Although I went into Bullet Train with low expectations, I was pleasantly impressed by how the film surprised me with every twist and turn. I’ve seen Bullet Train multiple times now. Directed by David Leitch, it is full of suspense, action, and dark humor. It also features an impressive ensemble cast, including Sandra Bullock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Joey King, and Brad Pitt.
Bullet Train depicts a squad of assassins who each bring their own baggage to the table. The action scenes are intense, and the humor is razor-sharp—subtle, unexpected. And occasionally, this humor leaves you questioning whether it’s appropriate to laugh at a particular moment. So, if you enjoyed the Bullet Train as much as I did, these additional flicks cover similar action-packed ground.
1. The Raid (2011)
The Raid, directed by Gareth Evans, is an Indonesian martial arts film. It features bone-crunching fights, gravity-defying stunts, and a relatively thin plot. The story revolves around Rama, a cop trapped in a building swarming with criminals. His mission is to take down the big bad boss at the top.
The choreography is hypnotic, and you’ll question whether you’re watching a movie or a tutorial on how to win a bar fight without spilling your drink. The Raid is not for the faint of heart. It’s a relentless, pulse-pounding film that leaves you both exhilarated and slightly concerned about the well-being of the stunt team.
2. John Wick (2014)
Chad Stahelski’s John Wick is intense and invigorating. The film stars Keanu Reeves as the titular character, a retired hitman who isn’t the type to enjoy a quiet retirement community and a game of bingo. The plot is deceptively simple, and Reeves delivers a stunning performance.
As Wick, he dispatches the bad guys single-handedly with the efficiency of a man on a mission to lower the global population. The action sequences overflow with bullets, fists, and well-timed headshots. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, throwing in some humor amid the chaos.
3. The Old Guard (2020)
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, The Old Guard stars Charlize Theron and a band of seemingly ageless warriors who’ve been around long enough to remember when rotary phones were cutting-edge technology. The plot surprises you with action, history, and the existential crisis that comes with immortality.
Theron leads the charge with a mix of ass-kicking prowess and a weariness that suggests she’s seen one too many wars. The film casually introduces the concept of immortal mercenaries while reminding us that immortality might come with the perk of not needing sunscreen. Still, it also means you’ll outlive all your favorite people—and for many, there aren’t a lot to begin with.
4. Extraction (2020)
This action-packed extravaganza directed by Sam Hargrave stars Chris Hemsworth, whose biceps deserve their own billing in the credits. Extraction’s plot is pretty straightforward—Hemsworth is a mercenary hired to rescue a kidnapped kid in Bangladesh. Of course, things promptly go south, as they often do in action flicks.
The bullets come flying, and so do the punches and stunts that make you wonder if the laws of physics took a coffee break. Looking like a demigod on a particularly bad day, Hemsworth gives us a hero with a heart in a film whose action sequences are so relentless. Extraction doesn’t let you catch your breath, really. It makes you question if you’re watching a movie or participating in an extreme sport.
5. Lucky Number Slevin (2006)
Lucky Number Slevin, directed by Paul McGuigan, stars Josh Hartnett as Slevin, a guy who seems to have won the unluckiest lottery ever. Slevin finds himself mistaken for someone else and caught in a war between two rival crime bosses. Like Bullet Train, the plot is tangled, delivering a tale of revenge, crime lords, and a case of mistaken identity.
The film boasts an impressive cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley, Lucy Liu, and Stanley Tucci. Each delivers their lines with the precision of a seasoned jazz ensemble. Lucky Number Slevin‘s twists and turns keep you guessing until the very end.
6. The Commuter (2018)
Jaume Collet-Serra’s The Commuter takes the mundane act of commuting and turns it into a heart-pounding thriller. Liam Neeson plays a former cop, which, let’s be honest, is his default setting these days, caught up in a high-stakes game of ‘Who’s the real bad guy?’ on his daily train ride. The supporting cast includes Vera Farmiga, who manages to make train travel look very terrifying.
The Commuter is a clever, gripping film that makes you rethink your daily routine. Who knew the guy you chatted with at the coffee stand every morning could be involved in an elaborate conspiracy? Better start paying attention to your fellow commuters; you never know when your train ride might turn into a Neeson-style adventure.
7. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Bad Times at the El Royale, directed by Drew Goddard, unfolds in a once-glamorous, now-dilapidated hotel that physically embodies the characters’ shady pasts. The film introduces a diverse cast of characters, each harboring secrets and agendas, checking in for a night that promises anything but tranquility.
The ensemble includes standout performances from Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, and Chris Hemsworth, portraying guests with hidden motives that slowly unravel as the night progresses. Goddard’s direction is stylish, with each scene a carefully crafted piece that keeps you guessing until the final curtain falls.
8. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 1, directed by Quentin Tarantino, features martial arts, revenge, and Tarantino’s signature storytelling style. Uma Thurman stars as The Bride, a former assassin left for dead on her wedding day, seeking vengeance against those who wronged her. The film is a homage to martial arts and exploitation films, with Tarantino’s unique narrative flair elevating it to iconic status.
A relentless pursuit of justice fuels the Bride’s journey, and Thurman’s performance is fierce and captivating. Kill Bill: Volume 1‘s soundtrack, featuring memorable tracks like “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” complements the visuals, creating a harmonious union of sound and image.
9. Train To Busan (2016)
Train to Busan is a South Korean thriller that takes the audience on a hellish ride aboard a train overrun by the undead. The plot is a perfect storm of survival instincts and emotional rollercoasters as passengers try to outpace the zombies and their inevitable breakdowns.
The film’s pacing is as relentless as the zombie horde, creating an atmosphere that leaves you clinging to your seat. Amid the chaos, there’s a surprising depth of character development, making you care about these people more than you expected, given the impending zombie buffet.
10. Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Directed by George Armitage, this dark comedy stars John Cusack as Martin Blank, a hitman who decides to attend his high school reunion while simultaneously juggling a contract to eliminate someone. The film combines the nostalgia of revisiting high school with the sheer unpredictability of a hitman’s agenda, creating a comedic concoction that’s hilarious and head-scratching.
The movie delves deeper into the story by examining Martin’s struggles with self-discovery and internal conflict in the middle of contract killings. Cusack’s chemistry with Minnie Driver adds a romantic subplot, making Grosse Pointe Blank enjoyable.
