Movie Data Hub

Korean cinema continued its dominance in 2022, delivering films that blended action, drama, suspense, and social commentary. From gripping thrillers to emotional dramas, here are the best Korean movies of the year that left a lasting impact. 1. Decision to Leave (헤어질 결심) Director: Park Chan-wook Cast: Tang Wei, Park Hae-il Genre: Mystery, Romance, Noir Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 Plot: Hae-jun, a dedicated detective, investigates the suspicious death of a man who fell from a mountain. The prime suspect is the man’s enigmatic widow, Seo-rae. As Hae-jun grows obsessed with her, his judgment blurs, leading to an intoxicating game of deception and longing. Decision to Leave is a slow-burning, visually stunning film that keeps viewers on edge with its subtle intensity and deep emotions. 2. Hunt (헌트) Director: Lee Jung-jae Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woo-sung Genre: Action, Spy Thriller Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 Plot: Set in the 1980s, Hunt fo...

2021 was a remarkable year for Korean cinema, delivering a mix of intense thrillers, heartwarming dramas, and groundbreaking action films. From psychological mind-benders to deeply emotional narratives, these films captivated audiences worldwide. 1. Escape from Mogadishu (모가디슈) Director: Ryoo Seung-wan Cast: Kim Yoon-seok, Jo In-sung, Heo Joon-ho Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 Plot: Based on a true story, Escape from Mogadishu depicts the harrowing 1991 civil war in Somalia, where South and North Korean diplomats are stranded in the capital city. As violence erupts, both embassies are forced to work together to escape. The film masterfully combines political tension with high-stakes action, delivering an emotional and suspenseful story of survival and unity. 2. The Book of Fish (자산어보) Director: Lee Joon-ik Cast: Sol Kyung-gu, Byun Yo-han Genre: Historical, Drama Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 Plot: Shot in stunni...

2020 was a year of high-stakes action in Korean cinema, featuring intense battles, daring heists, and adrenaline-fueled chases. From historical epics to modern crime thrillers, these films kept audiences on the edge of their seats. 1. Deliver Us from Evil (다만 악에서 구하소서) Director: Hong Won-chan Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Lee Jung-jae, Park Jung-min Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 Plot: In-nam, a skilled hitman on the verge of retirement, is pulled back into action when a young girl is kidnapped in Thailand. As he races against time to save her, he faces a relentless assassin, Ray, seeking revenge for his brother’s death. A brutal game of cat and mouse unfolds across international borders, filled with explosive action and gripping emotional stakes. 2. The Swordsman (검객) Director: Choi Jae-hoon Cast: Jang Hyuk, Kim Hyun-soo, Joe Taslim Genre: Action, Historical, Drama Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 Plot: Tae-yul, a former r...

2020 was a year of resilience for Korean cinema, delivering powerful narratives across multiple genres. From intense thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these films captivated audiences worldwide. 1. The Call (콜) Director: Lee Chung-hyun Cast: Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Plot: A woman connects with a stranger through a mysterious phone call, only to realize they are living in different timelines—leading to terrifying consequences. 2. Time to Hunt (사냥의 시간) Director: Yoon Sung-hyun Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Ahn Jae-hong, Choi Woo-shik Genre: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 Plot: Set in a dystopian future, four friends attempt a dangerous heist but end up being hunted by a ruthless assassin. 3. The Man Standing Next (남산의 부장들) Director: Woo Min-ho Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Lee Sung-min, Kwak Do-won Genre: Political Thriller, Drama Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 Pl...

2019 was a monumental year for Korean cinema, with films that captivated global audiences, won prestigious awards, and redefined storytelling. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these are the must-watch Korean movies of the year. 1. Parasite (기생충) Director: Bong Joon-ho Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong Genre: Thriller, Drama, Dark Comedy Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 8.5/10 Plot: A struggling family infiltrates the household of a wealthy couple by posing as highly qualified workers. As their deception deepens, unexpected twists lead to a shocking climax. 2. Extreme Job (극한직업) Director: Lee Byeong-heon Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Lee Hanee, Jin Sun-kyu Genre: Comedy, Action Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 Plot: A team of undercover cops opens a fried chicken restaurant as a cover for their investigation. However, when their chicken becomes a massive hit, they face a hilarious dilemma between crime-fighting and running a successfu...

2018 was another remarkable year for Korean cinema, delivering a mix of gripping thrillers, emotional dramas, intense action films, and thought-provoking indie masterpieces. Whether it was big-budget productions or hidden gems, Korean filmmakers continued to push boundaries. Here are the best Korean movies of 2018 that left a lasting impression. 1. Burning (버닝) Director: Lee Chang-dong Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, Jeon Jong-seo Genre: Mystery, Drama Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 Plot: A struggling writer reunites with a childhood friend, only to be introduced to a wealthy and enigmatic man who harbors a dark secret. As tensions build, the story spirals into a haunting psychological mystery. 2. The Spy Gone North (공작) Director: Yoon Jong-bin Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Lee Sung-min, Cho Jin-woong Genre: Spy, Thriller Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 Plot: Based on true events, this espionage thriller follows a South Korean agent who infiltrates North ...

2017 was a standout year for Korean action cinema , delivering a mix of intense hand-to-hand combat, gripping crime stories, and explosive gunfights . From high-octane thrillers to gritty gangster dramas , these films showcase the best of Korean action filmmaking . Here are the top must-watch Korean action movies of 2017 . 1. The Outlaws (범죄도시) Director: Kang Yoon-sung Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Yoon Kye-sang Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 Plot: A fearless detective battles a ruthless Chinese-Korean gang that is taking over the streets of Seoul. With his brute strength and street smarts , he leads a dangerous mission to bring down the crime syndicate. Why Watch? Ma Dong-seok’s power-packed performance . Bone-crushing fight scenes and intense chases . Inspired by real-life gang wars . 2. The Villainess (악녀) Director: Jung Byung-gil Cast: Kim Ok-bin, Shin Ha-kyun Genre: Action, Thriller IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 Plot: A dead...

2017 was a remarkable year for Korean cinema , delivering thrilling action, intense dramas, and groundbreaking storytelling . From hard-hitting crime thrillers to emotional masterpieces , these films showcased the depth of Korean filmmaking . Here are the top 10 must-watch Korean movies of 2017 . 1. A Taxi Driver (택시운전사) Director: Jang Hoon Cast: Song Kang-ho, Thomas Kretschmann, Yoo Hae-jin Genre: Drama, History IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 Plot: A Seoul taxi driver unknowingly takes a German journalist to Gwangju , where they witness the horrors of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising . As the military dictatorship tightens its grip , the driver must make a life-altering choice. Why Watch? Powerful retelling of a true historical event . Song Kang-ho’s exceptional performance . An emotional mix of action, drama, and history . 2. The Outlaws (범죄도시) Director: Kang Yoon-sung Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Yoon Kye-sang Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller IMDb Rating: 7.2...

2016 was a defining year for Korean cinema , delivering a mix of intense thrillers, gripping action films, emotional dramas, and groundbreaking horror movies . From critically acclaimed masterpieces to box-office hits, here are the top 10 Korean movies of 2016 that captivated audiences worldwide. 1. The Handmaiden (아가씨) Director: Park Chan-wook Cast: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo Genre: Thriller, Romance, Drama IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 Plot: A young woman is hired as a handmaiden to a wealthy heiress, but as their relationship deepens, shocking secrets and betrayals unfold. Why Watch? A visually stunning and emotionally intense psychological thriller. Twists and turns keep the suspense high. One of Park Chan-wook’s best films , praised for its storytelling and cinematography. 2. Train to Busan (부산행) Director: Yeon Sang-ho Cast: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi Genre: Horror, Thriller, Action IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 Plot: A fathe...

2013 was an explosive year for Korean action cinema, with movies that combined intense fight sequences, gripping espionage, and high-stakes crime dramas . Whether it's spy thrillers, brutal gangster wars, or military operations , these films delivered adrenaline-pumping action that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Here are the best Korean action movies of 2013 that you can’t afford to miss. 1. The Berlin File (베를린) Director: Ryoo Seung-wan Cast: Ha Jung-woo, Han Suk-kyu, Jeon Ji-hyun, Ryoo Seung-bum Genre: Spy, Action, Thriller Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 Plot: A North Korean spy in Berlin finds himself betrayed by his own country and hunted by South Korean intelligence. With intense shootouts, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and a gripping cat-and-mouse chase , this spy thriller delivers non-stop action. 2. New World (신세계) Director: Park Hoon-jung Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Choi Min-sik, Hwang Jung-min Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller Language: ...

2013 was a groundbreaking year for Korean cinema, delivering a mix of thrilling action, emotional dramas, mind-bending mysteries, and thought-provoking sci-fi . From blockbuster hits to critically acclaimed indie gems , these films showcased the depth and diversity of storytelling that makes Korean movies stand out globally. Here are the best Korean films of 2013 that you shouldn't miss. 1. Snowpiercer (설국열차) Director: Bong Joon-ho Cast: Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller Language: Korean, English IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Plot: In a dystopian future where Earth has become a frozen wasteland, the last remnants of humanity survive aboard a train that endlessly circles the globe. A brutal class divide emerges , and when the oppressed lower-class passengers rebel against the elite , a violent revolution unfolds as they fight their way to the front. 2. The Berlin File (베를린) Director: Ryoo Seung-wan Cast: Ha Jung-woo, Han Suk-kyu, ...

2012 was a thrilling year for action cinema in South Korea, featuring high-stakes heists, gritty gangster battles, and historical epics . These movies blended intense fight sequences, sharp storytelling, and unforgettable characters , making them a must-watch for action fans. Here are the best Korean action movies of 2012 that delivered adrenaline-pumping excitement. 1. The Thieves (도둑들) Director: Choi Dong-hoon Cast: Kim Yoon-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Lee Jung-jae, Jun Ji-hyun Genre: Heist, Action, Crime Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 Plot: A team of elite Korean and Chinese thieves teams up for a daring casino heist in Macau. However, when betrayal and secrets surface, the mission turns into a dangerous game of survival. 2. Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜 놈들 전성시대) Director: Yoon Jong-bin Cast: Choi Min-sik, Ha Jung-woo Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Plot: A corrupt customs officer partners with a ris...

2012 was a stellar year for Korean cinema, delivering a mix of gritty thrillers, intense dramas, powerful action films, and thought-provoking stories . Here are the top 10 Korean movies of 2012 that captivated audiences and showcased the brilliance of Korean filmmakers. 1. Pieta (피에타) Director: Kim Ki-duk Cast: Lee Jung-jin, Jo Min-su Genre: Drama, Crime Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Plot: A ruthless loan shark enforcer finds his violent world turned upside down when a woman claiming to be his mother appears, forcing him to confront his past and his humanity. 2. Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜 놈들 전성시대) Director: Yoon Jong-bin Cast: Choi Min-sik, Ha Jung-woo Genre: Crime, Thriller Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Plot: Set in the 1980s, a corrupt customs officer partners with an up-and-coming gangster, rising through the ranks of Busan’s crime world, only to face betrayal and the government’s war on organized crime. 3. Masque...

2010 was a landmark year for Korean cinema, delivering some of the most thought-provoking, action-packed, and emotionally resonant films. From psychological thrillers to gripping dramas and heartwarming comedies, Korean filmmakers showcased their storytelling prowess. Here are the top 10 Korean movies of 2010 that left a lasting impact. 1. I Saw the Devil (악마를 보았다) Director: Kim Jee-woon Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik Genre: Thriller, Crime Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Plot: When a secret agent's fiancée is brutally murdered by a sadistic serial killer, he embarks on a relentless journey of vengeance, blurring the line between justice and madness. 2. The Man from Nowhere (아저씨) Director: Lee Jeong-beom Cast: Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron Genre: Action, Thriller Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 Plot: A mysterious and reclusive pawnshop owner goes on a violent rampage to save a kidnapped girl, uncovering his dark past in the process. 3. Poetry...

Korean action cinema in 2006 delivered some of the most intense and adrenaline-fueled films of the decade. From high-stakes gambling wars to street brawls and crime-ridden underworlds, these movies were packed with breathtaking fight sequences, gripping storylines, and unforgettable characters. Whether you enjoy raw gangster tales, stylish heists, or heart-pounding revenge dramas, these action films from 2006 are a must-watch. 1. A Dirty Carnival – The Price of Power Language: Korean IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 Synopsis: Byung-du, a mid-level gangster struggling to support his family, gets a chance to move up in the ranks by taking out a high-profile target. As he rises in power, his past friendships and moral dilemmas begin to haunt him. Filled with brutal fights and an emotionally charged storyline, A Dirty Carnival offers a gripping look into the life of a gangster chasing the illusion of success. 2. Tazza: The High Rollers – A Deadly Game of Deception Language: Korean IMD...

The year 2002 was a transformative period for Korean cinema, with filmmakers exploring diverse themes and genres. From emotional dramas and high-stakes thrillers to groundbreaking action films, 2002 delivered some of the most memorable Korean movies that continue to captivate audiences today. Here are 10 films that defined the year and cemented Korea’s status as a powerhouse in global cinema. 1. My Sassy Girl (2001, Wide Release in 2002) Director: Kwak Jae-yong Starring: Jun Ji-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun Language: Korean Arguably one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, My Sassy Girl tells the story of a college student who falls for an eccentric and unpredictable young woman. With its mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth, the film became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring remakes worldwide. 2. Oasis (2002) Director: Lee Chang-dong Starring: Sol Kyung-gu, Moon So-ri Language: Korean A deeply moving drama, Oasis follows an ex-convict and a woman with cereb...