11 Off-the-Rails Action Movies with Epic Train Fights

Written by Serena Baker & Likewise Pix | Aug 22, 2024 Ever sat on a train, looking out the window, and thought about a high-octane action scene? Or perhaps even a dramatic rescue or a mind-bending sci-fi twist? Trains have been the backdrop for many thrilling movies. From adrenaline-pumping escapes to daring rescues, these films make the most of their railway settings. Let's dive into 11 action-packed movies that take their locomotion seriously.

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Armed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day’s work for dispatcher Walter Garber into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime. Released on June 10, 2009, and directed by Tony Scott, the film captures the intensity of a city gripped by terror. You can watch it here.

Unstoppable

In this 2010 thriller directed by Tony Scott, a runaway train transporting deadly, toxic chemicals is barreling down on Stanton, Pennsylvania. The train proves to be unstoppable until a veteran engineer and a young conductor risk their lives to stop it with a switch engine. Released on November 4, 2010, it showcases a gripping battle between man and machine. More details can be found here.

Runaway Train

This 1985 movie directed by Andrei Konchalovsky features a hardened convict and a younger prisoner who escape from a brutal prison in the middle of winter. They find themselves on an out-of-control train with a female railway worker while being pursued by the vengeful head of security. Released on November 15, 1985, the film builds suspense and drama aboard a runaway locomotive. Watch it here.

Mission: Impossible

When Ethan Hunt, the leader of a crack espionage team, discovers that a mole has penetrated the CIA, he’s shocked to learn that he’s the prime suspect. Directed by Brian De Palma and released on May 22, 1996, Ethan must ferret out the real double agent and, in the process, even the score. The climactic train scene is unforgettable. Dive into the details here.

The Wolverine

Wolverine faces his ultimate nemesis and tests of his physical, emotional, and mortal limits in a life-changing voyage to modern-day Japan. Released on July 23, 2013, and directed by James Mangold, it showcases Hugh Jackman at his best amidst high-speed battles. Learn more here.

Spider-Man 2

Peter Parker is going through a major identity crisis. Burned out from being Spider-Man, he decides to shelve his superhero alter ego, leaving the city to suffer from the carnage left by the evil Doc Ock. Directed by Sam Raimi and released on June 25, 2004, this Spider-Man film has one of the most memorable train fight scenes in superhero cinema. Check it out here.

Skyfall

When Bond’s latest assignment goes gravely wrong, agents around the world are exposed and MI6 headquarters is attacked. While M faces challenges to her authority, it's up to Bond to locate the mastermind behind the attack. Directed by Sam Mendes and released on October 24, 2012, the film features some of the grittiest and most intense train scenes in Bond history. Watch it here.

Source Code

When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. Directed by Duncan Jones and released on March 30, 2011, this sci-fi thriller offers a mind-bending ride. Find out more here.

Snowpiercer

In a future where a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet, a class system evolves aboard the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. Released on August 1, 2013, and directed by Bong Joon-ho, it presents a dystopian world on rails. More about it can be found here.

Train to Busan

When a zombie virus pushes Korea into a state of emergency, those trapped on an express train to Busan must fight for their survival. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho and released on July 20, 2016, this film combines high-speed action with heart-wrenching drama. You can dive in here.

Bullet Train

Unlucky assassin Ladybug is determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, has other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all on the world’s fastest train. Directed by David Leitch and released on August 3, 2022, it’s an exhilarating ride. Find it here.

From the gritty tunnels of New York to the frenetic tracks of futuristic dystopias, these films take you on a roller-coaster ride of suspense and action. Whether it’s a life-or-death chase or a mind-bending time-travel adventure, trains prove to be the perfect backdrop for some unforgettable cinematic moments. Next time you’re on a train, remember these epic scenes, and maybe your commute will feel a bit more thrilling.