Commuting can be a nightmare, but imagine it literally becoming one. That's the premise of Train to Busan, the South Korean zombie thriller that has terrified and moved audiences since its 2016 debut. Now, the film and its sequel, Peninsula, have found a new home on Peacock, just in time for spooky season.
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, Train to Busan follows a workaholic father, Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), and his young daughter, Su-an (Kim Su-an), as they board a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan for her birthday. But their journey quickly turns into a fight for survival when a mysterious infection sweeps through the country, turning passengers into fast, ferocious zombies. Trapped in a metal tube hurtling down the tracks, the survivors must band together to reach safety.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Gong Yoo (Squid Game), Ma Dong-seok (Eternals), Jung Yu-mi (Sleep), Choi Woo-shik (Parasite), and Ahn So-hee. Each actor brings depth to their role, making the characters more than just zombie fodder. In particular, Ma Dong-seok's Sang-hwa, a tough-as-nails husband who prefers to solve problems with his fists, became a fan favorite for his no-nonsense approach to the apocalypse.
Why 'Train to Busan' Is a Modern Classic
It's not an exaggeration to call Train to Busan one of the greatest zombie films ever made. It holds a stellar 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its ability to blend relentless action with genuine emotional stakes. The movie grossed nearly $100 million worldwide, further cementing the global appeal of Korean cinema, which would later explode with Parasite and Squid Game.
What sets Train to Busan apart is its heart. While the zombies are terrifyingly fast and relentless, the film understands that audiences need to care about the people fighting for their lives. The bond between Seok-woo and Su-an provides an emotional core, while the ensemble's interactions highlight themes of sacrifice, selfishness, and redemption. It's a movie that makes you jump, but also makes you feel.
If you're looking for more zombie thrills, Peacock also has a terrifying Korean zombie series that's worth checking out. And for those who prefer their scares with a side of classic horror, Jeff Goldblum's body-horror classic The Fly is also available on the platform this month.
What About the Sequel?
Peninsula, the 2020 follow-up, takes place four years after the events of the first film. The Korean peninsula has been devastated by the outbreak, and a former soldier (Gang Dong-won) is sent back on a dangerous mission to retrieve a truck full of cash. While it trades the claustrophobic train setting for a wider, post-apocalyptic landscape, it still delivers the high-octane action and zombie hordes fans expect.
Both films are now streaming on Peacock, making it the perfect time to experience (or revisit) this modern horror masterpiece. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, Train to Busan is a must-watch that proves the zombie genre still has plenty of life left in it.
For more recommendations on what to stream, check out our picks for three shows that are pure perfection and Apple TV+'s hidden gems.
