15 Elevator Scenes in Modern Movies
Elevators have a unique way of amplifying tension, comedy, and drama in films. Whether it's a fight sequence in a cramped space, an emotional moment of realization, or an unexpected encounter, elevator scenes create some of the most memorable moments in cinema. Here are 15 standout elevator scenes from movies released in the 21st century, ordered by year.
(If you're a fan of classic films, be sure to check out our previous post on iconic elevator scenes from movies before 2000!)
Elf (2003)
Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) creates a hilarious and innocent moment when he excitedly presses every elevator button like a Christmas tree, to the dismay of fellow passengers.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) experiences an awkwardly hilarious moment in an elevator when a fellow passenger critiques his Spider-Man suit.
The Departed (2006)
A shocking and brutal moment unfolds in an elevator as Leonardo DiCaprio’s character meets a tragic fate in this Martin Scorsese crime thriller.
Iron Man (2008)
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has a witty exchange in an elevator, setting the tone for his snarky and charismatic character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Zombieland (2009)
An elevator ride takes an unexpected turn when the characters encounter Bill Murray in one of the most unexpected and hilarious cameos in zombie film history.
Inception (2010)
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team navigate a dream world where an elevator becomes a crucial tool for exploring different levels of subconscious reality.
Drive (2011)
Ryan Gosling's character shares a tender yet brutal moment with Carey Mulligan's character in an elevator before turning violent in one of the film’s most unforgettable scenes.
The Raid: Redemption (2011)
An elevator ride filled with tension builds to an explosive action scene as Rama (Iko Uwais) prepares to fight his way through an entire building of criminals.
50/50 (2011)
A touching and humorous moment occurs in an elevator when Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character, battling cancer, shares a moment of empathy with an elderly couple.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
A seemingly normal elevator ride turns into a horrifying revelation as the protagonists discover a menagerie of nightmare-inducing creatures in this genre-bending horror film.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) finds himself surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in an elevator, leading to an intense and claustrophobic fight that showcases his super-soldier skills.
The Nice Guys (2016)
A darkly comedic elevator scene involving Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe adds to the film’s mix of humor and action in this neo-noir buddy comedy.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
An elevator scene where Spider-Man and a villain face off, with the elevator serving as a dynamic backdrop.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) faces an intense sequence where an elevator plays a key role in an assassination attempt gone wrong.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
In classic Deadpool fashion, an elevator scene turns into a hilarious exchange before an epic action sequence unfolds.
Elevators: The Perfect Movie Setting
These scenes prove that elevators are more than just a means of transportation. They’re a storytelling device that filmmakers use to ramp up tension, humor, or action. Whether it’s an intense fight, an awkward moment, or a shocking twist, elevators in movies continue to be an iconic cinematic tool.
