Are you a fan of movies set on trains? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the Best Movies Set On Trains you’ll ever watch.
This list has everything from classic black-and-white films to modern blockbusters!
From thrilling, suspenseful moments to romantic getaways, these movies capture the magical feeling of being on a train.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best films set on trains!
22. Bullet Train (2022)
Bullet Train is one of the best movies set on a train, following a terrorist plot to detonate bombs aboard a speeding bullet train.
Starring Brad Pitt, Bullet Train tells the story of a group of international assassins and their mission to stop a terror plot.
The action-packed movie showcases some of the most exciting fight scenes while providing an interesting story with complex characters.
The tense moments between passengers on board the train make for some intense scenes to keep you on the edge of your seat.
With thrilling suspense and high stakes, Bullet Train is one of the best movies set on trains.
21. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
One of the best movies set on trains is undoubtedly the 1974 classic Murder on the Orient Express.
Based on the novel by Agatha Christie and directed by Sidney Lumet, this beloved mystery stars an all-star cast of Hollywood legends, including Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, and Sean Connery.
The story follows a group of passengers on the Orient Express who are unexpectedly stranded when an avalanche causes a massive delay.
As a result, Detective Hercule Poirot must investigate a mysterious murder that occurs aboard the train.
The ensemble of characters and the twisty plot make this movie an engaging whodunnit that continues to be popular decades later.
20. Silver Streak (1976)
One of the best movies set on trains is Silver Streak (1976), a comedy-thriller starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor.
The movie follows Wilder’s character, George Caldwell, who attempts to clear his name after being framed for murder on a transcontinental train trip.
Along the way, he encounters various eccentric characters and dangerous situations.
With an all-star cast and plenty of witty one-liners, Silver Streak is an entertaining and laugh-filled ride that still stands today.
19. Tezz (2012)
Tezz (2012) is one of the best movies set on trains. The movie follows the story of a terrorist, Aakash Rana (Ajay Devgan), who hijacks a train to make his point.
He has planted a bomb on board that can only be defused by an international spy, Jai Singh Rathod (Anil Kapoor).
The movie features intense action sequences, a thrilling score, and incredible performances.
Tezz is a classic example of an edge-of-your-seat thriller set on a train and is worth watching if you’re a fan of suspenseful movies set on trains.
18. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
The Darjeeling Limited is one of the best movies set on trains, and it tells the story of three estranged brothers who reunite on an epic train journey across India.
Directed by Wes Anderson, the film stars Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman as the three brothers.
As the journey progresses, the brothers explore picturesque Indian landscapes and attempt to mend their fractured relationship.
The Darjeeling Limited also features a fantastic soundtrack and stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of India.
Through its heartfelt story and enchanting visuals, The Darjeeling Limited will surely take you on an unforgettable journey.
17. Station to Station (2015)
Station to Station is one of the best movies set on trains, and it’s no surprise why.
The 2015 French film follows two strangers, Jean-Claude and Brigitte, as they take a train ride through Europe.
Along the way, they encounter various characters and face dilemmas that must be resolved.
From mysterious packages to a dangerous stalker, the journey takes unexpected turns, keeping the audience glued to their seats.
With its gripping storyline, compelling characters, and beautiful scenery, Station to Station is a great movie on any train ride.
16. Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan (2016) is one of the best movies set on trains that you will ever watch.
The Korean horror thriller tells the story of a group of passengers trying to survive a zombie apocalypse while on board a train from Seoul to Busan.
Directed by Sang-ho Yeon, this movie offers an intense and terrifying ride as the characters battle for their lives against the relentless zombie hoard.
Train to Busan is an action-packed, suspenseful, and well-crafted zombie film with exciting moments, nail-biting scenes, and plenty of thrills and chills.
Unsurprisingly, this movie has become one of the highest-grossing Korean films of all time, and it will leave viewers breathless!
15. Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Murder on the Orient Express (1974) is one of the best movies set on trains.
Directed by Sidney Lumet and based on Agatha Christie’s novel, this classic whodunit follows a group of international passengers traveling from Istanbul to Calais, France, aboard the Orient Express.
After a murder on board, renowned detective Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney) must investigate and identify the killer before they reach their destination.
Featuring an all-star cast including Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Anthony Perkins, and Sean Connery, Murder on the Orient Express is an entertaining and captivating movie that will keep you guessing until the very end.
14. Night Mail (1936)
Night Mail is an absolute must-watch for anyone interested in the best movies set on trains.
Released in 1936, this iconic documentary short film is the work of British filmmakers Harry Watt and Basil Wright.
It is widely considered one of the most outstanding examples of British cinematic art.
The film follows the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway’s mail train as it travels from London to Glasgow and tells the story of the railway workers who crew the train, sorting mailbags and dispatching them along the route.
Night Mail features a memorable score by composer Benjamin Britten and some stunning aerial photography that captures the British countryside’s beauty.
It’s a must-see for anyone seeking a unique viewing experience; celebration trains power.
13. Blind Chance (1987)
This Polish classic is one of the best movies set on trains.
Directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski, the film follows Witek, who, after missing his train, sets off to take the next one, not realizing that his life will take three very different paths depending on whether he catches the train or not.
The film is a clever exploration of fate and how seemingly insignificant moments can affect the course of someone’s life.
It’s also an excellent movie for train fans, containing several scenes inside the Polish rail system.
12. Europa (1991)
Europa (1991) is a psychological drama by the renowned director Lars von Trier.
The film follows two young people, Leopold and Karin, who board the Trans-Europe Express and journey across Europe.
Along the way, they encounter danger and mystery as they discover that their train is being used to cover a secret operation.
Through the tension and mystery of their journey, Leopold and Karin gain an appreciation of the fragility and beauty of life.
This powerful film is one of the best movies set on trains and provides an unforgettable cinematic experience.
11. The Palm Beach Story (1942)
The Palm Beach Story is one of the best movies set on trains.
Directed by Preston Sturges and starring Claudette Colbert and Joel McCrea, this classic screwball comedy follows a young couple whose marriage is in trouble.
Colbert’s character decides to leave her husband and take the train to Palm Beach in search of a wealthy suitor who can help them out of their financial woes.
She encounters an eccentric cast of characters and experiences wild adventures on the train.
The Palm Beach Story is a timeless classic that remains one of the best movies set on trains.
10. Compartment No 6 (2021)
One of the best movies set on trains, Compartment No 6 (2021) is a Russian psychological thriller directed by renowned director Pavel Ruminov.
The story follows a young woman, Masha, who boards a night train to visit her grandmother for the summer.
She doesn’t know she will share a compartment with four other passengers with secrets and agendas.
As the train journey progresses, tensions rise, and mysteries unravel as Masha discovers more about the passengers and their stories.
With its claustrophobic setting and suspenseful atmosphere, Compartment No. 6 is an intense and gripping watch that explores themes of identity, guilt, and redemption.
9. Trans-Europ-Express (1966)
From classic Hollywood thrillers to modern-day masterpieces, train-set movies have become a staple in cinema for decades.
One of the earliest examples is 1936’s Night Mail, a documentary about the Royal Mail train from London to Scotland.
Other notable titles include Trans-Europ-Express (1966), Silver Streak (1976), The Darjeeling Limited (2007), and Train to Busan (2016).
With their dramatic settings, suspenseful narratives, and imaginative visuals, these are some of the best movies set on trains you’ll ever watch.
Trans-Europ-Express follows two men on a train journey between Amsterdam and Paris.
The two men find themselves in the middle of an international intrigue involving narcotics, leading to a thrilling mystery that keeps viewers guessing until the end.
8. Before Sunrise (1995)
Directed by Richard Linklater, this romantic drama is one of the best movies set on trains.
Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, it follows two strangers who meet on a train from Budapest to Vienna.
After spending the night talking, they decide to spend the day together in Vienna and explore the city.
The movie captures their conversations as they get to know each other and fall in love during their short time together.
The film is praised for its superb acting, the chemistry between the two stars, and stunning cinematography.
Before Sunrise is a must-watch if you’re looking for a sweet, romantic story set on a train.
7. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Directed by Joseph Sargent, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is one of the best movies set on trains.
It stars Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw in the leading roles and tells the story of a gang of four hijackers who board a New York subway train, take its passengers hostage, and demand a ransom.
This classic movie keeps you on the edge of your seat as it unravels the details of the hijacking and leads to an exciting finale.
With a brilliant ensemble cast and a gripping plot, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is an intense and action-packed film that stands out as one of the best movies set on trains.
6. Runaway Train (1985)
Runaway Train is one of the best movies set on trains.
The movie follows two escaped prisoners, Manny and Buck, who hop onto a freight train and find themselves on a wild and dangerous ride through the harsh Alaskan wilderness.
Directed by Andrei Konchalovsky and starring Jon Voight, Eric Roberts, and Rebecca DeMornay, this thriller follows the pair as they try to stay ahead of the law and survive their journey.
The movie is notable for its use of stunning scenery, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking dialogue.
Runaway Train is an exciting watch that keeps you glued to your seat.
5. Snowpiercer (2013)
Snowpiercer is one of the best movies set on trains ever released.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this action-packed dystopian thriller stars Chris Evans as Curtis Everett, a fugitive on board the Snowpiercer train, a never-ending journey of class warfare, power struggles, and justice.
As the train continues to travel, tensions between the passengers intensify until Curtis leads a rebellion against the oppressors and attempts to take control of the train.
Snowpiercer is a visually stunning film with incredible performances and a thought-provoking story.
If you’re looking for one of the best movies set on trains, look no further than Snowpiercer.
4. Strangers on a Train (1951)
One of the best movies set on trains is Alfred Hitchcock’s classic “Strangers on a Train.”
This thrilling film stars Farley Granger and Robert Walker as strangers who meet on a train and become embroiled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game.
This iconic thriller is filled with suspense and twists to keep viewers on edge.
It is one of the best movies set on trains and one of Hitchcock’s most famous films, cementing its legacy as one of cinema’s greatest thrillers.
3. Twentieth Century (1934)
This classic romantic comedy starring John Barrymore and Carole Lombard is often cited as one of the best movies set on trains.
The story follows Oscar Jaffe, a Broadway producer, who tries to win back his ex-lover by convincing her to star in his new play onboard the luxurious Twentieth Century train.
The movie’s clever script and witty dialogue keep viewers entertained while they witness the funny and sometimes tumultuous battle of wits between Jaffe and Lombard’s characters.
For any fan of classic cinema, Twentieth Century is an absolute must-watch.
2. The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, this classic mystery film is among the best movies set on trains.
Starring Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave, the movie follows an English tourist who meets an elderly lady on a train and helps her find her missing friend.
As they search for answers, they soon discover that not all is as it seems.
With a suspenseful plot and thrilling twist, The Lady Vanishes is a must-watch for anyone who loves movies set on trains.
1. The General (1926)
The General is regarded as one of the best movies set on trains.
Released in 1926, this silent comedy adventure, directed by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman, follows a Southern railroad engineer during the Civil War who pursues a train full of Union soldiers to rescue his beloved engine.
Featuring innovative special effects, The General is an iconic work of comedic genius and an essential piece of movie history.
Keaton’s iconic portrayal of Johnnie Gray, the locomotive engineer, has made The General an enduring classic and a must-watch for anyone interested in the best movies set on trains.
Conclusion
Regarding the best movies set on trains, The General, Murder on the Orient Express, Snowpiercer, Runaway Train, and Unstoppable should all be considered top contenders.
All five movies have made a lasting impression on audiences worldwide with their captivating storylines, stunning visuals, and memorable characters.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling action flick or a classic mystery, these five films satisfy your craving for cinematic adventures set on the rails.
