1. The Darjeeling Limited 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 218613, ID: 0838221 Photo by aniwiki.es, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Wes Anderson’s ‘The Darjeeling Limited’ takes us on a visually stunning journey through India aboard a train that becomes a vessel for familial reconciliation. The film’s quirky humor and heartfelt moments make it a memorable ride, despite its meandering plot. The rapport between Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman adds depth to the story, making it a delightful watch for families seeking both adventure and emotional connection.
2. Silver Streak 1976，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 21999, ID: 0075223 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Arthur Hiller’s ‘Silver Streak’ is a thrilling blend of comedy and action, featuring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor in a high-stakes adventure aboard a train. The film’s timeless appeal lies in its perfect mix of romance, danger, and humor, making it an enjoyable ride for all ages. The chemistry between Wilder and Pryor elevates the film, ensuring it remains a classic in the genre of memorable movie trains.
3. Back to the Future Part III 1990，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 485704, ID: 0099088 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Back to the Future Part III,’ the iconic DeLorean time machine gets a Wild West twist, with Marty McFly and Doc Brown using a steam train to power their journey back to the future. The film’s blend of sci-fi and Western elements, along with its heartwarming conclusion, makes it a fitting end to the beloved trilogy. It’s a fun, family-friendly adventure that celebrates the spirit of innovation and friendship.
4. Some Like It Hot 1959，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 285826, ID: 0053291 Photo by yeastgenome.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Billy Wilder’s ‘Some Like It Hot’ features a hilarious train sequence where Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, disguised as women, join an all-female band to escape the mob. The film’s sharp wit and comedic brilliance make it a timeless classic. Marilyn Monroe’s enchanting performance adds to the film’s charm, making it a delightful watch for families who appreciate clever humor and unforgettable characters.
5. The Manchurian Candidate 1962，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 80445, ID: 0056218 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A classic of the political thriller genre, ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ is a riveting tale of brainwashing and political intrigue. The film’s memorable train scene is a chilling metaphor for the manipulation of political power. As a movie lover and a mother, I appreciate the film’s ability to provoke thought about the influence of external forces on our actions and decisions.
6. 8½ 1963，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 126093, ID: 0056801 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘8½’ is a masterpiece by Federico Fellini that beautifully blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. The film doesn’t feature a train scene per se, but its dreamlike narrative and exploration of the protagonist’s psyche can be likened to a journey on a train of thought, making it a memorable cinematic experience. As a family-oriented viewer, I find the film’s introspective nature and exploration of personal identity intriguing.
7. Superman 1978，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 189116, ID: 0078346 Photo by geekblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Superman’ is a beloved classic that introduced the world to Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal of the Man of Steel. A memorable train scene features a young Clark Kent racing alongside a train, astonishing a young Lois Lane on board. As a mother, I appreciate the film’s wholesome entertainment value and its message of hope and heroism.
8. The Grifters 1990，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 30805, ID: 0099703 Photo by allthetropes.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Grifters’ is a gripping neo-noir film about con artists. A memorable train scene showcases the cunning and deceit of the characters, adding to the film’s suspense. As a viewer who enjoys thrillers, I find the film’s exploration of deception and moral ambiguity fascinating.
9. A Passage to India 1984，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 21303, ID: 0087892 Photo by stackexchange.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 David Lean’s ‘A Passage to India’ is a visually stunning adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel, capturing the cultural clash between the British and Indians during the colonial era. The train journey in the film is a pivotal moment, symbolizing the journey into the unknown and the cultural divide. The film’s strengths lie in its breathtaking cinematography and powerful performances, though it can feel a bit lengthy at times. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking film that beautifully portrays the complexities of colonial India.
10. Terror Train 1980，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 14030, ID: 0081617 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A classic slasher film, ‘Terror Train’ takes the horror genre to a moving train, creating a claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere. Jamie Lee Curtis shines as the ‘final girl,’ and the train setting adds a unique twist to the typical slasher formula. While the plot has its holes, the film’s suspense and the eerie train environment make it a memorable watch for horror fans.
11. The Polar Express 2004，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 243400, ID: 0338348 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Robert Zemeckis’ ‘The Polar Express’ is a magical journey to the North Pole that captures the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a young boy. The train ride is the heart of the film, filled with enchanting moments and breathtaking animation. Despite some criticisms of the animation style, the film’s heartwarming story and festive spirit make it a holiday classic for families.
12. North by Northwest 1959，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 348956, ID: 0053125 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘North by Northwest’ is a masterful thriller that features one of the most memorable train sequences in cinema history. Cary Grant’s character’s escape on the 20th Century Limited is filled with suspense and intrigue. The film’s clever plot, sharp dialogue, and Hitchcock’s direction make it a standout in the thriller genre.
13. From Russia with Love 1963，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 146537, ID: 0057076 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 From Russia with Love is a quintessential Bond film that set the tone for many spy thrillers to come. The train scenes, especially the intense fight between Bond and Red Grant, are iconic and showcase the film’s blend of suspense and action. It’s a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it a perfect family movie night choice.
14. Murder on the Orient Express 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 69723, ID: 0071877 Photo by oldaintdead.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Murder on the Orient Express is a star-studded adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel. The luxurious train setting adds to the film’s charm, and the mystery keeps you guessing until the end. It’s a delightful whodunit that combines intrigue, drama, and a touch of glamour, making it an enjoyable watch for the whole family.
15. Mission: Impossible 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 474211, ID: 0117060 Photo by popkult.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mission: Impossible is a high-octane spy thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The train sequence, with its blend of live-action stunts and CGI, is a standout moment in the film. It’s a thrilling ride that combines action, suspense, and a touch of humor, making it a great choice for a family movie night.
All Aboard for Adventure: 15 Movie Trains That Became Stars
