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Korean film has a certain allure. Korean films consistently make an impact, whether they are heart-wrenching dramas, suspenseful thrillers, spine-tingling horror, or heart-fluttering romances. They are more than just films; they are feelings that stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
For good cause, K-dramas and films have amassed a devoted following in India and other countries. Korean films captivate you with their captivating narratives, breathtaking images, and complex characters in ways that frequently transcend language and culture.
We've included a variety of genres in our selection of the "Best Korean Movies You'll Watch Once... and Think About Forever," ranging from heartbreaking tragedies and supernatural stories to romantic masterpieces and psychological thrillers. Therefore, these films will undoubtedly stick with you long after they're over, regardless of your level of experience with K-cinema.
1. Parasites
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Where to watch: SonyLiv
Bong Joon-Ho is the director of the critically acclaimed South Korean thriller and dark comedy Parasite (2019). By becoming the first Korean film to win both the Academy Award for Best Picture and the Palme d'Or at Cannes, the film broke down barriers for foreign-language films and made cinematic history.
Through the story of the Kim family, who deftly utilise false identities to enter the affluent Park household, it examines class division. The screenplay explores problems of socioeconomic inequity with nuance and creativity, drawing inspiration from Bong's personal experience as a tutor. One of the best Korean movies, Parasite continues to captivate viewers around the world with its emotional and social impact because of its strong performances, incisive humour, and brilliant storytelling.
2. Oldboy
Imdb Rating : 8.3/10
Where to Watch : JioHotstar
The gripping South Korean psychological thriller Oldboy (2003) tells the heartbreaking story of Oh Dae-Su, who is mysteriously abducted and held captive in a windowless room for fifteen years without any explanation. A television is his only connection to the outside world.
He is suddenly released one day—with no warning and no desire for retribution. Driven by frustration and confusion, Dae-Su sets out to find out who is torturing him and just why. The story examines themes of suffering, retaliation, and a warped destiny as shocking facts surface.
Long after its premiere, Oldboy continues to astound audiences with its captivating plot and unforgettable turns, solidifying its place among the best Korean films.This is a memorable option if you're looking for the best Korean movies to begin your journey with.
3. The Handmaiden
IMDb Rating : 8.1/10
Where to Watch : Amazon Prime Video & Netflix
A gripping psychological thriller, The Handmaiden (2016) takes place in Korea during the Japanese occupation in the 1930s. The protagonist of the story is Sookee, a young criminal who works as a servant for Lady Hideko, a wealthy Japanese heiress who is controlled by her domineering uncle Kouzuki.
Hideko is unaware of Sookee's involvement in a plot hatched by a man posing as a Japanese Count. Their plan was to win the heiress over, take her wealth, and put her in a mental facility. However, when Sookee and Hideko's affections grow, betrayal turns into desire and secrets are revealed.
One of the best Korean movies ever produced, this visually stunning picture, directed by Park Chan-wook, tells a bold and unsettling tale of love and treachery.
Also Read: 10 Korean Adult Movies with Passion, Drama & Bold Storylines
4. Memories of Murder
IMDb Rating : 8.1/10
Where to Watch : Apple TV, Google Play Movies
Bong Joon-Ho is the director of the eerie crime thriller Memories of Murder (2003), which is based on actual occurrences. The film follows detectives Park Doo-man and Cho Yong-koo as they investigate a series of brutal rapes and killings of women in the South Korean countryside in 1986.
Their progress is halted by scant evidence and poor investigative techniques until Seo Tae-yoon, a more methodical detective from Seoul, joins the squad. The killer keeps eluding apprehension despite improved techniques until a concerning pattern begins to emerge.
The film is remarkable because of its compelling atmosphere, outstanding performances, and critique of flawed legal systems. The reason why Memories of Murder is still regarded as one of the best Korean movies is because it balances suspense, grief, and societal critique. Any ranking of the best Korean movies ever made should include this masterpiece.
5. Past Lives
IMDb Rating : 7.8/10
Where to Watch : Prime Video
The poignant, introspective romance drama Past Lives (2023) explores love, fate, and time. The story revolves around two Korean childhood friends, Na Young and Hae Sung, who split up after Na Young relocates to Canada and then New York, where she becomes a successful writer and takes on the name Nora. Hae Sung remains in Korea, completes his coursework, and begins working. Through occasional video conversations, they stay in touch while being apart.
When Hae Sung visits Nora in New York years later, she meets her husband, Arthur. The film quietly raises important issues about what may have happened as the past and present converge. One of the best Korean films of the last few years, Past Lives is incredibly poignant and masterfully made. It is among the best Korean movies to date because of its captivating narrative and stunning graphics.
6. I saw the Devil
IMDb Rating : 7.8/10
Where to Watch : Prime Video
The 2010 South Korean revenge thriller I Saw the Devil delves deeply into the concepts of justice and retribution. Kyung-chul, a vicious serial murderer, kills a young woman on a remote road at the beginning of the story.
Her death has crushed her fiance, Kim Soo-hyeon, a talented secret agent. Kim is determined to hurt the killer, so he kidnaps and tortures Kyung-chul before releasing him and starting a horrifying pursuit. The line between justice and brutality blurs as their warped cycle of violence gets more intense.
With its terrifying performances and compelling directing by Kim Jee-woon, I Saw the Devil is unquestionably one of the best Korean films in its genre and goes beyond the vengeance movie genre to become a psychological conflict. Among the best Korean movies, this one skilfully combines passion and skill.
7. Lost In Starlight
IMDb Rating : 7.3/10
Where to Watch : Netflix
The protagonist of the poignant Korean science fiction romance Lost in Starlight is Nan-young, a young woman whose mother, an astronaut, vanished while on a mission to Mars. After cultivating the desire to emulate her, Nan-young is now selected for a Mars exploration project. She meets Jay, a kind musician who restores vintage audio equipment, while preparing for the trip.
As Jay helps her deal with memories, anxieties, and the emotional strain of space travel, their bond deepens. The film is one of the best Korean films for fans of space, love, and loss since it skilfully blends science fiction with human connections.
In a unique cinematic experience, Lost in Starlight captures the serenity of the universe and the depth of emotions.With its potent narrative, this picture, which is regarded as one of the best Korean movies, has a profound emotional impact.
Like no other, Korean cinema combines depth, excitement, and emotion. These best Korean movies are more than just films; they are life-changing events.
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