The 25 Best Movies Like 'Training Day', Ranked By Fans

In Harsh Times, a crime thriller film, Christian Bale portrays Jim Davis, an ex-Army Ranger who struggles with PTSD and reckless behavior upon returning to Los Angeles. As Jim reunites with his friend, played by Freddy Rodriguez, they become embroiled in a dangerous world of crime and violence. Themes of loyalty, redemption, and the aftermath of war are explored in this gritty portrayal of a man on the edge.

Similar to Training Day, Harsh Times delves into the seedy underworld of Los Angeles and the characters who navigate its dangerous streets. However, Harsh Times focuses on the personal struggles of an ex-soldier trying to find his place in society, showcasing a different perspective on the city's darker side. Christian Bale's intense performance adds depth to the character, portraying the internal conflict and external chaos that define Jim's experience in LA.

Collateral is a neo-noir thriller that follows Max, a taxi driver played by Jamie Foxx, who becomes entangled with hitman Vincent, played by Tom Cruise, during a night of chaos and danger in Los Angeles. The film delves into themes of fate, morality, and the consequences of one's actions as Max is forced to confront his own beliefs and values. As Max and Vincent traverse the city together, their partnership takes unexpected twists and turns.

In a manner akin to Training Day, Collateral follows the intertwining journey of two individuals working together in a high-stakes environment. While Training Day explores the mentor-mentee relationship, Collateral showcases an unlikely duo forced to collaborate under dire circumstances. The film presents a tense and gripping narrative as Max and Vincent navigate the treacherous night together, each challenging the other's perspective and beliefs.

The Rookie is a buddy cop action film starring Clint Eastwood as a grizzled veteran detective and Charlie Sheen as a brash young rookie. Together, they must navigate the dangerous streets of Los Angeles while investigating a series of violent crimes. Themes of redemption, mentorship, and the clash of generations are explored as the two officers form an unlikely partnership to bring down a ruthless drug lord.

In parallel to Training Day, The Rookie portrays the dynamic between two individuals working together in law enforcement, but with their own distinctive elements. Unlike the corrupt mentorship in Training Day, The Rookie showcases a seasoned detective guiding a hot-headed rookie through the complexities of police work. The film captures the evolving partnership between Eastwood and Sheen's characters as they learn to trust and rely on each other while facing perilous challenges in the line of duty.

Bad Lieutenant is a neo-noir crime drama film that follows a corrupt and drug-addicted NYPD detective, portrayed by Harvey Keitel, as he descends into a downward spiral of depravity and self-destruction. The Lieutenant's reckless and immoral behavior leads him to confront his inner demons and seek redemption in a world tainted by crime and vice. Themes of sin, repentance, and morality are explored in this gritty and unflinching portrayal of a cop gone rogue.

Similarly to Training Day, Bad Lieutenant features a cop who succumbs to criminal tendencies, but with a darker and more introspective tone. While Training Day depicts the seduction of power and corruption, Bad Lieutenant delves into the psychological deterioration of a man haunted by his own sins. The film delves into the depths of human despair and redemption as Keitel's character grapples with his destructive impulses and the consequences of his actions.

Internal Affairs is a crime thriller that follows the intense rivalry between a corrupt LAPD officer Dennis Peck, portrayed by Richard Gere, and an internal affairs officer, Raymond Avila, played by Andy Garcia. As Avila delves deeper into Peck's nefarious activities, a dangerous game of cat and mouse ensues, revealing themes of betrayal, power, and deception. The film underscores the thin line between justice and corruption within the law enforcement system.

In a parallel to Training Day, Internal Affairs delves into the world of cops who engage in criminal behavior, but with a unique twist. Unlike the mentorship dynamic in Training Day, Internal Affairs presents a fierce confrontation between two officers who blur the ethical boundaries of law enforcement. The film showcases the psychological warfare between Gere and Garcia's characters, highlighting the destructive impact of corruption on both personal and professional lives.

In Pride and Glory, a crime drama film, Edward Norton and Colin Farrell star as Ray and Jimmy, two NYPD officers from a family of cops who find themselves entangled in a corruption scandal. The film delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of policing as Ray investigates the dark secrets within the department. As the bonds of family and duty are tested, the characters must confront their allegiances in the face of temptation.

Similarly to Training Day, Pride and Glory centers on police officers navigating the treacherous waters of morality and loyalty, but with a focus on familial ties within law enforcement. While Training Day depicts a singular mentorship dynamic, Pride and Glory explores the entanglement of family relationships and professional obligations. The film delves into the intricate web of loyalty and deceit within the NYPD, presenting a gripping narrative of conflicting loyalties and ethical quandaries.

In Brooklyn's Finest, a crime drama film, three NYPD officers - a seasoned veteran, an undercover cop, and a struggling family man - find their lives intersecting in unexpected and dangerous ways in Brooklyn's gritty streets. As they each face moral dilemmas, themes of corruption, loyalty, and redemption come to light. The cast includes Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, and Ethan Hawke, portraying the complex characters who must navigate the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Similar to Training Day, Brooklyn's Finest explores the theme of cops who operate outside the boundaries of the law. While Training Day centers on the influence of power on a cop, Brooklyn's Finest showcases the divergent paths that lead seasoned officers to compromise their ethics. The film delves into the complexities of morality and duty as the characters navigate the murky waters of crime and punishment.

Narc is a gritty crime thriller that follows two Detroit homicide detectives, played by Jason Patric and Ray Liotta, as they investigate the murder of an undercover officer. The film unravels a complex web of deception, corruption, and personal demons as the detectives delve deeper into the case. Themes of justice, redemption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong are at the core of this intense and suspenseful drama.

In a parallel to Training Day, Narc explores the relentless pursuit of truth and justice by police amidst moral and ethical dilemmas. However, unlike the mentor-mentee dynamic in Training Day, Narc delves into the uneasy partnership between two detectives haunted by their pasts. The film presents a raw and visceral examination of the emotional toll of policing, where loyalty and morality collide in a dangerous and unforgiving urban landscape.

End of Watch is a found-footage crime thriller that follows the daily lives of two Los Angeles Police Department officers, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, as they patrol the streets of South Central LA. The film captures the camaraderie, danger, and challenges faced by the officers as they encounter violent criminals and unexpected situations. Themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the realities of law enforcement are integral to the film's narrative.

Drawing parallels to Training Day, End of Watch immerses viewers in the intense and volatile environment of LA's streets through the eyes of dedicated officers. Unlike the corrupt cop focus of Training Day, End of Watch showcases the noble intentions and genuine bonds between Gyllenhaal and Peña's characters as they serve and protect the community. The film's blend of action and emotional depth offers a unique perspective on the humanity within law enforcement.

Chinatown is a neo-noir mystery film starring Jack Nicholson as private detective J.J. "Jake" Gittes who becomes entangled in a complex web of corruption and murder in 1930s Los Angeles. As Gittes delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding a powerful and enigmatic figure, played by John Huston, themes of manipulation, deception, and the dark underbelly of glamour emerge. The film is a quintessential example of film noir, blending elements of mystery, suspense, and moral ambiguity in a haunting tale of one man's journey through the shadows of the city.

In a manner akin to Training Day, Chinatown features a protagonist who finds himself in over his head as he navigates a treacherous and corrupt landscape. However, unlike the power dynamics in Training Day, Chinatown revolves around Gittes' investigation into a labyrinthine conspiracy that exposes the depths of moral decay and greed within the city's elite. The film's intricate plot and Nicholson's nuanced performance as Gittes capture the character's descent into a dark world of secrets and manipulation, showcasing the intricacies of a man grappling with forces beyond his control.

Nightcrawler is a neo-noir thriller that follows Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom, a driven and morally ambiguous freelance videographer who captures crime scenes and accidents to sell to news stations in Los Angeles. As Lou descends further into the world of sensationalized journalism, themes of ambition, manipulation, and the blurred lines of ethics unfold. The film offers a chilling look at the lengths that individuals will go to for success and recognition in a cutthroat industry.

In a similar vein to Training Day, Nightcrawler is a tense and gripping exploration of the dark underbelly of Los Angeles, but from a twisted perspective. Instead of focusing on law enforcement, Nightcrawler delves into the world of media and exploitation, revealing the ruthlessness and cunning of an individual navigating the city's competitive landscape. Gyllenhaal's mesmerizing performance as Lou Bloom captures the unsettling charisma and amorality of a man driven by ambition in the streets of LA.

In Serpico, a biographical crime drama film, Al Pacino stars as Frank Serpico, an idealistic NYPD officer who exposes widespread corruption within the police department. The film follows Serpico's journey as he faces ostracism, danger, and betrayal while standing up for his principles. Themes of integrity, courage, and the struggle for justice are at the core of this true story based on Serpico's real-life experiences.

Similar to Training Day, Serpico delves into the moral dilemmas faced by a police officer who must navigate between loyalty to his colleagues and his commitment to upholding ethical standards. However, in contrast to the mentorship dynamic in Training Day, Serpico follows a lone crusader who stands out against a corrupt system. The film portrays the internal conflict and external pressures facing Serpico as he fights for honesty and integrity within the ranks of law enforcement, showcasing the complexities of loyalty and justice in a world of systemic corruption.

In The Equalizer, an action thriller film, Denzel Washington portrays Robert McCall, a retired black ops operative with a mysterious background. As McCall uses his specialized skills to help a young woman named Teri, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, themes of redemption, empowerment, and retribution unfold. The film is a gripping tale of a man who balances his commitment to a quiet life with his desire to confront evil forces and make things right.

Similarly to Training Day, The Equalizer showcases an intense and nuanced performance by Denzel Washington as he immerses himself in the role of a morally driven hero. However, unlike Training Day's corrupt cop, Washington's portrayal of McCall in The Equalizer embodies a sense of justice and righteousness, highlighting his ability to captivate audiences with his charisma and conviction. The film masterfully utilizes Washington's commanding presence to elevate the character of McCall into a complex and compelling figure, drawing viewers into his world of calculated justice and righteous fury.

Cop Land is a thriller that examines the pervasive corruption and moral compromises in the fictional town of Garrison, New Jersey. Sylvester Stallone stars as Sheriff Heflin, a morally upright officer who must confront the secrets of his colleagues and the town's inhabitants. Themes of integrity, justice, and the battle against institutional corruption are at the crux of the film's narrative.

In a similar vein to Training Day, Cop Land explores the challenges faced by police officers torn between loyalty to their colleagues and upholding ethical standards. Unlike the power dynamic in Training Day, where a rookie learns from a corrupt veteran, Cop Land delves into the moral awakening of a Sheriff who discovers the depths of corruption within the law enforcement community. The film delves into the complexities of integrity and betrayal, highlighting the internal struggle faced by those tasked with preserving order in a morally compromised system.

The Guilty is a thriller film starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Baylor, a demoted LAPD officer working as a 911 operator who receives a distress call from a kidnapped woman. As Baylor races against time to save the victim, themes of redemption, guilt, and the quest for truth are explored. The film takes place in real-time, heightening the tension and suspense as Baylor navigates a high-stakes situation with limited information and resources.

In parallel to Training Day, The Guilty showcases Antoine Fuqua's directorial skill in crafting a tense and immersive narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Fuqua's direction in the film captures the claustrophobic intensity of a 911 call center and the emotional turmoil of a dispatcher racing against the clock to save a woman, creating a riveting and emotionally impactful cinematic experience.

Inside Man is a heist thriller that follows Denzel Washington as Detective Keith Frazier, who must negotiate a tense standoff between a bank robber, played by Clive Owen, and the hostages at a Manhattan bank. As Frazier delves into the mind games and puzzles orchestrated by the cunning thief, themes of manipulation, deception, and hidden agendas come to light. The film weaves an intricate tale of cat-and-mouse between the detective and the criminal in a high-stakes battle of wits.

In a fashion reminiscent of Training Day, Inside Man showcases Denzel Washington's ability to deliver a captivating performance that anchors the film's suspenseful tone. Unlike Training Day's morally ambiguous character, Washington's portrayal of Detective Frazier in Inside Man exudes a sense of determination and resourcefulness in the face of a complex heist scenario. With Washington's magnetic presence and skilled portrayal of a seasoned detective, Inside Man draws viewers into a world of intrigue and deception, where his character's pursuit of truth and justice unfolds in a riveting and mesmerizing manner.

Olympus Has Fallen is an action thriller that follows Gerard Butler as Mike Banning, a Secret Service agent who must rescue the President, played by Aaron Eckhart, when the White House is seized by terrorists. As Banning faces off against a ruthless enemy, themes of sacrifice, duty, and patriotism come to the forefront. The film is a high-stakes thrill ride of explosive action and heroism as Banning fights to save the President and prevent a national crisis.

In a similar vein to Training Day, Olympus Has Fallen demonstrates Antoine Fuqua's knack for delivering pulse-pounding action sequences and heart-pounding suspense. Fuqua's direction in the film captures the intensity and urgency of a man pushed to his limits in the face of overwhelming adversity, creating a cinematic experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

The Taking of Pelham 123 is a remake of the 1974 thriller, starring Denzel Washington as Walter Garber, a New York City subway dispatcher who must outsmart a criminal mastermind, played by John Travolta, during a hostage situation on a subway train. As Garber races against time to save the hostages and thwart the hijacker's plans, themes of crisis management, negotiation, and integrity are explored. The film offers a high-octane story filled with suspense, tension, and moral dilemmas in a race the clock.

In a similar vein to Training Day, The Taking of Pelham 123 showcases Denzel Washington's ability to deliver a riveting and authentic performance that anchors the film's thrilling narrative. Unlike Training Day's exploration of police corruption, Washington's portrayal of Walter Garber in The Taking of Pelham 123 exudes a sense of urgency and determination as he grapples with a high-pressure crisis. With Washington's commanding presence and skilled portrayal of a man caught in a chaotic situation, The Taking of Pelham 123 delivers a pulse-pounding experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

No Country for Old Men is a western crime thriller that follows Llewelyn Moss, played by Josh Brolin who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong in the desert and finds himself pursued by a ruthless hitman, portrayed by Javier Bardem. As Moss tries to outwit his relentless adversary, themes of fate, morality, and the consequences of greed come to the forefront. The film presents a harrowing tale of a man caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse as survival hangs in the balance.

In a parallel to Training Day, No Country for Old Men features a character who is thrust into a perilous situation beyond his control. Unlike Training Day's exploration of corruption within law enforcement, No Country for Old Men delves into the existential struggle of individuals facing overpowering forces of chaos and evil. The film's stark and uncompromising portrayal of Moss' descent into an increasingly dangerous world showcases the inevitability of fate and the chilling realization of being outmatched in a battle of life and death.

In Whiplash, a drama film, Miles Teller stars as Andrew Neiman, an ambitious young jazz drummer at a music conservatory who catches the attention of an intimidating and abusive instructor, played by J.K. Simmons. As Neiman's mentor pushes him to his limits in pursuit of perfection, themes of obsession, sacrifice, and artistic excellence emerge. The film explores the toxic relationship between student and mentor as Neiman grapples with his ambition and the psychological toll of his mentor's relentless demands.

Similarly to Training Day, Whiplash features a toxic mentor-student dynamic that drives the central conflict of the film. However, unlike Training Day's exploration of corruption within law enforcement, Whiplash delves into the psychological and emotional manipulation inflicted by a mentor on his protégé. The film showcases the brutal intensity and emotional turmoil of a young musician pushed to his breaking point by a demanding and abusive mentor, creating a gripping and visceral portrayal of the high cost of artistic greatness.

In Thief, a crime drama film, James Caan stars as Frank, a professional safecracker who gets drawn into a violent underworld when he tries to lead a normal life. As Frank gets entangled in a complex heist, themes of loyalty, ambition, and the cost of freedom unfold. The film delves into the dark and gritty world of crime as Frank finds himself on a collision course with his desires and those of the criminals around him.

Similar to Training Day, Thief follows a character who becomes embroiled in a dangerous situation that tests their limits and morality. The film masterfully depicts the internal conflict and external pressures that push Frank to his breaking point, creating a tense and suspenseful narrative of a man fighting against overwhelming odds.

In Shooter, an action thriller film, Mark Wahlberg portrays Bob Lee Swagger, a former Marine sniper who is coaxed back into action to prevent an assassination plot against the President. Swagger uncovers a conspiracy within the government as themes of betrayal, justice, and redemption unfold. The film follows Swagger on a high-octane journey of revenge and survival as he navigates a dangerous world of political intrigue and deception.

Similarly to Training Day, Shooter showcases Antoine Fuqua's directorial style through his adept handling of intense action sequences and suspenseful storytelling. Fuqua's direction in Shooter captures the tension and adrenaline of a man driven by a sense of duty and honor, creating a gripping narrative of one man's battle against powerful forces.

Glengarry Glen Ross is a drama based on the Pulitzer-winning play, following a group of real estate salesmen as they compete against each other to survive in a cutthroat office environment. Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin star in this film that explores themes of competition, desperation, and the pursuit of success at any cost. The characters' relationships with their manipulative mentor and with each other reveal the toxicity of the sales environment and the toll it takes on their moral compasses.

In a manner reminiscent of Training Day, Glengarry Glen Ross captures the toxic mentorship dynamic prevalent in a high-pressure environment. The film's depiction of manipulation, greed, and betrayal within the sales industry showcases the destructive influence of toxic mentors on their subordinates, creating a tense and morally ambiguous narrative.

Righteous Kill is a crime thriller film that follows two veteran NYPD detectives, Turk and Rooster, played by Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, as they investigate a series of murders. The film delves into themes of morality, justice, and betrayal as the detectives uncover shocking revelations about the killer they are hunting. Turk and Rooster's complex relationship is tested as they navigate the gritty streets of New York City.

Similarly to Training Day, Righteous Kill explores the dynamic between two individuals working together in law enforcement, but with a more long-standing partnership. Unlike the rookie-veteran dynamic in Training Day, Turk and Rooster in Righteous Kill have a history of working side by side, which adds a layer of familiarity and mutual understanding to their collaboration. The film showcases the nuances of their relationship as they confront challenges and moral dilemmas together.

Foxcatcher is a biographical sports drama that follows Mark Schultz, played by Channing Tatum, and his brother Dave, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, as they train under the wealthy and eccentric John du Pont, portrayed by Steve Carell, for Olympic wrestling. As du Pont exerts control over the Schultz brothers' lives, themes of ambition, power, and manipulation come to the forefront. The film delves into the toxic relationship between mentor and athletes, highlighting the destructive impact of du Pont's influence on the Schultz brothers' lives and the tragedy that unfolds.

In a parallel to Training Day, Foxcatcher features a toxic mentor figure whose insidious influence shapes the lives of those under him. The film's portrayal of a mentor who exerts control over his athletes with devastating consequences showcases the toxic environment created by an individual wielding power and influence, resulting in a gripping and harrowing narrative of ambition gone awry.