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Korean cinema has grown in worldwide popularity over the past few years. With the Oscar glory for Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, South Korean movies are truly dominating the foreign box office and awards season alike. We’ve collated our top 23 Korean films of all time for you to add to your watchlist.
1. The Housemaid (1960)
This 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. Containing themes of ambition, class and immorality, The Housemaid has been described by critics as one of the best Korean movies of all time. Noted by Bong Joon-ho as inspiration for his award-winning movie Parasite, The Housemaid also acknowledges topics of betrayal, obsession and revenge.
Directed by Kim Ki-young
Starring: Kim Jin-kyu, Lee Eun-shim, Ju Jeung-nyeo
2. Snowpiercer (2013)
Director Bong’s first film in the English language, this science-fiction action-adventure is the story of a class-based society living aboard a train in a post-apocalyptic world. Featuring dark themes relating to human behaviour, leadership, strength and money, Snowpiercer is based on a French graphic novel and inspired a TNT/Netflix television series of the same name.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Chris Evans, Octavia Spencer
Awards won:
- Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography – South Korean Film Critics Awards 2013
- Best Director – Blue Dragon Film Awards 2013
- Best Director – Asia-Pacific Film Festival 2013
3. 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.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Byun Hee-bong, Song Kang-ho, Park Hae-li, Bae Doona
Awards won:
- Best Film – Korean Film Awards and Blue Dragon Film Awards 2006
4. 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.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Byun Hee-bong
5. 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.
Directed by Na Hong-jin
Starring: Kwak Do-won, Chun Woo-hee
Awards won:
- Best Director, Best Supporting Actor – Blue Dragon Film Awards 2016
6. 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.
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Steven Yeun, Alan Kim, Han Ye-ri, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung
Awards won:
- Best Supporting Actress – Academy Awards 2021
- Best Foreign Language Film – Golden Globes 2021
7. 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.
Directed by Kim Ki-duk
Starring: Kim Young-min, Su Oh-yeong, Seo Jae-kyung
Awards won:
- Best Film – Blue Dragon Film Awards 2003
8. 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.
Directed by Woo Min-ho
Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Lee Sung-min
Awards won:
- Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor – Buil Film Awards 2020
9. 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.
Directed by Kim Jee-woon
Starring: Choi Min-ski, Lee Byung-hun
Awards won:
- Best Editor – Asian Film Awards 2011
- Best Cinematography – Blue Dragon Film Awards 2010
10. 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.
Directed by Yeong Sang-ho
Starring: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi
Awards won:
- Audience Choice Award for Most Popular Film – Blue Dragon Film Awards 2016
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11. 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 Joon-ho’s other work, Barking Dogs Never Bite may not be considered his finest work, but it certainly offers an interesting look at human behaviour.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Lee Sung-jae, Bae Doona
Awards won:
- Best Actress – Blue Dragon Film Awards 2000
12. Mother (2009)
This story of a mother and her mentally 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.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin
Awards won:
- Best Film – Blue Dragon Film Awards 2009
- Best Supporting Actor – Grand Bell Awards 2009
13. 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.
Directed by Lee Chang-dong
Starring: Yoon Jeong-hee
Awards won:
- Best Screenplay – Cannes Film Festival 2010
- Best Actress – Blue Dragon Film Awards 2010
14. 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.
Directed by Kim Ki-duk
Starring: Cho Jae-hyun, Seo Yeong-ju
15. 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.
Directed by Hong Sang-soo
Starring: Kim Min-hee, Jung Jae-young
Awards won:
- Best Actor – Locarno International Film Festival Gold Leopard 2015
16. 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, Joon-ho’s movie also delves into issues of female discrimination, politics and unsolved crimes, straying away from the traditional conclusions of similar crime thrillers.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung
Awards won:
- Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor – Korean Film Awards 2003
17. 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.
Directed by Lee Chang-dong
Starring: Steven Yeun, Yooh Ah-in, Kim Soo-kyung, Jeon Jong-seo
Awards won:
- Best Foreign Language Film – Los Angeles Film Critics Association 2018
- FIPRESCI Prize – Cannes Film Festival 2018
18. 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?
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Cho Yeo-jeong, Lee Sun-kyun, Choi Woo-sik
Awards won:
- Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature Film – Academy Awards 2020
19. 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.
Directed by Park Chan-wook
Starring: Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Kim Tae-ri
Awards won:
- Best Film Not In the English Language – British Academy Film Awards 2017
20. 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.
Directed by Kim Jee-woon
Starring: Im Soo-jung, Yum Jung-ah
Awards won:
- Best Picture, Best Actress – Screamfest Horror Film Festival 2003
21-23. The Vengeance Trilogy – Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002), Oldboy (2003), Lady Vengeance (2005)
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.
Directed by Park Chan-wook
Starring: Kang Ho-song, Lee Young-ae
Awards won:
- Best Director – Asia Pacific Film Festival 2004 (for Oldboy)
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FAQs
What is the number 1 Korean movie? ›
A landmark in world cinema, Parasite is the highest-grossing Korean movie in several countries, the first non-English production to win a Best Picture Oscar and universally regarded as one of the best films of the 21st century.
Which Korean movie has highest IMDB rating? ›1. Decision to Leave (2022)
Why Korean films are so good? ›South Korean films are some of the most aesthetically pleasing, emotionally captivating and well-written films because you never know what you're going to get and that's what makes them so great. They are unpredictable, genre-bending and masterfully crafted.
What is the award winning Korean movie? ›| Year (Ceremony) | Film title used in nomination | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 (90th) | A Taxi Driver | Not nominated |
| 2018 (91st) | Burning | Made shortlist |
| 2019 (92nd) | Parasite | Won Academy Award |
| 2020 (93rd) | The Man Standing Next | Not nominated |
Lee Min Ho is also a highly well-known South Korean actor who has starred in T.V. dramas like Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, and Heirs. His acting career began in 2002 with the television series called 'Romance. ' Since then, he has appeared in several dramas, short plays, and modest film parts.
What movie has a 10 star rating? ›| DAVE | IMDb | TITLE |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9.6 | Band of Brothers (2001) |
| 10 | 9.3 | The Shawshank Redemption (1994) |
| 10 | 9.2 | The Godfather (1972) |
| 10 | 9.1 | The Godfather: Part II (1974) |
- Sky Castle (2018-2019) Rating: 23.779 percent. ...
- Crash Landing on You (2019-2020) Rating: 21.683 percent. ...
- Reply 1988 (2015-2016) Rating: 18.803 percent. ...
- Goblin (2016-2017) Rating: 18.680 percent. ...
- Mr. Sunshine (2018) ...
- Mr. Queen (2020-2021) ...
- Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) 2 (2021)
| Rank | Name | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Squid Game | 2021 |
| 2 | It's Okay to Not Be Okay | 2020 |
| 3 | Sweet Home | 2020 |
| 4 | Vagabond | 2019 |
Hallyuwood, a compound word combining the word Hallyu (Korean Wave) with wood from Hollywood, is the informal term popularly used to describe the Korean-language entertainment and film industry in South Korea.
Is there a Kdrama about BTS? ›Youth (Korean: 유스; RR: Yuseu) is an upcoming South Korean television series based on the BTS Universe, starring Seo Ji-hoon, Noh Jong-hyun, Ahn Ji-ho, Seo Young-joo, Kim Yoon-woo, Jung Woo-jin and Jeon Jin-seo.
Are J dramas better than K-Dramas? ›
Korean dramas run for 16-20 episodes with some filler episodes in between., but most dramas are engaging. Japanese dramas, on the other hand, only run for 10-12 episodes where the action never slows down. 2. Japanese dramas are mostly based on mangas, whereas, they are slowly becoming more common in Korean dramas.
How many Oscars South Korea has won? ›| Submitting country | Number of winning films | Last submitted |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 1 | 2021 |
| South Korea | 1 | 2021 |
| Ivory Coast | 1 | 2020 |
| Israel | 0 | 2021 |
Parasite won four awards in total, while Sir Sam Mendes's 1917 took three.
Who won Daesangs? ›Seoul Music Awards Daesang Award
Who is Korea's most handsome man? ›- Ji Chang Wook.
- Hyun Bin.
- Kim Hyun Joong.
- Seo In Guk.
- Lee Seung Gi.
- Lee Min Ho.
- Park Hae Jin.
- Jang Hyuk.
1. Hyun Bin (현빈) Born on September 25, 1982 as Kim Tae Pyung in Seoul.
Who is the most powerful celebrity in South Korea? ›...
2015.
| Rank | Name | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exo | Boy band |
| 2 | Kim Soo-hyun | Actor |
| 3 | Yuna Kim | Figure skater |
| 4 | Jun Ji-hyun | Actress |
6) Itaewon Class - V (Taehyung)
V recommended ARMYs to watch the K-drama, Itaewon Class. The Webtoon-based drama is one of the singer's favorite shows to watch for multiple reasons.
In an interview with Rolling Stones, V shared that Quentin Tarentino's Reservoir Dogs is his all-time favorite movie.
What is Jimin's Favourite K-drama? ›Our Blues is a 2022 Korean drama that follows an ensemble cast of characters who live and work on Jeju Island through an omnibus format. Kim Woo Bin, Han Ji Min, and a slew of other must-see actors star in the drama. Everyone has a favorite movie that they watch over and over. Jimin's favorite film is The Notebook.
Who is No 1 rating movie? ›
Kantara has become the highest-rated Indian film on IMDb.
Is there a 0 star rating? ›On the film review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, films that every surveyed critic considered bad have a 0% rating. As of 2022, 43 films have received this rating.
What is the #1 rated movie in the world? ›1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.
Which drama has most kissing scene? ›- The package.
- coffee prince.
- jugglers.
'Business Proposal' This 2022 rom-com drama has become the year's biggest hit so far thanks to its hilarious romances (and a super-popular kissing clip). Shin Ha-ri (I.O.I. and The Uncanny Counter's Kim Se-jeong) is a food researcher at a company that just welcomed a new president, Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop).
In which country Kdrama is most popular? ›- Because they are KOREAN!!!!
- OMG.
- KDramas are very popular thru-out Asia, have been since the early 2000s. ...
- But OMG they have been the most popular in South Korea since SAND GLASS - before that mega hit, the scripted TV shows in South Korea weren't very well done nor were there that many of them.
'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' was Netflix's best and top-ranked 2022 K-dramas. One of 2022's best K-dramas is Extraordinary Attorney Woo starring Park Eun-bin in the lead role of Woo Young-woo. The 'Slice of Life' K-drama warmed fans' hearts with its emotional stories of Korea's first attorney on the autism spectrum.
Which KDrama is most romantic? ›- Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
- Happiness (2021)
- Come and Hug Me (2018)
- Goblin/Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016-2017)
- When The Camellia Blooms (2019)
- Love in The Moonlight (2016)
- Business Proposal/ The Office Blind Date (2022)
- True Beauty (220-2021)
- Twenty Five Twenty One. Twenty Five Twenty One | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] ...
- A Business Proposal. Business Proposal | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] ...
- Tomorrow. ...
- Juvenile Justice. ...
- Thirty-Nine. ...
- My Liberation Notes. ...
- Forecasting Love and Weather.
An idol (Korean: 아이돌; RR: Aidol) refers to a type of celebrity working in the field of K-pop in fandom culture in South Korea, either as a member of a group or as a solo act.
Is Bollywood famous in South Korea? ›
But it is not just Indian cuisine that is being lapped up by the Koreans, Bollywood has become the other hot import from India. Although the majority of Koreans don't watch Bollywood movies as it is very different from Korea's mainstream movie industry.
Do BTS like kimchi? ›Hence, it is no surprise that one of his favorite Korean dishes to eat is Kimchi Fried Rice. He has mentioned this fact during various BTS interviews.
Did BTS breakup? ›Nearly six months later, in June 2022, the group told ARMY it was time for them to say goodbye for now. “We're each going to take some time to have fun and experience lots of things,” Jungkook said during their BTS FIESTA. “We promise we will return someday, even more mature than we are now.”
Which K-drama has best songs? ›- You Are My Everything by Gummy. Drama: Descendants of the Sun.
- Beautiful by Crush. ...
- Talk Love by K.Will. ...
- That Woman by Baek Ji Young. ...
- I Will Go to You Like the First Snow by Ailee. ...
- My Destiny by Lyn. ...
- Here I Am Again by Baek Ye Rin. ...
- Give You My Heart by IU.
So when BTS singer Jungkook shared a hilarious scene from the Korean drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One, it was certainly going to blow up.
Do they kiss in K-dramas? ›It is a well-known fact that one of the most anticipated scenes in any K-drama is the kissing scene. This is the moment when the romantic tension between the two characters comes to a full head and the only thing left to do is kiss.
What is the most underrated K-drama? ›- 'The Light In Your Eyes' (2019) Where to stream: Netflix, Disney+, Viu. ...
- Kill It! (2019) ...
- Prison Playbook (2017) ...
- Work Later, Drink Now (2022) ...
- 'Welcome to Waikiki' (2018) ...
- 'Chicago Typewriter' (2017) ...
- 'Navillera' (2021) ...
- We Are Peaceful Brothers (2017)
As of October 2022, three films tied for most Academy Award wins of all time. "Ben-Hur" (1959), "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003), and "Titanic" (1997) each received 11 Oscars.
Who is the first Korean actor to win an Oscar? ›Yuh-Jung Youn has become the first Korean actor to win an Academy Award.
Which is the biggest award won by BTS? ›As of December 2021, they have won 63 Daesangs and remain the most-awarded artist in South Korean history.
What 3 awards did BTS win? ›
At Billboard Music Awards 2022, BTS won the awards for Top Duo/Group, Top Song Sales Artist and Top Selling Song for 'Butter' and Top Duo/Group (2019, 2021 and 2022).
Why is the Korean won so big? ›Since the latter half of the 20th century, the South Korean won has performed well due to the stability and growth of the South Korean economy. South Korea is a developed, high-income country and is a member of the OECD.
Who has more awards BTS or exo? ›When it comes to the awards, the Bangtan Boys are ahead of their fellow K-pop artists. They have won various awards and nominations not only on the Korean stage but also in the United States.
Who has the most rookie awards in K-pop? ›ITZY makes history as the first girl group to ever win all five major ROTY prizes. Overall, the group now holds a staggering total of 14 rookie awards, making them group with the most ROTY awards of all time. TXT isn't far behind with a total of 11 rookie awards.
What is the highest rated Kdrama of all time? ›447,693 ratings / 9.7. On the top of this list is “What's Wrong With Secretary Kim,” which has already become a legendary rom-com in just a few years! Park Seo Joon plays Lee Young Joon, a boss whose secretary, Kim Mi So (Park Min Young), is ready to quit working for him.
Who is the No 1 film star in the world? ›| Rank | Name | Movies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scarlett Johansson | 34 |
| 2 | Robert Downey, Jr. | 43 |
| 3 | Samuel L. Jackson | 64 |
| 4 | Chris Hemsworth | 25 |
Probably the most popular Korean drama on Netflix to date is a love story between a North Korean soldier and an heiress from South Korea called Crash Landing on You. Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) is a young, beautiful, and supremely wealthy woman who decides to go paragliding one weekend.
Which Kdrama is most popular in the world 2022? ›'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' was Netflix's best and top-ranked 2022 K-dramas. One of 2022's best K-dramas is Extraordinary Attorney Woo starring Park Eun-bin in the lead role of Woo Young-woo. The 'Slice of Life' K-drama warmed fans' hearts with its emotional stories of Korea's first attorney on the autism spectrum.