Movies and TvShows featuring "riding-the-rail" theme.

The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet follows the story of a young boy named T.S. Spivet who lives on a ranch in Montana and has a passion for invention. When he creates a perpetual motion machine, he receives a call from the Smithsonian inviting him to Washington D.C. to receive an award. T.S. embarks on a secret cross-country journey to deliver his invention, encountering various adventures and challenges along the way.

In the midst of the Great Depression, a fearless hobo joins forces with a group of fellow tramps to defy a sadistic railroad conductor. As they navigate through dangerous train yards, treacherous rivers, and perilous train trestles, they must rely on their wit, strength, and camaraderie to survive. A thrilling adventure set in 1930s Oregon, USA.

Sullivan's Travels follows a Hollywood trade paper reporter who wants to experience real life in America. He disguises himself as a hobo and begins riding the rails, facing various challenges and adventures along the way. Through his journey, he learns about homelessness, poverty, and the struggles of everyday people. The movie explores themes of identity, loss, and the importance of human connection.

Bound for Glory is based on the autobiography of Woody Guthrie, a folk musician who travels across the United States during the Great Depression. He experiences poverty, labor struggles, and the harsh reality of the Dust Bowl, all while trying to pursue his passion for music and provide for his family.

Wild Boys of the Road follows a group of teenagers who become homeless and ride the rails during the Great Depression. They face hunger, unemployment, and danger as they try to survive and find a better life.

Dogmouth follows the story of a Vietnam veteran who, after returning from war, becomes a railroad detective. He navigates the challenges of love and his involvement in the illegal world of dogfighting. With a low budget and a pregnancy in his life, he must confront his past and find redemption.

Blues in the Night (1941) is a gripping film that tells the story of a jazz musician and his band who find themselves entangled in a web of drug addiction, turmoil, and illegal gambling. Set during the Great Depression era, the film follows their journey through poverty, eviction, and encounters with crooked gamblers. With captivating performances and a soundtrack filled with soulful blues, this movie showcases the fortitude of the characters amidst their trials and tribulations.

An irresponsible preppie, Preston West, is presumed to have murdered his parents for a sizable inheritance, so he flees to find the real killer, Phantom 13, a crazed freight train hobo. Riding speeding boxcars, Preston encounters hostile train yards, vicious railroad cops, hidden hobo jungles, mysterious Lacy, the notorious Baron and his colorful Hobo Gang. In a surprise ending, Preston finally confronts Phantom 13.

The story of four young people, ShinAe Ahn who is transgender, and three others, pan-sexual, gay, and lesbian respectively, who are fed up with the oppressive and authoritarian conservative government and its influence on the country. ShinAe Ahn decides to run for the office of prime minister, with the help of her friends and supporters. She meets a lot of caring people, and also a lot of haters. The current Prime Minister is not at all tolerant of the LGBTQIA+ community and is trying his hardest to stop any party that does not follow the orders of the conservative government from running without any logical reason to do so. That creates a political divide within the country, as politicians will attack anyone who is and/or who acts differently, or who stands up for people/themselves who they personally don't like. This story however is being told after the fact, a few years after the election, when ShinAe won as prime minister.

Documentary - Ernest Borgnine, star of the classic train movie Emperor of the North, hosts and narrates this remarkable examination of the uniquely American Hobo.

Riding the Rails follows the journey of teenage boys and girls, as well as older men and women, as they travel across the United States by train during the 1930s. The film explores the themes of survival, poverty, and loneliness, as well as the camaraderie and sense of freedom experienced by these transient individuals. It also delves into the harsh realities of hunger, theft, and the violence faced by those living on the fringes of society. Through interviews and newsreel footage, the documentary provides a powerful insight into the lives of those who rode the rails during one of America's most difficult times.

A couple of roving vagabonds hitch a freight to the railroad town of Linda, and between bouts with the fright-yard bulls and other drifters, find romance in the persons of two waitresses at the camp restaurant. American-slang rules the dialogue to the point non-USA viewers need a slang-glossary to follow the dialogue.

Hobo is a documentary film that explores the lives of individuals living as homeless wanderers, commonly known as hobos, in the 1990s. The film delves into their experiences with drug use, poverty, loneliness, and the challenges they face while riding trains and seeking shelter. It offers a glimpse into the transient lifestyle and sheds light on the issues faced by these individuals in the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains.

The Great American Hobo produced in 1980 features the music of Supertramp's "Take the Long Way Home" documenting the men and women who rode freight trains. Shot in 14 states and culminates with the Hobo Convention in Britt Iowa. Premiered the Independent Eye series for PBS in 1980.