Welcome to the enigmatic realm of Korean cinema, where storytelling transcends boundaries, and emotions paint the screen with vibrant hues of the human experience. Nestled within the virtual halls of Netflix lies a treasure trove of cinematic gems from the Land of the Morning Calm. Like the delicate brushstrokes of a master artist, these movies create a canvas of wonder, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.
As the screen flickers to life, you’ll be transported to a world of unparalleled creativity and ingenuity, where the line between reality and imagination blurs. Brace yourself for an exhilarating odyssey that defies convention and embraces uniqueness, offering an electrifying departure from the familiar.
The best Korean movies on Netflix await, eager to enthrall your senses and ignite a passion for storytelling that knows no bounds. So, grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the magic of Korean cinema, where dreams and reality collide with breathtaking elegance.
15 Best Korean Movies on Netflix Streaming Today
In the table below, we have listed the top 15 Korean movies that you can stream on Netflix. These movies are arranged as per their IMDb ratings:
| S. No | Movie | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | Forgotten (2017) | 7.4/10 |
| 2 | 20th Century Girl (2022) | 7.3/10 |
| 3 | Okja (2017) | 7.3/10 |
| 4 | Tune in for Love (2019) | 7.1/10 |
| 5 | The Call (2020) | 7.1/10 |
| 6 | Veteran (2015) | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | Night in Paradise (2020) | 6.8/10 |
| 8 | Kill Boksoon (2023) | 6.6/10 |
| 9 | Sweet & Sour (2021) | 6.6/10 |
| 10 | Space Sweepers (2021) | 6.5/10 |
| 11 | Love and Leashes (2022) | 6.3/10 |
| 12 | Time to Hunt (2020) | 6.3/10 |
| 13 | #Alive (2020) | 6.3/10 |
| 14 | The Drug King (2018) | 6.2/10 |
| 15 | Lucid Dream (2017) | 6.1/10 |
Forgotten (2017)
Jin-Seok, along with his older brother Yoo-seok and their parents, moves to a new house. Yoo-Seok seems to be adjusting well, but one day, he suddenly disappears without a trace. As Jin-seok struggles to cope with his brother’s disappearance, he begins to uncover mysterious and unsettling secrets about his family and his own past. With no one believing his claims, Jin-seok must navigate a treacherous web of deception and memory manipulation to uncover the truth about his brother’s disappearance and his family’s hidden past.
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Director: Jang Hang-jun
- Starring: Kang Ha-neul, Kim Mu-yeol, Moon Sung-keun
- Release Date: November 29, 2017
- Runtime: 108 minutes
20th Century Girl (2022)
In the nostalgic and heartwarming tale of “20th Century Girl,” set in 1999, we meet Na Bo-ra, a spirited high school student, and her best friend, Yeon-du, who postpones her heart surgery to pursue a budding romance with a mysterious boy named Baek Hyun-jin. Determined to support her friend, Bo-ra begins an unexpected journey of discovery and love. Through twists and turns, Bo-ra finds herself drawn to Hyun-jin’s best friend, Poong Woon-ho, and a complex web of emotions unfolds. Sacrifices are made, and hearts are broken, leading to an emotional rollercoaster that spans two decades. As the years pass, Bo-ra finds closure, reminiscing the cherished moments of her past with Woon-ho, a love that transcends time. “20th Century Girl” captures the essence of youthful passion, friendship’s sweetness, and memories’ enduring power.
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Director: Bang Woo-ri
- Starring: Kim Yoo-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo, Roh Yoon-seo
- Release Date: October 6, 2022
- Runtime: 119 minutes
Okja (2017)
In the picturesque mountains of South Korea, a young girl named Mija forms an extraordinary bond with a genetically modified, giant pig-like animal named Okja. Their idyllic life is disrupted when a powerful multinational corporation, Mirando Corporation, led by the cunning and manipulative CEO Lucy Mirando, seeks to exploit Okja for their own profit-driven purposes. Determined to protect her beloved friend, Mija embarks on a thrilling and perilous journey to rescue Okja from the clutches of the corporation. Along the way, she encounters a group of animal rights activists and faces the harsh realities of the meat industry, raising questions about ethics, compassion, and the consequences of corporate greed.
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Starring: Ahn Seo-hyun, Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, Jake Gyllenhaal, Steven Yeun
- Release Date: June 28, 2017
- Runtime: 120 minutes
Tune in for Love (2019)
“Tune in for Love” is a heartwarming romance set in the 1990s and 2000s. Mi-soo (Kim Go-eun) and Hyun-woo (Jung Hae-in) first meet in a bakery during their high school days. Despite their strong connection, fate keeps pulling them apart, and they continuously cross paths over the years through various life challenges, including separations, reunions, and missed opportunities. The film beautifully captures the essence of love’s endurance as Mi-soo and Hyun-woo strive to find each other and hold onto their feelings amid the rapidly changing times.
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Director: Jung Ji-woo
- Starring: Kim Go-eun, Jung Hae-in
- Release Date: August 28, 2019
- Runtime: 122 minutes
The Call (2020)
In “The Call,” two women from different time periods connect through a mysterious phone call. Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) is living in the present day when she receives a call from Young-sook (Jun Jong-seo), a woman living in the past. The two quickly realize they share a connection through the same house but are separated by 20 years. As the women’s lives become intertwined, they try to alter each other’s fate, leading to unforeseen consequences and intense psychological twists. The gripping thriller explores the complexities of time travel and its profound impact on the characters’ lives.
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Director: Lee Chung-hyun
- Starring: Park Shin-hye, Jun Jong-seo
- Release Date: November 27, 2020
- Runtime: 112 minutes
Veteran (2015)
“Veteran” is an action-comedy film that follows the seasoned detective, Seo Do-cheol (Hwang Jung-min), as he takes on the case of a charismatic and powerful young heir, Jo Tae-oh (Yoo Ah-in). Tae-oh, believing his wealth and influence grant him impunity, commits heinous crimes without consequences. However, Seo Do-cheol is determined to bring the arrogant villain to justice. As the detective delves deeper into Tae-oh’s corrupt world, he encounters various challenges and threats that test his dedication to his mission. Full of thrilling action sequences and humorous moments, “Veteran” presents a compelling battle between good and evil in modern society.
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Director: Ryoo Seung-wan
- Starring: Hwang Jung-min, Yoo Ah-in
- Release Date: August 5, 2015
- Runtime: 123 minutes
Night in Paradise (2020)
After a tragic encounter with a rival gang leaves him as the sole survivor, Tae-gu, a hardened gangster, seeks refuge on the island of Jeju. There, he meets Jae-yeon, a terminally ill woman. As they spend time together, forming an unexpected bond, Tae-gu finds a sliver of hope in the midst of his despair. However, danger lurks around every corner, threatening to shatter their newfound solace. Tae-gu must now decide whether to embrace his violent past or protect the one ray of light in his life.
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Director: Park Hoon-jung
- Starring: Uhm Tae-goo, Jeon Yeo-been, Cha Seung-won
- Release Date: April 9, 2020
- Runtime: 131 minutes
Kill Boksoon (2023)
Gil Bok-Soon (Jeon Do-yeon) works as a contract killer under M. K. Ent., a reputed organization. She boasts an impeccable track record with a perfect 100% success rate, earning her the elite “A” rating within the company. Despite her lethal profession, she is a devoted single mother to her closeted teenage daughter, Jae-yeong (Kim Si-a), who attends a prestigious private school. M. K. Ent. is helmed by the experienced and respected killer Cha Min-Kyu (Sol Kyung-gu), along with his sister, Cha Min-Hee (Esom), who deeply despises Bok-Soon. Meanwhile, Bok-Soon is romantically involved with her co-worker, Han Hee-Sung (Koo Kyo-hwan), a highly skilled killer whose career progression was inexplicably hindered. As her contract renewal approaches, Bok-Soon receives a delicate assignment that she is unwilling to carry out.
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Director: Byun Sung-hyun
- Starring: Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Kim Si-a
- Release Date: March 31, 2023
- Runtime: 137 minutes
Sweet & Sour (2021)
Jang Hyuk is an average guy in a stagnant relationship with his girlfriend, Da-eun. However, everything changes when he meets the energetic and alluring Bo-yeong at work. As Jang Hyuk’s life becomes increasingly entangled with his new crush, he finds himself torn between two relationships—his comfortable but routine one with Da-eun and the exciting but unpredictable one with Bo-yeong. Through laughter and tears, the film navigates the complexities of modern romance and the bittersweet experiences of love.
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
- Director: Lee Gye-byeok
- Starring: Jang Ki-yong, Chae Soo-bin, Krystal Jung
- Release Date: June 4, 2021
- Runtime: 101 minutes
Space Sweepers (2021)
In the year 2092, with Earth on the brink of becoming uninhabitable, humanity seeks refuge in space. The crew of a space junk collector ship, called The Victory, scours the cosmos to salvage valuable debris. Amidst their routine mission, they discover a humanoid robot named Dorothy who appears to be a deadly weapon of mass destruction. Realizing the implications of possessing such a powerful entity, the crew faces a moral dilemma. As they uncover Dorothy’s secrets, they find themselves in a race against time to prevent a catastrophic war and safeguard the future of humanity.
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Director: Jo Sung-hee
- Starring: Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Seon-kyu, Yoo Hai-jin
- Release Date: February 5, 2021
- Runtime: 136 minutes
Love and Leashes (2022)
In this engaging and intriguing plot, Jung Ji-Woo finds herself drawn to her new co-worker, Jung Ji-hoo. A serendipitous mix-up leads Ji-Woo to discover Ji-Hoo’s secret interest in BDSM. Fascinated by this revelation, Ji-Woo decides to explore the world of BDSM with Ji-Hoo as his master. They set boundaries and enter into a three-month contract. As their relationship intensifies, they navigate the challenges of maintaining a balance between their professional and personal lives. Jealousy and real emotions begin to surface, blurring the lines between their play and genuine feelings. With the support of an internet friend, Ji-Woo is encouraged to follow her heart and redefine their relationship beyond the rules they initially set. As their unconventional journey unfolds, they discover the true meaning of connection and love.
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Director: Park Hyun-jin
- Starring: Seohyun, Lee Jun-young
- Release Date: February 11, 2022
- Runtime: 118 minutes
Time to Hunt (2020)
In a dystopian future, Jun-seok, a recently released convict, plans a heist with his friends Jang-ho, Ki-hoon, and Sang-soo. Their target is a high-stakes underground gambling den. However, their carefully laid plans go awry when they attract the attention of a relentless and cold-blooded killer named Han. As Han relentlessly pursues the group, they find themselves trapped in a dangerous game of cat and mouse where their survival is at stake. Will they manage to outwit their pursuer and escape the deadly hunt?
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Director: Yoon Sung-hyun
- Starring: Lee Je-hoon, Ahn Jae-hong, Choi Woo-shik, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-soo
- Release Date: February 22, 2020
- Runtime: 134 minutes
#Alive (2020)
In this gripping survival thriller, Oh Joon-woo, a young gamer, wakes up one day to find his city in chaos as a mysterious virus outbreak turns people into bloodthirsty zombies. Isolated in his apartment, Joon-woo must fend for himself with limited resources and no contact with the outside world. When he connects with a fellow survivor, Kim Yoo-bin, through social media, they form an unlikely bond as they navigate the horrors outside. Together, they must find a way to survive and escape the deadly clutches of the undead.
- Genre: Action, Drama, Horror, Thriller
- Director: Cho Il-hyung
- Starring: Yoo Ah-in, Park Shin-hye
- Release Date: June 24, 2020
- Runtime: 98 minutes
The Drug King (2018)
Based on true events, this crime drama follows the rise and fall of Lee Doo-sam, a small-time narcotics dealer who climbed the ranks to become one of South Korea’s most powerful drug lords during the 1970s. Lee’s ambition and ruthlessness lead him to amass unimaginable wealth and power, but with law enforcement closing in, he must confront the dangerous consequences of his illicit empire.
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Director: Woo Min-ho
- Starring: Song Kang-ho, Jo Jung-suk, Bae Doo-na
- Release Date: December 19, 2018
- Runtime: 139 minutes
Lucid Dream (2017)
In Lucid Dream, a gripping sci-fi thriller, Dae-ho (played by Go Soo) is a heartbroken journalist haunted by the mysterious abduction of his young son, Eun-ho, three years ago. Plagued by guilt and desperation, Dae-ho discovers a unique technique called lucid dreaming, allowing him to delve into his subconscious and revisit the past. Driven by the hope of finding crucial clues about his son’s disappearance, he embarks on a perilous journey through the dream world. As the line between reality and fantasy blurs, Dae-ho must confront his inner demons and a dangerous criminal network that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden. Guided by fragmented memories and fleeting dreamscapes, he races against time to uncover the chilling secrets behind his son’s vanishing before it’s too late.
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Director: Kim Joon-sung
- Starring: Go Soo, Sol Kyung-gu, Park Yu-chun, Kang Hye-jung
- Release Date: February 22, 2017
- Runtime: 101 minutes
Ending Notes
As the credits roll and the curtain falls on our journey through the best Korean movies on Netflix, one thing is abundantly clear—Korean cinema is a treasure trove of cinematic brilliance. With its boundless creativity, emotional depth, and captivating storytelling, these films leave an everlasting imprint on our hearts and minds. So, the next time you crave a cinematic escape, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in the world of Korean movies, for within its captivating embrace, you’ll discover a kaleidoscope of emotions and a cinematic experience like no other.
