Train to Busan stands out as a truly unique film, making it a challenge to find movies that share its distinct qualities. Its fast-paced action set on a moving train and its thrilling zombie outbreak storyline create an exhilarating blend of action, horror, and confined suspense. While there may not be many zombie movies set in similar environments, the world of cinema offers a variety of action-packed zombie films and thrilling train-based action movies.
These selections may not perfectly replicate the thrill of Train to Busan, but they aim to satisfy the cravings of fans seeking similar excitement and adrenaline.
So here is the list of 22 Best Movies To Watch If You Loved Train to Busan.
22 Best Movies To Watch If You Loved Train to Busan
Dawn of the Dead
When her husband falls victim to a vicious attack by a zombified neighbour, Ana (played by Sarah Polley) manages to escape, only to discover that her entire Milwaukee neighbourhood has been overrun by the Walking Dead. In her quest for survival, Ana joins forces with a small group of survivors led by the cautious and brave policeman Kenneth (portrayed by Ving Rhames), and together they seek refuge in the local shopping mall, which they believe to be a safe haven.
However, in order to secure their place in this makeshift fortress, they must first convince the sceptical security guards that they are not infected. With the odds stacked against them, the group must band together and fight off the relentless and ever-growing horde of undead.
Also Read: 2024 Horror Movies: The Most Anticipated Upcoming Thrillers of the Year
The Wailing (2016)
Na Hong-jin’s Korean horror masterpiece takes you on a terrifying journey to the secluded mountain town of Gokseong. In this spine-tingling tale, a strange infection grips the villagers, transforming them into savage killers. With exceptional performances from Kwak Do-won and the renowned Jun Kunimura, The Wailing blends traditional Korean shamanism with a biblical sense of wrath to deliver a gory and unsettling experience. Brace yourself for a gripping and gut-wrenching narrative that will test your nerves and leave you questioning the very fabric of reality.
Peninsula (2020)
If you’re a fan of Train to Busan, a natural starting point for your movie marathon is its 2020 sequel, Peninsula. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, the same filmmaker behind the original, Peninsula takes place in the same zombie-infested world but with a new set of characters four years later. While it may not possess its predecessor’s unique setting and premise, Peninsula focuses more on intense zombie-driven horror and action, offering a taste of what made the first film so beloved by audiences.
Bullet Train (2022)
While Bullet Train may lack zombies or horror elements, it compensates with high-octane action. Like Train to Busan, it features a train as the primary setting and shares the word ‘train’ in its title. The story revolves around suspicious characters, each with their own motives, who find themselves on board a Japanese bullet train. As their paths intertwine, chaos ensues. While the plot takes a backseat, the film delivers a delightful blend of comedy, impressive action sequences, and non-stop entertainment. It may not delve into profound themes, but its breezy two-hour runtime ensures a thrilling and enjoyable ride from start to finish.
The Piper
Travel back in time to the aftermath of the Korean War with The Piper, a South Korean horror thriller that draws inspiration from the legendary tale of the pied piper of Hamelin. In this haunting film, a mother and her son seek solace in a seemingly peaceful village, only to discover that the horrors they encounter exceed anything they have witnessed. Directed by Kim Gwang Tae and featuring a talented cast including Ryu Seung Ryong, Lee Sung-min, Chun Woo-hee, and Lee Joon, The Piper will immerse you in a chilling world where the line between folklore and reality blurs with unsettling consequences.
Runaway Train (1985)
Hold tight as Runaway Train hurtles into the Alaskan wilderness, featuring an out-of-control train barreling at breakneck speed. Adding to the tension are two escaped convicts and a female railway worker who find themselves onboard. Together, they form an uneasy alliance, braving the elements and navigating the ever-increasing danger.
The film’s relentless sensation mirrors the relentless momentum of the train itself. While it may occasionally feel focused on a singular theme, that theme is undeniably captivating and manages to sustain interest throughout.
Resident Evil (2002)
Milla Jovovich gained recognition through the action franchise “Resident Evil.” The story follows a commandos breaking into an underground bunker called “The Hive,” operated by the Umbrella Corporation, to stop a zombie apocalypse. Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez’s performances in this genre are exceptional, showing uncommon compassion.
As the series progresses, its video game roots, but the first instalment, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, balances its gratuitous action with a solid storyline and sequences of genuine suspense. This movie is a postmodern take on the zombie mythos, which was much needed at the time as the sub-genre lacked creativity. Anderson manages to satisfy the strictures of a video game adaptation while playing with some more significant ideas he previously explored in “Event Horizon” (1995).
Also Read: Antrum And 34 Other Cursed Movies That Will Make Your Skin Crawl
28 Days Later (2003)
It’s fascinating how 28 Days Later, one of the most influential horror movies of the 21st century, pre-figured the zombie craze kicked off by Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead (2004) remake and The Walking Dead. The film is a nightmarish vision of terror and a humanist drama, depicting a post-zombie landscape where people are the most dangerous predators.
Danny Boyle’s direction creates a sweaty, credible tensity throughout the film that lingers with you long after it’s over. The performances of the talented cast, including Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Brendan Gleeson, make the film even more compelling.
BLOOD QUANTUM (2019)
In Blood Quantum (2019), a small Mi’kmaq community suddenly finds themselves immune to a zombie outbreak that has taken over the world. As tensions rise and the outside world crumbles, the community confronts the difficulty of whether to help or reject the non-infected survivors seeking refuge. This intense horror film explores themes of identity, survival, and the complexities of human nature in the face of an apocalyptic threat. Directed by Jeff Barnaby, Blood Quantum delivers a unique twist to the zombie genre while shedding light on indigenous perspectives and experiences.
Army of the Dead (2021)
Zack Snyder’s latest film, “Army of the Dead,” is a clever take on the heist genre, reminiscent of “Ocean’s Eleven.” The movie returns to Snyder’s roots, with no superheroes to worry about and a cast of committed actors. Snyder’s confidence in his craft is evident in the final product, and while “Dawn of the Dead” remains his best work, “Army of the Dead” comes close to capturing the gritty and gruesome feel of its predecessor. Additionally, Tig Notaro’s character flying a helicopter adds an extra element of excitement to the film.
Zombieland
Ruben Fleischer’s zombie comedy, starring Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus, is a refreshing take on the genre. Columbus is a survivor who lives in a world infested with zombies and follows a specific set of rules to stay alive, including “beware of bathrooms” and “double tap” every kill.
On his journey to find his parents, he teams up with a group of misfits, including Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), a joyful killer on a quest to find Twinkies, and the scrappy sisters Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). a zany approach to classic zombie gore, and a droll sense of humor. The bond between its four leads provides an unexpected heart, making it a breezy and satisfying watch.
All of Us Are Dead
South Korean series where classrooms transform into battlefields, forcing high school students to fight for their very survival. As a sudden zombie virus engulfs their classmates, the students band together in a diverse group, relying on each other while the adults in charge abandon them. All of Us Are Dead delivers a gripping 12-episode first season, effectively transforming the school into a terrifying prison for these young survivors. Through the lens of the zombie genre, the series tackles themes of corruption, wealth inequality, and the failures of the older generation in addressing the needs of youth.
Cargo (2017)
It is set in the Australian outback, where a father and his daughter fight for survival amidst a zombie outbreak. Cargo transcends the typical horror film, leaning more towards a character-driven drama. While it may not be the most light-hearted experience, it is a powerful and courageous exploration of the zombie mythos. For fans of the genre seeking something with deeper emotional resonance, Cargo offers a fresh and compelling perspective, delving into themes of human resilience and connection in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Black Summer
Black Summer is a TV series that explores the aftermath of a zombie outbreak. It tells the story through short scenes focusing on survivors in constant danger of becoming bloodthirsty zombies. The transformations are instantaneous and brutal, portraying the walking corpses as lightning-fast and single-minded in their goal to kill their victims.
This creates tension and fear in the viewer as the undead relentlessly pursue their human prey. In one particularly memorable episode from Season 1, a character runs from one place to another, trying to avoid a relentless zombie. Unlike other zombie stories that try to find hope and humanity in a broken society, Black Summer is focused on providing a gruesome and gory experience.
Thirst (2009)
Renowned Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, known for his work in Oldboy, holds a prominent position in Korean cinema. Thirst, a captivating film, explores the story of Sang-hyun, a Catholic priest played by Song Kang-ho from Parasite. When Sang-hyun unintentionally becomes infected with a virus that triggers vampirism, his faith and life are thrown into turmoil. As he becomes entangled in a passionate and violent relationship with Tae-ju, a troubled housewife, the consequences become devastating. A must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking a unique and engaging experience.
A Tale of Two Sisters
Directed by Kim Jee-Woon, A Tale of Two Sisters draws inspiration from the folk tale of Rose Flower, Red Lotus, to deliver a psychological horror experience. The film revolves around two sisters, one of whom has recently been released from a mental hospital. With unexpected twists and chilling moments, this movie is bound to leave a lasting impact on viewers.
Seoul Station
The first installment of the Train to Busan movie series is an animated South Korean movie called Seoul Station. This movie serves as a fantastic sequel to Train to Busan, taking the theme of father and child relationships to another level. If you love Train to Busan, you simply can’t afford to miss Seoul Station.
Also Read: Byzantium: Before Abigail Watch This Unusual Saoirse Ronan Vampire Film
Badland Hunters 2024
Under the direction of Heo Myung Haeng, Badland Hunters emerges as a captivating addition to post-apocalyptic South Korean cinema. In this unmissable film, the world teeters on the brink of destruction, and deranged scientists have released a new breed of formidable creatures. These beings possess zombie-like characteristics but with a dangerous twist—they are swift, decisive, and incredibly challenging to eliminate.
World War Z (2013)
Drawing inspiration from Max Brooks’ revered anthology novel, World War Z is a prime example of fast-moving zombies akin to Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later. While it generates tension with minimal gore, the film’s PG-13 rating doesn’t shy away from graphic moments.
Rather than solely focusing on the zombies, World War Z captures the gradual breakdown of society, mirroring unsettling real-world parallels. Despite its tumultuous production, the movie seamlessly transitions between gripping sequences. Additionally, Brad Pitt delivers one of his standout performances, portraying Gerry Lane—a compassionate family man with the expertise to navigate continents overrun by the undead.
Also Read: Is Antrum Cursed? Every Death That Happened After Watching.
Ravenous (2017)
Written and directed by Robin Aubert’s Ravenous, where an isolated village in Quebec becomes the backdrop of a terrifying flesh-eating virus outbreak. Survivors of this zombie-inflicted chaos seek refuge in the surrounding woods. With Marc-André Grondin and Monia Chokri in leading roles, this French-language film masterfully blends heightened horror elements, philosophical themes, and even touches of humour.
Aubert skillfully crafts a suspenseful narrative that delves into the characters’ inner struggles as they navigate the fine line between protecting and confronting their loved ones. As they embark on a dark and uncertain journey toward an alleged haven, Ravenous compellingly explores whether hope is lost or worth fighting for.
#Alive (2020)
Cho Il-hyung’s picture provides a sense of realism to a scenario that is not very real. The characters are not depicted as highly skilled or capable of performing extraordinary feats but as ordinary people struggling to survive in a building overrun by zombies. Jon-woo (Yoo Ah-in) is trapped inside during a zombie outbreak and responds with fear, uncertainty, and a sense of impending doom. However, his situation changes when he discovers another survivor in the same neighbourhood, and together, they try to make it out alive. Even though it is not the typical action-packed zombie film, it is guaranteed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
