Korean cinema has always been excellent, but it’s gained a wider international following since the history-making Oscar glory of Bong Joon Ho’s twisty, class-divide thriller Parasite (2019). Here, we collated our top 23 Korean films of all time for you to add to your watchlist, from jaw-dropping noirs to heart-racing monster movies and beyond.
The Housemaid (1960)
This moody, black-and-white thriller tells the tale of a piano teacher (Jin-kyu) who hires a housemaid (Eun-shim) to help his pregnant wife (Jeung-nyeo) in their home. Things, inevitably, start to unravel in the most surprising ways. With its exploration of betrayal, obsession and revenge, The Housemaid has been hailed by critics as one of the greatest Korean movies of all time.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Director Bong’s first English-language film, a project he famously wrestled for control over when the Weinstein Company acquired US distribution, is a gripping, post-apocalyptic sci-fi. Snowpiercer is set on a train hurtling through a landscape rendered uninhabitable by a second ice age. Each carriage is strictly divided by social class, with the unwashed masses subsisting on cockroaches at the back and the wealthy savouring filet mignon at the front. When Chris Evans’ proletariat dares to question the status quo, an uprising is imminent.
The Host (2006)
This excellent horror-come-action thriller-come-monster-movie, The Host focuses on a father’s attempt to track down his kidnapped daughter. Billed as Korea’s answer to Godzilla, The Host borders on themes of heroism, politics and social constructs to bring a fresh take on an often clichéd horror genre. Featuring elements of black comedy and family drama, The Host focuses on a character-driven plot rather than purely succumbing to visual effects.
Okja (2017)
Okja is about a young girl who fights to save her best friend, a beast named Okja, from being taken by a powerful corporation. Exploring corporate greed, veganism, genetically modified organisms and animal rights, this mystery thriller offers a mix of morality, coupled with the heart-warming tale of love for an animal.
The Wailing (2016)
A blend of subtle black comedy and horror makes The Wailing a must-watch Korean film. Following the outbreak of a mystery infection, the arrival of a stranger in a small village results in locals killing each other for seemingly no reason. An investigating policeman will stop at nothing to prevent his daughter from suffering the same fate. Combining aspects of religion, murder and identity, The Wailing offers a frightening look at the collapse of society.
Minari (2021)
This semi-autobiographical film follows a South Korean family who moved to America in the 1980s in search of the American Dream. The head of the family (Yeun) has big dreams of turning his rural Arkansas farm into a flourishing Korean vegetable company. Loosely based on director Lee Isaac Chung’s own life, Minari explores themes of family, culture and heritage. This family drama was nominated for six Academy Awards, including a win for best supporting actress.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter… And Spring (2003)
Following a young boy living on a lake with his Buddhist mentor, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter… And Spring is a Korean drama featuring lust, sexuality, greed and humanity. Exploring the circle of life and how certain events can shape the course of life, this movie is a refreshing look at life through the different seasons.
The Man Standing Next (2020)
The Man Standing Next is a political drama following high-ranking officials in the days before the assassination of President Park Chung-hee in 1979. Expect a tale of tragedy and betrayal in this well-paced suspense film.
I Saw the Devil (2010)
An action-thriller/horror that showcases the story of a secret agent who set out for revenge against the serial killer who murdered his fiancé, I Saw the Devil is, by all means, an intense watch. Featuring bloody, brutal scenes, this movie is not for the faint-hearted. However, the sustained tension and brilliant acting make this a Korean classic you won't want to miss.
Train to Busan (2016)
A zombie movie that offers a fresh take on the genre, Train to Busan begins with a businessman boarding a train with his daughter. Just as the train is departing, a zombie climbs onboard, causing chaos amongst the passengers in this ‘fight to survive’ thriller. Symbolising the government’s inability to handle prevalent problems within society, this film is considered one of the best horrors of recent years.
Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000)
The debut from Bong Joon Ho is a dark comedy about an unemployed professor who becomes frustrated by the barking dogs in his building, resulting in a kidnapping and killing spree. Presenting themes of corruption and society which can be seen in Director Bong’s other work, Barking Dogs Never Bite may not be considered his finest work, but it certainly offers an interesting look at human behaviour.
Mother (2009)
This story of a mother and her disabled son – who is framed for the murder of a young girl – is at the centre of this mystery thriller. Vowing to track down the killer, the mother aims to have her son freed. Providing a fresh depiction of often cliched murder mysteries, Mother is a heart-breaking, unforgettable film with great performances all round.
Poetry (2011)
This drama follows a sixty-something-year-old woman who is struggling with early Alzheimer’s. Given a newfound meaning of life, she joins a poetry class. However, she often finds herself in hopeless situations due to her wandering mind. An exploration of modern Korean society, Poetry offers a powerful yet emotional tale.
Moebius (2013)
This horror thriller with comedy elements features a Korean woman who castrates her son as revenge for her husband’s infidelity. With no spoken word, only occasional sound, Moebius is a fascinating look at masculinity, desire and arousal.
Right Now, Wrong Then (2015)
A famous director meets a young artist in this Groundhog Day-style drama. Right Now, Wrong Then is a charming yet emotional love story, capturing human behaviour and chance. For those searching for a more light-hearted Korean movie, this is an excellent selection.
Memories of Murder (2003)
This crime thriller is inspired by the real-life story of Korea’s first serial killings. Set in 1986, detectives Park and Seo aim to solve the mystery of a series of rape and murders in a small Korean province. Memories of Murder explores justice, powerlessness and crime. While the film focuses on the two detectives tracking down a serial killer, Director Bong’s movie also delves into issues of female discrimination, politics and unsolved crimes, straying away from the traditional conclusions of similar crime thrillers.
Burning (2019)
This mystery thriller is loosely based on the short story Barn Burning by Haruki Murakami. When delivery driver Jong-su bumps into his childhood friend, Jae-mi, he is introduced to Ben, a very wealthy and charismatic man whom Jae-mi met while travelling. Jong-su grows suspicious of him and a relationship triangle between the three characters ensues. Exploring themes of inequality, anger, class and society, Burning is a complex movie that many critics have raved about.
Parasite (2020)
A solid introduction for anyone wanting to investigate Korean cinema, Parasite is a comedy thriller about a poor family who plots to infiltrate a wealthy household by posing as expert employees in their field. Themes of greed, social inequality, class and wealth disparity pervade this film, along with clever use of symbolism. Dubbed by many as one of the best films of recent years, Parasite was the first foreign language film to win best picture at the Academy Awards. If you haven’t seen it by now, what are you waiting for?
The Handmaiden (2016)
This psychological thriller was inspired by the Sarah Waters novel Fingersmith and tells the story of a conman who devises a plan to seduce an heiress, stealing her inheritance and locking her away in an asylum. Along the way, he hires a handmaiden, Sook-hee, to work for the heiress and convince her to marry him. However, things start to fall apart when Sook-hee and the heiress begin to have feelings for one another. The Handmaiden is a tale of femininity, sexuality and rebellion is a classic tale of secrecy and romance.
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
A young girl returns from a psychiatric hospital with her sister only to discover strange events between her stepmother and the supernatural world. This horror/thriller captures the relationship between two sisters, providing a tale of tragedy, pride and unlocked memories.
Oldboy (2003)
The Vengeance Trilogy is a collection of dark thrillers. Comprising the films Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy and Lady Vengeance, each movie focuses on the themes of revenge, violence, ethics and morality. While the films are connected through their thematic concerns, they are not linked via their narratives and can be enjoyed as individual films.
