Skyscrapers shape our cities, but without elevators they would not exist. These machines make it possible for millions of people to live and work high above the ground. If elevators disappeared tomorrow, so would tall towers, and city life would flatten back to the surface.

But elevators are not just about moving people. They also inspire stories, fears, and even Hollywood thrillers.

Elevators in Movies vs. Real Life

In thrillers and action films, the “elevator nightmare” is a classic scene. Characters fight inside the cab, or the elevator suddenly breaks loose and drops in free fall.

The most frightening idea is when the cab plunges toward the ground with passengers trapped inside. Shows like Person of Interest once used this exact storyline.

In real life, people also imagine this. Many riders get nervous when they hear a small noise or feel a sudden shake. Online forums are full of questions like “what should I do if an elevator falls?”

The truth is, modern elevators are among the safest machines we use. What you see in movies is almost pure fiction.

Early Experiments: From Ancient Lifts to Palace Chairs

The idea of vertical lifting is ancient. As early as the 3rd century BC, people built simple hoists powered by humans, animals, or waterwheels.

By the 1600s, Chinese engineers described similar devices in texts like Tiangong Kaiwu.

In 1743, King Louis XV of France installed a private “flying chair” elevator inside Versailles Palace. It was designed so he could secretly visit his mistress on higher floors.

But these devices were mostly for moving heavy goods, not people. By that definition, even lowering a basket with a rope from a balcony could be called an elevator. The true passenger elevator had not yet arrived.

Otis and the Invention of the Safety Elevator

The Industrial Revolution brought steam-powered lifts, making vertical transport faster and stronger. But they still used hemp ropes. Rope failures and deadly falls were common.

In 1852, American inventor Elisha Otis changed everything. He created the first safety elevator, equipped with a braking system. At the 1854 World’s Fair in New York, he stood on a platform lifted high above the crowd. His assistant cut the only rope. People screamed—until the safety brake engaged and the platform stopped after only a short drop.

That single invention made tall buildings possible. From then on, elevators were not just useful—they were trusted.

How Modern Elevators Stay Safe

Today’s elevators, whether built by a U.S. firm, a European brand, or a China elevator company, all follow international safety standards. Multiple layers of protection are built in:

• Steel cables: Passenger elevators use at least three cables, each made of many steel strands. One cable alone can hold a full load. The chance of all failing at once is extremely low.
• Overspeed governor: This device spins as the cab moves. If speed goes over 115% of the rated limit, centrifugal force triggers the brake.
• Safety gear: Strong mechanical clamps bite into the rails and stop the car. They work even if power is lost.
• Friction and air resistance: Even in extreme cases, rail friction and air pressure in the shaft slow the descent.
• Buffers in the pit: Springs or hydraulic cylinders at the bottom absorb energy, softening the stop.
• Terminal safety system: Limit switches and emergency stops keep the car within safe travel zones.

Thanks to these systems, a true free-fall accident is almost impossible. Even in a movie-style attack, the elevator would stop before hitting bottom.

Chicago 2018: A Real Elevator Incident

On November 16, 2018, six people, including a pregnant woman, entered an elevator on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center in Chicago. One suspension cable snapped during the ride.

News headlines said the cab had “fallen” from the 84th floor to the 11th. One passenger recalled thinking, “I thought we were going to die.” They heard loud cracking sounds and felt a drop.

In reality, other cables and safety systems held the car. No one was injured. The hardest part was rescue: firefighters had to break through concrete walls to reach the trapped cab, a process that took three hours.

This case shows exactly why layered safety works. Even when a cable breaks, elevators remain safe.

Myths About Falling Elevators and “Self-Rescue”

A common myth says: “If the elevator falls, press all the buttons to make it stop.” Some passengers really tried this, and when the cab stopped, they believed pressing the buttons saved them. In fact, the safety system was what stopped the car.

Another unsafe idea is to force the doors open or climb through the hatch. In reality, the cab itself is the safest place. If you ever feel sudden motion, lean against the wall and bend your knees—this helps absorb shock.

Most real accidents happen at the doors, not inside the cab. Improper use and poor maintenance are the real risks.

China Elevators: Growth, Products, and Global Value

China is now the largest elevator market in the world. By the end of 2017, the country had 5.61 million elevators in service—about one-third of the global total. Every day, elevators in China carry more than 1.5 billion passenger trips.

This huge demand has pushed local elevator manufacturers and escalator manufacturers to grow rapidly—not only in scale, but also in product quality and innovation.

Take BDFUJI Elevator as an example. Its passenger elevators, freight elevators, and heavy-duty escalators all meet international safety standards. More importantly, they combine reliable quality with competitive pricing, which makes them highly attractive to international buyers.

For global clients, this means you can get modern, safe, and efficient vertical transportation solutions at a better value. Working with a professional China elevator company gives you access to advanced technology, customizable designs, and cost advantages—all backed by compliance with international codes.

Why Elevators Are Safer Than You Think

Worldwide data shows elevators are far safer than cars. In 2014, there were only 49 elevator accidents worldwide, compared with millions of automobile crashes. Among the 37 fatalities, 18 were workers or maintenance staff—not passengers.

Most incidents are caused by misuse or lack of maintenance, not by design. That’s why routine inspection by a qualified elevator company is critical.

Final Thoughts

From ancient rope hoists to modern high-rise safety systems, elevators have changed the way humans build and live. They made skyscrapers possible and gave shape to the modern city.

Thanks to over 150 years of engineering progress, the elevator ride you take today is supported by multiple layers of safety. Whether built by an American brand, a European firm, or a China elevator manufacturer, elevators are among the safest machines in daily use.

So the next time you step into an elevator, remember: the Hollywood “falling elevator” is just a movie myth.