10 Thrilling Movies and Shows Similar to Realtime

Description: A high-stakes thriller where the action is confined to a single location (a bus) that cannot stop without dire consequences. The real-time tension and life-or-death decisions drive the narrative.

Fact: The famous bus jump scene was performed with a real bus, not CGI. The script was initially rejected by multiple studios before becoming a blockbuster hit.

Description: A high-energy thriller that unfolds in real-time, focusing on a protagonist racing against the clock to save a loved one. The film's fast-paced narrative and split-second decisions create intense suspense.

Fact: The entire movie was shot in just 20 days. It features three different versions of the same story, each with slight variations leading to drastically different outcomes.

Description: A tense, nocturnal thriller that unfolds over a single night, with the protagonist caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The film's real-time pacing and urban setting create a gripping atmosphere.

Fact: The movie was one of the first major Hollywood films to be shot almost entirely with digital cameras. Many scenes were improvised to enhance the realism.

Description: A high-speed thriller based on true events, where the protagonists must stop a runaway train. The real-time countdown and life-or-death stakes create relentless tension.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life CSX 8888 incident in 200Many of the train stunts were performed with actual locomotives, not models or CGI.

Description: A relentless, adrenaline-fueled ride where the protagonist must keep moving to stay alive. The film's breakneck pace and real-time urgency mirror the tension of a ticking clock.

Fact: The movie was inspired by video games, with the protagonist's health bar depleting as the story progresses. Many stunts were performed without CGI, adding to the raw intensity.

Description: A sci-fi thriller where the protagonist relives the same eight minutes repeatedly to prevent a disaster. The real-time loop structure and urgent mission create a pulse-pounding narrative.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by the idea of quantum mechanics and alternate realities. The entire train sequence was shot on a real moving train to enhance authenticity.

Description: A claustrophobic thriller that takes place entirely within a confined space, with the protagonist racing against time to escape. The real-time narrative amplifies the sense of desperation and isolation.

Fact: The entire film was shot inside a real wooden coffin. The director used only natural light sources, like a lighter and a cell phone, to maintain realism.

Description: A fast-paced action thriller where a bike messenger must deliver a package across the city while being pursued by dangerous foes. The real-time chase and urban setting heighten the suspense.

Fact: The lead actor performed most of his own bike stunts. The film's script was written specifically to showcase the intensity and skill of bike messengers in New York City.

Description: A tense thriller that unfolds in real-time, with a 911 operator racing to save a kidnapped girl. The confined setting and urgent phone calls create a claustrophobic, high-stakes atmosphere.

Fact: The film's premise was inspired by real 911 calls. The director used minimal cuts to maintain the intensity and realism of the emergency call center setting.

Description: A gripping thriller that takes place in real-time, with the protagonist confined to a single location (a emergency call center). The tension builds through phone calls and the protagonist's growing desperation.

Fact: The entire film was shot in just 13 days. The Danish original was remade into an American version in 2021, but the original is widely considered superior.