10 Movies & Shows Like Train to Busan (2016)

Description: Like 'Train to Busan', '28 Days Later' is a seminal zombie film that redefined the genre with its fast-moving infected. Both films explore themes of human survival and societal breakdown in the face of an apocalyptic event. The emotional intensity and focus on a small group of survivors trying to navigate a dangerous new world are central to both narratives. Additionally, both films use the zombie outbreak as a metaphor for broader societal issues.

Fact: Directed by Danny Boyle, the film was shot on digital video to give it a gritty, realistic feel. The iconic empty London scenes were filmed early in the morning with police permission to block traffic. The film's soundtrack features post-rock band Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

Description: This Zack Snyder-directed remake shares with 'Train to Busan' a focus on a diverse group of survivors banding together in a confined space (a shopping mall) against fast-moving zombies. Both films balance intense action sequences with character development, showing how ordinary people cope with extraordinary circumstances. The themes of societal collapse and human nature under pressure are prominent in both.

Fact: James Gunn, later famous for 'Guardians of the Galaxy', wrote the screenplay. The film features cameos from original 1978 cast members. Many mall scenes were shot in a real, functioning shopping center after hours.

Description: This Edgar Wright-directed comedy shares with 'Train to Busan' a British sensibility (though 'Train' is Korean) and a focus on ordinary people dealing with a zombie outbreak. While 'Shaun' is primarily a comedy, it has surprising emotional depth in its character relationships, similar to 'Train'. Both films also feature inventive zombie-killing sequences and commentary on modern society through the lens of the apocalypse.

Fact: The first film in Edgar Wright's 'Three Flavours Cornetto' trilogy. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's chemistry was honed in their previous TV series 'Spaced'. The film carefully balances horror and comedy, with many homages to classic zombie films.

Description: While 'I Am Legend' features vampire-like creatures rather than traditional zombies, its post-apocalyptic setting and themes of isolation and survival are similar to 'Train to Busan'. Both protagonists are driven by the need to protect others (in Will Smith's case, his dog and later other survivors) and find a cure. The deserted urban landscapes in both films create a haunting atmosphere.

Fact: The third adaptation of Richard Matheson's 1954 novel. Will Smith performed many of his own stunts. The film's original ending was changed after negative test screenings.

Description: Similar to 'Train to Busan', 'World War Z' is a high-octane zombie apocalypse film that focuses on survival amidst a global outbreak. Both films emphasize the rapid spread of the infection and the societal collapse that follows. The emotional core of both movies revolves around a protagonist trying to protect their family, adding a deeply personal stake to the chaos. The fast-moving zombies in both films heighten the tension and urgency, making the action sequences particularly gripping.

Fact: Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, produced 'World War Z'. The film underwent extensive reshoots and rewrites, significantly altering the third act. The movie was partially inspired by Max Brooks' 2006 novel of the same name, though it deviates considerably from the source material.

Description: While more comedic in tone, 'Zombieland' shares with 'Train to Busan' a focus on a makeshift family unit surviving the zombie apocalypse. Both films balance action with character development, though 'Zombieland' does so with more humor. The rules for survival in both worlds are clearly established, and both feature thrilling sequences of zombie combat. The emotional core, while played for laughs in 'Zombieland', still revolves around human connections in a broken world.

Fact: The film features one of the most famous celebrity cameos in cinema history. Originally conceived as a television pilot before being developed as a feature film. The rules shown in the film were inspired by actual zombie survival guides.

Description: 'The Walking Dead' shares with 'Train to Busan' a focus on the human drama within a zombie apocalypse. Both explore how people react under extreme stress and the moral dilemmas that arise. The series, like the film, doesn't shy away from emotional moments amidst the horror, particularly in terms of family and sacrifice. The relentless threat of the zombies keeps the tension high in both.

Fact: Based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The show's first episode was directed by Frank Darabont, known for 'The Shawshank Redemption'. It was filmed primarily in rural Georgia, USA.

Description: This HBO series, based on the video game, shares with 'Train to Busan' a focus on a protective adult figure guiding a young girl through a zombie apocalypse. Both explore the emotional bonds formed in extreme circumstances and the sacrifices people make for those they care about. The fungal-infected 'clickers' in 'The Last of Us' create similar tension to the fast-moving zombies in 'Train to Busan'. Both also use the outbreak as a backdrop for deeper human stories.

Fact: The series set viewership records for HBO, surpassing 'House of the Dragon'. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey's performances were widely praised. The game's original creators, Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley, were heavily involved in the adaptation.

Description: This French zombie film shares with 'Train to Busan' a focus on the psychological toll of isolation during a zombie apocalypse. While 'Train' shows a group dynamic, 'Night' focuses on a single survivor, but both explore how people maintain their humanity in extreme circumstances. The zombies in both films are fast-moving and terrifying, with the constant threat of infection creating tension. Both films also use their urban settings effectively to create claustrophobic atmospheres.

Fact: Based on the novel by Pit Agarmen. The film was shot in Paris, using many real locations. Director Dominique Rocher used minimal dialogue to emphasize the protagonist's isolation.

Description: This British film, like 'Train to Busan', offers a fresh take on the zombie genre with its focus on a special infected child. Both films explore what it means to be human in the face of a fungal/zombie infection. The emotional journey of the characters, particularly the relationship between the child and her caretakers, mirrors the father-daughter dynamic in 'Train to Busan'. Both films also feature intelligent, evolving threats rather than mindless zombies.

Fact: Based on the novel by M.R. Carey, who also wrote the screenplay. The fungal infection concept was inspired by real-world cordyceps fungi that control insects. Filmed in various locations around the UK, including Birmingham and the West Midlands.