This study explores the use of DC magnetron sputtering tungsten thin films for surface modification of TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) targeting for biomedical applications. SEM, AFM and automatic contact angle meter instrument were used to determine the surface characteristics of the tungsten thin films. The hardness of the TiNi SMA with and without tungsten thin films was measured by nanoindentation tests. It is demonstrated that the tungsten thin films deposited at different magnetron sputtering conditions are characterized by a columnar microstructure and exhibit different surface morphology and roughness. The hardness of the TiNi SMA was improved significantly by tungsten thin films. The ion release, hemolysis rate, cell adhesion and cell proliferation have been investigated by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, CCK-8 assay and alkaline phosphatase activity test. The experimental findings indicate that TiNi SMA coated with tungsten thin film shows a substantial reduction in the release of nickel. Therefore, it has a better in vitro biocompatibility, in particular, reduced hemolysis rate, enhanced cell adhesion and differentiation due to the hydrophilic properties of the tungsten films.