15 Best Movies Like Bullet Train You Need To Watch Next

In the movie “Bullet Train,” an assortment of rugged individuals gather on the train for various purposes. The protagonist, known as Ladybug (played by Brad Pitt), is seeking a simple task to get back into action, and his supervisor, Maria Beetle (portrayed by Sandra Bullock), promises him this will be that opportunity – a straightforward retrieval of a briefcase, and he’s done. However, when assassins such as Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry), the Wolf (Benito A. Martinez Ocasio, also known as Bad Bunny), the Hornet (Zazie Beetz), and the Prince (Joey King) emerge unexpectedly, they complicate Ladybug’s task far more than he anticipated.

This tale is packed with exciting action sequences, and they certainly deliver, offering audiences a mix of heart-pounding suspense and witty humor, which are typical elements of such stylish movies. However, it strays significantly from the original novel of the same title in several crucial aspects.

The following films share some similarities with “Bullet Train.” They might feature characters engaging in action within a restricted environment, a protagonist eliminating villains until they confront the main antagonist, involvement of director David Leitch or actor Brad Pitt, or an unconventional interpretation of their subject matter. Here is a list of recommended movies that are reminiscent of “Bullet Train” you should consider watching next.

Nobody (2021)

In the movie “Nobody,” Bob Odenkirk portrays Hutch, a seemingly ordinary family man who holds down a typical job. However, when his daughter’s cat bracelet is stolen during a burglary at their home and he embarks on a quest to recover it, an unexpected twist reveals that he possesses formidable fighting skills that rival the best in the business.

In no setting is the skill displayed more clearly than in the sequence where Hutch confronts and outmanages five intoxicated men who were harassing a woman on a bus. This fight scene, much like “Bullet Train,” is one of the most impressively choreographed in modern cinema, taking place within a limited environment. Similar to Brad Pitt’s character, Ladybug, Hutch proves his ability to handle himself when provoked, meticulously disarming each of the five men.

Indeed, it turns out that the head of this five-member group is the younger sibling of a notorious Russian criminal mastermind. Suddenly, an array of unsavory characters begin to harass Hutch and his loved ones, forcing him to dust off his long-dormant abilities. Hutch’s ordinary appearance belies his past as a government assassin, similar to how Bob Odenkirk’s unassuming persona masks the fact that he excels in action roles.

Kill Bill: Vol 1 (2003) and Vol. 2 (2004)

Quentin Tarantino, known for directing “Kill Bill” volumes 1 and 2, as well as other movies, appears to be a significant influence on the film “Bullet Train.” In “Kill Bill,” the character The Bride (Uma Thurman), whose real name is Beatrix Kiddo, finds herself near death after her wedding is ruthlessly attacked by the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Four years later, she emerges from a coma with a single-minded focus: to seek vengeance against the assassins who attempted to end her life. One by one, she tracks down each member of the Squad and exacts a brutal and creative form of justice until she confronts Bill, the Squad’s leader and her former lover.

The film “Kill Bill” offers an equally balanced blend of intense violence and dark humor, much like “Bullet Train”. Additionally, “Kill Bill” draws inspiration from various Asian action films, which could make it appealing to fans who enjoyed the Japanese-style action in “Bullet Train”.

The Commuter (2018)

Initially, it might seem that “The Commuter” and “Bullet Train” have nothing to do with each other due to the stark contrast between the somber tone of “The Commuter” and the humorous slant of “Bullet Train.” However, they share a significant similarity: both stories unfold primarily on a train, as their respective protagonists navigate through intricate plots to uncover who is causing them distress.

In the movie “The Commuter,” directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Liam Neeson portrays Michael, a man who has recently lost his job as an insurance salesman. On his train commute, he encounters a woman who tasks him with finding someone called “Prynne” in exchange for a large sum of money. Struggling to make ends meet, Michael, with his past experience as a policeman, sets out on a mission to locate Prynne while also escaping from the intricate plot he’s unwittingly become involved in. While it may not be as comical as “Bullet Train,” “The Commuter” certainly delivers thrilling action sequences.

John Wick (2014)

David Leitch, director of “Bullet Train”, had an extensive background as a stuntman before moving into directing. One of the individuals he collaborated with was Keanu Reeves, who offered Leitch and Chad Stahelski their initial opportunities as directors on “John Wick”. Although Leitch wasn’t officially recognized as a co-director due to DGA regulations, he significantly contributed to the direction and production of that film (and served as executive producer for the subsequent three installments in the “John Wick” franchise). The foundational experience gained from working on “John Wick” is evidently reflected in Leitch’s approach towards “Bullet Train”.

In the movie “John Wick,” portrayed by Keanu Reeves, we find a former professional assassin who had retired to wed a commoner named Helen (Bridget Moynahan). After Helen’s demise from cancer, a dog arrives at John’s doorstep, a pet arrangement made by his wife as a source of comfort during grief. A few days later, following a disagreement at a gas station, a band of criminals invades Wick’s home, wounds him, and slaughters the dog. This tragic event reignites John’s involvement in the criminal underworld, as he embarks on a violent quest for vengeance against anyone linked to the attack, resulting in the elimination of numerous individuals and providing audiences with one of the most exhilarating action movies ever created.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Under the guidance of director Edgar Wright, the movie titled “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” initially underperformed at the box office. However, over time, it has developed a strong following and is now considered a cult classic. Remarkably, this film has also inspired a 2023 Netflix animated series. The plot revolves around Scott Pilgrim (played by Michael Cera), who is engaged in combat against all seven of Ramona Flowers’ (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) vengeful ex-lovers to win her heart, all while trying to succeed with his struggling indie rock band, Sex Bob-Omb. Though these adversaries aren’t portrayed as assassins, they might as well be, given their attempts to eliminate Scott for dating Ramona. In essence, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” bears a resemblance to “Bullet Train,” but its quirky, unconventional style is more reminiscent of David Leitch’s film.

The two movies share a humorous narrative style, yet “Scott Pilgrim” stands out as particularly wild. Blending aspects from video games and graphic novels, the film’s unique style is incredibly quirky, featuring Scott acquiring power-ups and weapons to vanquish Ramona’s former partners in ways that wouldn’t be possible in actuality. At its core, though, it’s about a man who fancies a woman and seeks to explore what their relationship might become.

Smokin’ Aces (2006)

Just like the movie “Bullet Train,” the film “Smokin’ Aces” boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Among them are Ryan Reynolds, Ben Affleck, Taraji P. Henson, Chris Pine, Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Alicia Keys, Common, and many others. They all play a role in the story that Joe Carnahan wrote and directed. This narrative unfolds at the Nomad Casino, a luxury resort in Lake Tahoe, where each character has a mission: either to assassinate or protect Buddy “Aces” Israel (Jeremy Piven), a Vegas magician with a hidden criminal past. As humor, chaos, and bloodshed intertwine, their paths converge at the casino, leading to a thrilling climax.

The movie is quite violent, similar to “Bullet Train,” and takes pleasure in its depiction of violence and gore. Unlike “Smokin’ Aces,” it doesn’t boast the iconic dialogue you might find in a Tarantino film or even in “Bullet Train.” However, what sets it apart is its intriguing plotline, where not all of the well-known actors in the cast survive until the end.

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

The movie ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ is noticeably more serious than ‘Bullet Train.’ Unlike Leitch’s film, it lacks much of its humor. However, it shares a unique concept: various individuals wind up in the same place, similar to the passengers on ‘Bullet Train,’ but they congregate at an almost deserted hotel that spans the California-Nevada border. Each character harbors a secret, and as their paths cross and collide, the story becomes increasingly complex until it reaches a climax of intense violence.

As a gamer diving into the world of movies, let me tell you about my recent binge-watch – “Bad Times at the El Royale,” directed by Drew Goddard. This captivating tale unfolds in 1969, set within a unique location, the El Royale hotel, serving as a kind of limbo for every character, from good souls to shady individuals, or more realistically, those who fall somewhere in between.

Starring heavyweights like Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, and Chris Hemsworth, this movie was criminally undervalued upon its debut. But trust me, it’s a hidden gem that deserves your attention. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a thrilling journey at the El Royale!

Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995)

As a gamer reminiscing, let me tell you that among these films, “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory” is hands down the oldest one, dating back to 1995. This vintage flick might have you chuckling at its quaint technology, like an annoyingly antiquated fax machine connection. Yet, don’t let its outdated charm fool you – it bears striking resemblances to “Bullet Train.” Both narratives are set on trains, after all, creating a thrilling ride for us old-school gamers.

In “Under Siege 2,” Eric Bogosian’s character, Travis Dane, masterminds an operation where a team of assassins secretly infiltrate a train. Travis, a genius who orchestrates the hijacking of a US government satellite by pretending to be dead, has a sinister plan: he aims to destroy the Pentagon using a newly acquired weapon, in return for a substantial amount of money from Middle Eastern terrorists. However, there’s a snag: ex-Navy SEAL Casey Ryback, portrayed by Steven Seagal, is already on top of the situation.

This film showcases an exceptionally eccentric act from Bogosian, along with initial appearances by Katherine Heigl and Morris Chestnut. While “Under Siege 2” might not match the greatness of its original counterpart, “Under Siege,” it still offers a satisfyingly action-packed experience that holds your attention well.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Similar to “Bullet Train,” the action-packed movie “Gunpowder Milkshake” features a band of assassins, however, in this film, the protagonists are all women taking on their male counterparts. Leading the cast is Sam (portrayed by Karen Gillan, famously known for her role as Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reprising her role here), an assassin who works for an organization called The Firm. Upon being tasked with recovering some funds and eliminating the man (Samuel Anderson) behind their theft, Sam discovers that his daughter (Chloe Coleman) has been abducted, a shocking revelation that causes her to alter her initial plans.

Throughout the film’s duration, Sam gathers an assemblage of formidable female assassins, such as her mom, Scarlett (Lena Headey), alongside Florence (Michelle Yeoh), Madeleine (Carla Gugino), and Anna May (Angela Bassett) who secretly operate in a library-disguised armory. Eventually, they confront numerous male assassins from a prominent criminal family, making it an ideal film for those who enjoy watching women demonstrating their strength. Moreover, the action sequences are creatively choreographed, with none more impressive than one where Sam, whose arms are immobilized, must think on her feet by using a gun and knife attached to her hands.

Dredd (2012)

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the 2012 version of “Judge Dredd” is where it’s at! Contrary to the 1995 flick starring Sly Stallone, this one’s a keeper. Directed by Pete Travis and penned by Alex Garland, it’s all about Judge Dredd (Karl Urban), a law enforcer who finds himself in quite the pickle – much like Brad Pitt’s Ladybug in “Bullet Train.” But instead of a speeding train, our man is trapped in a towering 200-story apartment block. He ends up there after trying to apprehend one of Ma-Ma’s minions, and this high-rise turns out to be a real hotspot for some serious trouble!

In a future that resembles a post-apocalyptic nightmare, “Dredd” unfolds. Here, judges such as Dredd serve multiple roles, acting as judge, jury, and enforcer of justice across various crimes. During an assessment of psychic recruit Cassandra Anderson (played by Olivia Thrilby), the tranquility within a towering building is shattered. The movie, filled with intense action, showcases Dredd’s unyielding character and his no-nonsense approach to enforcing law and order amidst the chaos and gore.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

In “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” an intriguing tale unfolds where two professional assassins, employed by distinct organizations, cross paths, develop feelings, and tie the knot unaware of each other’s deadly professions. When they eventually discover one another’s secret line of work, they’re taken aback. This revelation triggers a heated confrontation, a battle that typically would end in lethal consequences — except for the unexpected twist: they’ve grown to love each other.

In the film “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” directed by Doug Liman, Brad Pitt portrays Mr. Smith in a rare action-packed performance, setting the stage for his future role in “Bullet Train.” This film blends action with humor to produce an amusing yet lethal concoction. Pitt’s co-star is Angelina Jolie, who plays the titular assassins, Smith and Mrs. Smith. As they battle hordes of assassins sent by their employers in a desperate struggle for survival, the movie serves as a precursor to their real-life romance. The on-screen chemistry between Pitt and Jolie is evident, reflecting the early stages of their high-profile relationship during filming.

The Raid: Redemption (2011)

In the film “The Raid: Redemption” (originally titled “The Raid”), a team of tactical police officers attempts to storm an apartment block in order to apprehend a significant drug kingpin. As they progress through the building level by level, they manage to subdue several residents until, on the sixth floor, one of the building’s young sentries sounds the alarm. All of a sudden, the situation becomes extremely challenging and tense.

This film stands among the greatest action movies, boasting an impressive array of fight sequences. One particularly noteworthy scene unfolds within a hallway, filled with intense gunfights, close-quarter combat, and knife battles. The body count in this movie is staggering, with only three out of twenty initial responders surviving. The casualties on the opposing side are equally substantial.

Siege,” helmed by director Gareth Evans, unfolds within the confines of an apartment complex rather than a moving train. This masterpiece of action cinema is a must-watch for those yet to experience it.

RocknRolla (2008)

In the vein of Guy Ritchie’s filmography, “Bullet Train” can be seen as drawing inspiration from his work. Many of Ritchie’s movies, particularly those from his early career, are characterized by their unique and humorous portrayal of underworld characters clashing against each other in unconventional ways, a style that is reminiscent of “Bullet Train.” Similarly, the movie “RocknRolla” follows a group of criminals and criminal associates who come together when Russian billionaire Uri (Karel Roden) asks mob boss Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson) for a land deal.

As a gamer, I’d say that “RocknRolla” might not be packed with non-stop action like most crime flicks, but it more than compensates with an array of quirky characters portrayed by a star-studded cast such as Gerard Butler, Thandiwe Newton, Mark Strong, and Idris Elba. The movie also serves up a generous helping of dark humor. It’s one of those London-based gangster thrillers from Guy Ritchie that has a dedicated fanbase, a group that includes “Bullet Train” director David Leitch.

Kate (2021)

In this Netflix film, titled “Kate,” the protagonist is Kate (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a skilled assassin. She finds herself in a dire situation after accidentally consuming Polonium-204, causing fatal radiation sickness. Despite knowing she has only one day left to live, Kate chooses to fight back with a vengeance, targeting every member of the Kajima criminal organization who has wronged her. Before embarking on this deadly mission, she rescues a young girl named Ani (Miku Martineau), after discovering that Ani’s own family seeks her demise as well.

Although they share similarities like action-packed content and strong female protagonists, the movie “Bullet Train” might have been influenced more by “Kate,” as both films were produced by 87North, a company owned by David Leitch, who served as an executive producer on “Kate.” This connection makes it easier to see how “Kate’s” Japanese-English title style and its unique blend of cute aesthetics with a gritty narrative, as seen in its neon-lit settings, could have impacted “Bullet Train.

Snowpiercer (2013)

The film “Snowpiercer,” inspired by the graphic novel “Le Transperceneige” by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette and directed by Bong Joon Ho, is a standout post-apocalyptic movie that made many top 10 lists of critics in 2014. Similar to “Bullet Train,” it takes place on a train; however, unlike the characters in “Bullet Train,” those aboard the Snowpiercer do not have the luxury of leaving. In the universe of the film starring Chris Evans, an attempt to halt global warming in 2014 failed, and 17 years later, the Snowpiercer train is the last hope for the survival of the world’s population.

Year after year, this worldwide train journeys across landscapes, but it’s strikingly divided between classes. The affluent enjoy luxuries in the front cars, while the less fortunate are crammed into overcrowded, poorly-provisioned compartments at the back. Life is so harsh that Curtis (Evans) instigates a revolt among the rear passengers against the elite, mirroring Daveed Diggs’ character Andre in the 2020 series of the same title. As they advance towards the front car by car, they encounter guards, resulting in brutal skirmishes in tight quarters similar to “Bullet Train.” Their objective? To reach the engine room where Wilford (Ed Harris), the reclusive train creator, resides, and compel him to establish a fairer class system within the train.

2025-05-18 14:32