Top 20 Korean Movies of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - August 25th 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Cropped Decision to Leave 2022 — Decision to Leave (2022)

When Park Chan-wook makes a movie, you just know it’s going to be a stylish cocktail of obsession, elegance, and human messiness. *Decision to Leave* is no exception – it’s a slow-burn detective romance that makes you question whether solving a crime is more dangerous than falling in love. This film plays with Hitchcockian tension, layering mystery on top of emotional vulnerability until you’re left wondering if you’ve just watched a crime thriller or a love story in disguise. Every frame feels meticulous, every glance loaded with meaning, and yet it never stops being strangely funny in its darkest moments. It’s a movie that rewards patience, pulling you deeper into its web with each scene. Korean cinema is no stranger to genre-bending, but this one feels like Park is at his most refined. By the end, you don’t just watch the unraveling – you *feel* it. | © Moho Film

Cropped the call 2020 — The Call (2020)

Forget everything you think you know about time-travel thrillers, because *The Call* takes the concept and twists it into something chillingly fresh. The story flips between two women, living in the same house but decades apart, who find a way to communicate through an old phone. Harmless enough, right? Wrong – because once murder, manipulation, and obsession get involved, things spiral into chaos that you can’t look away from. It’s one of those films where you start by rooting for the connection, only to regret it as the stakes keep climbing. With its slick pacing and relentless tension, this movie quickly became a fan-favorite on Netflix, bringing global audiences into the terrifying world of Korean psychological thrillers. It’s proof that horror doesn’t always need ghosts; sometimes, a phone call is the scariest thing of all. | © Yong Film

Cropped parasite 2019 — Parasite (2019)

At this point, *Parasite* isn’t just a movie – it’s a cultural landmark. Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece smashed through international barriers, winning the Oscar for Best Picture and forever changing how the world sees Korean cinema. But beyond the awards, what makes *Parasite* unforgettable is its razor-sharp critique of class inequality wrapped in the skin of a black comedy thriller. It starts out playful, with the poor Kim family conning their way into the wealthy Park household, but before you know it, the tension snaps like a trapdoor beneath your feet. Every twist is deliciously cruel, every revelation perfectly timed, and the social commentary never feels preachy – it hits you in the gut instead. Rarely does a film entertain so fiercely while still holding up a mirror to society’s ugliest truths. *Parasite* isn’t just one of the best Korean movies ever made – it’s one of the best movies, period. | © Barunson E&A

Cropped burning 2018 — Burning (2018)

Lee Chang-dong’s *Burning* is the kind of movie that crawls under your skin and refuses to leave, even when the credits are long gone. Loosely based on a Haruki Murakami short story, it’s a slow, smoldering psychological mystery about a young man, his enigmatic crush, and the wealthy stranger who may or may not be hiding something sinister. What makes this film so hypnotic is its refusal to give you answers. Instead, it lingers in ambiguity, forcing you to live in the tension between obsession and paranoia. It’s a visual and emotional puzzle box, filled with long takes, subtle performances, and a creeping dread that builds like smoke in a locked room. Some might call it “slow cinema,” but the burn here is intentional – and devastating. By the end, you’re left shaken, questioning not just the characters but your own interpretation of truth. | © Pinehouse Film

Cropped swing kids 2018 — Swing Kids (2018)

Imagine a POW camp during the Korean War… now add swing dancing. Sounds insane? That’s exactly what makes *Swing Kids* such a delightful surprise. The film follows a young North Korean soldier who finds himself falling in love with dance, even as political and personal tensions threaten to crush everything around him. It’s energetic, heartfelt, and heartbreakingly bittersweet, mixing toe-tapping musical sequences with gut-punch reminders of war’s brutality. Director Kang Hyeong-cheol balances comedy, music, and tragedy in a way that feels almost impossibly seamless, delivering a story that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe even dance in your seat. It’s not just about the music – it’s about freedom, expression, and the resilience of the human spirit under the harshest of conditions. Who knew tap shoes could sound louder than bombs? | © Annapurna Films Korea

Cropped forgotten 2017 — Forgotten (2017)

If psychological thrillers are your thing, *Forgotten* might just break your brain – in the best way possible. The story kicks off with a young man trying to figure out why his brother disappeared for 19 days, only to come back… different. From there, the movie spirals into a series of twists and reveals that force you to rethink everything you thought you knew. It’s the kind of film where every little detail matters, and by the time the truth unfolds, you’ll be questioning your own memory alongside the characters. What sets it apart from other thrillers is how emotionally grounded it is; the stakes aren’t just about solving a puzzle, but about family, betrayal, and identity. It’s sleek, stylish, and never lets up until the final gut punch. Watching it feels like being trapped in a maze where the walls keep moving. | © B.A. Entertainment

Cropped a taxi driver 2017 — A Taxi Driver (2017)

History comes alive in *A Taxi Driver*, a film that takes the tragic events of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and filters them through the eyes of an ordinary man. Song Kang-ho delivers one of his finest performances as a Seoul taxi driver who unwittingly becomes involved in smuggling a foreign journalist into the city to report on the government’s violent crackdown. What starts as a simple money-making gig quickly transforms into a harrowing journey of conscience, courage, and humanity. The movie manages to capture both the brutality of state oppression and the quiet heroism of everyday people, making it as emotionally stirring as it is politically significant. It’s not just a history lesson – it’s a deeply human story that resonates far beyond Korea’s borders. The mix of action, drama, and heart makes this one unforgettable. | © Showbox

Cropped the handmaiden 2016 — The Handmaiden (2016)

Deception has never looked this beautiful. Park Chan-wook’s *The Handmaiden* is a sumptuous, twist-filled period drama inspired by Sarah Waters’ novel *Fingersmith* – only relocated to colonial Korea. The story of a con artist, a pickpocket, and a wealthy heiress tangled in love, betrayal, and double-crosses unfolds with both elegance and erotic charge. Every frame is drenched in visual detail, from the ornate costumes to the meticulous set design, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the mind. But don’t let the beauty fool you – this film is as cunning and vicious as its characters, delivering shocking reveals and deliciously tense encounters. It’s daring, witty, and unafraid to revel in its own excess. Simply put, it’s Park Chan-wook at his most wickedly playful, and it’s glorious. | © Moho Film

Cropped the wailing 2016 — The Wailing (2016)

Few horror films manage to feel truly unpredictable, but *The Wailing* thrives on keeping you guessing. Set in a rural village plagued by mysterious deaths and illnesses, the film blends supernatural horror, dark comedy, and police procedural into something uniquely terrifying. At its heart, it’s about a bumbling policeman trying to protect his daughter from forces he barely understands, and that emotional core makes the horror sting even more. With each new clue, the movie teases you into thinking you’ve figured it out – only to yank the rug from under you in spectacularly unsettling fashion. The mix of folklore, religious undertones, and sheer dread creates a nightmare that feels both grounded and otherworldly. By the end, you’ll be haunted not just by the images, but by the questions it leaves unanswered. | © Side Mirror

Cropped train to busan 2016 — Train to Busan (2016)

Zombies aren’t new, but *Train to Busan* made them feel alive again – pun fully intended. Set almost entirely on a speeding train during a sudden outbreak, the film delivers nonstop thrills without sacrificing emotional depth. It’s as much a survival horror spectacle as it is a story about family, sacrifice, and humanity at its best and worst under pressure. The confined setting amps up the tension, making every train car a new level of danger, while the practical effects and stunts keep you glued to the screen. Yet, amidst the carnage, there’s surprising heart, especially in the relationship between a distant father and his young daughter. By the time the credits roll, you’ll be both exhilarated and emotionally wrecked. Few films balance blockbuster action with genuine pathos this well. | © Next Entertainment World

Cropped i saw the devil 2010 — I Saw The Devil (2010)

There are revenge thrillers… and then there’s *I Saw The Devil*, the one that takes the genre, sharpens it to a blade, and cuts deeper than most audiences are prepared for. Kim Jee-woon crafts a brutal game of cat and mouse between a secret agent and a sadistic serial killer, and it’s not for the faint of heart. What makes this film unforgettable is not just the graphic violence – though, fair warning, there’s plenty – but the way it explores the psychological toll of vengeance. At what point does the hunter become the monster? That question lingers long after the credits roll. Every encounter between the two leads feels like a bomb waiting to go off, equal parts terrifying and mesmerizing. It’s unrelenting, uncompromising, and a must-watch for anyone who thinks they’ve “seen it all” in thrillers. Spoiler: you haven’t. | © Showbox

Cropped the man from nowhere 2010 — The Man From Nowhere (2010)

If you like your action movies with grit, heart, and a lone hero who could take down an entire army if he felt like it, *The Man From Nowhere* will be your jam. Often compared to films like *Léon: The Professional* or *John Wick*, this Korean gem tells the story of a mysterious pawnshop owner with a tragic past who gets pulled into rescuing a kidnapped child. What follows is a relentless chain of stylishly brutal action sequences, each one more breathtaking than the last. But what really elevates it is the emotional core – the bond between the stoic hero and the young girl he risks everything for. It’s violent, yes, but it’s also deeply human, reminding us why the best action films aren’t just about bullets and blood, but about what drives them. And trust me, by the end, you’ll remember this man from nowhere. | © CJ Entertainment

Cropped thirst 2009 — Thirst (2009)

Leave it to Park Chan-wook to make a vampire movie that’s equal parts erotic, grotesque, and strangely funny. *Thirst* follows a Catholic priest who becomes a vampire after a failed medical experiment, forcing him to wrestle not just with his thirst for blood, but also with very human desires he’s long repressed. The film doesn’t shy away from the horror of vampirism, but it also infuses it with dark humor, social commentary, and a forbidden romance that spirals into madness. It’s messy, wild, and utterly unique – exactly what you’d expect from Park. The cinematography oozes with atmosphere, while the performances bring equal parts vulnerability and ferocity. If you think you’ve seen every kind of vampire movie, this one will bite differently. And yes, it leaves a mark. | © CJ Entertainment

Cropped the chaser 2008 — The Chaser (2008)

When people talk about the rise of modern Korean thrillers, *The Chaser* is always in the conversation – and for good reason. Directed by Na Hong-jin, this gritty, nerve-wracking film is about a disgraced detective turned pimp who discovers one of his girls has been taken by a serial killer. From there, the chase begins – but unlike typical thrillers, this one throws structure out the window. You know who the killer is early on, and the tension comes from the desperate race against bureaucracy, time, and fate. It’s a relentless experience, one where every wrong turn and failed attempt adds to the mounting dread. At its core, it’s a sharp critique of systemic failure, wrapped inside a story that never lets you breathe. And the ending? Let’s just say it stays with you. | © Showbox

Cropped a bittersweet life 2005 — A Bittersweet Life (2005)

Style drips from every frame of Kim Jee-woon’s *A Bittersweet Life*, a gangster noir that feels as poetic as it is violent. The story follows a loyal enforcer who makes one fateful choice that throws his entire world into chaos. What starts as a story of quiet devotion transforms into an operatic tale of betrayal, revenge, and tragedy. It’s gorgeously shot, with action sequences that are as elegant as they are brutal, and yet it never forgets the human at the center of the storm. The title couldn’t be more fitting: it’s a film that’s equal parts beauty and brutality, sweet and savage, tender and merciless. If you want to understand why Korean crime films are revered worldwide, this is a perfect place to start. It’s violent poetry in motion, and it cuts deep. | © Bom Film Productions

Cropped memories of murder 2003 — Memories of Murder (2003)

Before *Parasite* won Bong Joon-ho international acclaim, he gave us *Memories of Murder* – and some argue it’s still his best. Based on Korea’s first real serial killer case, this crime drama is part police procedural, part social critique, and part existential nightmare. Two detectives, polar opposites in their methods, try to solve a string of murders in a rural town, but the harder they try, the more the case slips through their fingers. The genius of this film lies in how it refuses to give easy answers; it’s less about catching the killer and more about the frustration of living in uncertainty. It’s funny at times, horrifying at others, and devastatingly human throughout. Decades later, the unresolved ending still haunts audiences – especially now that the real case was solved years after the film’s release. | © CJ Entertainment

Cropped oldboy 2003 — Oldboy (2003)

Few films have reached the cult status of *Oldboy*, Park Chan-wook’s twisted revenge thriller that became a benchmark for Korean cinema on the global stage. The premise is simple enough: a man is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years, then suddenly released and given five days to uncover why. What follows is a descent into madness, revenge, and one of the most shocking twists in film history. The infamous hallway hammer fight alone would’ve secured its place in cinema history, but *Oldboy* goes beyond spectacle – it’s a meditation on vengeance, fate, and the cruelty of human obsession. Dark, stylish, and utterly unforgettable, it’s the kind of movie that defines an entire era of Korean filmmaking. Watch it once, and you’ll never look at dumplings the same way again. | © Show East

Cropped a tale of two sisters 2003 — A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Horror fans, this one’s for you. *A Tale of Two Sisters* isn’t just a ghost story – it’s a hauntingly beautiful psychological drama that plays with memory, trauma, and perception. Loosely inspired by a Korean folktale, it tells the story of two sisters returning home after time in a mental institution, only to be confronted by sinister visions and an oppressive stepmother. The film balances traditional horror scares with a deeply emotional undercurrent, making it both terrifying and heartbreaking. Its visuals are stunning, its atmosphere chilling, and its twists keep you guessing until the very end. Unlike many horror films, it doesn’t rely on cheap thrills – it gets under your skin by weaving tragedy and dread together into something unforgettable. This is Korean horror at its most elegant and unsettling. | © B.O.M. Film Productions

Cropped peppermint candy 2000 — Peppermint Candy (2000)

Few films capture the turbulence of modern Korean history quite like *Peppermint Candy*. Directed by Lee Chang-dong, this powerful drama unfolds in reverse chronology, following one man’s life backward from tragedy to innocence. Each chapter reveals how personal trauma intertwines with national upheaval, from student protests to economic collapse, making it as much a story about Korea as it is about its protagonist. The reverse structure adds a crushing inevitability – you know where he ends, and each step back only makes it more painful. It’s a film that demands emotional investment, rewarding viewers with one of the most devastating payoffs in Korean cinema. If cinema is empathy, *Peppermint Candy* is a masterclass. It hurts, but it’s unforgettable. | © Myung Film

Cropped the housemaid 1960 — The Housemaid (1960)

Before the global wave of Korean cinema we know today, there was *The Housemaid*, a film so bold and scandalous for its time that it still shocks modern audiences. Kim Ki-young’s psychological thriller tells the story of a middle-class family torn apart by the arrival of a seductive housemaid whose presence escalates into obsession, betrayal, and ultimately, tragedy. It’s a biting critique of class and gender roles in post-war Korea, wrapped in melodrama and suspense. What’s astonishing is how contemporary it feels, with themes that remain disturbingly relevant decades later. The influence of this film on Korean cinema is immeasurable – it even inspired remakes, but nothing quite captures the raw energy of the original. This is ground zero for the dark, daring storytelling that would later define the industry. | © Korean Entertainment Co.

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Korean cinema has taken the world by storm over the past few decades, blending powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable visuals. From internationally acclaimed masterpieces like Parasite and Oldboy to hidden gems that deserve more attention, South Korea has built a reputation for producing some of the most unique and gripping films in global cinema.

For this list of the top 20 Korean movies of all time, we’re focusing exclusively on films that are 100% Korean productions. That means no titles like Past Lives or K-Pop Demon Hunters – even though they feature Korean themes or talent, they are technically Western films. What you’ll find here are the must-watch movies that truly represent the heart of Korean cinema, from groundbreaking thrillers to deeply moving dramas and timeless classics.