All aboard: thrilling movies with trains in the title
From classic mysteries to action-packed thrillers, trains have always been a captivating subject for cinema. Here's a curated list of films where trains aren't just a setting, but a key element of the title itself.



Since the early days of cinema, trains have captured our imagination, offering a unique blend of adventure, mystery, and suspense. The rhythmic chugging of the locomotive, the enclosed spaces, and the constant movement create a perfect backdrop for storytelling. From Alfred Hitchcock's masterful use of suspense in "Strangers on a Train" to the gritty realism of "The Train," directors have exploited the inherent drama of rail travel.
Whether it's a thrilling heist like in "The First Great Train Robbery" or a high-stakes commuter nightmare as we see in "The Commuter", these films showcase the versatility of trains as a cinematic device. The titles themselves often hint at the core themes: journeys, destinations, danger, and the ever-present possibility of derailment, both literal and metaphorical. So, grab your ticket and settle in for a ride through some of the most memorable train-themed movies ever made.
13. The Ghost Train (1941)
Walter Forde's 'The Ghost Train' is a British comedy-mystery film based on a play by Arnold Ridley. A group of train passengers is stranded in a remote station overnight and told that the line is haunted. As they wait, strange events occur, leading to a mix of humor and suspense. Arthur Askey stars, bringing his comedic talents to the role. The film blends comedy with elements of mystery, creating an entertaining and light-hearted experience. It's an old-fashioned romp with a touch of the supernatural.

12. The Train Robbers (1973)
Burt Kennedy's 'The Train Robbers' is a western starring John Wayne as a gunslinger hired by a widow to find a cache of gold stolen by her late husband. The film is a straightforward western with plenty of action and beautiful scenery. Ann-Margret co-stars as the widow, adding a touch of glamour to the dusty setting. Fun fact: this was one of several collaborations between John Wayne and director Burt Kennedy. 'The Train Robbers' is a classic western adventure with a charismatic lead.

11. The Commuter (2018)
Jaume Collet-Serra's 'The Commuter' is an action-packed thriller starring Liam Neeson as Michael MacCauley, an insurance salesman who gets caught up in a criminal conspiracy on his daily train ride home. The film is known for its suspenseful plot and Neeson's intense performance. Vera Farmiga adds a layer of intrigue as the mysterious Joanna. A curious behind-the-scenes fact: the film made extensive use of practical effects and stunt work to enhance the realism of the action sequences. This is a modern thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end.

10. The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
George Pan Cosmatos's 'The Cassandra Crossing' is a disaster film about a Swedish passenger train on its way to Geneva from Geneva to Stockholm, with passengers, that is exposed to a deadly disease. The train is re-routed to a disused railway line that goes to a former Nazi concentration camp in Poland. Sophia Loren, Richard Harris, and Ava Gardner star in this tense thriller. A point of trivia, the film's poster displayed the names of the stars in larger type than the title of the film. It's a disaster film with a talented cast and a thrilling premise.

9. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Wes Anderson's 'The Darjeeling Limited' is a quirky comedy-drama about three estranged brothers who embark on a train journey through India to reconnect after their father's death. Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, the film is filled with Anderson's signature visual style and eccentric characters. The film explores themes of grief, family, and self-discovery. The soundtrack features a mix of Indian music and classic rock. A small detail: Natalie Portman makes a cameo appearance in a short film prologue. This is an endearing film that captivates you with its charm.

8. The First Great Train Robbery (1978)
Michael Crichton's 'The First Great Train Robbery' (also known as 'The Great Train Robbery') is a stylish heist film set in Victorian England. Sean Connery stars as a master thief who plans to steal a shipment of gold from a moving train. The film is known for its elaborate stunts and period detail. Crichton, who also wrote the novel, brings a sense of authenticity to the story. A fun fact: many of the stunts were performed by Connery himself, showcasing his athleticism. It's a rollicking adventure with a touch of old-fashioned charm.

7. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Joseph Sargent's 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three' (1974) is a gritty crime thriller set in New York City's subway system. A group of armed men hijack a subway train, demanding a ransom for the passengers. The film is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of urban life and its tense, suspenseful plot. Walter Matthau delivers a memorable performance as the Transit Authority lieutenant trying to negotiate with the hijackers. The film's cynical humor and fast-paced dialogue make it a standout in the genre. Did you know that the film was remade several times, but none captured the original's raw energy?

6. Runaway Train (1985)
Andrei Konchalovsky's 'Runaway Train' is a gripping thriller set in the Alaskan wilderness. Two escaped convicts, played by Jon Voight and Eric Roberts, find themselves on an out-of-control train with no brakes. The film is known for its intense action sequences and powerful performances. Based on a script by Akira Kurosawa, the film explores themes of freedom, survival, and the primal nature of man. The harsh, snowy landscapes add to the sense of isolation and desperation. A trivia: the train was genuinely moving at high speeds during filming, adding to the realism and danger. Be careful watching this, it will keep you at the edge of your seat.

5. The Train (1964)
John Frankenheimer's 'The Train' is a thrilling war film set in Nazi-occupied France. Burt Lancaster stars as a French railway worker who leads the effort to sabotage a train carrying stolen art treasures to Germany. Known for its spectacular train crash sequences and practical effects, the film is a testament to old-school filmmaking. Frankenheimer replaced Arthur Penn early in production, leading to a shift in focus towards action and realism. The film's commitment to authenticity is remarkable, with real trains and extensive location shooting adding to its impact. A high-octane and patriotic action film.

4. The Girl on the Train (2016)
Based on Paula Hawkins' bestselling novel, 'The Girl on the Train' (2016) stars Emily Blunt as Rachel, a troubled alcoholic who becomes entangled in a missing person's investigation. Rachel, struggling with her divorce, fixates on a seemingly perfect couple she observes from her commuter train. The film explores themes of voyeurism, memory, and unreliable narrators. While it diverges from the book in some aspects, it maintains a gripping suspense. Fun fact: the film's setting was moved from London to New York to appeal to a broader audience. It’s a decent thriller with a strong central performance from Blunt.

3. The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
Ryuhei Kitamura's 'The Midnight Meat Train' delivers a terrifying ride. Based on Clive Barker's short story, the film follows a photographer who discovers a serial killer butchering people on the late-night subway. With its graphic violence and intense atmosphere, it's not for the faint of heart. Bradley Cooper stars in a pre-A-list role, showcasing his range. One macabre detail is that the special effects team used real meat from a butcher shop to enhance the film's gruesome realism. This movie offers a chilling exploration of urban decay and the darkness lurking beneath the surface.

2. Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Sidney Lumet's 'Murder on the Orient Express' (1974) is a lavish adaptation of Agatha Christie's famous novel. Featuring an all-star cast including Albert Finney as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot, the film unravels a complex mystery aboard the luxurious Orient Express. When a wealthy businessman is found murdered, Poirot must use his deductive skills to unmask the killer among the train's eclectic passengers. The film is visually stunning, with meticulous attention to detail in its costumes and set design. A curious tidbit: Sean Connery almost didn't get the role due to scheduling conflicts but managed to charm his way into the part. The 2017 remake is fine, but the original remains the gold standard for Christie adaptations.

1. Strangers on a Train (1951)
Alfred Hitchcock's 'Strangers on a Train' is a masterclass in suspense. Guy Haines, a tennis star, meets Bruno Antony on a train, leading to a chilling proposition: Bruno will kill Guy's troublesome wife if Guy kills Bruno's hated father. Hitchcock expertly uses the confined setting of the train to build tension, exploring themes of guilt, obsession, and the dark side of human nature. The film is celebrated for its innovative cinematography and psychological depth. Did you know that Hitchcock secured the rights to Patricia Highsmith's novel for just $7,500? A steal for such an enduring classic!
