Best Korean Movies: You either watch Korean dramas religiously or you adored the Oscar-winning movie Parasite. Whichever the case, it could be time to expand your watchlist with more of the top Korean films from 2024. When Parasite became the first foreign-language Best Picture winner, South Korean cinema may have attained significant global prominence. However, the nation has a lengthy history of creating ground-breaking films that have won critical acclaim on a global scale. If you want to broaden your movie tastes, check out these fantastic movies, which range from spooky horror films and psychological thrillers to thrilling action movies and more.
If you’re just getting into South Korean cinema, you should absolutely start with the director of Parasite, Bong Joon Ho, and then move on to the greatest works of other well-known filmmakers, such as Hwang Dong-hyuk and Yeon Sang-ho. Our collection includes something for everyone, from timeless masterpieces to the newest Korean films available on Netflix.
1. Midnight (2021)
Did you enjoy Squid Game? This captivating 2021 Korean thriller showcases the talents of Wi Ha-Joon (known for his portrayal of Jun-Ho, the police officer, in the Netflix series). The show delves into a gripping narrative of high stakes and survival, revolving around a merciless serial killer’s pursuit of a deaf woman across the urban landscapes of South Korea.
2. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter … And Spring (2003)
If you’re inclined towards a more heartfelt and soul-stirring viewing experience, you’ll find immense satisfaction in giving this exquisitely contemplative 2003 film a chance. The movie gracefully chronicles the journey of a Buddhist monk who resides in a solitary floating temple. With each changing season, the film artfully conveys the progression of the monk’s life, symbolizing distinct stages along his path.
3. Peppermint Candy (1999)
Crafted under the direction of the esteemed Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-Dong, “Peppermint Candy” stands as a potent and poignant drama that delves into the realms of destiny, time, and recollection through an innovative and captivating narrative technique. The tale unfolds in reverse, leading the audience on a retrospective journey spanning two decades in the life of a fated individual on a downward trajectory.
4. Little Forest (2018)
Whenever you’re yearning for a tranquil and comforting experience, consider tuning in to “Little Forest.” This film offers a solace-inducing narrative about a young woman who seeks refuge from the urban hustle by returning to her rural hometown. The movie’s essence lies in its unassuming yet profound nature, weaving a tale that exudes warmth and sincerity.
5. The Villainess (2017)
Longing for a riveting Korean action film? Look no further than this sleek and adrenaline-pumping revenge thriller. The story follows a skilled assassin who embarks on a relentless mission to break free from her haunting history, presenting a flurry of dynamic action sequences that cater to your high-energy cravings. Just be prepared for some intense gore along the way!
6. The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008)
Drawing inspiration from the iconic spaghetti western “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” by Italian director Sergio Leone, this Korean take on the spaghetti western genre revolves around a bounty hunter, a gangster, and a train robber. Their journey unfolds as an epic quest to unearth hidden treasure. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of laughter, adventure, and the deliberate inclusion of genre-specific elements in this action-packed cinematic experience.
7. Right Now, Wrong Then (2015)
If you’re looking for a drama that is more introspective and peaceful, Right Now, Wrong Then is a fantastic choice. The story of an unexpected meeting between a renowned art film director and a young painter is told in this critically acclaimed movie by filmmaker Hong Sang-Soo.
8. Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan, a must-see Korean thriller, depicts a man fighting for survival on a speeding train that is overrun by a zombie outbreak. It offers a new and inventive perspective on one of the most well-known cinema genres, the zombie apocalypse flick. Watching this one will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time!
9. Peninsula (2020)
10. Minari (2020)
Lee Isaac Chung, a Korean-American director, garnered six Academy Award nominations for this critically praised drama about a South Korean immigrant family pursuing the American dream in 1980s rural Arkansas. It was nominated for Best Picture. For this one, you should probably keep a box of Kleenex close by.
11. My Sassy Girl (2001)
My Sassy Girl was the highest-grossing comedy in Korea at the time of its debut, making it one of the most well-known Korean romantic comedies of all time. It’s simple to understand why this gem became such a hugely popular blockbuster hit with its amusing love story of a college student who meets a trouble-making partner.
12. Parasite (2019)
13. Memories of Murder (2003)
Memories of Murder is a wonderful place to start if you liked Parasite and want to see more of filmmaker Bong Joon Ho’s work. This film follows two detectives looking into a string of murders (loosely based on the true tale of Korea’s first proven serial murders that occurred in the 1980s; it combines the crime-thriller genre with societal satire and absurdist humour).
14. The Beauty Inside (2015)
This 2015 fantasy rom-com, which is based on the 2012 American social film of the same name, tells the tale of a man who wakes up in a different body each day if you’re looking for a decent romantic Korean film to watch. (Plus, you can watch the movie’s K-drama adaption after it ends!)
15. The Wailing (2016)
The Wailing, which has a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is undoubted evidence that South Korean cinema has traditionally excelled in the horror genre. This critically acclaimed horror-thriller movie, which is not for the faint of heart, is about a string of unsolved murders in a remote Korean town.
16. Space Sweepers (2021)
Love sci-fi action movies? In 2092, when Earth has nearly become inhabitable, one of the more recent Korean films available on Netflix—also hailed as the first Korean space blockbuster—takes place. The crew of The Victory, a space rubbish collector ship, is followed in Intergalactic Sweepers as they go on an amazing space journey after finding a juvenile humanoid robot.
17. Burning (2018)
This critically acclaimed psychological mystery drama from Lee Chang-Dong, which is based on the short story Barn Burning by Japanese author Haruki Murakami, tells the quietly haunting tale of a young man who discovers a mysterious secret after his childhood friend returns from a trip and brings along a man with an odd hobby.
18. Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure (2023)
This historical adventure film, also recently released in Korea, follows a group of Joseon Dynasty pirates who set out to find some lost royal riches. Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure, one of the best Korean films scheduled for release in 2023, features a thrilling, action-packed plot and lots of adventure.
19. Oldboy (2003)
This dark and brutal vengeance film, directed by one of Korea’s most renowned filmmakers, Park Chan-Wook, may be one of the most well-known Korean films of all time. It tells the story of a man who, after being held captive for 15 years, decides to get revenge. This is definitely not a project for the weak of the heart!
20. The Handmaiden (2016)
This sexual, psychological thriller and romance picture by filmmaker Park Chan-Wook was based on Sarah Waters’ 2002 novel Fingersmith. A Japanese heiress and her Korean handmaiden are embroiled in a complex scheme with a con man to defraud the wealthy woman of her inheritance. The story is set in colonial Korea and Japan in the 1930s.
