Now Streaming: K-Magic
Can’t decide what to watch while you munch on your favorite snack? Korean cinema is here to help you out with its signature mix of suspense and heart. Here are 20 such recommendations.
Parasite (2019)
This South Korean movie, directed by Bong Joon-ho, surrounds the impoverished Kim family, who scheme to become employed by the wealthy Park family by posing as unrelated professionals. But, of course, their plan spirals into chaos.
Parasite - Official Trailer (2019) Bong Joon Ho Film by IGN
Parasite (2019) (Cont.)
At the Cannes Film Festival, it rightly bagged the prestigious Palme d'Or, making it the first Korean film to do so. Plus, it stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, and Cho Yeo-jeong, with the movie holding a solid 8.5 out of 10 rating on IMDb.
CJ Entertainment, Parasite (2019)
Train To Busan (2016)
Train to Busan was a commercial hit, collecting over $98 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $8.5 million. It was so successful that it led to a sequel titled Peninsula (2020) and a standalone animated prequel titled Seoul Station (2016).
Next Entertainment World (NEW), Train to Busan (2016)
Train To Busan (2016) (Cont.)
The story follows a father, Seok-woo (Gong Yoo), and his daughter, Soo-an (Kim Soo-an), who board a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan. As the train departs, a terrible zombie outbreak occurs. It picked up 36 awards from 42 nominations across events.
Train to Busan Official Trailer 1 (2016) - Yoo Gong Movie by Rotten Tomatoes Indie
Ballerina (2023)
Here is a recent action film that centers on vengeance and female friendship. Basically, after her best friend Min-hee (Park Yoo-rim) is discovered lifeless, Ok-ju (Jeon Jong-seo), an ex-bodyguard, sets out on a quest for revenge. Lee Chung-hyun directed Ballerina.
Ballerina | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
Ballerina (2023) (Cont.)
A review on IMDb states that “this is a great action-packed film with an excellent cast and a simple storyline”. While another fan talks about how “the pace of the movie is one of its strengths, swiftly moving from one scene to another”.
Ballerina | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
Space Sweepers (2021)
Set all the way in 2092, the movie is all about a quirky group of people on the spaceship Victory. They're nothing but space cleaners, picking up junk floating around Earth’s orbit. But it all begins when they stumble upon a child robot named Dorothy, played by Park Ye-rin.
Space Sweepers | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
Space Sweepers (2021) (Cont.)
Space Sweepers is said to be South Korea's first space blockbuster. It features popular actors like Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Seon-kyu, and Yoo Hae-jin. Upon release, the movie debuted at No. 1 on Netflix in 16 countries, including Croatia, South Korea, and the Philippines.
Space Sweepers | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
Night In Paradise (2021)
This one’s a neo-noir crime thriller that Park Hoon-Jung directed. Night in Paradise had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September 2020, prior to its Netflix release on April 9, 2021. The movie’s plot is mainly based on the character Tae-gu.
Night in Paradise | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
Night In Paradise (2021) (Cont.)
Played by Uhm Tae-goo, Park Tae-gu is an ace member of an outlaw gang who decides to leave the gang to care for his sick sister and nephew. However, tragedy and revenge follow when the two are killed in a car explosion orchestrated by a rival gang.
Night in Paradise | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
The Wailing (2016)
The Wailing is yet another critically acclaimed horror, mystery, and thriller that is directed by Na Hong-jin. It is set in the village of Gokseong, where the sudden arrival of a mysterious Japanese man coincides with a series of deaths caused by a bizarre infection.
The Wailing Official Trailer 2 (2016) - Korean Thriller HD by Rotten Tomatoes Indie
The Wailing (2016) (Cont.)
It is said to be one of the most unsettling films in recent years, and it incorporates elements of Korean folklore. At the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival 2016, this movie won the Best of Bucheon Award as well as the NH Audience Award.
The Wailing Official Trailer 2 (2016) - Korean Thriller HD by Rotten Tomatoes Indie
Oldboy (2003)
This one is considered a landmark South Korean action-thriller film, all for the right reasons. The film is an adaptation of the Japanese manga of the same title by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi. It is about Oh Dae-su, played by Choi Min-sik.
OLDBOY | Official Trailer (2003) 20th Anniversary Re-Release by JoBlo Upcoming Movies
Oldboy (2003) (Cont.)
He's stuck in a cell that looks like a hotel room for 15 years and has no clue who his captor is or why they’ve got him locked up. The film goes on to explore the psychological and moral implications of revenge.
Oldboy (2003) (Cont.)
At the Cannes Film Festival (2004), it won the Grand Prix. Plus, at the Blue Dragon Film Awards (2004), the film bagged several awards, including Best Director and Best Actor. In 2013, an American remake of this film was released, directed by Spike Lee.
CJ Entertainment, Oldboy (2003)
20th Century Girl (2022)
Taking place in 1999, the movie revolves around Na Bo-ra, a high school student who spies on a boy for her best friend but ends up falling for him herself. It is a coming-of-age romance film about youth and first love, marking the directorial debut of Bang Woo-ri.
20th Century Girl | Official Hindi Trailer | Netflix Original Film by Entertainment Reports
20th Century Girl (2022) (Cont.)
It is said that Bang Woo-ri based the script on her own experience of swapping diaries with a friend. Besides, the film takes place in Cheongju, which is her hometown. 20th Century Girl stars Kim Yoo-Jung, Byeon Woo-Seok, Park Jung-Woo, and Roh Yoon-Seo.
20th Century Girl | Official Hindi Trailer | Netflix Original Film by Entertainment Reports
Burning (2018)
This highly regarded film, Burning (2018), is based partially on Haruki Murakami's short tale Barn Burning. The movie touches upon themes of class disparity, obsession, and the ambiguity of truth. Jong-su, Haemi, and Ben are its main characters.
Burning Trailer #1 (2018) | Movieclips Indie by Rotten Tomatoes Indie
Burning (2018) (Cont.)
At the Cannes Film Festival, it premiered and finished with a record score of 3.8 out of 4 on Screen International’s Cannes jury grid. Basically, Lee Jong-su, an aspiring writer, becomes entangled in a complex love triangle with Hae-mi and her companion Ben.
Burning Trailer #1 (2018) | Movieclips Indie by Rotten Tomatoes Indie
Burning (2018) (Cont.)
Burning (2018) won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, recognizing it as a "visually stunning film and an emotionally complex comment on contemporary society”. Also, it was selected as South Korea's nomination for the 91st Academy Awards' Best Foreign Language Film category.
Burning Trailer #1 (2018) | Movieclips Indie by Rotten Tomatoes Indie
Tune In For Love (2019)
As the title suggests, you must tune in to watch this movie for some love. Set during the IMF crisis in the 1990s, Tune In for Love tells the tale of Hyun-woo (Jung Hae-in), who’s just out of a juvenile detention center, and Mi-soo (Kim Go-eun), who works at a bakery.
Tune in for Love (2019) Trailer Korean Movie by DreaMer Movie
Tune In For Love (2019) (Cont.)
They meet while swapping stories on a radio show and really hit it off. But their relationship runs into all sorts of bumps, and they struggle to stay together. At the London East Asia Film Festival (2019), the Popularity Award was given to Jung Hae-in.
Tune in for Love (2019) Trailer Korean Movie by DreaMer Movie
The Call (2020)
Twenty years apart but living in the same house, a serial killer uses a woman's past and existence to alter her own destiny in this psychological horror film. The talented cast is made up of Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo, and Lee El.
The Call | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
The Call (2020) (Cont.)
A review on Rotten Tomatoes reads, “From credits to the final frame, The Call leaves a lasting impact”. As per reports, The Call is said to be inspired by the 2011 film The Caller, which focuses on a similar concept of time-traveling communication.
The Call | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
Forgotten (2017)
Directed by Jang Hang-jun, Forgotten (2017) follows Jin-Seok, who suspects something is wrong with his brother Yoo-seok after his mysterious return from a 19-day disappearance. Then, of course, shocking revelations were made about his identity.
Forgotten Korean Movie Trailer by Trailer & All Rex
Forgotten (2017) (Cont.)
You’ll find Kang Ha-neul and Kim Mu-yeol in the film, featuring Moon Sung-keun and Na Young-hee in supporting roles. Jang was apparently inspired by the French folktale “Bluebeard”. It was locally released in South Korea on November 29, 2017.
Forgotten Korean Movie Trailer by Trailer & All Rex
Pandora (2016)
With a budget of around ₩15.5 billion (approx. $13.5 million), the film earned close to $33.15 million worldwide, making it a commercial success. You'll meet Jae-hyeok, who is working at a nuclear power plant that goes through a terrible explosion after an earthquake hits.
Pandora (2016) (Cont.)
On Rotten Tomatoes, a review reads that it is “an important film, and one of the better big-budget Korean disaster blockbusters of late, as well as a welcome return from feisty director Park Jung-woo”. The film mainly features Kim Nam-gil and Kim Joo-hyun.
Sweet & Sour (2021)
This romantic comedy displays the complexities of modern relationships and is based on the novel Initiation Love by Kurumi Inui. One can say that this film realistically portrays the struggles and emotional toll of being in a long-distance relationship.
Sweet & Sour | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
Sweet & Sour (2021) (Cont.)
So it is about Jang Hyeok (Jang Ki-yong) and Jung Da-eun (Chae Soo-bin), a couple who face the difficulties of a long-distance relationship when Jang gets a new job. Then enters Han Bo-young (Krystal), to make their once sweet romance turn sour.
Sweet & Sour | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] by Netflix K-Content
Dream (2023)
Apparently, this film is based on the real-life Homeless World Cup, which is an international football tournament for homeless individuals. Here, you see Yoon Hong-dae, a former football player played by Park Seo-joon.
Dream (Korean) | Official trailer | 2023 by Definitely Entertaining
Dream (2023) (Cont.)
He ends up coaching a national football team made up of homeless people as a punishment for a run-in he had with a journalist. During this time, he is faced with challenges while also developing relationships. Dream was well-directed by Lee Byeong-heon.
Dream (Korean) | Official trailer | 2023 by Definitely Entertaining
Okja (2017)
According to Roger Ebert, “Okja is the heartwarming tale of a girl and her giant mutant pig, brought to life through a mix of digital effects and puppetry that makes a nonexistent beast seem as real as E.T. or King Kong”.
OKJA Official NEW Trailer (2017) Steven Yeun Adventure Korean Monster Movie HD by ONE Media
Okja (2017) (Cont.)
The plot basically surrounds Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun), a young girl who resides in the mountains of South Korea with her grandfather (Byun Hee-bong) and her best friend, Okja—a genetically modified super pig created by the Mirando Corporation.
OKJA Official NEW Trailer (2017) Steven Yeun Adventure Korean Monster Movie HD by ONE Media
Okja (2017) (Cont.)
However, Mija's life soon turns upside down when Mirando takes Okja to New York City for a promotional event. This emotional film was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival (2017). It also won the 2017 EMA Award for Feature Film.
OKJA Official NEW Trailer (2017) Steven Yeun Adventure Korean Monster Movie HD by ONE Media
Psychokinesis (2018)
So, Yeon Sang-ho, known for Train to Busan (2016), directed this as his first live-action superhero film. For some superhero comedy-drama, you should certainly watch this. Psychokinesis follows Shin Seok-heon, a bank security guard who gains telekinetic powers after drinking contaminated water.
Psychokinesis Trailer (2018) Sang-ho Yeon Movie by New Trailer Buzz
Psychokinesis (2018) (Cont.)
He then uses his newfound abilities to protect his estranged daughter Roo-mi and her restaurant from a corrupt construction company troubling their neighborhood. The notable Ryu Seung-ryong plays Shin Seok-heon, while Shim Eun-kyung acts as Shin Roo-mi.
Psychokinesis Trailer (2018) Sang-ho Yeon Movie by New Trailer Buzz
Wonderland (2024)
Wonderland is a very recent South Korean science fiction romantic drama brought to Netflix. In the movie, a group of people engage with an artificial intelligence program to speak with a computer-generated image of a loved one who has passed away.
Wonderland (2024) 원더랜드 Movie Trailer | EONTALK by EonTalk
Wonderland (2024) (Cont.)
Sounds creepy, right? However, one of the best scenes is that of Bai Li (Tang Wae) and Sung Joon’s (Gong Yoo) dance. Apparently, nine years after his last picture, Late Autumn, came out in 2011, Kim Tae-yong created the screenplay and directed this one.
Wonderland (2024) 원더랜드 Movie Trailer | EONTALK by EonTalk
Jung_E (2023)
How about a Yeon Sang-ho-directed science fiction film? Well, this one is all about morality, humanity, conflict, survival, and corporate greed. This was Kang Soo-yeon's last movie appearance. Sadly, she said her final goodbyes before the movie came out.
Jung_E (2023) 정이 - Movie Trailer - Far East Films by Far East Films
Jung_E (2023) (Cont.)
At the end of the movie, there is a dedication to her. The dystopian future of Jung_E, which is set in the 22nd century, is one in which climate change has rendered Earth uninhabitable and forces people to live in artificial shelters.
Jung_E (2023) 정이 - Movie Trailer - Far East Films by Far East Films
Miss Granny (2014)
Na Moon-hee plays a 70-year-old woman who, after being photographed at an enigmatic photo studio, miraculously finds herself in the physique of her 20-year-old self (Shim Eun-kyung). Upon its theatrical debut, it sold 8.65 million tickets, a box-office success.
Miss Granny full HD korean movie 2014 ‧ Comedy/Fantasy by Sarang Kim
Miss Granny (2014) (Cont.)
Miss Granny is about a 74-year-old widow who magically regains her 20-year-old appearance after visiting a mysterious photo studio. This allows her to rediscover herself and pursue dreams she had long forgotten while reconnecting with her family.
Miss Granny full HD korean movie 2014 ‧ Comedy/Fantasy by Sarang Kim
Miss Granny (2014) (Cont.)
The movie got positive reviews for its humor and emotional depth, particularly praising the performances of Na Moon-hee and Shim Eun-kyung. At the 19th Chunsa Film Art Awards, Shim Eun-kyung won the Best Actress award.
Miss Granny full HD korean movie 2014 ‧ Comedy/Fantasy by Sarang Kim
