filmobserver 
As avid fans of Korean cinema, we understand the thrill of discovering captivating stories, mesmerizing performances, and innovative filmmaking. With Netflix becoming a hub for international cinema, it’s no surprise that the platform offers a treasure trove of Korean movies waiting to be explored. In this curated list, we present to you the best 10 Korean movies currently available on Netflix, guaranteed to immerse you in the richness of Korean culture and storytelling.
1. Parasite (2019)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun
Synopsis: Winner of multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, “Parasite” is a gripping tale of class divide and societal satire. The film follows the impoverished Kim family as they infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Park household, leading to unexpected twists and turns that challenge perceptions of privilege and morality.
2. Train to Busan (2016)
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Cast: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok
Synopsis: “Train to Busan” is a pulse-pounding zombie thriller set aboard a speeding train bound for the city of Busan. As a viral outbreak transforms passengers into flesh-eating monsters, a group of survivors must navigate through chaos and danger to reach their destination alive.
3. Oldboy (2003)
Director: Park Chan-wook
Cast: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae
Synopsis: Regarded as a cult classic, “Oldboy” is a dark and twisted tale of revenge and redemption. After being inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years, a man seeks vengeance against his captors, unraveling a web of secrets and betrayals along the way.
4. The Handmaiden (2016)
Director: Park Chan-wook
Cast: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri
Synopsis: Set in 1930s Korea, “The Handmaiden” is an erotic thriller that follows a young pickpocket who becomes embroiled in a plot to defraud a wealthy heiress. Filled with intrigue, deceit, and sensuality, this visually stunning film is a testament to the mastery of its director.
5. Burning (2018)
Director: Lee Chang-dong
Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun
Synopsis: Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, “Burning” is a slow-burning mystery that explores themes of obsession and alienation. When a young man reconnects with an old acquaintance, he becomes entangled in a bizarre love triangle that leads to unforeseen consequences.
6. The Wailing (2016)
Director: Na Hong-jin
Cast: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min
Synopsis: “The Wailing” is a chilling horror film that follows a small-town policeman as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths linked to a strange illness. As the body count rises and paranoia sets in, the officer must confront supernatural forces beyond his comprehension.
7. Memories of Murder (2003)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung
Synopsis: Based on true events, “Memories of Murder” is a gripping crime drama that chronicles the hunt for a serial killer terrorizing a rural town in South Korea. Tense and atmospheric, this film is a haunting exploration of obsession, guilt, and the human condition.
8. A Taxi Driver (2017)
Director: Jang Hoon
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Thomas Kretschmann
Synopsis: Inspired by true events, “A Taxi Driver” tells the story of a taxi driver who becomes an unlikely hero during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. As he ferries a German journalist through the heart of the conflict, he witnesses the brutality of a government crackdown and the resilience of the human spirit.
9. Mother (2009)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Cast: Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin
Synopsis: “Mother” is a gripping psychological thriller about a devoted mother who embarks on a desperate quest to prove her son’s innocence after he is accused of murder. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unravel her world.
10. The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Director: Lee Jeong-beom
Cast: Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron
Synopsis: “The Man from Nowhere” is a gritty action thriller that follows a reclusive pawnshop owner with a mysterious past who embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance after the abduction of a young girl. Fueled by intense action sequences and emotional depth, this film is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
