The 12 Best Korean Movies On Netflix

As a passionate fan, I can confidently say that when Western minds picture popular Korean entertainment, they often envision TV phenomenons such as the record-breaking show “Squid Game” from 2022, which bagged six Primetime Emmy Awards, with Lee Jung-Jae making history as the first Asian actor to win in a leading role. However, Korean films have garnered significant acclaim in the West for many years now, notably when Bong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite” clinched the Best Picture award at the 2020 Academy Awards. And much like “Squid Game,” numerous top-tier Korean movies can be found on Netflix streaming platform.

Ever since 2010, I’ve found myself drawn to Netflix as a go-to destination for an extensive collection of foreign films, and their Korean film library never fails to impress. From blockbuster popcorn flicks to critically acclaimed dramas, pulse-pounding thrillers, tender romance stories, and even futuristic sci-fi adventures, the selection of fantastic Korean movies on Netflix is nothing short of impressive. Though their offerings rotate frequently, many of the Korean films they showcase are Netflix exclusives. Whether you’ve recently fallen in love with a Korean classic or are new to the world of Korean cinema altogether, my curated list of the best Korean movies on Netflix will steer you towards some truly unforgettable viewing experiences.

Oldboy

The 2003 movie “Oldboy,” a notable and impactful Korean film, was directed by Park Chan-Wook, following his success with the crime thriller “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance.” This film, an adaptation of a popular ’90s manga, is part of Chan-Wook’s “Vengeance Trilogy” and tells the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who was held captive in an unknown location for over a decade in what appeared to be a simple hotel room. Unaware of who imprisoned him or why, when Dae-su is mysteriously released without explanation, he vows to find those responsible and mete out his own form of retribution.

In its day, the gritty and violent film “Oldboy” shocked viewers with its rapid pace and intense brutality, a level of graphic violence less prevalent in cinema at that time. Directed with style and finesse, the movie showcases one of the most iconic hallway fight scenes ever filmed, where the protagonist, Dae-su, single-handedly battles an overwhelming number of assailants in a continuous shot. This scene, where he brutally attacks dozens of men with a hammer, left such an impact that it was imitated numerous times, even influencing series like Netflix’s “Daredevil.” However, “Oldboy” offers much more than just this memorable fight sequence and might well be considered, in our opinion, one of the greatest thrillers ever made, not only from South Korea but globally.

Snowpiercer

Snowpiercer,” a dystopian science fiction action movie directed by Bong Joon-Ho (who later won an Oscar for his 2019 film “Parasite”), was produced by Park Chan-Wook. Like Bong’s award-winning masterpiece, “Snowpiercer” is rich in social commentary. However, unlike the contemporary drama of “Parasite,” “Snowpiercer” takes place in a dystopian future. The film boasts an international cast, including Chris Evans, John Hurt and Tilda Swinton from Britain, Olivia Spencer and Jamie Bell who are rising stars, as well as Song Kang-ho, who previously starred in Chan-Wook’s “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance.

In “Snowpiercer,” the scenario unfolds as a chilling future where the entire world is encased in an icy prison from pole to pole. The majority of humanity has perished, leaving behind only a scant remnant who inhabit a colossal train that perpetually circumnavigates the globe. Contrary to expectations, this mobile society isn’t characterized by freedom and justice; instead, it is divided into carriages according to social class. The affluent dwell in the frontmost cars, while the less fortunate reside in the rear, where living conditions are harshest.

In a nutshell, in the movie “Snowpiercer,” those who suffer at the back of the train, due to cruel living conditions, unite as rebels against their oppressors – the wealthy elite. This tale symbolizes class struggle and economic disparity, emphasizing that in times of fascism, revolution might be the only path to freedom.

Okja

Four years following “Snowpiercer,” director Bong Joon-Ho presented another grim narrative of societal unfairness in the form of the 2017 movie titled “Okja.” This intriguing science fiction story starts off with the enigmatic Miranda Corporation developing a new strain of genetically engineered pigs, distributed globally in an attempt to create the ultimate pig. One of these giant pigs is sent to a farm in South Korea and given the name Okja by a young girl named Mija, who resides on this farm together with her grandfather.

In a turn of events, Meija is deeply saddened when the Mirando Corporation resurfaces after ten years, claiming ownership of Okja, who they’ve declared the best pig on earth. Determined to reunite with her beloved friend, Meija embarks on a mission to locate Okja and bring her back home. However, complications arise as an international animal rights organization known as the Animal Liberation Front gets involved. As it turns out, the Miranda Corporation harbors nefarious intentions for Okja, making it a challenging endeavor to rescue her from their clutches, even with the assistance of ALF.

The film “Okja,” a Korean science fiction production with a profound message, much like its predecessor “Snowpiercer, boasts an international star-studded cast. At the helm are Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, Byun Hee-bong, Ahn Seo-Hyun, and Stephen Yeun. The exceptional cast also includes Lily Collins, Yoon Je-moon, Devon Bostick, Giancarlo Esposito, Jake Gyllenhaal, and several others, making it a truly impressive ensemble.

20th Century Girl

21st Century Girl isn’t just one of the top Korean films on Netflix that deals with dark themes like drama or science fiction; instead, it offers a delightful tale of romantic development. Set in 1999, this film follows Na Bo-ra (played by Kim Yoo-jung), who is faced with a difficult situation when her best friend, Yeon-du (Roh Yoon-seo), has to travel to America for urgent medical surgery. Before she departs, Yeon-du confesses her love for fellow student Baek Hyun-jin (Park Jung-woo). In an attempt to comfort her friend, Bo-ra decides to keep tabs on Hyun-jin during Yeon-du’s absence, gathering as much information about him as possible.

In a case of confusion, Bo-ra pursues a relationship with someone she thinks is her friend, Hyun-jin (Byeon Woo-seok), who turns out to be Poong Woon-Ho in reality. When Yeon-du comes back from her overseas trip and Bo-ra learns the truth, they both struggle to maintain their friendship amidst a painful love triangle situation.

The movie is commended for its portrayal of the complex emotions of adolescent love, and its ’90s backdrop adds to its distinctiveness. It received numerous accolades, with Variety describing it as a poignant exploration of the moments and people that leave lasting impressions. Additionally, star Byeon Woo-seok was recognized twice for his role in this film, receiving nominations for Best New Actor at two different Korean award ceremonies.

The Man from Nowhere

The filmmaker Lee Jeong-beom, who works as a writer, director, and producer, may not have an extensive portfolio over his almost 20-year career, but his 2010 neo-noir crime thriller “The Man From Nowhere” is particularly notable. This story revolves around the character of Cha Tae-sik, a tranquil individual with a hidden past, portrayed by Won Bin. Tae-sik runs a humble pawnshop and leads a solitary life with limited companions. His only connection is with So-mi (played by Kim Sang-bum), a young girl from his neighborhood whose irresponsible mother Hyo-jeong hides a bag of stolen drugs in Tae-sik’s shop.

As a fervent admirer, when the boss of the crime ring that Hyo-jeong swiped from, Oh Myung-gyu, tracks down his stolen goods, I, Tae-sik, unknowingly find myself drawn into a lethal game. Hyo-jeong is brutally tormented by thugs, and when they kidnap So-mi, I’m compelled to delve into my past, unearth forgotten talents, and risk everything to save her. It’s an uncomplicated, pulse-pounding revenge tale—perfect for those who can’t get enough of the gritty action found in “John Wick” films.

A high-octane thriller brimming with extreme, excessive violence, the movie titled “The Man From Nowhere” was lauded by critics upon its debut and maintains an impressive 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review aggregator. In their assessment, “Film School Rejects” praised the film for being brutal, swift, and unrelenting, while drawing favorable comparisons to iconic English-language action films such as “The Professional” and “Taken.

Uprising

Our upcoming movie, titled “Uprising,” debuted on Netflix towards the end of 2024. Unlike the usual battle between robots and colossal monsters, this story is a historical fiction piece set during the Imjin War in the late 16th century, when Japan invaded Korea. In the film, we follow two friends who, unfortunately, find themselves as adversaries in a slave uprising. The acclaimed director Kim Sang-man helmed “Uprising,” with the script penned by both Sang-Man and Park Chan-wook, known for his work on “Oldboy.

In the midst of war chaos, we encounter Lee Jong-ryeo, portrayed by Park Jeong-min, and Cheon Yeong, played by Gang Dong-won. Despite their starkly contrasting social statuses – one as a master, the other as a slave – they share a deep friendship. However, this bond is tested when Yeong persistently seeks freedom, leading to a series of events where, following a victorious slave rebellion, these erstwhile friends find themselves in bitter conflict.

The movie is praised for its intense storyline and well-developed characters. Initially, it moves at a leisurely pace, but soon transforms into an exhilarating action flick. Sharp sword fights, dismembered limbs, and heavy bloodshed intensify the narrative effectively, yet they’re not what truly hooks you. Instead, the profound friendship between Jong-ryeo and Yeong forms the core of the film, with powerful acting performances that keep you on the edge of your seat just as much as any intense action sequence does.

The Call

2020’s science fiction thriller “The Call,” directed by first-timer Lee Chung-hyun, could well be one of the top Korean suspense films in this current decade. What makes this even more remarkable is that it’s his very first full-length movie. Interestingly enough, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this Netflix original was unable to have a theatrical release and instead found its home on the streaming platform.

The Call” introduces us to two women, Kim Seo-yeon (played by Park Shin-hye) and Oh Young-sook, who live apart in time but are connected through an enigmatic phone that bridges a 20-year gap. In the year 2019, we encounter Kim Seo-yeon, back home to look after her ailing mother. While there, she discovers a cordless phone that starts ringing with calls from Oh Young-sook, who explains she is being mistreated by her abusive mother and pleads for Seo-yeon’s assistance. However, Young-sook insists she resides in the year 1999, the same house where Seo-yeon now dwells.

Similar to an extended episode of “The Twilight Zone,” the movie spins a captivating tale that bends time in unexpected ways, keeping viewers on their toes with mounting suspense and increasing tension. After its triumphant release, Netflix didn’t hesitate when another pandemic arose; they snatched up distribution rights for Chung-hun’s 2023 sequel, “Ballerina,” which barely missed being included in this list.

Burning

Renowned Japanese writer Haruki Murakami has seen several of his novels translated for the big screen, and in 2018, “Burning” was one such adaptation. This film was based on his short story “Barn Burning,” which appeared in the collection “The Elephant Vanishes.” In the movie, Yu Ah-in and Jeon Jong-seo portray former childhood friends who rekindle their relationship following a serendipitous meeting. Ah-in plays the character of Jong Su, a delivery man, while Jong-seo depicts Hae-mi, a woman from his primary school days with whom he had been acquainted years prior.

In a turn of events, when Hae-mi goes on a journey and comes back accompanied by a man named Ben (Stephen Yeun from “The Walking Dead”), things take a sinister turn. It appears that Ben is mixed up in some shady activities, and when Hae-mi mysteriously vanishes following a concerning phone call, Jong-seo starts to suspect this mysterious newcomer might be connected. After finding some peculiar hints at Ben’s residence seem to support her worst suspicions, Jong-seo devises a plan to uncover the truth behind these unsettling circumstances.

Highly praised, “Burning” stands out as a compelling mystery that will leave you pondering every small aspect and guessing about the true identities of characters. This film received widespread acclaim, with Justin Chang from the Los Angeles Times declaring it as the best film of 2018 without any competition, describing it as “exceptionally unsettling.

Forgotten

For the production of the 2017 mystery thriller “Forgotten”, Jang Hang-jun assumed the positions of writer, director, and actor. The movie features Kang Ha-neul and Kim Mu-yeol portraying brothers Jin and Yoon-seok. Their lives become entangled in a decades-old murder enigma when their father reveals to them a secret room within their home. When Yoon-seok mysteriously disappears under the cloak of night, it falls upon Jin to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences.

The tale that unfolds is more complex than a classic Alfred Hitchcock mystery, full of unexpected twists and turns. The Seok family suspects there might be a murderer among them, but the person they point fingers at may not even realize they are the culprit. “Forgotten” is a thought-provoking and suspenseful journey into the realms of memory and trauma, seamlessly intertwining various stories from different time periods. As more secrets come to light through flashbacks, the tension builds as doctors delve deep into Jin-seok’s past using a psychological experiment.

Forgotten,” now streaming on Netflix, offers a intricate tale that might be too intense for the sensitive viewer. If you’re seeking a fast-moving adventure or a Sherlockian enigma, you may want to consider other options. Instead, this movie presents a chilling thriller that could initially appear convoluted, but by the climax, it coheres magnificently to offer one of the most shocking endings among films on this list.

Tune in for Love

2019’s romantic drama, “Tune in for Love”, might seem lighthearted with its playful title, but it hides a more complex and dramatic narrative than one would initially think. The story revolves around two star-crossed lovers attempting to reignite their blossoming romance across multiple years, battling various obstacles and personal hardships along the way. The plot unfolds as Cha Hyun-woo (portrayed by Jung Hae-in), a young man struggling with his past in prison, encounters Kim Mi-soo (Kim Go-eun) who works at a neighborhood bakery.

Sadly, following an altercation after too much alcohol, Hyun-woo ends up back in prison, causing him and Mi-soo to drift apart. They rekindle their relationship upon his release, but their time together is limited due to Hyun-woo enlisting in the military and being called to duty shortly after. Over roughly ten years, they meet again on several occasions, attempting to maintain contact, yet errors and misfortunes continuously keep them apart.

As a gaming enthusiast, let me share my thoughts about “Tune in for Love.” This movie wasn’t just another popular flick; it was one of the finest Korean productions available on Netflix. When it hit the big screen, it dominated the box office charts during its opening weekend, and it went on to break records as the highest-grossing romance film ever produced in Korean cinema history.

#Alive

Much like “28 Days Later” and “Dawn of the Dead,” the 2020 action/horror movie “#Alive” is set in a grim scenario where undead creatures inhabit the planet. Notably, it shares similarities with those classic Western films and ranks among the top in the zombie apocalypse sub-genre. Interestingly, this film was adapted from an original screenplay by Matt Naylor, which was initially released as the lesser-known 2020 Lionsgate film, “Alone.” Intriguingly, Naylor himself contributed to the writing of this Korean adaptation.

In this adaptation, we delve into the story of Joon-woo (Yoo Ah-in, renowned actor from “Burning”), a video game streamer and minor influencer who finds himself in the thick of things when a city-wide zombie outbreak occurs. Surrounded by mindless, ravenous creatures that wreak havoc everywhere they go, Joon-woo chooses to barricade himself within his small, secluded apartment for safety. As the destruction intensifies, he finds himself growing more and more disconnected from the world outside, and when he receives a frantic plea for help, Joon-woo starts to worry that survival may no longer be an option.

The movie came out at the same time as the Covid-19 pandemic, opening in late June when cinemas started to experience a rise in attendance. The film’s plot eerily mirrored real-life events. Critics also recognized this connection, with Cinema Escapist pointing out the similarities and labeling it “a fitting zombie movie for our Coronavirus times.

The Wailing

The Wailing” – A 2016 horror film by director and writer Na Hong-jin, which disguises itself as a viral outbreak movie similar to “World War Z”. In this chilling tale, an inexplicable “infection” turns victims into deranged, violent assailants, leading them to attack their own family members in mysterious homicidal fits. The story revolves around Jong-goo (played by Kwak Do-won), a police officer from the village of Gokseong, whose daughter Hyo-jin (Kim Hwan-hee) seems to have contracted this lethal virus.

The situation becomes oddly unsettling when a newcomer to the village, shrouded in mystery, is suspected to be an ancient, malevolent entity preying upon the villagers. With assistance from a local cleric named Kim Do-yoon, Jong-woo embarks on a search for this enigmatic figure. His investigation reveals possible signs that he might be supernatural, and could potentially be behind the unusual and alarming incidents happening in the village – as well as the originator of the affliction itself, which may not be an illness but something far more sinister.

The Wailing,” a Korean film with an impressive 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is arguably one of the most celebrated movies produced in Korea over the past ten years. Its gripping narrative and intense brutality contributed to its immediate recognition as a horror masterpiece. Despite not meeting the criteria for our list of top 21st-century zombie films, it continues to be recognized as one of the best – though perhaps undervalued – movies in the ‘zombie-adjacent’ genre.

2025-01-10 22:01