Movie Lists

Discover 15 Must-See Korean Movies

We have gathered some amazing Korean movies that you are sure to enjoy. Over the past 15 years, Korean cinema has gained global popularity, with audiences discovering films such as I Saw The Devil, Train to Busan, Parasite, and Decision to Leave. Korean films have captivated a significant portion of film lovers, who now closely follow the industry. Each year, Korean cinema continues to thrill its audience by producing exciting new releases.


1.Jung_E

Discover 15 Must-See Korean Movies  Jung_E

We begin our list of Korean movie recommendations with the science fiction film Jung_E. Set in a post-apocalyptic world in the 22nd century, the story follows a researcher working in an artificial intelligence laboratory who aims to clone the brain of his mother, a heroic and honorable soldier. His ultimate goal is to end the civil war. The cast of the movie includes Kang Soo-yeon, Kim Hyun-joo, and Ryu Kyung-soo.

Information about Jung_E (2023):

  • Director: Yeon Sang-ho
  • Cast: Kim Hyun-joo, Ryu Seung-ryong, Lee Dong-wook, Jung Eun-chae
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 38 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: TV-MA
  • Available Platforms: Netflix
  • IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
  • Similar Movies: Train to Busan (2016), Snowpiercer (2013)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Jung_E on IMDb

2.The Point Men

Discover 15 Must-See Korean Movies - The Point Men

The Point Men, a film in the Korean action movie category, follows an intelligence agent and a diplomat who risk their lives to save hostages kidnapped in the Middle East. The cast of the movie includes Hyun Bin, Kang Ki-young, and Jeong-min Hwang.

Information about The Point Men (2023):

  • Director: Yoon Jong-bin
  • Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-joon, Jeong Man-sik
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Currently in theaters; availability on streaming platforms may vary.
  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
  • Similar Movies: The Outlaws (2017), Train to Busan (2016)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: The Point Men on IMDb

3.Unlocked

Unlocked

A woman living an ordinary life loses her smartphone, which contains all her personal information, and her life quickly turns into a nightmare. When a dangerous man finds the woman’s lost phone, he starts stalking her, putting her life in serious danger. The cast of the film includes Im Si-wan, Chun Woo-hee, and Kim Ye-won.

Information about Unlocked (2023):

  • Director: Kim Tae-joon
  • Cast: Jeon Jong-seo, Park Hae-jin, Kim Ji-won, Lee Si-young
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Action, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Currently in theaters; availability on streaming platforms may vary.
  • IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
  • Similar Movies: The Call (2020), Time to Hunt (2020)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Unlocked on IMDb

4.Love Reset

Love Reset

Love Reset, which falls under the Korean romantic comedy category, tells the story of a married couple on the verge of divorce. Jeong-yeol and Na-ra are about to end their marriage when Jeong-yeol has a car accident 30 days before the divorce, resulting in memory loss. After the accident, events take an unexpected turn. The leading roles in the film are portrayed by Jung So-min and Kang Ha-neul.

Information about Love Reset (2023):

  • Director: Kwon Young-il
  • Cast: Kim So-eun, Kim Min-kyu, Shin So-yul, Lee Jong-won
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Romance, Drama
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Currently in theaters; availability on streaming platforms may vary.
  • IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
  • Similar Movies: My Love from the Star (2013), Something in the Rain (2018)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Love Reset on IMDb

5.The Devil’s Deal

The Devil's Deal

Assembly candidate Hae-woong is removed from the race after becoming a threat to the politically powerful Soon-tae. After defaulting on his campaign loan, Hae-woong is relentlessly pursued by loan sharks and finally decides to take matters into his own hands. The cast includes Seong-min Lee, Cho Jin-woong, Son Yeo-eun, and Kim Mu-yeol.

Here’s the information about The Devil’s Deal (2023):

  • Director: Lee Won-taek
  • Cast: Lee Sung-min, Kim Do-yeon, Kim Ki-duk, Lee Joo-young
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Currently in theaters; availability on streaming platforms may vary.
  • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
  • Similar Movies: The Drug King (2018), Silenced (2011)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: The Devil’s Deal on IMDb

6.Kill Boksoon

Kill Boksoon

Gil Bok-soon is both a single mother and a highly successful assassin. So much so that she has become a legend in the assassin world. While killing comes easily to her, she struggles with being a mother to her teenage daughter. This single mother assassin will need to find a balance between her work and personal life. The cast of the film includes Jeon Do-yeon, Esom, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Yeon, and Sol Kyung-gu.

Information about Kill Boksoon (2023):

  • Director: Byun Sung-hyun
  • Cast: Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Kim Si-a, Lee Yi-kyung
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 2 hours 18 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Netflix
  • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
  • Similar Movies: Night in Paradise (2020), The Man from Nowhere (2010)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Kill Boksoon on IMDb

7.Soulmate

Soulmate

Soulmate, a film in the Korean drama category, tells the coming-of-age story of two girlfriends who met at the age of 11 and remained close for 14 years, sharing experiences of both friendship and romance. The film’s cast includes Kim Da-mi, Jeon So-nee, and Byeon Woo-seok.

Information about Soulmate (2023):

  • Director: Jason Kwan
  • Cast: Kim Go-eun, Lee Jin-wook, Jeon Do-yeon, Ahn Eun-jin
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 52 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Drama, Romance
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Netflix
  • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
  • Similar Movies: Your Eyes Tell (2020), A Moment to Remember (2004)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Soulmate on IMDb

8.Past Lives

Past Lives

Nora and Hai Sung are two childhood friends who share a very strong bond. However, when Nora and her parents immigrate from Korea to Canada, the two friends are separated. Twenty years pass without them hearing from each other. One day, fate brings them together in New York. They spend a week together, confronting their past and their love for each other. The movie stars Yoo Teo and Greta Lee.

Information about Past Lives (2023):

  • Director: Celine Song
  • Cast: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Country: United States
  • Genre: Drama, Romance
  • Language: English, Korean
  • Age Rating: PG-13
  • Available Platforms: A24, various digital rental platforms
  • IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
  • Similar Movies: Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), Before Sunrise (1995)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Past Lives on IMDb

9.The Roundup: No Way Out

The Roundup: No Way Out

In the third film of the series, Detective Ma Seok-do transfers from the Geumcheon Police Station to a new team and does everything he can to prevent the Japanese mafia from entering South Korea. The cast of the film includes Ma Dong-Seok, Lee Joon-hyuk, Bae Noo-ri, and Munetaka Aoki.

Information about The Roundup: No Way Out (2023):

  • Director: Lee Sang-yong
  • Cast: Don Lee, Lee Ji-eun, Munetaka Aoki, and others
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 49 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Various digital rental platforms
  • IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
  • Similar Movies: The Outlaws (2017), The Roundup (2022)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: The Roundup: No Way Out on IMDb

10.Road to Boston

Road to Boston

On our list of Korean movies released in 2023, Road to Boston tells the exciting story of Korean athletes competing in the 1947 Boston International Marathon, the first international marathon held since the war. The cast of the film includes Im Si-wan, Park Eun-bin, and Jung-woo Ha.

Information about Road to Boston (2023):

  • Director: Michael W. Smith
  • Cast: Jason Lee, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and others
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Country: United States
  • Genre: Drama, Sport
  • Language: English
  • Age Rating: PG
  • Available Platforms: Various digital rental platforms
  • IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
  • Similar Movies: McFarland, USA (2015), The Miracle Season (2018)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Road to Boston on IMDb

11.Ballerina

Ballerina

Ok-ju, a former bodyguard, cannot overcome the grief of losing her best friend. Struggling with guilt for failing to protect her, Ok-ju resolves to fulfill her friend’s last wish and seek revenge on those responsible for her death. The cast of the film includes Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon, and Park Yu-rim.

Information about Ballerina (2023):

  • Director: Len Wiseman
  • Cast: Ana de Armas, John Wick (Keanu Reeves), and others
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Country: United States
  • Genre: Action, Thriller
  • Language: English
  • Age Rating: R
  • Available Platforms: Theaters, Digital Rental
  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
  • Similar Movies: John Wick (2014), Atomic Blonde (2017)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Ballerina on IMDb

12.Concrete Utopia

Concrete Utopia

A massive earthquake devastates the world, leaving it in ruins. The cause of the earthquake and the full extent of the damage remain unknown. However, a building known as Hwang Gung Apartments in the capital of South Korea miraculously remains standing. As time passes, foreigners seeking refuge from the cold begin to take shelter in this building. The residents of the apartment soon realize that the growing crowd will lead to a struggle for survival and devise a special strategy to protect themselves. The cast of the film includes Park Bo-young, Park Seo-joon, and Lee Byung-hun.

Information about Concrete Utopia (2023):

  • Director: Um Tae-hwa
  • Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-joon, and others
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Drama, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Theaters, Digital Rental
  • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
  • Similar Movies: Parasite (2019), Train to Busan (2016)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Concrete Utopia on IMDb

13.The Moon

The Moon

As a result of an accident, astronaut Hwang Seon-woo finds himself stranded alone on the Moon, specifically on its dark side. Kim Jae-guk, the former head of the control center on Earth, embarks on a formidable mission to rescue him. To make this challenging rescue operation successful, everyone involved must exert tremendous effort and confront their pasts. The cast of the film includes Hong Seung-hee, Sol Kyung-gu, and DO.

Information about The Moon (2023):

  • Director: Kim Yong-hwa
  • Cast: Do Kyung-soo, Lee Sung-min, Kim Hee-sun, and others
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 2 hours 6 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Theaters, Digital Rental
  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
  • Similar Movies: Interstellar (2014), Gravity (2013)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: The Moon on IMDb

14.Phantom

Phantom

In 1933, during the period of Japanese occupation in Korea, five individuals in Gyeongseong are suspected of being spies for the anti-Japanese organization “Phantom.” They are later ensnared in an operation and imprisoned in a remote hotel. The cast of the film includes Park So-dam, Honey Lee, Kim Dong-hee, and Sol Kyung-gu.

Information about Phantom (2023):

  • Director: Lee Hae-jun
  • Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lim Ji-yeon, Park Hae-il, and others
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 53 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Theaters, Digital Rental
  • IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
  • Similar Movies: The Chaser (2008), Memories of Murder (2003)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Phantom on IMDb

15.Switch

Switch

On Christmas Eve, a famous actor, while drunk, gets into a taxi and wakes up to find himself in a very different life. The cast of this production, which is on our list of Korean movies, includes Kwon Sang-woo, Lee Min-jung, Jeong-se Oh, and Park So-yi.

Information about Switch (2023):

  • Director: Yoon Jae-kyoon
  • Cast: Joo Won, Lee Min-jung, Kim Ki-bum, and others
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Country: South Korea
  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • Age Rating: Not Rated
  • Available Platforms: Theaters, Digital Rental
  • IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
  • Similar Movies: The Outlaws (2017), Midnight Runners (2017)
  • Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
  • IMDb Link: Switch on IMDb

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