Trains are more than just a mode of transportation. They are symbols of journeys, encounters, departures, and arrivals. They carry us across landscapes, but also through the landscapes of our own emotions. They connect strangers, reunite families, and sometimes - they mirror the struggles of life itself.

When I wrote Train Track, I found myself reflecting on how often trains appear in literature, cinema, and documentaries - how their imagery resonates universally with heartbreak, hope, and transformation. Here’s a curated list of timeless books, movies, and documentaries set on or around trains, that capture the essence of the “railways of life.”

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A mystery classic that captures the magic and suspense of being trapped on a snowbound luxury train.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
One of the greatest novels of all time, where fateful train scenes symbolize love, tragedy, and destiny.

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
A heartwarming children’s classic about resilience, family, and the adventures that begin at the station.

Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith
A psychological thriller where two strangers meet on a train, and one suggests a chilling idea: “I’ll commit your murder if you commit mine.” Dark, gripping, and unforgettable.

Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier
A thoughtful, philosophical novel where a Swiss professor abandons his routine life after a chance encounter, boarding a night train to Lisbon that changes his destiny.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A modern bestseller where daily train rides become the stage for mystery and obsession, as an ordinary passenger witnesses something shocking from her carriage window.

Some Like It Hot (1959)
Billy Wilder’s hilarious classic where much of the action kicks off on a train - blending comedy, disguise, and unforgettable performances by Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.

My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
A romantic comedy gem where the train station becomes the stage for one of the most heartfelt moments.

The Christmas Train (2017)
Based on David Baldacci’s book, this Hallmark film shows how holiday magic unfolds on the rails - and yes, ironically starring Dermot Mulroney again, as in My Best Friend’s Wedding! 

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Three estranged brothers take a whimsical yet emotional train journey across India, rediscovering family bonds and healing old wounds.

Brief Encounter (1945)
A chance meeting on a train platform sparks a forbidden romance — tender, restrained, and heartbreakingly timeless.

Snowpiercer (2013)
In a frozen post-apocalyptic world, the last survivors live aboard a perpetually moving train - a thrilling allegory of class struggle and survival.

Before Sunrise (1995)
Two strangers meet on a train and spend one magical night in Vienna, capturing love, fate, and fleeting connections.

Great British Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo (BBC2) A colorful journey through history, geography, and culture — told with charm and insight by the railway gentleman himself.

India’s Frontier Railways (BBC)
An eye-opening look at how trains connect communities across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, blending politics, culture, and human resilience.

The World’s Busiest Railway (BBC)
A vivid portrait of Mumbai’s Central Station, where millions of people’s stories intersect every single day.

Extreme Railways with Chris Tarrant
Veteran broadcaster Chris Tarrant takes us on the world’s most dangerous, unusual, and breathtaking train routes — from mountain climbs to desert crossings.

Japan’s Bullet Train
A fascinating dive into the Shinkansen, Japan’s legendary high-speed marvel - symbol of innovation, precision, and the future of rail travel.

Trains are like life itself:

People come and go.

Some journeys are joyful, others heartbreaking.

Each destination carries a story.

Through Train Track, my feat. Artist Francis and I wanted to capture this very essence: the rhythm of the rails echoing the rhythm of our lives.

So next time you watch a movie, read a book, or tune into a documentary about trains - look closely. You might just see your own story reflected in the carriages passing by.

✨ Call to Action:
👉 What’s YOUR favorite book, movie, or documentary about trains? Share it in the comments below or join the conversation on Instagram at @the.train.track.

And don’t forget - the Train Track Writing & Photo Contest is open! Every track has a story. What’s yours?