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Action thriller

Bullet Train (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Bullet Train (2022) movie poster

Bullet Train is a 2022 action thriller directed by David Leitch, starring Brad Pitt as Ladybug, Andrew Koji and Hiroyuki Sanada. It is partly based on Bullet Train by Kōtarō Isaka and Sam Malissa. It runs 2 hours 6 minutes and earned $239.3 million worldwide on a $85.9 million budget. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Action / Adventure Film at the Saturn Awards 2024. Critics gave it 53% on Rotten Tomatoes and 49 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
53%
worldwide gross
$239.3M
award nomination
1
Bullet Train (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 6m (126 min)
Director
David Leitch
Genres
Action , Thriller
Original language
English
Budget
$85.9M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bullet Train About?

The premise of Bullet Train without spoilers, adapted from Bullet Train by Kōtarō Isaka and Sam Malissa. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A seasoned assassin, codenamed Ladybug, just wants to complete his assignment peacefully. However, his plans are complicated when he finds himself on a high-speed bullet train in modern-day Japan. He soon discovers he’s not the only one with an agenda, and must contend with a host of dangerous adversaries, each with their own objectives, in a chaotic and action-packed sequence of events.

Bullet Train Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • bullet train
  • train
  • assassin
  • fight on a train
  • japan
  • tokyo japan
  • tough guy
  • revenge
  • mission
  • hitman
  • satire
  • anger
+38 more
  • japanese
  • luck
  • train trip
  • gunfight
  • train movie
  • two word title
  • villainess
  • anti hero
  • firecracker
  • yakuza
  • american abroad
  • cockney accent
  • train conductor
  • kyoto japan
  • train station
  • blood on shirt
  • scene during end credits
  • surprise during end credits
  • russian roulette
  • revolver
  • fistfight
  • snake venom
  • martial arts
  • woman fights a man
  • accidental killing
  • nurse
  • wedding
  • father son relationship
  • train derailment
  • two against many
  • death of wife
  • runaway train
  • hitwoman
  • female assassin
  • hired killer
  • contract killer
  • younger version of character
  • drugged drink
Cast & crew

Bullet Train Cast & Characters

Brad Pitt leads the cast as Ladybug, with Andrew Koji as Kimura and Hiroyuki Sanada as The Elder. Directed by David Leitch; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Bullet Train

· 7 more
Ratings

Bullet Train Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Bullet Train 53% on Rotten Tomatoes and 49 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in rewatch factor (85) and weakest in story & flow (55).

73 /100

Bullet Train Echo Score Breakdown

Bullet Train delivers high‑octane action and stylized visuals that engage viewers seeking pure escapism, but its narrative coherence suffers from excessive dialogue and a convoluted structure. Critics note the film’s neon‑drenched aesthetic and Leitch’s competent direction, while many audience members praise its kinetic fight choreography and charismatic performances. However, the pacing drags in the final act, and the plot’s lack of depth limits lasting impact. Consequently, the film offers strong entertainment value tempered by notable storytelling weaknesses.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    Regarding art and craft, the film showcases proficient direction and kinetic cinematography that accentuate its action set‑pieces. Critics commend Leitch’s visual flair and the vibrant production design, while some note inconsistent editing that hinders rhythm. Overall, the technical execution remains solid despite occasional pacing lapses.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    On character and emotion, the ensemble delivers energetic performances, with Brad Pitt’s laid‑back charisma standing out. Reviewers highlight the chemistry among the cast and the witty dialogue that fuels the film’s humor. Though depth is limited, the portrayals succeed in sustaining audience engagement.

  • Story & Flow 55

    The story aspect suffers from a thin plot and uneven pacing, as critics observe excessive exposition and a convoluted structure. While some viewers find the premise novel and entertaining, the lack of narrative coherence diminishes overall engagement. Consequently, storytelling emerges as the film’s weakest component.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, Bullet Train excels with a vibrant soundtrack, crisp sound design, and striking visual style that reinforces its high‑speed setting. Critics praise the neon‑rich aesthetic and dynamic action framing, while audience comments emphasize the memorable musical cues. The overall sensory impact remains a notable strength.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    Regarding rewatch factor, both critics and users highlight the film’s high entertainment value and kinetic energy, describing it as fun and suitable for multiple viewings. Audience remarks frequently label it as “rewatchable fun” and praise its humor and action as reasons to return. This consistent enthusiasm indicates strong lasting appeal.

Plot

Bullet Train Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Bullet Train from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the vibrant city of Tokyo, the quest for vengeance unfolds as Yuichi Kimura (Andrew Koji) seeks retribution for the tragic incident involving his son, Wataru, who was cruelly pushed off a rooftop. His path intertwines with that of The Elder (Hiroyuki Sanada), who instructs him to board a bullet train destined for Kyoto later that same night. Meanwhile, a seasoned assassin known as Ladybug (Brad Pitt), currently grappling with anxiety and a string of recent misfortunes, receives a new assignment from his handler, Maria (Sandra Bullock). His objective? Retrieve a crucial briefcase from the same high-speed train, following the sudden illness of a fellow assassin named Carver.

Full summary

The whole story of Bullet Train, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Bullet Train Box Office & Budget

Bullet Train grossed $239.3 million worldwide on a $85.9 million budget, 2.8 times what it cost. $103.4 million came from the US and Canada and $135.9 million (57%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$239.3M

2.8× its budget

US & Canada
$103.4M
International
$135.9M
Budget
$85.9M
US & Canada 43% Rest of the world 57%
Awards

Bullet Train Awards & Nominations

Bullet Train earned 1 award nomination, including Best Action / Adventure Film at the Saturn Awards 2024.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Bullet Train Trailers & Videos

113 videos: 2 trailers, 56 teasers, 5 clips, 38 featurettes and 12 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 113 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Teaser Get on Board March 2
  • Teaser Shut Up
  • Teaser Self Care Tips
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bullet Train?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is Yuichi Kimura seeking vengeance for?

Details

Bullet Train Also Known As

34 alternative titles, including “Швидкісний потяг” and “弾丸列車”.

Also known as
  • Швидкісний потяг
  • 弾丸列車
  • Скоростной поезд
  • Быстрее пули
  • พลิกขบวนล่า นักฆ่ามหากาฬ
  • רכבת קליע
  • 子弹列车
  • 殺手列車
  • 불릿 트레인
  • Trem-Bala
  • Швидкісний поїзд
  • 杀手疾风号
+22 more
  • Suikast Treni
  • A gyilkos járat
  • Tren bala, ტყვიის მატარებელი
  • ブレット・トレイン
  • רכבת הקליע
  • Sát Thủ Đối Đầu
  • Brzina metka
  • ระห่ำด่วน ขบวนนักฆ่า
  • قطار فائق السرعة
  • Train à grande vitesse
  • Bullet Train: Comboio Bala
  • Убийствен влак
  • Kulkų ekspresas
  • Ložu ekspresis
  • Trenul asasinilor
  • 子彈列車
  • قطار سریع‌السیر
  • Hiter kot strel
  • Брзина метка
  • ئوق پويىزى
  • बुलेट ट्रेन
  • Killerite kiirrong

Seen Bullet Train?

FAQ

Bullet Train FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Bullet Train, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Bullet Train?

Bullet Train runs 2 hours 6 minutes (126 minutes).

When was Bullet Train released?

Bullet Train was released on August 5, 2022.

Who directed Bullet Train?

Bullet Train was directed by David Leitch.

More films by David Leitch

Who is in the cast of Bullet Train?

Bullet Train stars Brad Pitt as Ladybug, Andrew Koji as Kimura and Hiroyuki Sanada as The Elder, among 11 credited actors.

How much did Bullet Train make at the box office?

Bullet Train grossed $239.3 million worldwide ($103.4 million domestic, $135.9 million international) on a budget of $85.9 million.

How is Bullet Train rated?

Bullet Train has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 53% on Rotten Tomatoes, 49 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.

Is Bullet Train based on a book?

Yes. Bullet Train is partly adapted from Bullet Train by Kōtarō Isaka and Sam Malissa.

Was Bullet Train nominated for any awards?

Bullet Train received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

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