If one is to describe unique movie experiences, above all darker themes such as crimes, wars, horrors, and love, then Korean cinema is the first that comes to mind. It has been recognized for its raw and realistic treatment of themes, which makes for memorable cinematic experiences. Many Hollywood movies have drawn much inspiration from Korean films, and some Korean titles have been remade in American films.

If one is a movie buff, one must be aware of the various kinds of movies the Korean film industry has offered us over the years. Their horror and crime thrillers are well known worldwide as among the most vicious, terrifying, and hair-raising experiences a viewer can have. From horror films to romantic comedies, Koreans have been consistent in not setting any limits to what is the norm, coming up with utterly crazy, original plot lines and not shying away from even the most uncomfortable topics.

40. Love Untangled (2025)

For school heartthrob Kim Hyun’s (Cha Woo-Min) 19-year-old admirer Park Se-Ri (Shin Eun-Soo), the answer to not being able to confess her love for him is to straighten her curly locks. She feels that it will provide her with the necessary amount of courage. But the arrival of a new student, Han Yun-Seok (Gong Myung), seems to alter everything. Park Se-Ri feels that Han Yun-Seok is the path to Kim Hyun, and Han Yun-Seok feels that Park Se-Ri is what she is and doesn’t need to do anything differently. Is there a love triangle going on here? Love Untangled’ is a hilarious rom-com that highlights the point that you cannot love another person before loving yourself. You can binge the film here.

39. Wall to Wall (2025)

Directed by Kim Tae-joon, ‘Wall to Wall’ demonstrates how Woo-sung’s search for the cause of the sounds in his new apartment turns lethal, highlighted by unresolved tension and evil intentions between the occupants. There’s also an unsettling slant to the story that comes from being unaware of one’s immediate environment, and Tae-joon gradually forms into a spine-chilling discovery of illicit secrets, all whose foundations are rooted in the building itself. You can watch the movie rght here.

38. Officer Black Belt (2024)

A faithful-to-style action comedy that is quintessentially Korean in style, ‘Officer Black Belt’ is helmed by Jason Kim. The film revolves around a pair of probation officers, Lee Jung-do (Kim Woo-bin) and Kim Sun-min (Kim Sung-kyun), who keep paroled criminals in line. Those who break probation are on the receiving end of taekwondo, kendo, and judo courtesy of Jung-do, black belt holder. ‘Officer Black Belt’ is a senseless entertainer that tickles your buddy-cop bone from beginning to end in the most satisfactory way possible. You can see the movie here.

37. Mission: Cross (2024)

A wife and husband team up to crack a complicated and perilous case in the Lee Myeong-hun-directed action spy comedy. The twist? They find themselves working together without realizing it. The husband, Park Kang-moo (Hwang Jung-min), has long given up his life as a covert operative and is content with his domestic life with his wife, Kang Mi-seon (Yum Jung-ah). Mi-seon, on the other hand, is a detective police officer and unaware of her husband’s history. When that moment arrives, much needs to be talked about, but will there be enough time for their marriage to be put to the test in the most havoc-wreaking fashion possible? Both action and comedy are crammed in equal amounts in ‘Mission: Cross’, a well-timed entertaining movie that is engaging in more ways than one. It can be watched here.

36. Silenced (2011)

Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, ‘Silenced’ is an adaptation of the novel ‘The Crucible’ by Gong Ji-young. The movie revolves around Kang In-ho (Gong Yoo), a novice teacher at a school for hearing-impaired children. When he learns that the students are being repeatedly sexually assaulted by the instructors, he allies himself with human rights activist Seo Yoo-jin (Jung Yu-mi) to expose the problem. How the two try to get justice for the students in spite of immense opposition from greater powers is what we learn in this chilling, gripping, and moving drama highlighted by outstanding performances. The movie is based on the Gwangju Inhwa School for the Deaf, where in 2005 the ten-year history of sexual exploitation of its students came to light. ‘Silenced’ puts the place of a teacher in society and how he has to be the voice of the voiceless into the forefront. You can stream it here.

35. My Name Is Loh Kiwan (2024)

Directed by Kim Hee-jin, ‘My Name Is Loh Kiwan’ explores two broken characters: Loh Kiwan (Song Joong-ki), a North Korean defector, and Mari (Choi Sung-Eun), who has a troubled past. Having lost his mother recently, Loh Kiwan is stranded in Belgium, where he runs into the unstable Mari while waiting to hear back about his refugee status from the Belgium government. He wants to achieve his mother’s dream of living freely, whereas Mari wishes to die. They attempt to hold on to one another in the cold Belgian winter that also represents their cruel realities. Set on the basis of the 2019 fictional novel ‘I Met Loh Kiwan’ written by Cho Hae-jin, ‘My Name Is Loh Kiwan’ explores deeply into the situation and trauma defectors experience, making the audience a heart-rending one. You can view the movie here.

34. Ballerina (2023)

Former combatant bodyguard Jang Ok-ju gets revenge for the death of her closest friend, Choi Min-hee, a ballerina. A sex trafficker named Choi Pro harassed her and left Ok-ju a letter in order to get revenge for her death. With a linear plot driven by signature Korean action with guns, knives, chainsaws, and wet cloths, ‘Ballerina’ is a classic thriller teetering on the edge of a femme fatale take. Directed by Lee Chung-hyeon, the film stars Jeon Jong-seo as Jang Ok-ju, Park Yu-rim as Choi Min-hee, and Kim Ji-hoon as Choi Pro. You may watch it here.

33. Good News (2025)

Following the Yodogo Hijacking Incident in March 1970, ‘Good News’ illustrates the efforts employed by South Korean authorities to land a hijacked passenger aircraft safely. The flight departs from Tokyo, Japan, and is heading for Fukuoka, Japan, when it is hijacked by members of the Red Army Faction who demand the flight deliver them to Pyongyang. The disaster movie is liberally laced with black humor and is an entertaining and engrossing watch as we witness the various ways in which the authorities attempt to save the many innocents within the plane, such as enlisting the services of a shadowy “nobody” who appears to be well-equipped for such unforeseen missions. ‘Good News’ is helmed by Byun Sung-hyun and features an impeccable cast consisting of Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, Ryoo Seung-bum, and Takayuki Yamada. You can stream it here.

32. Unlocked (2023)

‘Unlocked’, directed by Kim Tae-joon, is a psychological thriller that reveals just how exposed we can be and the dangers we invite upon ourselves because we have incorporated our smartphones into our lives. When Lee Na-Mi’s (Chun Woo-Hee) phone gets stolen, she is told by the lady who found it that it is at a particular repair shop. Unbeknownst to Lee Na-Mi, the lady is a guy named Oh Jun-Yeong (Yim Si-Wan), who hacks into her phone and installs spyware to track her. On the other hand, Detective Woo Ji-man (Kim Hee-won) comes across dead bodies of people whose phones are missing. How these two narratives intersect is what we get to witness in this action-packed drama. You can view it here.

31. Badland Hunters (2024)

In the high-octane dystopian action film ‘Badland Hunters,’ written by first-time director Heo Myung-haeng, the impressive cast that includes Ma Dong-seok, Lee Hee-joon, Lee Jun-young, and Roh Jeong-eui transports viewers into post-apocalyptic Seoul. This gripping follow-up to ‘Concrete Utopia’ drops audiences at the epicenter of mayhem, as the formerly thriving city has collapsed into a disorderly wasteland following a catastrophic earthquake. Hold on tight for a thrill ride as ‘Badland Hunters’ delves into the aftermath, where survival takes over, and the struggle to reestablish order is an adrenaline-fueled fight against the backdrop of a city cast into the unknown depths of an uncertain future. You may view the movie below.

30. Love and Leashes (2022)

This romantic comedy is written and directed by Hyeon-jin Park and stars Seohyun and Lee Jun-young. The story revolves around the contract relationship between Ji-Hoo and JI-Woo. Although Ji-Hoo is seen as being generous, capable, and handsome, on the inside, he is a mess and wishes for nothing more than to be dominated by an alpha woman. JI-Woo wishes to be domineering over people around her but can’t do so in her working environment, which Ji-Hoo is also a part of. Both realize that they are well-suited for each other and decide to get involved in this game of a relationship that JI-Woo secretly hopes to convert into an actual romance because she has a crush on Ji-Hoo. Will she be able to wait until then? What if it never comes? How long is she going to wait? Join this couple’s fun experience right here.

29. Uprising (2024)

‘Uprising’ is a 16th-century historical war drama about the Japanese invasions of Korea. During the rule of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea is disintegrating. In the midst of this, we observe two childhood friends Cheon Yeong (Kang Dong-won) and Yi Jong-ryeo (Park Jeong-min) who had been brought up and trained together but are now turned enemies due to their individual backgrounds, situations, class difference, and the uncertainty of the future of their country. A historical epic to the core, bringing action and drama in a visually appealing way, ‘Uprising’ is a must-watch. You can stream it here.

28. Bogota: City of the Lost (2024)

Directed by Kim Seong-je, ‘Bogota: City of the Lost’ is a crime drama based on 19-year-old Guk-hee whose relocation to Bogota, Colombia, with his family to make a good living turns into something shady after he gets entangled in the red waters of smuggling. Yet success is the ultimate goal, and after tasting a spoonful, Guk-hee (Song Joong-ki) wants more, even if it costs him his life. The question is, what’s the value of success if you can’t live to enjoy it? Based in the 1990s, ‘Bogota: City of the Lost’ reveals how the young one begins at the ground floor and climbs his way to place himself among the highest order of the Bogotá black market. Dirty and intense, the series provides an interesting look at how a young brain copes with conflicted success. You can watch it here.

27. Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021)

This action-thriller movie by Seong Hun Kim is a spin-off of the second season of ‘Kingdom.’ The movie explores deep into Joseon’s complex fabric, spinning a story of tragedy, treachery, and secrets revealed. While the horizon of Joseon is under threat, a special herb holds the key to unimaginable power. Gianna Jun perfectly captures Ashin, an enigmatic character, bringing to life a story of power, politics, and personal retribution. As a continuation of the addictive ‘Kingdom’ series, this movie weaves in and out of the backstory of the resurrection plant in perfect harmony and further develops the intricate world that already is. It’s a masterpiece for both fans and newcomers. You can view it here.

26. Kill BokSoon (2023)

‘Kill Boksoon’ is an action-thriller movie directed and written by Sung-hyun Byun. Danger hides in the shadows in this world, and Kill Boksoon, a single mother, is the unrivaled killer. But between personal and fatal assignments, lines get crossed when she must cope with the ultimate double bind of juggling her lethal job with family bonds. Employed by M.K. Ent, she operates between the dark seas of betrayals and loyalty. The narrative crescendos when a single incident threatens to shatter the fragile balance she’s maintained. Her story is a pulse-pounding exploration of the lengths one will go to protect what they cherish. Laced with suspense, the film underscores the volatile nature of trust in a world of deceit. You may watch it here.

25. The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure (2022)

‘The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure’ is a historical adventure movie by Kim Jeong-hoon. The story sets sail into the open sea of Goryeo, tracing the daring expeditions of pirates in search of a lost royal treasure. With battles and bonds, Moo-chi and Hae-rang command a band of pirates and robbers in a legendary odyssey. Their quest is all the more dangerous with the arrival of Bu Heung-soo, a traitor with eyes on the same target. A thrilling quest, the film is a tribute to the unbreakable spirit of adventure. It’s a carnival of action-packed sea battles, tactical maneuvers, and vintage pirate excitement. You can watch the film here.

24. 20th Century Girl (2022)

20th Century Girl’ is a 1999 romantic drama directed by Bang Woo-ri. Against the retro setting of 1999, the story overflows with adolescent energy, first loves, and high school relationships as Bo-Ra (Kim Yoo-jung) traverses the halls of adolescence. With school, taekwondo, and being a member of the broadcasting club, she is caught up in her best friend Yeon-Du’s dating life with Hyun-Jin. A moving depiction of teenage romance and the angst of growing up, the film is a lovely tribute to all those tender moments that make youth what it is and what being young is all about. You can stream ’20th Century Girl’ here.

23. The Call (2020)

‘The Call’ is a psychological thriller movie that is directed by Lee Chung-hyun. When Seo-yeon discovers a strange phone in her mother’s home, she becomes embroiled in a haunting exchange with Young-sook, a woman from the past. Their connection, spanning more than two decades, unwinds a chain of events with unexpected repercussions. This tense ride toges with the flexibility of time, querying whether or not fates can be rewritten. With stellar performances by Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo, the movie pulls you in with its dark twists and turns. It’s not only a movie but an experience, pushing the limits of time and decisions, which you can experience here right now.

22. Svaha: The Sixth Finger (2019)

Always count on Korean cinema to deliver some of the greatest thrillers that you have ever seen. The movie ‘Svaha: The Sixth Finger’ released in 2019 is one such movie that focuses on an agent named Pastor Park, who has the responsibility of looking into religious groups and cults. In the course of one of his probes at the cult known as “Deer Mount,” he discovers certain traces that lead him to the suspicion that this cult may have certain connections with the mysterious vanishing of a number of teenage girls. As Pastor Park gets deeper into this, he finds that this cult has lots of dark secrets, and they will do anything to conceal them from the world. Regardless of how fascinating the plot of the film sounds, ‘Svaha: The Sixth Finger’ is plagued by lackluster writing and underdeveloped characters. What could have been a tense thriller ends up being a very dull affair towards the end. You can view ‘Svaha: The Sixth Finger’ here.

21. Miss Granny (2014)

Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, ‘Miss Granny’ is a comedy-drama movie that charmingly enters the fountain of youth. Oh Mal-soon’s life is interrupted at the age of 74 when a trip to a magical photo studio sends her back to being a 20-year-old. As she embarks on her second youth, she is the focal point in her grandson Ji-ha’s band and becomes caught up in fateful romantic escapades. A magical story of age, music, and reclaimed aspirations, Miss Granny’s evocative narrative and flawless cast render the picture an unforgettable treasure in the Netflix Korean film library. You can watch the movie here.

20. Carter (2022)

With no recollections and just a voice within his head to guide him on what he should do, Carter (Joo Won) must locate a child called Ha-na (Kim Bo-min) and take him to a North Korean base. She is mankind’s antidote to the disease that has swept through America and North Korea and is transforming humans into wild, emotionless beings. The center will then develop an antidote using her blood. But with agents from all over the world on the lookout for the young girl, can Carter ensure Ha-na’s safety and proximity until they get to their target place? Adrenaline-fueled action scenes punctuated with an Earth-level sense of urgency make ‘Carter,’ helmed by Byung gil Jung, a thoroughly engaging action thriller. Watch it here.

19. Lucid Dream (2017)

For those who do not know what lucid dreaming is all about, it is a technique followed by certain people whereby they attempt to maintain their consciousness during dreams and consequently are able to control their dreams into moving any direction of their own choice. The plot of the movie ‘Lucid Dream’ revolves around a man who has been looking for his missing son for years and hasn’t found the slightest clue of him. The man, Dae-ho, has exhausted all his sources and hints that would lead him towards his son and so he has chosen to undertake a drastic action. With the assistance of a detective from the police and his friend who is a psychiatrist, Dae-ho attempts the practice of lucid dreaming, which will take him to the very moment that his son disappears. There is a clear absence of suspense in the movie, and everything that occurs is quite predictable. The success this film has gathered is primarily due to Netflix acquiring its rights to distribute it globally. You can view it here.

18. Psychokinesis (2018)

The extent a father will go to protect his kids is the maximum. He will do it without even considering his safety, for that matter. And if he develops superpowers, then nothing can stand between him and his urge to safeguard his child. This is exactly what happens in the 2018 South Korean movie ‘Psychokinesis’ directed and written by Yeon Sang-ho. The main character of the movie, Shin Seok-heon, is a guard who finds out that his daughter, the owner of a small fried chicken shop, has got into conflict with a construction company regarding her shop. The one thing that he gets anxious about most is the fact that this shop is operated by the mob. Shin Seok-heon is able to have a drink of water from a specific mountain spring, and this brings him the superpower of telekinesis, and it is with this new power that he intends to give the mobsters a lesson. The movie balances a superhero tale with comedy and necessary social commentaries. The superpower element of the movie is only half of the setup, but within, it turns out to be something deeper. Feel free to watch the movie here.

17. Revenger (2018)

If you are a fan of martial arts movies, do yourself a favor and begin watching ‘Revenger’ immediately. This Lee Seung-won-directed gives you some action-packed moments that will stick with you for a very long time after you’ve finished watching the movie. The core character of this movie is a retired policeman who is devastated after his family is brutally murdered by some criminals. He learns that such criminals are currently imprisoned on an island jail, and so he decides to arrest himself and have himself transported to the same prison. There, he intends to track them down and make them suffer the same pain and anguish that they had made his family endure. The tale of ‘Revenger’ is not very impressive. The movie excels with its action scenes being high-octane, and it can very well be said that it has been made with action junkies in mind. You can watch the movie here.

16. The Drug King (2018)

This movie is an adapted version of a true story about the life of a drug kingpin named Lee Doo-sam. Lee began as a low-grade member of an organized crime group and dabbled in the smuggling of diamonds and other similar commodities before venturing into the drug trade. Of course, the profit that he gained through the drug trade was unmatched and launched him on the trajectory to becoming one of the most infamous smugglers in all of Korea. The movie is an eye-opener to the history of the drug business that existed during the 1970s in South Korea, in which a supply route prospered between Japan and Busan. Song Kang-ho, one of Korea’s largest stars, who has carved a niche around the globe with his performances in movies such as ‘Memories Of Murder,’ ‘Parasite’ and ‘A Taxi Driver,’ performs the central character with unmatched skill. The issue with the movie is that it is burdened with loads of underdeveloped characters. If the writing was more complex, this movie would have done a lot better with audiences and critics. You can watch ‘The Drug King’ here.

15. Night in Paradise (2020)

‘Night in Paradise’ is a stunningly gorgeous movie about Tae-goo, who is a gangster and receives an opportunity to switch places with the opposing gang. But he declines, and his sister and niece are murdered as a result. Seething with rage and vengeance, Tae-goo finds the chairman of the other gang and murders him before escaping to Jeju Island. First, hope seems lost, as with a huge target on his back, Tae-goo is sure to perish. But, after he meets up with Jae-Yeon, a terminally ill woman who has lost all hope, he discovers that there is more to life. Highlighting the budding romance between the two and tagging along with the competing gang on their path to revenge, the film presents a complex blend of action and melodrama. You may see it here.

14. Pandora (2016)

Pyung-Sub is worried about the conditions of the local nuclear power plant, but no one seems to listen to him. However, when an earthquake strikes, it severely damages the power plant and begins to spread panic. Now, young Jae-Hyeok and his colleagues must prevent another nuclear disaster. ‘Pandora’ is not merely a suspenseful film but an emotional film as well, thanks to the screenplay. With effective visual effects and tolerable cinematography, director Jong-woo Park presents a tearful drama with reality. Please feel free to watch the film here.

13. Steel Rain (2017)

‘Steel Rain’ starts with Eom Chul-woo, a North Korean Special Forces soldier, and another vitally important but unconscious man who has defected to South Korea. Thereafter, Eom reunites with Cheol-woo, the Head of Foreign Security, and they have to take decisions in order to avert the ensuing Korean war, which could be waged with nuclear weapons. ‘Steel Rain’ is a thrilling ride, with episodes of sorrow, action, adrenaline overdose, and tension that have been sustained throughout the movie. Watch it before it gets removed by Netflix. You can watch it here.

12. Okja (2017)

A South Korean-American co-production, ‘Okja’ is a movie directed by the acclaimed Bong Joon-Ho, and it can be said to be his sole kid-friendly movie so far. The narrative of ‘Okja’ revolves around the narrative of a pig genetically created to be of gigantic size and to give pork of the highest quality. Several such pigs were released by a company across the globe to farmers, and the best among them turned out to be the titular pig, Okja. And now, when the firm takes Okja away, her owner, a young girl named Mija, chooses to pursue them and rescue Okja from the slaughter. This leads Mija from her small village to Seoul and then on to America. A very entertaining watch, ‘Okja’ is something entirely different from what we have grown to expect of Bong Joon-Ho. The movie is well-written, contains moments of brilliance, and has some very good performances. You may see it here.

11. Sweet and Sour (2021)

‘Sweet and Sour’ is an amazing romantic drama movie that will surely pull at one’s heartstrings. Centering mostly around Jang-hyuk, the film depicts how he develops feelings for Da-Eun, a nurse in the same hospital where he was being treated for Hepatitis B. Soon enough, the two grow close and the couple begins to live together. With Jang-hyuk getting a job in another city, the long distance starts, creating issues for the couple. Apart from that, Jang-hyuk also begins to develop feelings for another colleague, thus resulting in more trouble. The rest of the movie then chronicles Da-Eun and Jang-hyuk’s quest to smooth things out, only to have a huge plot twist at the end. You can view it here.

10. The Chase (2017)

With the most epic old man headbutt ever, some black humor that has you laughing, and a number of extended foot pursuits, ‘The Chase’ appears to be ironically titled. It is a thriller murder mystery comedy film about two elderly men – a cranky homeowner and a retired detective – who are attempting to crack a 30-year-old murder mystery and apprehend a serial killer in the here and now who has been murdering old people in a small town. ‘The Chase’ is directed by Kim Hong-sun and features veteran actors Sung Dong-il and Yun-Shik Baek. The initial half of the movie concentrates on establishing the premise and is light-hearted for the most part, with some scenes being a bit sluggish, but the movie picks up pace in the second half, and in the end, it justifies its thriller classification. You can view ‘The Chase’ here.

9. The 8th Night (2021).

A chilling mystery-thriller movie, ‘The 8th Night’, discusses how the Buddha halted a monster some two and a half millennia back after ripping out its red and black eye. He then keeps the eyes apart, praying that they would never again be together. But a professor set on making the myth real revives the red-eye thousands of years later. Worrying the worst, the casket’s guardian assigns monk Chung-Seok to track down construction worker Park Jin-soo in order to put a halt to the eye’s course. Detective Kim Ho-Tae also accompanies the two men on their mission since he, too, is determined to halt the series of murders and destruction caused by the trail of the eye. In addition, the film discloses that the eye merely needs to locate the Virgin Shaman in order to access humanity and awaken the beast. Therefore, time being of the essence, the backdrop is set for an epic battle between good and evil. If you’d like to see that, you’re able to watch the movie here.

8. Tune In For Love (2019)

‘Tune In For Love’ is a sentimental, sentimental love affair between a good, straight-laced lady and a withdrawn man with a shady history. They initially meet as teens when the boy, newly out of juvie, begins working at the girl’s family bakery. The pair instantly connect but are horribly parted until destiny reunites them many years later. Now in their late twenties, the two start dating, but issues come up when he is not very open about his past and she simply wants to get to know him. Eventually, however, love does conquer all and rules supreme. Slow at times but mostly interesting, Kim Go-Eun and Jung Hae-in make for a lovely couple and like they were meant to be. You can watch ‘Tune In For Love’ here.

7. Forgotten (2017)

A family of four members — brothers Jin-Seok and Yoo-Seok, mother Na Young-Hee, and father Moon Sung-Geun — have shifted to a new residence. Jin-Seok is usually weak, hypersensitive, and on medication. Jin-Seok is the witness to the abduction of his elder brother Yoo-Seok, who has been abducted by some men in a van. A couple of days later, when Yoo-Seok comes back, he apparently doesn’t know anything about the location, what happened over the last couple of days, or how he was abducted. Noticing a difference in the behavior of his brother, Jin-Seok determines that the guy who’s pretending to be Yoo-Seok is not who he claims to be. A gripping, spine-chilling thriller; we recommend watching it right here.

6. Time To Hunt (2020).

Time To Hunt’ is an adrenalin-fueled Netflix Original crime thriller in a dystopian universe. In poor South Korea, four friends steal in a crazy heist to get out of their desperate financial holes but, in the process, put themselves on the grid of a merciless killer who will do anything to track them down. Over-the-top action scenes, tear-jerking drama, bromance, high-octane car chases – this film has everything. It was a genuine and successful effort at creating something loosely “Fast and Furious-Esque” overall. You can watch it here.

5. Space Sweepers (2021)

The film, set in 2092, follows four space explorers as they go far and wide in search of exotic space trash. Their fortunes quickly turn around when, having recovered a crashed space shuttle, they peer inside to find what appears to be a 7-year-old girl human girl. However, they soon discover that the girl is a humanoid robot and a very valuable one at that. In addition, with the UTS Space Guards taking an interest in the robot, the space explorers seize the moment and demand a ransom for it. The trade, however, fails to proceed as intended, and the four friends end up discovering explosive secrets that will forever transform their lives! You can stream the movie here.

4. Peninsula (2020)

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, ‘Peninsula’ is a follow-up to ‘Train to Busan’ and takes place 4 years after the actions of the latter. It traces the story of Jung-seok (Gang Dong-won), a soldier who is part of a rescue squad sent to retrieve a truck carrying money for Chinese gangsters from the zombie-infested wasteland of South Korea. Getting into the wasteland is one thing, but getting out of the location alive is a completely different game. And then there is this rogue militia Jung-seok has to watch out for, and some family surviving there somehow that he has to rescue. High on action and emotion, ‘Peninsula’ is a must-see zombie movie that does complete justice to its original. You can see it here.

3. #Alive (2020)

Individuals tired of staying indoors for the weeks-long quarantine will appreciate this zombie siege movie that’s like ‘Train To Busan.’ ‘#Alive’ is an exciting survival drama about a lone gamer trapped in his house with no food, no weapons, scant resources, and a swarm of ravenous zombies surrounding his apartment complex, on the verge of kicking open his front door. He is cut off digitally and has no means of survival unless he becomes resourceful. The best thing about Korean zombie films is that their zombies are not the slow-moving, dum-dum-dumb creatures of ‘The Walking Dead,’ but fast, ferocious, and terrifying (such as in ‘Train To Busan’ and the Netflix series ‘Kingdom’). Headlined by the talents of Yoo Ah-in and Park Shin-Hye, ‘#Alive’ has you gripped from beginning to end. You can freely view the film here.

2. Past Lives (2023)

Untold emotions and unsaid feelings are the focal point of Celine Song’s ‘Past Lives,’ when two old friends reconnect after decades. Nora Moon (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) were boy and girl friends since childhood, and it appeared they would be together forever. But life separates them, and they run into each other only twice in the next 24 years. How two people get influenced by the periods of separation in between what happens in those two meetings is what makes ‘Past Lives’ a private and heart-wrenching drama that is downright painful. A real-life portrayal of what it is to move on, ‘Past Lives’ will have you grab some tissues by the end. You can view the stunning film right here.

1. The Match (2025)

Founded on the real-life tale of renowned Go players Cho Hun-hyun and Lee Chang-ho, ‘The Match’ depicts how the two individuals impacted one another’s lives. Go master Cho Hun-hyun teaches rookie player Lee Chang-ho the ropes, seeing his potential. Months become years and years turn into months until student and teacher face each other in a professional game, and Chang-ho beats Hun-hyun. Can the latter swallow his pride and admit defeat when he well knows it is his student who has beaten him? Shouldn’t he be proud? ‘The Match’ is a compelling biographical drama that grapples with a teacher-pupil relationship that is marked with personal clashes. Directed by Hyung-joo Kim, the movie features Lee Byung-hun as Cho Hun-hyun, Yoo Ah-in as Lee Chang-ho, and Kim Kang-hoon as Lee Chang-ho when young. You can watch it here. Read More: Best Korean Movies on Amazon Prime