Movies like The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver (1978)
The best movies like The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver (1978) are Famous Five 2 (2013), Famous Five (2012) and The Crocodiles Strike Back (2010). If The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver hooked you with its family and adventure, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedIron Will (1994)6.7/10 from 344 votes
- NewestThe Magic Faraway Tree (2026)Released 2026
- In GermanFamous Five 2 (2013)Also in German
Famous Five 2 (2013)
For their bicycle tour to Catmoor, the friends Julian, Dick and Anne, their cousin Georgina, called George, and her dog Timmy have long looked forward to. But the camping holiday in the countryside ends with the kidnapping of Dick, confuse the two underprivileged hoodlums with the same age millionaire's son Hardy. With sophistication and courage, the five friends take on his trail that leads from a mysterious traveling circus to the castle "Owls Nest" where the kidnappers force Dick to coax the clue to a giant emerald.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFamous Five (2012)
The film recounts the adventures of Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog on their first holiday together at the seaside. In an old smugglers' cave, the children happen to overhear a radio message that refers to the abduction of George’s father Quentin. The professor has set up a laboratory on Kirrin Island where he’s doing research on a new energy generation method. Someone has obviously taken great interest in the valuable research results. But neither the police nor George’s mother Fanny believe the children. They are now on their own and discover a conspiracy that almost takes their breath away.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Crocodiles Strike Back (2010)
New summer adventure of the Crocodiles, who set up their detective skills to find out who is behind the accidents of the factory where Ollie and Mary's parents work , which could mean the closure of the plant, the move of the family and the dissolution of the gang.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Famous Five and the Valley of Dinosaurs (2018)
En route to a party they are not keen on attending, the Famous Five are almost relieved when Aunt Fanny's car breaks down, stranding them in a small town. To pass the time, they visit the local natural history museum, where some newly-discovered dinosaur bones are being unveiled. Here they meet Marty, who tells them that his father, long dead, supposedly found a complete dinosaur skeleton and made a map of its whereabouts. Unfortunately the map has been stolen. Unable to let a good mystery go unsolved, George, Julian, Dick, Anne and Timmy, join a guided hike through the Valley of Dinosaurs. But their fact-finding mission soon turns into a race to find the dinosaur when they suspect that the thief is one of the group.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisWindstorm: The Great Hurricane (2021)
Due to the sudden outbreak of a hurricane, a traveling circus, famous for its stunning numbers with horses, calls into the small German estate of Kaltenbach. Soon, Ari realizes that one of the horses of this circus, named Orcan, is in mortal danger. Together with the boy Carlo and their faithful friend, the horse Ostwind, they try to save Orkan from the cruel owner of a traveling circus. However, the shrewd director unravels their audacious plan. And Ostwind's horse is also in trouble. Ari and Carlo have very little time to rectify the situation and save Ostwind.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMoon the Panda (2025)
Due to his poor academic performance, twelve-year-old Tian is sent to live with his grandmother in the remote mountains of Sichuan. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, he finds himself immersed in nature and secretly befriends a panda cub he names Moon. Together, Tian and Moon embark on a journey of discovery and overcoming challenges. The boy is forced to confront his fears and, in the process, learns valuable lessons about courage, respect, and the profound bond between humankind and nature. This experience profoundly transforms Tian's life and fosters an unexpected family reconciliation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFamous Five 3 (2014)
In their third cinema adventure the Famous Five are searching for a pirate treasure...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWhite Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf (1994)
A boy and his dog, White Fang, must try to save the noble Haida tribe from evil white men in turn-of-the-century Alaska.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLassie Come Home (2020)
12-year-old Florian and his beloved dog Lassie live in an idyllic village in the German countryside. When Florian's father loses his job, the family have to move into a small apartment where there are no dogs allowed. Lassie is given away to another family, but Florian and Lassie yearn to be reunited again so Florian sets out on an adventure to find his best friend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025)
Dora, Diego, and their new friends trek through the perilous dangers of the Amazonian jungle in search of the ancient and powerful treasure of Sol Dorado to keep it out of enemy hands.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnastasia: Once Upon a Time (2020)
Anastasia Romanov escapes through a portal when her family is threatened by Vladimir Lenin, and she finds herself in the year 1988, befriended by a young American girl.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisIron Will (1994)
When Will Stoneman's father dies, he is left alone to take care of his mother and their land. Needing money to maintain it, he decides to join a cross country dogsled race. This race will require days of racing for long hours, through harsh weather and terrain. This young man will need a lot of courage and a strong will to complete this race.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Magic Faraway Tree (2026)
A modern family relocates to the countryside where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric residents. They're transported to fantastical lands, rekindling their family bond through adventures.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Pasta Detectives (2014)
The child-duo Rico and Oskar, one of them is quite more sluggish, but precisely because of fantasy and own world view; the other one is a smart whiz, but scared for life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBookworm (2024)
Eleven-year-old Mildred’s life is turned upside down when her mother lands in hospital and estranged, American magician father, Strawn Wise, comes to look after her. Hoping to entertain the bookish tween, Strawn takes Mildred camping in the notoriously rugged New Zealand wilderness, and the pair embark on the ultimate test of family bonding – a quest to find the mythological beast known as the Canterbury Panther.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJim Button and the Wild 13 (2020)
A year has gone by since Jim Button and his best friend, the engine driver Luke, returned from their dangerous adventure in Dragon City. Life on Morrowland goes its leisurely way again. Suddenly, dark clouds are gathering over the tranquil island of Morrowland: the notorious pirate gang "The Wild 13" has learned that the dragon Mrs Grindtooth has been conquered by Jim and Luke and now swears revenge. To protect Morrowland from another threat, the two of them set off with their steam engines Emma and Molly on a dangerous journey where they meet old friends like princess Li Si, Mr. Tur Tur and Nepomuk and make new friends with Sursulapichi, a real mermaid. On their adventure, Jim's most fervent wish might also come true: to find out the truth about his mysterious origins.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & family
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Legend of Timm Thaler: or The Boy Who Sold His Laughter (2017)
The devil tricks a little boy off his laughter in exchange for assured wins in all his bets. It depicts his journey after the deal with the devil, how he loses his soul bit by bit with each win.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWindstorm 3 (2017)
Ostwind and Mika have found a real home at the farm Kaltenbach with Mika's grandmother. In the hustle of running therapy center and due to Mika's fame as a horse-whisperer, she feels that she doesn't have enough freedom and time to ride. After a serious disagreement with her grandmother, Mika secretly sets off for the night in eastern Andalusia, Spain, where she suspects Ostwind's roots are.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAnnabelle's Wish (1997)
Annabelle - a calf who has a special wish for Christmas - wants to be a reindeer and help Santa Claus drive his sleigh as he delivers his presents! Annabelle's friends tell her not to get her hopes up, but to everyone's surprise, Santa does indeed meet up with Annabelle, and the calf gets to help Santa make the holiday special for one young boy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWindstorm 4 (2019)
Grandmother Maria, Sam and the riding instructor Kaan are trying together to keep Gut Kaltenbach running, which is in financial difficulties. The ambitious Isabell supports her, although she secretly pursues her own goals. The impulsive Ari comes to riding training in Kaltenbach, where she develops a special relationship with Windstorm, the eponymous horse of the film series, and she also makes friends with Mika. Mika and Ari try to save the estate and protect Windstorm from reckless horse trainer Thordur Thorvaldson.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & adventure
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver?
The closest matches to The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver are Famous Five 2 (2013), Famous Five (2012) and The Crocodiles Strike Back (2010). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver?
Start with Famous Five 2 (2013), the closest match to The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver?
Iron Will (1994), rated 6.7/10 by 344 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver?
The Magic Faraway Tree (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there German movies like The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver?
Yes: Famous Five 2 (2013), Famous Five (2012) and The Crocodiles Strike Back (2010).
How are movies similar to The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Big Ride of a Little Train Driver, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.