Discover the Best Korean Movies for Every Genre Fan

Here is a list of the best Korean movies to check out. South Korea is rapidly making its mark on the entertainment industry with a growing influence. The rise of K-pop, the global success of K-dramas on digital platforms, and Korean films winning major international awards highlight the country’s talent.

Korea is renowned for producing some of the best films, with notable hits like The Handmaiden, Parasite, and Train to Busan. Korean filmmakers excel in various genres, including psychological thrillers and zombie movies. While certain genres are particularly popular, Korean cinema offers a wide range of films across all genres. Here are some top recommendations:

For those looking for Korean movie recommendations, we’ve compiled this updated list of the best Korean movies to watch on Netflix and other platforms.

Movie List Index

1.JUNG_E

Discover the Best Korean Movies for Every Genre Fan JUNG_E

This dystopian Korean thriller, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, the mind behind Train to Busan and Hellbound, is set in a 22nd-century world that has become uninhabitable due to climate change. In the desolate remains of Earth, a war erupts among survivors in the last refuge for humanity. The key to ending the conflict and securing peace lies in cloning the legendary mercenary JUNG_E (played by Kim Hyun-joo) into an immortal robot.

Information about JUNG_E (2023)

Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Cast: Kang Soo-yeon, Kim Hyun-joo, Ryu Kyung-soo
Release Year: 2023
Duration: 99 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama
Language: Korean
Age Rating: TV-MA
Available Platforms: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Similar Movies: The Wandering Earth (2019), Snowpiercer (2013), Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: JUNG_E on IMDb

2.Unlocked

Discover the Best Korean Movies for Every Genre Fan Unlocked

Unlocked, a thriller adaptation of the Japanese film Stolen Identity, is a nightmare scenario for anyone obsessed with technology. The story follows Na-mi (Chun Woo-hee from Be Melodramatic), who loses her smartphone on her way home from work. She unknowingly receives a replacement phone from Jun-yeong (Yim Si-wan from Run On), which is laden with spyware. As Jun-yeong begins to monitor her daily life and approaches her undercover, Na-mi’s once ordinary existence spirals into chaos. Meanwhile, Jun-yeong’s father, Ji-man (played by Kim Hee-won), a police detective, discovers traces of his son at a crime scene.

Information about Unlocked (2023)

Director: Kim Tae-joon
Cast: Chun Woo-hee, Im Si-wan, Kim Hee-won
Release Year: 2023
Duration: 117 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Language: Korean
Age Rating: TV-MA
Available Platforms: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Similar Movies: Call (2020), #Alive (2020), Forgotten (2017)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Unlocked on IMDb

3.Kill Boxing

The thrilling, action-packed Korean film Bok-soon explores two distinct lives. Jeon Do-yeon, known for her role in Crash Course in Romance, portrays a woman who is both a devoted mother and a legendary professional killer. Struggling to balance the duties of raising her daughter and completing high-stakes assassination missions, Bok-soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous conflict between “kill or be killed” after refusing to carry out a contract. The film also stars Sol Kyung-gu (from Yaksha: Ruthless Operations), Esom (from Taxi Driver), and Koo Kyo-hwan (from DP).

Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Jeon Do-yeon, Esom
Type:Action/ Income

4.The Devil’s Deal (2023)

This Korean political thriller, set in Busan in 1992, delves into the intense clash and collaboration between politicians and gangsters. Hae-woong (played by Cho Jin-woong), a congressional candidate, believes that securing businessman Soon-tae (portrayed by Lee Sung-min) will guarantee his victory in the upcoming elections. However, Soon-tae decides to back another candidate. Undeterred, Hae-woong runs as an independent and enlists the support of gang leader Kim Moo-yul Pil-do. As the election heats up, both sides resort to illegal and violent tactics to ensure their win.

Information about The Devil’s Deal (2023)

Director: Lee Won-tae
Cast: Cho Jin-woong, Lee Sung-min, Kim Moo-yul
Release Year: 2023
Duration: 116 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Language: Korean
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: TBD
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Similar Movies: Inside Men (2015), The Man Standing Next (2020), The Drug King (2018)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: The Devil’s Deal on IMDb

5.Return to Seoul

The Korean drama film Return to Seoul follows 25-year-old Freddie (played by Ji-min Park) as he returns to South Korea for the first time since being adopted and raised in France. What starts as an impulsive trip to visit friends evolves into an unexpected journey to locate his biological parents in a country he knows little about.

Information about Return to Seoul (2022)

Director: Davy Chou
Cast: Park Ji-min, Oh Kwang-rok, Guka Han
Release Year: 2022
Duration: 119 minutes
Country: France, Germany, Belgium
Genre: Drama
Language: French, Korean, English
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Similar Movies: Minari (2020), Shoplifters (2018), Drive My Car (2021)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Return to Seoul on IMDb

6.Soulmate (2023)

This gorgeous Korean romance film, adapted from the Chinese film of the same name, tells the coming-of-age story of two friends, Kim Da-mi and Jeon So-nee, who first meet at the age of 11 and remain close for 14 years, sharing experiences of both friendship and romance. Byeon Woo-seok plays their young classmate, Jin-woo.

Information about Soulmate (2023)

Director: Min Yong-geun
Cast: Kim Da-mi, Jeon So-nee, Byeon Woo-seok
Release Year: 2023
Duration: 124 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Drama
Language: Korean
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: TBD
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Similar Movies: Little Women (2019), The Farewell (2019), Lady Bird (2017)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Soulmate on IMDb

7.Past Lives

Korean-Canadian playwright Celine Song’s feature debut has received rave reviews since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood friends with a deep bond, are separated after Nora’s family immigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they reunite for one fateful week as they confront the concepts of love and destiny.

Information about Past Lives (2023)

Director: Celine Song
Cast: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro
Release Year: 2023
Duration: 106 minutes
Country: United States, South Korea
Genre: Drama, Romance
Language: English, Korean
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: TBD
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Similar Movies: Before Sunrise (1995), The Farewell (2019), Drive My Car (2021)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Past Lives on IMDb

8.Dream (Chasing the Dream)

The Korean comedy film follows a team of inexperienced players who attempt to qualify for the Homeless World Cup, an international soccer tournament. A group of homeless men trains with hard work and dedication to make the cut, despite their grumpy, short-tempered coach. If you enjoy comedy movies, you shouldn’t miss this production, available for streaming on Netflix.

Information about Dream (Chasing the Dream) (2023)

Director: Lee Byeong-heon
Cast: Park Seo-joon, IU, Lee Hyun-woo
Release Year: 2023
Duration: 125 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Language: Korean
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: TBD
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Similar Movies: The Miracle Season (2018), The Longest Yard (2005), Coach Carter (2005)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Dream on IMDb

9.Ballerina

La Casa de Papel: Korean drama stars Jeon Jong-seo and Kim Ji-hoon reunite in this revenge-driven action thriller. Mourning the loss of her best friend, whom she failed to protect, former bodyguard Ok-ju sets out to fulfill her last wish: revenge. Ballerina is a gripping, action-packed movie that you can watch on Netflix.

Information about Ballerina (2023)

Director: Lee Chung-hyun
Cast: Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon, Park Yu-rim
Release Year: 2023
Duration: 93 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Language: Korean
Age Rating: TV-MA
Available Platforms: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Similar Movies: The Villainess (2017), Atomic Blonde (2017), Kill Boksoon (2023)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Ballerina on IMDb

10.Forgotten

The psychological thriller Forgotten centers on a young man named Jin-seok (Kang Ha-neul) who lives a modest life with his parents and older brother Yoo-seok (Kim Mu-yeol). One night, Jin-seok witnesses his brother being kidnapped on the street, but 19 days later, Yoo-seok returns seemingly well and unharmed. As life returns to normal, Jin-seok notices significant changes in his brother’s behavior and begins to suspect that he is a different person. As other strange events unfold, Jin-seok’s quest to uncover the truth about the night of the kidnapping leads him into a deep impasse that reveals more about himself than about Yoo-seok.

Information about Forgotten (2017)

Director: Jang Hang-jun
Cast: Kang Ha-neul, Kim Mu-yeol, Moon Sung-keun, Na Young-hee
Release Year: 2017
Duration: 109 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Language: Korean
Age Rating: TV-MA
Available Platforms: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Similar Movies: Oldboy (2003), Memories of Murder (2003), The Call (2020)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Forgotten on IMDb

11.Parasite ⭐️

A milestone in world cinema, Parasite became the highest-grossing Korean film in many countries. It is the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture Oscar and is universally hailed as one of the best films of the 21st century. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film’s real achievement lies in its harsh critique of capitalism, which it successfully brought to a global audience. Parasite is a dark comedy/drama with elements of horror, centered around the Kim family, who are nearly penniless and living in the slums. Through a unique opportunity, each member of the Kim family gradually becomes involved in the lives of the wealthy Park family. The film explores strong themes related to family dynamics and issues surrounding modern capitalist society, vividly highlighting wealth inequality.

Information about Parasite (2019)

Director: Bong Joon Ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 132 minutes
Country: South Korea
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Language: Korean
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Similar Movies: Shoplifters (2018), Memories of Murder (2003), Burning (2018)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Parasite on IMDb

Netflix Korean movies 🥢

The best Korean movies to watch on Netflix cover almost every genre available in modern film. Like Hollywood in the West, South Korea’s film industry has expanded globally, not just through theatrical releases but also through digital platforms like Netflix. In recent years, Netflix has broadened its offerings to include South Korean films and K-dramas, attracting a larger international audience. While some Korean films have become cult classics—such as Oldboy and Train to Busan—there are many more deserving of a spot on your must-watch list. Netflix offers a diverse selection of Korean movies, spanning romance, comedy, historical drama, action, sci-fi, and horror. Here are the 10 best Korean movies to watch on Netflix: