The Train is the Star in These 6 Famous Movies
For as long as we’ve been making movies, we’ve been telling stories with trains. From the birth of cinema with The Great Train Robbery in 1903 to modern cult classics such as Snowpiercer and Source Code, there’s something about trains and train journeys in a film that keep our eyes transfixed on the silver screen. Pop some popcorn and take a look at a few of our favourite train films, then see how Railbookers can help you recreate these incredible journeys for yourself.
The General - 1926
Railroad engineer Johnny Gray has two great loves in his life: his fiancée, Annabelle Lee, and his locomotive, The General. When both are stolen from him, he’s determined to do everything in his power to win them back. Starring the legendary Buster Keaton, The General is an iconic film from the silent era, and a technical marvel (it features train stunts revered as the most expensive of the time). In the nearly 100 years since it was filmed in Oregon, it remains a beloved comedy and ranks among the greatest American films ever made. The General may be retired, but our 8-day Pacific Northwest trip is waiting for you.
Murder on the Orient Express - 1974, 2017
A pulse-pounding race against time to solve a thrilling mystery, Murder on the Orient Express has been adapted for the big screen on two occasions. While the cast has changed, the true star of the story remains the beautiful Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, as it takes the murder suspects—and the world’s greatest detective Hercule Poirot—on a high-stakes journey across Europe. Book your unforgettable journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express today and check out our Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice trip.
Silver Streak - 1976
Mystery, romance, adventure—this cross-country journey aboard the Silver Streak has it all! Starring iconic duo Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor in their first on-screen pairing, Silver Streak is full of suspense and excitement, as well as all the biting humour and impeccable chemistry movie fans came to love between its two leading men. Make your own epic journey across the United States with Great American - Majestic Landscapes.
Before Sunrise - 1995
In the first movie in Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy, romance blossoms between young American, Jesse, and Céline, a French university student, aboard a train bound for France from Budapest in Before Sunrise. After Jesse and Céline hit it off, he convinces her to visit Vienna with him, and what follows is a story one critic calls, “the best romance of all time.” Ignite an intimate flame on a rail journey to Vienna on one of the most romantic train journeys - London to Vienna on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Harry Potter, 2001-2011
Carrying students from London’s King’s Cross Station Platform 9 ¾ to Hogsmeade Station (magically hidden somewhere in Scotland), the Hogwarts Express of the Harry Potter series is one of the most famous trains ever to grace the big screen! When it’s not filled with aspiring wizards, this steam train (also named the Jacobite) can be found travelling between Mallaig and Fort William, Scotland during the summer months. Take a magical journey through Scotland on our Complete Scotland by Rail trip.
The Darjeeling Limited - 2007
Brothers Francis, Peter, and Jack reunite a year after their father’s funeral for a train trip across India in this award-winning Wes Anderson film. As the Darjeeling Limited makes its way across the Indian countryside, the brothers visit several Hindu temples while attempting to reconnect with each other. Beautifully shot in his signature style, The Darjeeling Limited is a heartwarming dramedy and a favourite among fans of Anderson’s films. Discover enchanting India by rail on the Maharajas Express - Treasures of India.
