There are many forms of transportation but riding the train is surely the least stressful. Traffic won’t slow you down; you have to sit back and enjoy the ride. With the release of Bullet Train, it felt like the appropriate time to revisit some of the best movies that take place on a train. These movies primarily take place on a locomotive, and their plots center on the train itself. With that in mind, let’s count down the ten best movies that take place on a train!
The General (1926)
Who can forget this Buster Keaton classic? Inspired by the real-life incident known as the Great Locomotive Chase that occurred in 1862 during the American Civil War, this silent film features Buster Keaton in his absolute best. His character is stuck in two positions. He’s in love with Annabelle Lee and his beloved train, nicknamed ‘The General”. A true comedy adventure film, The General, was largely dismissed upon its initial release. Today, it’s seen as a silent-era classic with incredible set pieces and stunning work from Buster Keaton in doing the actual stunts in the movie. This film’s sheer scale makes The General a classic for all to see and appreciate. It’s currently available in the public domain.
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Is there such thing as a perfect murder? Well, notable director Alfred Hitchcock certainly asks that question with this infamous thriller about two strangers who meet on a train and want to rid somebody in their lives. Is either man capable of killing someone, or could each man kill the other man’s problems? One is a mild-mannered man who lets off steam, while the other is quite serious about committing the perfect murder. Tense, well-written, and expertly directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Strangers on a Train is a movie that has never been remade, although it has inspired other television episodes. Simply put, Alfred Hitchcock was the master of suspense, and it would be difficult to match his craft. Strangers on a Train is pure edge-of-seat entertainment.
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
The best adaptation of Agatha Christie’s infamous 1934 novel tells the story of a murder occurring on the Orient Express. It brings the beloved character of Belgian Detective Hercule Poirot to investigate the murder and seek out the multitude of suspects onboard the train when the murder occurred. This 1974 film features a fantastic cast, wonderful set designs, and a mystery that we can’t help but get entangled by. While many remakes have been produced, this is the best version, and even before her death, author Agatha Christie enjoyed this film compared to other adaptations of her work.
The Polar Express
Based on the children’s book of the same name, this computer-animated film is one of those Christmas movies that everyone enjoys, but no one seems to mention it when the holiday is close. Featuring stunning visual effects, multiple voice-over roles for Tom Hanks, and encompassing the magic of Christmas, The Polar Express is such a treat to watch. Faithfully close to the source material, the movie invites audiences for the ride of their life. While some of the human animated characters were criticized by critics, the movie has become a critical success. All thanks to director Robert Zemeckis and his phenomenal crew. The Polar Express is the perfect Christmas story.
Snowpiercer
Dark, inventive, and completely absorbing, Snowpiercer is a South Korean post-apocalyptic sci-fi action thriller from the legendary director Boon Joon-ho. Inspired by the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige, this story tells one of despair, tragedy, and hope for a better future. When the world collapses from a new Ice Age, the Snowpiercer, a circumnavigational train, is the only thing keeping humans alive. People are segregated, their worlds appear to be oppressed, and the fight to seek the front of the train is the main objective. Chris Evans perfectly sinks into his role as the lone man who fights for freedom, and while Snowpiercer may not be for the faint of heart, its vision and style are uncompromising.
Unstoppable
This would sadly be the final film from director Tony Scott. This movie is based on the real-life CSX 8888 incident in Ohio in May 2001. The film’s plot involves a runaway train that threatens the lives of everyone that comes near it. With no air brakes or conductor, the train is gaining speed and not slowing down. The only hope of stopping this train lies in the actions of two men who are willing to sacrifice their safety to stop that train! One of Tony Scott’s best films in his career, Unstoppable, is a perfect title for such an intense ride. We will surely miss the late director, but this high-octane action thriller is a signature of Tony Scott that we all love and remember.
Train to Busan
Zombies on a train?! Say no more! Benefiting from a good script, genuine scares, and claustrophobic action, Train to Busan is one hell of a ride! This South Korean tale begins with a normal train ride, but when the passengers start exhibiting odd behavior, and the body count starts to rise, all bets are off on this train. You could exit at the next stop, but more zombies will be waiting for you. Action-packed, emotionally powerful, and unique in its own right, Train to Busan is a zombie flick that is worth the bite!
Source Code
Every minute counts in this thriller that stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a soldier in an ungodly position. He has to locate a bomber on a commuter train in Chicago, and he has only eight minutes! He will have to try as much as possible to locate the bomber’s identity. Yep, he dies a lot, but it appears that something is allowing him to continue foraging ahead. A complex, challenging, and smart sci-thriller, Source Code invites the audience into a preposterous story, but it’s all part of the fun. Director Duncan Jones keeps our attention, and the script by Ben Ripley is clever, original, and a joy to revisit time and time again.
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (1974)
The stakes are already high when armed thieves storm a subway train demanding a large sum of cash. Even if the money is paid, how would the criminals escape? It’s one of several questions in this thriller that stars Robert Shaw as a ruthless criminal and Walter Matthau as the Transit Police Lieutenant who remains in communication with the criminals via radio. With hostages onboard and an undercover officer among them, it’s only a matter of time before the criminals attempt their getaway. A tense movie that showcases true talent among its actors, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 isn’t a highly regarded thriller from the ‘70s but is still good in its own right. It was later remade in 2009 by Tony Scott, and while that movie is decent enough, it’s hard to match the original’s wit.
Silver Streak
Romance, murder, and mayhem ensue in this 1976 action comedy that sees the first pairing of Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. When a man is seen thrown off the Silver Streak, a book editor becomes the target of being next on the hit list. This film is fast-moving, hilarious, and just a fun time to watch. The plot isn’t as straightforward as Murder on the Orient Express. Still, the comedy works, and even the ending crash makes for a wonderful, exciting time featuring excellent chemistry between Wilder and Pryor.
Which of these films is your favorite? When riding the train, what movie comes to mind? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a Comment