Guns, Fists & Explosions: Korean Action Movies That Ruled 2014


2014 delivered some of the most adrenaline-pumping Korean action films, blending martial arts, intense gunfights, and gripping revenge stories. From historical war epics to crime thrillers, these movies kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Here are the top Korean action movies of 2014 that you shouldn’t miss.

1. The Admiral: Roaring Currents (명량)

  • Director: Kim Han-min

  • Cast: Choi Min-sik, Ryu Seung-ryong, Cho Jin-woong

  • Genre: Historical, War, Action

  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

  • Plot: Based on the legendary Battle of Myeongnyang, Admiral Yi Sun-sin leads a small fleet of 12 ships against 330 Japanese vessels in a desperate fight for survival.

  • Why Watch?

    • The highest-grossing Korean film of all time (as of 2014).
    • Epic naval battle sequences and war strategy.
    • A legendary historical war hero brought to life.

2. A Hard Day (끝까지 간다)

  • Director: Kim Seong-hun

  • Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Jin-woong

  • Genre: Action, Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

  • Plot: A corrupt detective accidentally kills a man on the way to his mother’s funeral and tries to cover it up—only to be blackmailed by a mysterious stranger.

  • Why Watch?

    • Relentless suspense and dark humor.
    • A gripping game of cat and mouse.
    • Clever twists and high-stakes tension.

3. The Divine Move (신의 한 수)

  • Director: Jo Bum-gu

  • Cast: Jung Woo-sung, Ahn Sung-ki, Lee Beom-soo

  • Genre: Action, Crime

  • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

  • Plot: A Go player framed for murder seeks revenge in the underground world of high-stakes gambling, where losing means death.

  • Why Watch?

    • Brutal hand-to-hand combat and gambling intensity.
    • Stylish martial arts action.
    • A unique blend of strategy and action.

4. Kundo: Age of the Rampant (군도: 민란의 시대)

  • Director: Yoon Jong-bin

  • Cast: Ha Jung-woo, Kang Dong-won

  • Genre: Historical, Action

  • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

  • Plot: Set in the Joseon era, a group of bandits rise against corrupt nobles, becoming Korea’s version of Robin Hood.

  • Why Watch?

    • Epic sword fights and action-packed sequences.
    • A classic underdog vs. tyrant story.
    • Ha Jung-woo and Kang Dong-won’s intense rivalry.

5. No Tears for the Dead (우는 남자)

  • Director: Lee Jeong-beom (The Man from Nowhere)

  • Cast: Jang Dong-gun, Kim Min-hee

  • Genre: Action, Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

  • Plot: A hitman, haunted by accidentally killing a child, is ordered to eliminate the child’s mother—but instead turns against his employers.

  • Why Watch?

    • Emotionally driven action sequences.
    • Gunfights, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and stunning cinematography.
    • A tragic anti-hero story.

6. Man on High Heels (하이힐)

  • Director: Jang Jin

  • Cast: Cha Seung-won, Oh Jung-se

  • Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

  • Plot: A feared detective known for his brutal takedowns secretly desires to transition into a woman, leading to a conflict between his true self and his violent profession.

  • Why Watch?

    • A unique action film with deep emotional layers.
    • Cha Seung-won’s standout performance.
    • Stylish, brutal action sequences.

7. Big Match (빅매치)

  • Director: Choi Ho

  • Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Shin Ha-kyun, BoA

  • Genre: Action, Comedy

  • IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

  • Plot: A mixed martial arts fighter is forced into a deadly city-wide survival game, controlled by an evil genius.

  • Why Watch?

    • Fast-paced action mixed with humor.
    • Citywide chase sequences with creative fight scenes.
    • A thrilling, entertaining ride from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

2014 was an action-packed year in Korean cinema, featuring high-stakes thrillers, revenge dramas, and historical war epics. Whether you love gunfights, sword battles, or martial arts, these movies deliver unrelenting excitement and top-tier storytelling.

Which of these Korean action films from 2014 is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!


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