Discover the finest selection of Korean blockbuster movies now playing in theaters.

Buzz

Content

Check out the ultimate list of the best Korean theatrical releases.

Explore the best Korean standalone films of today

1. Parasite (2019) - A Tale of Intrigue and Family Dynamics

2. The Flu (2013) - A Pandemic Nightmare

3. Hope - A Tale of Resilience (2013)

4. Extreme Job (2020) - The Impossible Profession

5. Coin Locker Girl (2015) - The Streets of Redemption

6. Train to Busan (2016) - The Journey of Survival

7. Along With The Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018) - The Ultimate Challenge of Death

8. Seo Bok (2021) - The Human Clone

9. The Classic (2003) - Timeless Beauty

10. Miracle in Cell No.7 - 2013

Aside from the trending series, Korean standalone films have garnered immense popularity. Here's a roundup of the top Korean movies that have made waves in the cinema world.

Korean cinema offers a diverse range of genres that captivate audiences worldwide. If you're seeking quality productions, look no further than this list of the best Korean standalone films. It's a perfect choice for discerning viewers!

Check out the ultimate list of the best Korean theatrical releases.

Explore the best Korean standalone films of today

1. Parasite (2019) - A Tale of Intrigue and Family Dynamics

Genre: Romance, Family
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Release Date: 01/15/2015
Duration: 123 minutes
Director: Ha Jung-woo
Starring: Ha Jung-woo, Ha Ji-won

Access the streaming link for Blood Selling Diary on VieON here.

Parasite tops the list of the greatest Korean standalone films of all time. This blockbuster hit the spotlight in 2019 by winning 4 prestigious Oscars.

The plot revolves around a poor family. Due to unfortunate circumstances, all four members of the household are unemployed. They have to live cramped in a shabby basement apartment in a rented housing complex.

One fine day, the eldest son Ki-woo unexpectedly receives a sweet opportunity. It's an offer to tutor the daughter of a wealthy family. Driven by the desire for a better life, Ki-woo meticulously plans for his family to 'legally invade' the luxurious mansion. Initial success leads to unforeseen twists and turns...

2. The Flu (2013) - A Pandemic Nightmare

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Release Date: 08/14/2013
Duration: 121 minutes
Director: Kim Sung-su
Starring: Soo Ae, Jang Hyuk

Access the streaming link for The Flu on Netflix here.

One of the top Korean short films depicting the most horrifying epidemic is perhaps 'The Flu'. The film begins with illegal immigration. A strain of flu virus with rapid spread has breached borders and reached Bundang, a suburb of Seoul, South Korea.

Throughout the movie, audiences are kept on the edge of their seats by the unfolding of the epidemic. Perhaps the most mind-shocking scene is the mountain of corpses buried alive or burned. Do the inhabitants of at-risk cities have a chance to survive?

3. Hope - A Tale of Resilience (2013)

Genre: Family, Romance
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Release Date: 10/22/2013
Duration: per episode, minutes/episode
Director: Lee Joon-ik

Starring: Sol Kyung-gu, Uhm Ji-won, Lee Re

Hope - hailed as the greatest Korean standalone film of all time after winning the 34th Blue Dragon Award. It recounts a globally shocking child abuse case in 2008.

While on her way to school, So Won was brutally assaulted by an older man. Infuriatingly, the perpetrator received only a 12-year prison sentence.

Faced with such a profound physical and emotional wound of an 8-year-old girl, it's certain that anyone sitting in the movie theater will shed tears and be haunted for a long time.

4. Extreme Job (2020) - The Impossible Profession

Genre: Action, Comedy
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Release Date: 01/23/2019
Duration: 111 minutes
Director: Lee Byeong-heon
Starring: Ryu Seung-ryong, Lee Hanee, Jin Seon-kyu

Access the streaming link for Extreme Job on VieON here.

Extreme Job - a hilarious Korean standalone film, perfect for anyone looking to relieve all their stress and exhaustion. The plot revolves around a team of 5 police officers whose mission is to combat drug traffickers. It's dubbed a super comedy because 'Extreme Job' brings forth the commendable detective work of the seasoned investigation team, causing chaos wherever they go.

Facing the risk of disbandment, the team is assigned a crucial task: to monitor a newly released criminal. To facilitate this, they join forces to rent a fried chicken shop where the criminal frequents. Trouble begins when the chicken shop unexpectedly flourishes, leading to a series of hilarious situations...

5. Coin Locker Girl (2015) - The Streets of Redemption

Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Release Date: 04/29/2015
Duration: 110 minutes
Director: Han Jun-hee
Starring: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Go-eun, Uhm Tae-goo, Park Bo-gum

Coin Locker Girl - a compelling Korean standalone film, delves into the underworld to depict the lives of women operating in the shadows.

The main character revolves around Il Young - an orphaned girl taken in by a notorious female boss. Under the guise of a fake 'family,' Il Young grows up and becomes the trusted right-hand woman of 'Mother.' Life goes on until one day, in a moment of weakness, Il Young betrays the organization.

This work ranks among the best Korean standalone films of 2015, winning the film category at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

6. Train to Busan (2016) - The Journey of Survival

Genre: Horror, Psychological
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Release Date: 05/13/2016
Duration: 118 minutes
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Starring: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an

Access the streaming link for Train to Busan on VieON here

Train to Busan, revolving around the Zombie theme, is one of the Korean horror films that, despite its short duration, authentically portrays the intense emotions people experience when facing a catastrophe.

The film begins with a scene where a mysterious virus attacks the train, quickly turning passengers into mindless Zombies. To reclaim their chance of survival, they must endure moments of fierce struggle against death.

7. Along With The Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018) - The Ultimate Challenge of Death

Genre: Action, Adventure
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Release Date: 08/01/2018
Duration: 141 minutes
Director: Kim Yong-hwa
Starring: Ha Jung-woo, Ju Ji-hoon, Kim Hyang-gi, Ma Dong-seok

Along With The Gods: The Last 49 Days features a mind-bending yet humorous storyline. Continuing from the previous installment, the trio of guardians have helped 48 souls achieve salvation over a thousand years. They will be reincarnated if they assist one more pure soul in their final journey.

The 49-day journey seems to encounter even more challenges as it unveils horrifying secrets, delving deep into the past of each deity.

Along With The Gods: The Last 49 Days heavily emphasizes psychological elements, making it a highly recommended Korean cinema experience for those who love dramatic storytelling.

8. Seo Bok (2021) - The Human Clone

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Release Date: 04/15/2021
Duration: 114 minutes
Director: Lee Yong-ju
Starring: Gong Yoo, Park Bo Gum, Jo Woo-jin, Jang Young-nam

Access the latest streaming link for Seo Bok on iQIYI here.

The Korean standalone film 'Seo Bok' premiered in 2021. Upon its release, the movie received positive responses from the audience as it brings together two popular stars, Gong Yoo and Park Bo Gum.

The storyline revolves around the character Seo Bok, who is created through a cloning process. His eternal existence has attracted various forces seeking to possess him. Among them is Ki - a special agent with a brain tumor, assigned to a mission involving Seobok.

Seobok is among the top sci-fi action films of 2021. Apart from thrilling chase scenes, the film also carries a thought-provoking message about human fear.

9. The Classic (2003) - Timeless Beauty

Genre: Romance, Drama
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: 01/30/2003
Duration: 127 minutes
Director: Kwak Jae-yong
Starring: Son Ye Jin, Jo Seung-woo, Jo In Sung

The Classic - the finest Korean standalone film of all time evokes many sorrows within the audience whenever mentioned.

The film begins with Ji Hye accidentally reading old letters, discovering her mother once endured a painful love triangle. Unable to defy fate, she had to forsake what seemed like destiny to marry another man as arranged by her family.

Back to reality, Ji Hye faces a dilemma as she secretly loves her best friend's boyfriend. While her mother somewhat resigns due to feudal influence, Ji Hye always seeks to control her own destiny. However, how will she resolve between being a friend and being in love?

10. Miracle in Cell No.7 - 2013

Genre: Romance, Comedy

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Release Date: 06/06/2012
Duration: 127 minutes
Director: Lee Hwan-kyung
Starring: Ryu Seung-ryong, Kal So-won, Park Shin-hye

Watch Miracle in Cell No.7 on VieON
Listen to the soundtrack of Miracle in Cell No.7 on Nhaccuatui.com

Miracle in Cell No.7 - a touching South Korean romance film portraying the bond between father and daughter.

The movie revolves around the story of Yong Goo, a mentally disabled man who is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to death. His only wish is to reunite with his young daughter, Ye Seung.

To help Yong Goo, his fellow inmates devise a plan to reunite the father and daughter. But can these ex-convicts make the miracle happen? Watch the movie to experience the profoundly meaningful message!

Above are suggestions for the best South Korean films that I want to introduce to you. I hope you will have moments of relaxation and entertainment, and don't forget to share your favorite movie with us!

The content is developed by the Mytour team with the aim of customer care and solely to inspire travel experiences. We do not take responsibility for or provide advice for other purposes.

If you find this article inappropriate or containing errors, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most popular standalone Korean films currently available?

Some of the most popular standalone Korean films include 'Parasite,' 'Train to Busan,' and 'Extreme Job.' Each of these films has received critical acclaim and captures diverse themes, making them favorites among viewers.

How has the film Parasite impacted the perception of Korean cinema worldwide?

Parasite has significantly impacted the perception of Korean cinema worldwide by winning four prestigious Oscars. Its unique storytelling and social commentary have introduced global audiences to the depth and creativity of Korean films.

Are there any recommendations for family-friendly Korean films to watch?

Yes, family-friendly Korean films include 'Miracle in Cell No.7' and 'Hope.' Both films beautifully portray emotional themes of love and resilience, making them suitable for viewers of all ages.

What themes are explored in the movie Train to Busan and its impact on audiences?

Train to Busan explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the human condition during a zombie apocalypse. Its intense emotional storytelling captivates audiences, highlighting the struggles faced in dire situations.

How do Korean standalone films differ from other international films in terms of storytelling?

Korean standalone films often blend genres, incorporate unique cultural elements, and provide deep emotional narratives. This approach creates a distinctive viewing experience that resonates with both local and international audiences.

What makes the film Extreme Job a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts?

Extreme Job is a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts due to its hilarious plot involving police officers running a fried chicken shop. The film's clever humor and unexpected twists guarantee laughter from start to finish.