Korean cinema has gained international acclaim for its diverse storytelling, compelling characters, and unique narratives. With a plethora of Korean movies available on Netflix, viewers have the opportunity to delve into a rich cinematic landscape. Here is a detailed look at the top 10 best Korean movies currently streaming on Netflix:
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1. Parasite
“Parasite” is a 2019 South Korean dark comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The movie follows the Kim family, struggling with poverty, as they infiltrate the wealthy Park family by securing various positions in their household through deceit. What starts as a symbiotic relationship between the two families takes a dark turn when a series of events unfold, leading to catastrophic consequences.
The film delves into themes of social class divides, deception, and the consequences of greed, culminating in a gripping narrative that challenges societal norms and perceptions. With a blend of humor, suspense, and social commentary, “Parasite” captivates audiences with its intricate plot and thought-provoking storytelling.
IMDB Rating : 8.5/10
2. Train to Busan
“Train to Busan” is a 2016 South Korean action horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The movie follows a group of passengers on a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan as a sudden zombie apocalypse breaks out in South Korea. Among the passengers are a fund manager, Seok-woo, and his daughter Su-an, a pregnant couple, a homeless man, and various other individuals from different walks of life.
As the infection spreads rapidly on the train, the passengers must fight for survival, facing intense action, emotional sacrifices, and the challenges of navigating a world overrun by zombies. The film masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and social commentary, highlighting themes of teamwork, courage, compassion, and the importance of looking out for one another in times of crisis. “Train to Busan” is praised for its thrilling pace, well-developed characters, and its unique take on the zombie genre, making it a standout in the realm of zombie films.
IMDB Ratings : 7.6/10
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3. The Handmaiden
“The Handmaiden” is a 2016 South Korean historical psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. Inspired by the novel “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters, the movie is set in Japanese-occupied Korea and follows a con man’s elaborate plan to seduce a Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko to steal her inheritance. The story unfolds as a pickpocket named Sook-hee is hired to become Hideko’s maid and assist in the deception.
As the plot thickens, the film delves into themes of deception, manipulation, and unexpected emotions, leading to a tale of love, betrayal, and liberation. “The Handmaiden” received widespread critical acclaim for its visually sumptuous cinematography, absorbing narrative, and intricate storytelling, making it a cinematic masterpiece that explores the complexities of human relationships and societal dynamics.
IMDB Rating : 8.1/10
4. Love and Leashes (2022)
“Love and Leashes” is a 2022 South Korean romantic comedy film based on the webtoon “Moral Sense” by Gyeoul. Directed by Park Hyun-jin, the movie follows the romantic relationship between Jung Ji-woo, a competent public relations team member, and Jung Ji-hoo, a man with secret BDSM desires. The film explores themes of love, boundaries, and kink in a context that portrays BDSM in a respectful and authentic manner.
Released on Netflix on February 11, 2022, “Love and Leashes” offers a sweet and sensual portrayal of a workplace romance that delves into consensual play, pleasure, and pain, showcasing the development of a unique and heartfelt connection between the two leads.
IMDB Rating : 6.3/10
5. Unlocked (2023)
“Unlocked” (2023) is a South Korean mystery and thriller film released on Netflix on February 17, 2023. Directed and written by Kim Tae-Joon, the movie is based on the 2017 Japanese novel “Sumaho o Otoshita dake” by Akira Shiga. The film follows the story of Na Mi, a woman who loses her phone after a drunken night on the bus, leading to a series of disturbing events in both her personal and professional life due to a phone hack.
As Na Mi navigates the repercussions of the hack, a subplot unfolds involving police officers searching for a serial killer, intertwining the lives of the characters in unexpected ways. “Unlocked” explores themes of technology, crime, hacking, and stalking, shedding light on the potential dangers of our reliance on digital devices and the vulnerabilities they expose. Overall, the film offers a gripping narrative with elements of mystery, drama, and social commentary, making it an engaging watch for fans of the genre.
IMDB Rating : 6.1/10
6. Jung_E (2023)
“Jung_E” (2023) is a South Korean science fiction film directed and written by Yeon Sang-ho. Set in a post-apocalyptic 22nd century, the movie revolves around a researcher at an AI lab who leads an initiative to end a civil war by cloning the brain of a heroic soldier, Yun Jung-yi, to create a combat warrior named Jung_E. The film delves into themes of technology, warfare, and the ethical implications of brain cloning, offering a blend of action, adventure, and philosophical underpinnings.
With a focus on the relationship between the researcher and the cloned warrior, “Jung_E” explores the complexities of consciousness, identity, and the consequences of advanced AI technology in a futuristic setting. The movie received a mix of reviews, with praise for its visual effects, performances, and the emotional depth of the mother-daughter relationship portrayed in the film.
IMDB Rating : 5.5/10
7. Kill Boksoon (2023)
“Kill Boksoon” (2023) is a South Korean crime action film directed and written by Byun Sung-hyun. Starring Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Kim Si-a, Esom, and Koo Kyo-hwan, the movie premiered on Netflix on March 31, 2023. The film follows the story of Gil Bok-Soon, a highly skilled contract killer working for M. K. Ent, who is also a single mother to a teenage daughter. Balancing her deadly profession with the challenges of parenting, Boksoon navigates a complex world where she is revered as a top assassin by her company but faces personal struggles at home.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey that explores themes of family dynamics, office politics, and the intricate relationships within the world of contract killing. With a mix of action, drama, and emotional depth, “Kill Boksoon” offers a compelling and intense portrayal of a mother’s dual life as a lethal assassin and a devoted parent.
IMDB Rating : 6.6/10
8. Lucid Dream (2017)
“Lucid Dream” is a 2017 South Korean science fiction mystery-thriller film directed by Kim Joon-sung. The movie follows Dae-ho, an investigative journalist and single father, who embarks on a quest to find his son, abducted three years ago. Through the help of a detective and a psychiatrist, Dae-ho discovers a new form of therapy that allows him to relive crucial memories through lucid dreams.
As he delves into his subconscious to uncover clues about his son’s disappearance, Dae-ho unravels a complex web of secrets and mysteries, leading to unexpected revelations and a race against time to solve the case. “Lucid Dream” intricately weaves elements of suspense, drama, and psychological intrigue, offering a captivating narrative that explores the power of dreams and memory in unraveling the truth.
IMDB Rating : 6.1/10
9. 20th Century Girl (2022)
“20th Century Girl” (2022) is a South Korean romance drama film directed and written by Bang Woo-ri. Set in 1999, the movie revolves around Na Bo-ra, a high school student tasked with observing a boy named Baek Hyun-jin for her best friend Yeon-du, who has fallen in love with him. As Bo-ra delves into Hyun-jin’s life, she befriends his friend Woon-ho and unexpectedly finds herself falling for him.
The film explores themes of first love, friendship, and the bittersweet experiences of adolescence, capturing the essence of youthful emotions and the challenges of growing up. With a mix of nostalgia for the late 90s and a heartfelt narrative, “20th Century Girl” offers a charming and emotional journey through the complexities of teenage relationships and the impact of love on personal growth.
IMDB Rating : 7.3/10
10. The Call (2020)
“The Call” is a 2020 South Korean mystery and thriller film directed by Lee Chung-hyeon. The movie revolves around two women, Seo-yeon and Young-sook, who are connected by a time-traveling phone that allows them to communicate despite being 20 years apart. As they interact through the phone, a series of events unfold, revealing a complex and chilling narrative that involves murder, revenge, and a battle against fate.
With a blend of suspense, drama, and supernatural elements, “The Call” explores the consequences of altering the past and the intricate web of consequences that arise from their interactions. The film received positive reviews for its engaging storyline, strong performances, and the suspenseful atmosphere created throughout the movie.
IMDB Rating : 7.1/10
Bonus Best Korean Movies
- Burning (2018): A slow-burn mystery thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It follows a young aspiring writer who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman and a wealthy delivery driver.
- Okja (2017): A heart-wrenching and thought-provoking film about a young girl’s bond with a genetically modified super pig. It explores themes of corporate greed, animal rights, and family.
- The Wailing (2016): A slow-burning horror mystery set in a rural Korean village. A mysterious sickness starts to spread, and a policeman tries to find the cause.
- Forgotten (2017): A suspenseful thriller about a young man who regains his memories after being kidnapped 19 days prior. He discovers that shocking events transpired during that time, and nothing is what it seems.
- Parasite (2019): The dark comedy thriller that took the world by storm. A poor family schemes to become employed by a wealthy family, but things take a dark turn when their plan unravels. This film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020.
- Space Sweepers (2021): A sci-fi action film set in a future where Earth is barely habitable. A crew of spaceship scavengers try to make a living by collecting space debris.
- Kingdom (2019-present): A gripping historical drama with horror elements. Set in medieval Korea, a mysterious plague starts to spread, turning the dead into flesh-eating monsters. The crown prince must find the cause and a cure before it’s too late.
These are just a few of the many great Korean movies available on Netflix. With this list as a starting point, you’re sure to find something that will keep you entertained.
