10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Commuter (2018)

Description: This classic disaster film shares with 'The Commuter' the setting of a train where passengers face mortal danger from both human and systemic threats. Both films use the train's social microcosm to explore different human reactions to crisis.

Fact: Features an all-star international cast including Sophia Loren and Richard Harris. The train crash finale used one of the largest miniature sets ever built. The film's plot about a deadly virus was considered controversial at the time.

Description: This horror-thriller shares with 'The Commuter' the setting of a train where passengers are being systematically targeted. While more overtly a slasher film, it creates similar tension through confined spaces and the inability to escape the moving vehicle.

Fact: Features an early performance by David Copperfield as a magician. Jamie Lee Curtis starred fresh off her success in 'Halloween'. The train scenes were filmed on the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway.

Description: This early example of the 'transportation thriller' genre shares with 'The Commuter' the relentless momentum of an unstoppable vehicle and the struggle of ordinary people to survive extraordinary circumstances. Both films use the confined space of a train to heighten tension and develop character dynamics.

Fact: Based on a screenplay by Akira Kurosawa. The train scenes were filmed on the Alaska Railroad during winter. Jon Voight's intense performance earned him an Oscar nomination.

Description: Like 'The Commuter', 'Speed' is a high-stakes thriller set primarily on a moving vehicle (a bus in this case) where the protagonist must solve a life-or-death puzzle under extreme pressure. Both films feature ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, with time-sensitive threats that keep the tension high throughout.

Fact: The famous bus jump scene was achieved with a real bus jumping a 50-foot gap on a specially constructed ramp. Sandra Bullock didn't have a driver's license when she filmed her bus-driving scenes. The original script was about a plane that couldn't land, but it was changed to a bus to reduce budget costs.

Description: This action thriller shares with 'The Commuter' the setting of a train taken over by criminals, with a lone hero working against time to save innocent passengers. Both films use the train's confined spaces creatively for action sequences and suspense.

Fact: Steven Seagal performed most of his own stunts. The train scenes were filmed on the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad in Colorado. The film's villain was played by Eric Bogosian, primarily known as a playwright.

Description: Like 'The Commuter', this thriller involves a protagonist searching for answers on a moving vehicle (an airplane here) where reality seems to shift around them. Both films play with psychological tension and the question of whether the protagonist can trust their own perceptions.

Fact: The airplane set was built as a complete 270-degree environment. Jodie Foster did extensive research on aircraft design for her role. The film's plot was inspired by actual cases of people disappearing on flights.

Description: This film shares with 'The Commuter' the theme of transportation-based danger and a race against time. Both involve ordinary workers (a train engineer here, an insurance salesman in 'The Commuter') who must rise to extraordinary challenges to prevent disaster. The confined setting of a train and the constant motion create similar tension.

Fact: Based loosely on the real-life 'Crazy Eights' runaway train incident in 200Director Tony Scott used real trains rather than CGI for most scenes. Denzel Washington did many of his own stunts despite being 55 at the time of filming.

Description: Like 'The Commuter', this film involves a protagonist reliving the same train journey multiple times to solve a mystery and prevent disaster. Both blend thriller elements with psychological depth, exploring themes of reality and perception while maintaining intense action sequences.

Fact: The entire film takes place over approximately 8 minutes of real time, stretched through the time-loop concept. Director Duncan Jones originally wanted to set the entire film on the train without any cuts away. The train used was an actual decommissioned Chicago commuter train.

Description: This action-comedy shares with 'The Commuter' the setting of a high-speed train where multiple characters' fates intertwine amid violent chaos. Both films use the train's confined spaces for creative fight sequences and unexpected plot twists.

Fact: Brad Pitt did most of his own stunts. The film features numerous cameos from other action stars. Director David Leitch was a former stuntman and stunt coordinator.

Description: While more of a mystery than a thriller, this film shares with 'The Commuter' the train setting where a protagonist must solve a puzzle involving the passengers. Both use the confined space to create tension and explore human nature under pressure.

Fact: Kenneth Branagh both directed and starred as Hercule Poirot. The train was built on a soundstage with practical effects for snow. Features an all-star cast including Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Judi Dench.