If You Loved The General, You’ll Adore These Similar Movies

Just like "The General," "Sherlock Jr." showcases the brilliance of Buster Keaton's comedy and his unmatched ability to create awe-inspiring stunts and sequences. While "The General" tells the story of a man on a mission to recapture his beloved locomotive, "Sherlock Jr." follows the journey of a film projectionist who dreams of becoming a detective. Both films captivate the audience with their imaginative scenarios and meticulous execution. In "Sherlock Jr.," Keaton's character is framed for stealing his girlfriend's father's pocket watch, and he uses his limited detective skills to clear his name. The film seamlessly blends reality and fantasy, taking us on a surreal journey through the protagonist's dream world. Keaton's performance is nothing short of legendary, as he effortlessly executes complex physical comedy with precision and grace. While "The General" is set during the Civil War, "Sherlock Jr.

The Gold Rush takes us back to the Klondike during the 1890s gold rush, where a prospector hopes to strike it rich and falls for a girl he sees in a dance hall. Just like The General, this silent classic from Charles Chaplin is a testament to the power of a master filmmaker and how much they can convey without words. The Gold Rush is filled with humor, interesting characters, and a captivating story set against the backdrop of the frozen north. Chaplin himself plays the Lone Prospector and is joined by a cast of memorable characters, all navigating the challenges of life in the Klondike. The film's rickety cabins and stunning settings add to the adventure and drama, creating an immersive experience for the audience. While The Gold Rush may overdo the sentimentality at times, it remains a fine film that showcases Chaplin's artistry.

Flashback: At last the Feds have caught him! Infamous 60's radical Huey Walker is heading for jail. So how come it's Huey's yuptight FBI escort who ends up behind bars?
In "Flashback," we are taken back to the 60s, a time of counterculture and rebellion, much like "The General" transports us to the Civil War era. While "The General" is an action-packed adventure set on a locomotive, "Flashback" is a comedic crime film set on the road. Both movies feature a chase element, with the main characters trying to catch or escape from someone.
However, the similarities end there. "The General" is a silent film and a true classic, known for Buster Keaton's physical comedy and inventive gags. On the other hand, "Flashback" is a satirical comedy from the 90s, filled with witty dialogue and unexpected twists.

The Last Train is reminiscent of The General because both movies revolve around a train as a central element of the plot. In The General, the train is a beloved locomotive that is seized by Union spies, while in The Last Train, it is an old patrimony train that has been sold to Hollywood for a movie production. Despite the different time periods and settings, the trains in both movies serve as symbols of adventure, determination, and a means of transportation towards a goal. However, there are also notable differences between the two films. The General is a silent film from 1927, showcasing Buster Keaton's comedic genius and featuring a thrilling chase between the protagonist and the Unionists. On the other hand, The Last Train is a dramedy from 2002, with a cast of talented actors such as Federico Luppi, Héctor Alterio, and Pepe Soriano, who bring depth and emotion to their characters.

You Can't Win 'Em All" is reminiscent of "The General" in that both movies are action-packed adventures set in a historical time period. While "The General" takes place during the American Civil War and centers around a train and its engineer, "You Can't Win 'Em All" is set in 1922 Turkey during the Turkish Civil War and revolves around two Americans and a group of foreign mercenaries who become guards for a secret transport.
Both films capture the chaos and uncertainty of their respective time periods, where loyalty is questioned and conflicts have left a pool of unemployed killers. However, "You Can't Win 'Em All" adds a touch of wit to its characters, with Tony Curtis's character being wittier than Gary Cooper's in the original film it's based on, "Vera Cruz".

Steamboat Bill, Jr. is reminiscent of The General in its delightful combination of action, comedy, and drama. Just like in The General, Steamboat Bill, Jr. showcases Buster Keaton's genius for comically inventive situations. The story follows the effete son of a cantankerous riverboat captain as he joins his father's crew, creating plenty of opportunities for Keaton's physical comedy to shine. While The General focuses on a train and the Civil War, Steamboat Bill, Jr. takes us on a hilarious journey aboard a riverboat with a father-son relationship at its core. Both films display Keaton's unique ability to captivate audiences with his understated reactions and perfectly timed gags. And while The General is known for its impressive train crash scene, Steamboat Bill, Jr. offers its own standout moment when Bill Jr. is made to try on a multitude of hats by his father, providing plenty of belly laughs.

Goodbye Pork Pie is reminiscent of The General in a charming and adventurous way. While The General takes place during the Civil War and involves a stolen locomotive, Goodbye Pork Pie is set in modern times and revolves around a stolen yellow mini. Both movies feature protagonists who embark on a daring journey, attracting attention from the authorities and the media. In The General, Johnnie Gray must single-handedly recapture his beloved locomotive, while in Goodbye Pork Pie, a man joins forces with a reckless youth to drive the length of New Zealand, determined to reach Invercargill. Despite their differences in time period and transportation, both films capture the thrilling spirit of an unconventional chase. So, if you enjoyed the comically inventive situations and nonstop action of The General, you should definitely give Goodbye Pork Pie a watch. It's a classic Kiwiana piece, still heaps of fun, and an excellent example of the road movie genre.

Seven Chances is reminiscent of The General in many ways. Both movies are silent comedies from the 1920s and feature Buster Keaton as the lead actor. While The General revolves around a train and the Civil War, Seven Chances tells the story of a man who must get married by a specific time to inherit a fortune. Both films showcase Keaton's unique style of physical comedy and his ability to create hilarious situations out of seemingly ordinary circumstances. Additionally, both movies have been praised for their inventive and clever gags. However, Seven Chances differs from The General in terms of plot and setting. Instead of focusing on the Civil War, Seven Chances explores themes of love, marriage, and desperation. Despite these differences, if you enjoyed watching The General, you should definitely give Seven Chances a try. It is a delightful comedy that showcases Keaton's comedic genius and will leave you laughing from start to finish.

Plunder of the Sun takes you on an adventure with American adventurer Glenn Ford, who gets entangled in archaeological artifact smuggling and treasure hunting in Mexico. While the genre and plot may differ from The General, there are intriguing similarities between the two films. Just like Johnnie Gray's beloved locomotive The General, where the most comically inventive situations happen, Plunder of the Sun presents us with a thrilling journey filled with mystery and suspense. Both movies feature a chase element, with Johnnie chasing after his stolen train and Ford embarking on a quest for hidden treasures. Moreover, the presence of trains in both films creates a nostalgic connection. However, while The General is a comedic masterpiece from 1927, Plunder of the Sun brings a more modern touch with its 1953 release. So, if you enjoyed the wit and excitement of The General, Plunder of the Sun offers a different yet captivating adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Saat Hindustani: "Saat Hindustani" is reminiscent of "The General" in terms of its theme of fighting against the oppressors. While "The General" focuses on a man's quest to recapture his beloved locomotive from Union spies during the Civil War, "Saat Hindustani" tells the story of six Indians and a Goan girl uniting to hoist Indian flags in seven police stations of Goa during the freedom fight against the Portuguese. Both movies portray individuals fighting for their cause against a powerful enemy. However, "Saat Hindustani" lacks the technical finesse of "The General," with its flawed dialogues, photography, and dragging sequences. Despite these flaws, the film still attracts viewers with its novel story, the debut of Amitabh Bachchan, and the black and white photography that captures the time era.

Emperor of the North, also known as Emperor of the North Pole, is a film released in 1973 that takes place during the Great Depression. The movie follows the story of Shack, a brutal conductor, who has a personal vendetta against A No. 1, the best train-hopping hobo tramp in the Northwest. Directed by Robert Aldrich, this film is a character study more than a story. It explores the clash between the independent and ethically-minded A-1, the sadistic company man Shack, and the young and boastful Cigaret. The movie aims to create a larger-than-life effect, akin to a Great American Myth, but only partially succeeds in doing so. The characters, although realistic and battered by life, don't quite reach iconic stature. However, the action scenes are brilliantly done, and the climactic fight at the end is well worth the wait.

Runaway Train is reminiscent of The General in its thrilling train-centric plot. In both movies, the protagonists find themselves in high-stakes situations involving trains. While The General follows an engineer's quest to recapture his locomotive after it is seized by Union spies, Runaway Train tells the gripping story of two escaped convicts and a railway worker trapped on a speeding train with no brakes and no driver. The similarities lie in the intense action and the use of trains as central elements, captivating the audience with adrenaline-pumping sequences. However, the movies also have notable differences. The General is a silent comedy from 1927, showcasing Buster Keaton's unique brand of physical comedy and inventive gags. On the other hand, Runaway Train is a more modern action-thriller from 1985, directed by Andrei Konchalovsky and written by Akira Kurosawa. It delves into deeper layers of meaning, exploring the human condition and offering metaphors that resonate with viewers.

Infinity Train is a fascinating animated anthology series that will captivate you from the start. Just like The General, it takes you on a thrilling train journey, but with a twist. Instead of a single locomotive, Infinity Train presents an endless number of train cars, each one containing its own unique universe. The series follows various characters as they navigate this mysterious train and try to find a way back home. It's a highly imaginative concept that keeps you hooked episode after episode.
While The General is a silent film set during the Civil War, Infinity Train is a modern animated series with a mix of genres ranging from action and adventure to drama and fantasy. The General relies on physical comedy and slapstick humor, showcasing the genius of Buster Keaton. On the other hand, Infinity Train combines clever writing, humor, and an engaging storyline to create a show that appeals to both children and adults.
Both The General and Infinity Train have received critical acclaim, with nominations and wins to their names.