Are you looking for the best Korean movies to watch?
This guide covers 15 of the most powerful, emotional, and unforgettable Korean films of all time. From Oscar winners to cult favorites, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Parasite (2019)
- IMDb rating: 8.5
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Genre: Thriller, Drama
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix
Parasite made history as the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. This dark satire follows a poor family’s infiltration into a wealthy household, unraveling issues of class divide, inequality, and deception. With razor-sharp writing, layered symbolism, and stunning cinematography, Parasite is a must-watch film from Korea.
Memories of Murder (2003)
- IMDb rating: 8.1
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Tubi
Based on Korea’s first known serial murder case, Memories of Murder tells the gripping story of two detectives—one brash and instinctive, the other calm and analytical—struggling to solve a string of brutal killings in 1980s rural Korea.
Masterfully directed by Bong Joon-ho, this is widely considered one of the Best Korean Movies of all time, thanks to its powerful atmosphere, dark humor, and emotional depth.
Train to Busan (2016)
- IMDb rating: 7.6
- Director: Yeon Sang-ho
- Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Fawesome
When a mysterious virus breaks out in South Korea, a father and his daughter find themselves trapped on a speeding train to Busan—along with hundreds of desperate passengers.
Train to Busan reinvents the zombie genre with heart-pounding action and real emotional stakes. It’s not just a survival thriller; it’s also a poignant tale about humanity and the power of love. A global phenomenon and easily one of the Best Korean Movies for fans of fast-paced, high-impact storytelling.
The Handmaiden (2016)
- IMDb rating: 8.1
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Romance, Drama
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
Loosely inspired by the novel Fingersmith, The Handmaiden is set in 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea. It follows a young con woman hired to be a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, part of an elaborate scam to steal her fortune. But as the two women grow closer, betrayal turns into a love story.
Visually stunning and layered with twists, it’s a bold and sensual entry among the Best Korean Movies, known for its elegance and subversive storytelling.
The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019)
- IMDb rating: 7
- Director: Lee Won-tae
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, Tubi, Fawesome, Roku
This thriller is a crime drama about a ruthless gangster who survives a serial killer’s attacks, only to be forced to team up with a hot-tempered policeman to hunt down the killer.
With its unexpected team-ups, intense fight scenes, and Ma Dong-seok’s brilliant performance, “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil” is full of thrills from beginning to end.
New World (2013)
- IMDb rating: 7.5
- Director: Park Hoon-jung
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, Plex
An undercover cop goes undercover inside a powerful South Korean crime syndicate, but his loyalty is tested when the syndicate leader dies, setting off a brutal power struggle. New World blends Shakespearean drama with gang politics, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and betrayal. It’s a tense, stylish, and well-acted film.
If you like complex crime dramas like The Departed or Infernal Affairs, you’ll enjoy this premium South Korean film.
Silenced (2011)
- IMDb rating: 8.0
- Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Tubi
Based on shocking true events, Silenced follows a newly hired teacher who uncovers widespread abuse at a school for hearing-impaired children.
This hard-hitting film sparked public outrage in Korea and even led to changes in national law. More than just a movie, Silenced is a powerful social commentary, and its impact has earned it a place among the Best Korean Movies of the 21st century.
My Sassy Girl (2001)
- IMDb rating: 7.9
- Director: Kwak Jae-yong
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video
My Sassy Girl is a popular Korean romantic comedy that tells the story of a shy college student whose life changes after meeting a bold and unpredictable girl. The film combines humor with genuine emotional moments, showing the ups and downs of their unusual relationship.
Its realistic characters and unique storyline have made it a favorite among Asian audiences and a standout in Korean cinema.
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Oldboy (2003)
- IMDb rating: 8.3
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video
Oldboy is a Korean thriller about a man who is kidnapped and locked in a room for 15 years without knowing why. When he is suddenly released, he’s given just five days to uncover the reason behind his imprisonment.
The film is known for its raw violence, tight storytelling, and psychological depth. Its one-take corridor fight scene and shocking plot twist have made it a landmark in Korean cinema.
The Attorney (2013)
- IMDb rating: 7.7
- Director: Woo-seok Yang
- Genre: Drama, History
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Prime Video, Tubi
The Attorney is based on the early career of former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun. It follows a tax lawyer who, after taking on a politically charged case involving student activists, evolves into a vocal advocate for human rights. Set in the 1980s under military rule, the film blends personal drama with real historical context.
It’s a grounded, emotionally driven courtroom movie that sheds light on South Korea’s struggle for democracy, making it one of the most legally accurate films in Korean cinema.
Hope (2013)
- IMDb rating: 8.2
- Director: Lee Joon-ik
- Genre: Drama
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, Tubi, Netflix
Hope is based on a real-life case that shocked South Korea. It tells the story of a young girl who survives a violent assault and the emotional recovery that follows. Rather than focus on the crime itself, the film centers on how her family helps her heal, offering a rare portrayal of recovery, love, and trauma in a supportive home.
It’s a painful but powerful watch, valued for its honest handling of a sensitive topic.
Christmas in August (1998)
- IMDb rating: 7.5
- Director: Hur Jin-ho
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, YouTube
Christmas in August is a quiet romance about a man with a terminal illness who falls in love with a kindhearted parking officer. The film avoids melodrama, instead using everyday moments to convey emotion.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and restraint, making it a favorite for those who enjoy slow, thoughtful stories about love and mortality.
Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
- IMDb rating: 8.2
- Director: Lee Hwan-kyung
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video
This heartfelt drama follows a mentally disabled father who is wrongfully accused of murder and sentenced to prison. Inside his cell, he wins over fellow inmates with his innocence and warmth. The story centers on his bond with his young daughter, who finds a way to visit him behind bars.
Blending comedy with emotional depth, the film resonated widely with Korean audiences and remains one of the country’s most beloved tearjerkers.
Decision to Leave (2022)
- IMDb rating: 7.3
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Genre: Romance, Crime, Thriller
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, Netflix
In this crime romance starring Tang Wei and Park Hae-il, a seasoned detective investigates a man’s death but develops a complicated relationship with the deceased’s wife, who may or may not be involved in the case.
Rather than focusing on action or plot twists, the film builds tension through emotional subtlety, moral ambiguity, and masterful directing. If you like films that require contemplation and a slower pace, Park Chan-wook blends mystery and melancholy into a slow, hypnotic narrative, and this South Korean film might be for you.
The Host (2006)
- IMDb rating: 7.1
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama
- Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV, Tubi, Netflix
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, The Host tells the story of a mutated creature bred by chemical waste that emerges from Seoul’s Han River and abducts a young girl in broad daylight. The girl’s family embarks on a chaotic rescue operation, facing not only the monster but also government incompetence and media hype.
With its fast-paced action scenes, vivid characters, and sharp social criticism, The Host stands out as one of South Korea’s most creative and accessible genre films.
Final Thought
From gripping crime thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these Korean movies are more than just entertainment. They leave a lasting impression. Each of the movies on this list has set a solid foundation for Korean cinema.
Get ready to pick one from the list and experience the best of Korean cinema!
