Train to Busanis one of the best zombie movies of the 21st century - and spawned a sequel so disappointing it was immediately forgotten. The originalTrain to Busanfelt like a breath of fresh airfor zombie moviesback in 2016. The genre had become oversaturated by an endless wave of movies, video games, and shows likeThe Walking Dead.Train to Busanstood out because it was a relentless, emotional ride filled with great characters: it also managed to make its zombies truly terrifying.
The movie ended with something of a gut punch, and while the zombie situation was far from resolved when the credits rolled, it didn’t set up a sequel either. Still,Train to Busanearned 95% onRotten Tomatoesand grossed over $95 million worldwide (viaThe Numbers). That level of acclaim and box office success soon led to sequel talks, and things initially looked promising when original writer and director Yeon Sang-ho signed on to helmTrain to Busan Presents: Peninsula. Unfortunately, this standalone follow-up truly earned its tepid reception.
If You Liked Train To Busan, Check Out This Netflix Horror Show With 80% On Rotten Tomatoes
Those who loved the South Korean horror movie Train to Busan should check out this new sci-fi thriller show on Netflix that has a striking similarity.
Peninsula Barely Feels Like A Sequel To Train To Busan
There’s a reason it’s not called Train to Busan 2
Soon after it debuted in 2020,Peninsulawas labeled a major disappointment. TheTrain to Busansequel stands at 55% onRotten Tomatoes, with many expressing surprise the film was made by the same director. The original is grounded by its rich characters, and the film made viewers truly invest in their fight for survival. It also featured expertly crafted setpieces, butwhileTrain to Busan Presents: Peninsulahas plenty of action, it all feels so very generic.
Peninsula attempted something similar to theCloverfieldfranchise, with each entry taking place in the same world, but following a new story and set of characters.
It’s fitting that it opts for theTrain to Busan Presentsmoniker, instead of just calling itTrain to Busan 2.The follow-up truly feels like an unrelated zombie script that was repurposed andPeninsularelies on clichéd characters and drama, with the overuse of CGI robbing the action of its impact. Had the movie not had the weight of following one of the best zombie movies ever made, it may have been dismissed as a diverting but inessential action/horror romp; as aTrain to Busansequel with no direct connection to the original, it’s a total mess.
The film attempted something similar to theCloverfieldfranchise, with each entry taking place in the same world, but following a new story and set of characters. It’s a spiritual sequel in that sense, with the four-year gap between the events of the original andPeninsulaallowing audiences to see what became of South Korea after the zombie outbreak. It’s an interesting setup for sure - but one that made for a very familiar zombie adventure.
The Prequel To Train To Busan Is Much Better Than The Sequel
Seoul Station is perfect for Train to Busan fans
Those who enjoyedTrain to Busanmay not be aware that it has an acclaimed prequel too. While animated spinoffs can vary wildly in terms of quality,Seoul Stationis an amazing prequelthat reveals how the outbreak spread.Instead of being a high-octane, fast-moving zombie movie, the prequel is a bleak character studyfilled with social commentary, as the lowest rung in society start to feel the effects of the outbreak.
Again, Yeon Sang-ho returned to write and direct, andSeoul Stationfeels far more a part ofTrain to Busanthan its live-action sequel ever did. The prequel has a lot on its mind about South Korean society and its treatment of the homeless, and the downbeat ending only reinforces its themes. Incredibly,Seoul Stationstands at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, though it should be noted that it isn’t as action-packed or bombastic a ride asTrain to Busan.
Train to Busandirector Yeon Sang-ho also directed every episode of Netflix’s 2024 horror seriesParasyte: The Grey.
Train To Busan Deserved A Beter Sequel Than Peninsula
Perhaps Train to Busan 3 can redeem the sequel
Again, the problem withPeninsulais that it just doesn’t feel like a true sequel. It was a mistake trying to recapture the success of the first entry in the first place, which was such a tightly crafted piece of work that a follow-up didn’t need to happen. There has been talk ofa potentialTrain to Busan 3continuing to expand the series, but it feels like the disappointment that the second film caused has nixed those plans. James Wan was also set to produce an American remake dubbedThe Last Train to New York.
2016
95%
100%
2020
55%
N/A
News on that remake has since gone quiet. Maybe it’s for the best that no moreTrain to Busanmovies happen, which will allow the original andSeoul Stationto stand as great companion pieces.If a third film does enter production, it must recapture the same mix of claustrophobic intensity with relatable, flawed protagonistsas the first film. Maybe bringing back Kim Su-an as an older Soo-an would help make the next film feel closer to the spirit of the first film too.
Train to Busan
Cast
Train to Busan is a South Korean action-horror film released in 2016. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, it centers on passengers aboard an express train from Seoul to Busan during a sudden zombie outbreak. As the virus spreads, the survivors must navigate the chaotic and dangerous environment to reach safety.
