Discover the Top South Korean Movies to Watch Right Now

South Korean cinema is known for its rich storytelling, diverse genres, and exceptional performances. Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding action, spine-chilling horror, or deep drama, there’s something in this list for you. Here’s a curated list of the best South Korean movies, organized by genre, to help you find your next must-watch film.

Key Takeaway

South Korean films offer a variety of genres and compelling stories that cater to all tastes. From gripping action and heartwarming drama to eerie horror and thrilling mysteries, these movies highlight the exceptional talent and creativity within Korean cinema.

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Action & Thriller

1. Deliver Us from Evil (2020)

• An assassin travels to Thailand to resolve a kidnapping linked to his past and faces a relentless pursuer.

1. Fabricated City (2017)

• A gamer, wrongfully accused of murder, teams up with allies to uncover the true culprit and clear his name.

1. The Swordsman (2020)

• Three swordsmen from different backgrounds clash in a high-stakes duel during the Joseon Dynasty.

1. Rampant (2018)

• A prince held hostage in Qing Dynasty faces monstrous threats and political intrigue upon his return to Joseon.

1. The Tiger (2015)

• In Japanese-occupied Korea, a hunter embarks on a perilous quest to capture the last surviving tiger.

1. The Great Battle (2018)

• The epic siege of Ansi Fortress unfolds as Korean troops defend against a massive Tang dynasty army.

1. Midnight Runners (2017)

• Two police academy students witness a kidnapping and use their training to save the victim in a race against time.

1. Holy Night: Demon Hunters (2022)

• A team fights against evil spirits in a thrilling occult action film.

Drama

1. 1987 (2017)

• Set during Korea’s oppressive military regime, citizens fight for justice following a student’s unlawful death.

1. Secret Sunshine (2007)

• A woman relocating to her deceased husband’s hometown faces a new tragedy that reshapes her life.

1. Peppermint Candy (1999)

• A man’s suicide triggers a reverse journey through his troubled life, revealing the reasons behind his despair.

1. A Tale of Legendary Libido (2008)

• An old man’s quest to regain his virility drives him through a series of humorous and poignant adventures.

1. A Frozen Flower (2008)

• In the Koryo dynasty, a king and his bodyguard’s forbidden relationship complicates political and personal affairs.

1. Remember (2022)

• An Alzheimer’s patient seeks revenge for his family’s tragic past with the help of a young man.

1. Innocence (2020)

• A lawyer defends her estranged mother in a murder trial while uncovering dark secrets in a small village.

1. The Beauty Inside (2015)

• A man who wakes up in a different body each day struggles with his feelings for a woman who loves him for who he is inside.

Horror & Mystery

1. The Mimic (2017)

• A family encounters a deadly creature that mimics human voices to lure them into danger.

1. House of the Disappeared (2017)

• A housewife returns to her home after 25 years in prison to uncover the mystery behind her family’s disappearance.

1. Seoul Station (2016)

• Amid a zombie outbreak in downtown Seoul, various groups struggle to survive and escape the chaos.

1. The Silenced (2015)

• A girl at a mysterious boarding school uncovers its dark secrets in order to survive.

1. Moebius (2013)

• A disturbing tale of desire and family tragedy unfolds as a father’s actions impact his son and wife.

1. The 8th Night (2021)

• A monk hunts a millennia-old spirit wreaking havoc on Earth with ancient and supernatural powers.

1. Monstrum (2018)

• In Joseon Korea, a loyal subject battles a monstrous threat and political conspirators aiming to usurp the king.

1. Sector 7 (2011)

• Offshore drillers encounter a lethal alien life form during their oil extraction mission south of Jeju Island.

Romance & Comedy

1. Love and Leashes (2022)

• Two co-workers enter a consensual BDSM relationship that complicates their professional and personal lives.

1. High Society (2018)

• A couple’s desperate attempts to climb the social ladder lead to dark and surprising consequences.

1. 10 Day Lover (2023)

• A chance encounter with a past lover reignites old feelings, leading to a secret ten-day romance.

1. Bosomy College Girl (2020)

• A college student’s unrequited love and persistent confessions to his crush create a comedic and heartfelt narrative.

Historical & Period Pieces

1. The Servant (2010)

• In a tale of love and class struggle, a servant’s feelings for a woman become entangled with his master’s desires.

1. Brotherhood (2004)

• During the Korean War, two brothers face the harsh realities of battle, with the elder shielding his younger sibling.

1. A Man of Reason (2022)

• A former criminal tries to live a peaceful life with his family, but past actions and old associates threaten his new life.

1. The Villagers (2018)

• As a couple investigates a missing girl’s case, they uncover dark truths about their community.

1. 1987 (2017)

• A powerful drama about the fight for democracy in Korea sparked by the tragic death of a student.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

1. Seobok (2021)

• An ex-intelligence agent must protect the first human clone who holds the key to eternal life.

1. Dedeumaen (2024)

• A man, falsely accused of embezzlement, struggles to clear his name while living as a ‘dead man’.

1. Dream (2023)

• A group of homeless individuals trains for the Homeless World Cup under the guidance of a strict coach.

1. Fabricated City (2017)

• An exceptional gamer must prove his innocence after being framed for a crime he didn’t commit.

Miscellaneous

1. Young Mother (2013)

• A young man reflects on his lustful fantasies involving his tutor.

1. Dedeumaen (2024)

• A man accused of embezzlement lives under a false identity while trying to clear his name.

1. A Traveler’s Needs (2024)

• A French woman finds solace in Korean culture and helps teach French to locals while grappling with her own losses.

1. The Plot (2024)

• A hitman survives an assassination attempt and suspects those around him in a gripping tale of survival and betrayal.

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South Korean films are a treasure trove of captivating narratives and impressive filmmaking. From intense thrillers and haunting horrors to touching dramas and exhilarating action, these movies showcase the incredible diversity and creativity of Korean cinema. Dive in and explore these films for an unforgettable cinematic experience!