Fact: New York subway workers received special training for the 2009 production.
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Unstoppable (2010)
Plot: A runaway train carrying hazardous chemicals threatens disaster unless two railroad workers can stop it.
Why It’s Great: Based on a true story, it delivers edge-of-your-seat tension and great chemistry between Denzel Washington and Chris Pine.
Behind the Scenes: Director Tony Scott insisted on practical effects, with minimal CGI.
Fun Fact: Many of the train stunts were performed at full speed, adding authenticity.
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Before Sunrise (1995)
Plot: Two strangers meet on a train to Vienna and spend a romantic night exploring the city.
Why It’s Great: A deeply emotional exploration of human connection and fleeting romance.
Behind the Scenes: Richard Linklater encouraged Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy to improvise, creating a naturalistic dialogue.
Fun Fact: The train serves as a metaphor for the journey of life and relationships.
IMDb
Source Code (2011)
Plot: A soldier wakes up in another man’s body on a train and must relive its bombing to prevent future attacks.
Why It’s Great: A sci-fi thriller that blends mind-bending twists with emotional depth.
Behind the Scenes: The same train set was redressed multiple times to save on production costs.
Fun Fact: The film’s ending left audiences debating its philosophical implications.
Jonathan Wenk | ©2010 Summit Entertainment, LLC
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Plot: Three estranged brothers take a train trip through India in an attempt to reconnect after their father’s death.
Why It’s Great: Wes Anderson’s whimsical style shines, blending humor with emotional resonance.
Behind the Scenes: Filmed on location in India, the crew used an actual train, customizing its interiors.
Fun Fact: The actors wrote backstories for their characters to enhance their chemistry.
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Runaway Train (1985)
Plot: Two escaped convicts find themselves aboard a runaway train in the Alaskan wilderness.
Why It’s Great: A tense and harrowing survival story with stellar performances from Jon Voight and Eric Roberts.
Behind the Scenes: Inspired by an unproduced screenplay by Akira Kurosawa.
Fun Fact: Voight’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination.
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Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Plot: Two mismatched travelers try to get home for Thanksgiving, enduring mishaps along the way.
Why It’s Great: A hilarious and heartfelt road movie that includes an unforgettable train segment.
Behind the Scenes: John Candy improvised many of his lines, adding depth to his character.
Fun Fact: The train station scene was filmed in Illinois, standing in for Wichita.
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Shanghai Express (1932)
Plot: During a train journey through war-torn China, a glamorous passenger hides a dark secret.
Why It’s Great: Marlene Dietrich’s magnetic performance anchors this pre-Code classic.
Behind the Scenes: Director Josef von Sternberg used elaborate lighting to enhance Dietrich’s iconic look.
Fun Fact: The film’s success helped revive Dietrich’s career.
IMDb
The General (1926)
Plot: A Confederate train engineer must recover his beloved locomotive during the Civil War.
Why It’s Great: Buster Keaton’s silent comedy masterpiece, filled with daring stunts and physical humor.
Behind the Scenes: Keaton performed most of his own stunts, some of which were incredibly dangerous.
Fun Fact: The train crash scene was the most expensive shot in silent film history.
IMDb
The Commuter (2018)
Plot: A man is forced into a criminal conspiracy aboard his daily train commute.
Why It’s Great: Liam Neeson delivers his trademark action in a high-stakes thriller.
Behind the Scenes: Filmed primarily on a massive soundstage in London.
Fun Fact: Neeson took boxing lessons to prepare for the fight scenes.
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Brief Encounter (1945)
Plot: A married woman and a man meet by chance at a train station, leading to a doomed love affair.
Why It’s Great: A deeply emotional classic that explores love and morality.
Behind the Scenes: David Lean’s use of black-and-white cinematography enhances the story’s poignancy.
Fun Fact: The train station became an iconic location for romantic movie fans.
TCM
Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
Plot: A professor embarks on a journey to uncover the life of a mysterious writer he encounters on a train.
Why It’s Great: A thought-provoking drama that delves into history and philosophy.
Behind the Scenes: Filmed in Lisbon’s historic districts, adding authenticity.
Fun Fact: Based on Pascal Mercier’s best-selling novel.
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Paddington 2 (2017)
Plot: Paddington Bear is wrongfully accused of theft and must clear his name, leading to a thrilling train chase.
Why It’s Great: A delightful family film with heartwarming humor and stunning visuals.
Behind the Scenes: The train chase was one of the most complex sequences to film.
Fun Fact: Widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels of all time.
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Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
Plot: A dark comedy about a writer and his eccentric friend plotting to kill each other’s burdensome acquaintances.
Why It’s Great: Cleverly combines humor with Hitchcockian suspense.
Behind the Scenes: Inspired by Strangers on a Train.
Fun Fact: The film’s title became a cultural catchphrase.
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