The Most Cursed Elevators In Cinema History

There’s a certain kind of calm genre of music known as ‘elevator music,’ meaning that riding one shouldn’t exactly be stressful. But considering that you’re trapped inside of it as you go up more floors than what you could survive if you fell, there’s plenty of reason to be uncomfortable inside them.

Movies certainly don’t help, since they’re filled with scenes where terrible things happen to people riding these tight boxes of doom. We’ve gathered today what we think are the most cursed elevators in cinema history, making us want to take the stairs next time.

Hostage Crisis Inside The Speed Elevator

A terrifying hostage situation unfolds inside a broken elevator, forcing the heroes to act quickly. The high stakes and enclosed space create an incredibly tense atmosphere right from the very start of the action.

Intense Ambush In Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Steve Rogers steps into a crowded elevator that quickly turns into an intense enclosed brawl. He manages to singlehandedly take down a full squad of HYDRA operatives who were posing as friendly agents.

Trapped With Evil In The Movie Devil

This film traps five strangers inside a Philadelphia office tower elevator. Frightening supernatural events soon unfold in the cramped space, forcing the terrified passengers to confront their darkest secrets and past transgressions.

Shocking Sudden Death In The Departed Elevator

Just when things seem to be calming down, the doors open to deliver a completely unexpected and fatal shock. The suddenness of the execution leaves audiences speechless and completely changes the direction of the story.

Brutal Hitman Brawl In Drive Elevator Scene

In this 2011 thriller, the main character shares an elevator ride with his neighbor Irene and a dangerous hitman. A slow-motion kiss quickly gives way to extreme violence as he violently stomps the attacker.

Queen Alien Descends In Aliens Elevator Scene

Waiting for the doors to open is agonizing when a massive extraterrestrial threat is right on your tail. The tension builds to an unbearable level as the creature follows closely behind in the adjacent shaft.

Fatal Malfunction In Final Destination 2 Elevator

A simple trip between floors turns into a mechanical nightmare. The unseen forces of fate use the closing doors and moving cables to create a gruesome and completely unavoidable demise for an unfortunate character.

Taking The Wrong Choice In Resident Evil Elevator

Having to choose between the stairs and the elevator, Bryan goes with the latter. The quickly dissolving enclosed space soon proved that, perhaps, it wasn’t the right choice. Not to mention the monsters chasing him from the shaft.

Out Of Control Ride In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

In the 2005 musical fantasy directed by Tim Burton, an eccentric candy maker takes his guests on a wild ride. The glass contraption shoots through the roof, offering a dizzying exit from the bizarre factory.

Monster Release In Cabin In The Woods

This 2011 science fiction comedy horror film directed by Drew Goddard features an unforgettable purge sequence. The holding cells open up, unleashing an absolute nightmare of creatures onto the heavily armed facility guards.

Surprise Zombie Attack In Dawn Of The Dead

Seeking refuge in a shopping mall seems like a good idea until the infected find their way inside. The enclosed space offers no room to maneuver when the doors slide open to reveal a waiting horde.

Chaotic Shootout In Smokin Aces Elevator Scene

Multiple groups of heavily armed characters converge in the same narrow hallway at the worst possible moment. The resulting crossfire turns the small metal box into a completely unpredictable and destructive battleground.

Gruesome Escape Trick In Silence Of The Lambs

A brilliant but dangerous prisoner uses the top of the elevator car to stage a horrific scene. The clever misdirection fools the authorities and allows him to slip away right under their noses.

Flooded Shaft Attack In Deep Blue Sea

When an underwater facility starts taking on water, the vertical shafts become deadly swimming pools. Surviving the rising water is hard enough without having to worry about a massive predator swimming right toward you.

Tragic Crushing Accident In I Origins Elevator

This has to be one of the worst offenders for terrifying rides between floors. A sudden malfunction leads to a heartbreaking and incredibly visceral accident that stays with the viewer forever.