The South Korean Entertainment Industry is expanding and is very well-liked by people all over the world. The viewers are not only from South Korea but also from outside borders. After a huge fanbase and fame, Korea received K-pop groups like BTS and Blackpink. Korean dramas and Korean movies also have separate huge fanbases and audiences all over.
Korean Entertainment Industry has given a highly appreciable and addictive quality of films to its viewers. South Korean cinema has delivered to its audience a variety of Films with genres including Action, Thriller, Mystery, Historical, Comedy, and Romance grossing huge amounts and records at the box office.
Many eminent directors and writers have delivered amazing works which are successful at grossing big amounts at the box office. Given its continuous and widespread demands by fans, Korean movies are reachable to international fans with proper English subtitles, making it convenient for them to watch.
If you are looking for a Korean film to watch and are confused about which one to start with, then given here is a handpicked list of 50 Highest Grossing South Korean Films of all genres which will make you go crazy and want to watch more of them.
50 Highest-Grossing South Korean Films
The Given list includes the top 50 Highest Grossing South Korean Films with their Ranking, Streaming guide, Release date, Gross, Director, and Cast, which will ease you choosing the best pick for yourself to watch and explore.
1. Extreme Job (2019)
2019’s Extreme Job is a very well esteemed South Korean film with a combination of Crime, Action, and Comedy wherein a group of detective police force’s operation faced a delicious turning point while working on a mission.
The undercover police operation team led by squad chief Ko failed their mission which was given to them. Asking for their last chance to prove themselves and save their job, they got the order to carry out Covert surveillance of an international drug gang.
The surveillance location of their mission is a chicken restaurant. Things were working out for them pretty well until they got to know that the restaurant was running out of business and was soon going to shut down. They plan to purchase the restaurant and continue using it for their undercover mission.
They ran it by themselves, and from nothing, it turned out to be a famous chicken restaurant. The movie Extreme Job actually did an extremely good job at the box office, grossing $120 Million worldwide. You can watch the movie ‘Extreme Job’ by streaming it on either Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7/10
- Duration: 1hr 51min
- Release Date: 23rd of January 2019
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Director: Lee Byeong-Heon
- Cast: Ryu Seung Ryong, Lee Hanee, Jin Seon-Kyu
- Gross (₩): 1,39,616,194,600
- Gross Worldwide ($): $120 Million
- Streaming Platform: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
2. The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
The Admiral: Roaring Currents is a 2014 South Korean film that is highly praised and liked by the viewers, also doing a fabulous job at the box office. This is a Historical action film that revolves around the Battle of Myeongnyang.
Just 12 days post its release. The movie has already recorded 10 million admissions. It became a record-setting movie in South Korea by gaining a high view count in the smallest number of days.
The movie became the most-watched and highest-grossing film of all time in South Korea. The movie depicts how Admiral Yi-Sun Sin protected his nation with just 13 warships against the Japanese warships which were 300 in the battle of Myeongnyang.
The movie- The Admiral: Roaring Currents is definitely a worth-watching film that is available for you to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hr 8mins
- Release Date: 30th of July 2014
- Genre: Action, Drama, History
- Director: Han-min Kim
- Cast: Choi Min-Sik, Seung-Ryong Ryu, Choi Jin-Woong
- Gross (₩): 1,35,754,920,310
- Gross Worldwide ($): $138.3 Million
- Streaming Platform: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
3. The Roundup (2022)
The Roundup is a 2022 South Korean Film with a combination of a variety of genres, including Action, Crime, Mystery, and Comedy. This movie was not only successful in receiving love from the viewers but was also successful in receiving a good grossing at the box office, opening at Number 1.
It became the top-grossing film in South Korea in the year 2022. The film revolves around a detective named Ma Seok-do who goes to Vietnam with Captain Jeon II-man to banish a suspect, Yoo Jong-Hoon, where he meets a few Korean people living there.
However, after reaching there, the suspect’s willingness to turn himself in felt suspicious and he gets to know further murder and criminal cases which were done by a dangerous killer named Kang Hae-Sang.
Too much intense crime, action, mystery, and tension creates an exciting Roundup. You can easily stream this movie on various platforms, which include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, iQIYI, and Rakuten Viki.
- Ratings: 7/10
- Duration: 1hr 46min
- Release Date: 18th of May 2022
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, and Mystery
- Director: Lee Sang-Young
- Cast: Ma Don-Seok, Sukku Son, Gwi-Hwa Choi
- Gross (₩): 129,279,628,240
- Gross Worldwide ($): $101.1 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video, iQIYI, and Rakuten Viki (Specific Regions only)
4. Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
An exciting film with a storyline full of action and adventure describes 2017’s South Korean film Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds the best. The movie was filmed as one whole but was released in two parts. Whose 2nd part came out in June 2018.
The movie is loved by the audience with positive responses and a positive box office grossing $109.4 Million Worldwide making it the third highest-grossing film in South Korean cinema history as of May 2019.
The movie showcases the unexpected death of Ja-Hong, a firefighter who is taken to the afterlife by three gradians. They are there with him to help him during his seven trials in 49 days.
If he gets successful and passes these trials proving his innocence, then he will be able to reincarnate, and their guardians will also be benefited. This movie will be very fun, exciting, and adventurous to watch. You can watch the movie Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds by streaming it on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and iQIYI.
- Ratings: 7.2/10
- Duration: 2hr 19min
- Release Date: 20th of December 2017
- Genre: Action, Adventure, and Drama
- Director: Yong-Hwa Kim
- Cast: Ha Jung-Woo, Tae-Hyun Cha, Ju Ji-Hoon
- Gross (₩): 115,706,188,137
- Gross Worldwide ($): $109.4 Million
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and iQIYI
5. Ode to MY Father (2014)
Yet another highly ranked, appreciated, and loved South Korean movie was released in the year 2014 named Ode to My Father. Given its good response both by the viewers and at the box office, this film became the fourth highest-grossing film in South Korea, grossing $99.3 Million worldwide.
The movie showcases South Korean history through the point of view of an ordinary man’s life from the year 1950 to the present-day time. It all started when a young boy took an oath to look after his family.
The movie highlights the difference of how present times kids are not born during as difficult times as their parents did. The vow taken by the kid became a lifetime promise spanning 60 years.
Depicting at the time from the year 1950, it shows the man’s experience during the Korean war leading to Hungnam evacuation. It is both an emotional as well as courageous vibe-giving film that you should definitely watch. The War and drama Film Ode to My Father is available on Tubi for you to stream.
- Ratings: 7.8/10
- Duration: 2hr 06min
- Release Date: 17th of December 2014
- Genre: Drama and War
- Director: JK Youn
- Cast: Hwang Jung-Min, Yunjin Kim, Dal-su Oh
- Gross (₩): 110,937,282,730
- Gross Worldwide ($): $99.3 Million
- Streaming Platform: Tubi
6. Veteran (2015)
2015 South Korean film Veteran is director Ryoo Seung-Wan’s amazing power-packed action, crime, and comedy film. The film grossed $92 Million at the box office worldwide, making it the fifth Highest grossing movie in South Korean cinema at that time.
The film revolves around justice and revenge, wherein at one end, Jo Tae-ho is a young, spoiled man who is born with a silver spoon, commits every possible crime, and gets away with it easily, given his family background and power above the law.
And on another end is an honest police officer who gives his very best to bring justice to those who are wronged. In a common man’s case, he fights against all odds.
His addiction to doing justice comes in the way of Jo Tae-ho and then starts a game of revenge and a face-off between the two. What will be the outcome? Will power win over justice? To know that you can stream the movie Veteran on Google Play, YouTube, and Apple Tv.
- Ratings: 7/10
- Duration: 2hr 03min
- Release Date: 5th of August 2015
- Genre: Action, Crime, and Comedy
- Director: Ryoo Seung-Wan
- Cast: Hwang Jung-Min, Yoo Ah-in, Hae-Jin Yoo
- Gross (₩): 105,169,264,250
- Gross Worldwide ($): $92 Million
- Streaming Platforms: Google Play, YouTube (On Rent), and Apple Tv
7. Along With the Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018)
Along with the Gods: The last 49 Days is a movie full of adventure, action, and drama which is a sequel to its 2017 released film, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds. Both movies were shot together but were released in two parts.
The movie is well esteemed and appreciated by the audience having a huge viewership. Also, at the box office, the movie grossed about $92.5 Million worldwide. This fantasy movie is definitely worth your time if you watch it.
The plot of the film revolves around three grim reapers who after the death of Kim Soo-Hong who is their 49th soul guide him to his trials. At the successful completion of his trials, The God of the house will restore the memories of the three grim reapers from a thousand years.
You can watch the adventurous South Korean film, Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days, by streaming it on Netflix.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hr 22min
- Release Date: 1st of August 2018
- Genre: Action, Adventure, and Drama
- Director: Yong-Hwa Kim
- Cast: Ha Jung-Woo, Ju Ji-Hoon, Hyang-Gi Kim
- Gross (₩): 102,659,157,909
- Gross Worldwide ($): $92.5 Million
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
8. Assassination (2015)
2015’s South Korean Film Assassination is a Spy Action and drama which attracted a pretty good audience and viewers with a successful box office, grossing $90.9 Million worldwide. The movie ranked as the eighth highest-grossing film in South Korean cinema at that time and also won 2 awards.
The film setting depicts the year 1930 in Seoul and Shanghai amid the Japanese Occupation of Korea. While the Japanese army occupied Korea, the Korean resistance army planned to kill a Japanese commander of higher rank.
On one end, their plan is at risk of being disclosed and threatened by a spy from the opposition inside their group, and on the other end, the Japanese army is constantly killing them down. The ending will be interesting to watch. You can stream the action and drama film, Assassination on Lionsgate Play.
- Ratings: 7.2/10
- Duration: 2hr 20min
- Release Date: 22nd of July 2015
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Director: Dong-Hoon Choi
- Cast: Jun Ji-Hyun, Lee Jung-Jae, Ha Jung-Woo
- Gross (₩): 98,467,187,781
- Gross Worldwide ($): $90.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Lionsgate play
9. A Taxi Driver (2017)
Another very highly esteemed, loved, and appreciated film is the 2017’s South Korean movie, A Taxi Driver. It did not just get a high number of views but also a high gross of $88.7 Million at the box office.
The story of the film is based on true events where a taxi driver unintentionally becomes a part of the events leading to the 1980s Gwangju Uprising. To cover this uprising, the driver with a widowed father was dropping off a reporter from Seoul to Gwangju.
It turned out to be a regretful decision by him when he was trapped in the surrounding violence. The movie was positively received by critics and was selected as the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards.
The film, A Taxi Driver was a complete success and was 2017’s highest-grossing film in South Korea. You can watch it by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.9/10
- Duration: 2hr 17min
- Release Date: 2nd August 2017
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Director: Jang Hoon
- Cast: Song Kang-Ho, Thomas Kretschmann, Hae-Jin Yoo
- Gross (₩): 95,868,830,649
- Gross Worldwide ($): $88.7 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video (Specific Location)
10. The Thieves (2012)
The Thieves released in 2012 by director Choi Dong-Hoon, is a South Korean Heist, Action, and comedy film which is quite praised by the audience. It had a huge ticket sale of 12.9 million tickets and grossed about $86.7 Million worldwide.
In this movie, a group of Koreans and Chinese team up to steal a rare, valuable diamond worth millions of dollars. But as the team got to know about the actual value that the diamond possessed, which is US$ 20 million, greed arose among the members.
The diamond belonged to Tiffany, the mistress of a powerful crime master who is going to the casino in Macao to sell it back to Wei Hong, who is extremely dangerous and is known to kill anyone who makes him angry or offended.
On one end where everybody is trying to steal either the money or the diamond; on the other end, there is an undercover cop inside their team named Julie, who is waiting to arrest Wei Hong.
What will situations lead to? who will win? This would definitely be interesting to watch. You can the movie The Thieves by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 6.8/10
- Duration: 2hr 15min
- Release Date: 25th of July 2012
- Genre: Heist, Action, Comedy
- Director: Choi Dong-Hoon
- Cast: Kim Yoon-Seok, Lee Jung-Jae, Kim Hye-Su
- Gross (₩): 93,667,250,500
- Gross Worldwide ($): $86.7 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
11. Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan is a 2016’s horror and action South Korean film that touched the hearts of its viewers with its storyline, character portrayal by the star cast, and power-packed action.
The movie features zombies and a zombie apocalypse, which starts dreadful chaos in Busan, South Korea. The movie became super successful by not only having a large number of viewers but also a huge success at the box office grossing $98.5 Million worldwide.
The film revolves around a father and his daughter who boards a train to Busan to celebrate her birthday with her mom. An ill woman boards the train and attacks a person on the train.
This led to a chain of attacks, and soon the whole train and then the whole country is overrun by the flesh-eating zombies. The movie will also make you emotional by watching the father’s love and sacrifice for his daughter.
It was the highest-grossing film of the year not only in South Korea but also in Malaysia, Hongkong, and Singapore. To watch the Action, Horror zombie apocalypse film Train to Busan, you can stream it on Google Play, MX Player, Amazon Prime Video, Apple Tv, and YouTube.
- Ratings: 7.6/10
- Duration: 1hr 58min
- Release Date: 20th of July 2016
- Genre: Action and Horror
- Director: Sang-Ho Yeon
- Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-Mi, Ma Dong-Seok, Choi Woo-Shik
- Gross (₩): 93,182,579,048
- Gross Worldwide ($): $98.5 Million
- Streaming Platform: Google Play (Buy/Rent), MX Player (Free), Amazon Prime Video, Apple Tv, YouTube (Buy/Rent)
12. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
Miracle in Cell No. 7 is a high-ranked South Korean film released in the year 2013 which has innate comedy and drama. The film is loved by a large number of viewers making it the eighth film in Korean cinema to cross the mark of 10 million in ticket sales.
The movie is based on a true story wherein a man with a mentally challenged illness is wrongfully put in prison for the charges of murder. He becomes a friend of a smuggler who later helps him to meet his daughter again.
The actual story from which the film is adapted is the story of a man who was forced to turn in as guilty in a rape case of a 9yr old girl. He was tortured but then was released later when the actual guilty turned in.
This movie will do justice to the time you put to watch it. You can stream the comedy-drama movie Miracle in Cell No. 7 on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 8.1/10
- Duration: 2hr 07min
- Release Date: 23rd of December 2013
- Genre: Comedy and Drama
- Director: Hwan-Kyung Lee
- Cast: Seung-Ryong Ryu, Kal So-Won, Dal-su Oh
- Gross (₩): 91,433,282,670
- Gross Worldwide ($): $81.8 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video (Specific Location)
13. Masquerade (2012)
Masquerade is another high-ranked 2012 historical South Korean film with lots of drama in it. With an interesting historical storyline, it gained love from the viewers.
This movie successfully sold 12.3 million tickets and grossed $86.9 Million at the box office worldwide. At that time, Masquerade became the ninth highest-grossing South Korean film.
The story revolves around king Gwang-Hae, the 15th ruler of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. He has a constant threat of getting assassinated or pensioned and wants to find a person who looks exactly like him.
A commoner is chosen secretly to take the king’s place for his country’s sake and in order to avoid massive chaos. How will things go? and will this actually put an end to the threat? To know you can watch the film Masquerade on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.8/10
- Duration: 2hr 11min
- Release Date: 13th of September 2013
- Genre: Drama and History
- Director: Chang-Min Choo
- Cast: Lee Byung-Hun, Seung-Ryong Ryu, Han Hyo-Joo
- Gross (₩): 88,909,157,769
- Gross Worldwide ($): $86.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video (Specific Location)
14. Parasite (2019)
The Parasite is the year 2019 released South Korean Drama, Crime, and Thriller film which is highly praised and liked by viewers all over the world. This film was a huge success winning top awards.
The movie first premiered at the 2019 Cannes Festival, and by getting the Palme d’Or award there, it became the first South Korean film to get this top award. It also won the Best Picture award at the 2020 Oscars. With a budget of $15.5 million, the film grossed over $263 million at the box office worldwide.
The film showcases a poor Kim family living in Seoul in a semi-basement apartment, who scheme to be kept on a job by a wealthy Park family by invading their house and pretending to be unrelated to each other.
The family approached them as highly qualified professionals. When the rich family goes on a vacation, the Kim family moves in and has a strange, surprising encounter that changes their life completely. This Oscar-winning film is definitely worth watching. To watch the movie Parasite, you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 8.5/10
- Duration: 2hr 11min
- Release Date: 30th of May 2019
- Genre: Drama, Crime, and Thriller
- Director: Bong Joon Ho
- Cast: Kang-Ho Song, Sun-Kyun Lee, Yeo-Jeong Cho, Choi Woo-Shik
- Gross (₩): 87,460,503,095
- Gross Worldwide ($): $263.1 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video (Specific Location)
15. The Attorney (2013)
The Attorney is a 2013’s South Korean Film with a courtroom Drama based on the real-life ‘Burim Case.’ This is the debut film of director Woo-Seok Yang, which was a definite success at both getting love from the viewers and at the box office.
This film became the 15th best-selling Korean film of all time and the second highest-grossing South Korean film of 2013, grossing $74.1 Million worldwide.
A Lawyer, Song Woo-Seok, headed to Busan to start his own law firm and became quite rich. He gets to know that his old friend Mr. Park and a few others are put to fault and going to face a trial. Song got a legal team ready to defend Mr. Park and the ones who were wrongly accused and punished.
The trial changed too many things and had a great impact. To know what happened, you can watch the movie The Attorney, which you can stream on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.7/10
- Duration: 2hr 07min
- Release Date: 18th of December 2013
- Genre: Courtroom Drama
- Director: Woo-Seok Yang
- Cast: Song Kang-Ho, Kwang Soo Cha, Kwak Do-Won
- Gross (₩): 82,872,378,800
- Gross Worldwide ($): $74.1 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video (Buy/Rent)
16. Tidal Wave (2009)
2009’s South Korean Film ‘Tidal Wave’ is a combination of disaster action and comedy. This movie is the first disaster film in South Korea, and it also got successful at the box office, grossing $73.5 Million worldwide.
The story film is set in Busan, where a woman named Yeon-Hee, who runs an unlicensed seafood restaurant, lives with a Haeundae district local, Man-Sik.
A marine Geologist, Professor Kim, continuously warns about a dangerous mega Tsunami hitting the city, but the disaster prevention agency is sure that the city they are safe and have no such risk. Turned out it was actually a big problem.
Just ten minutes before they both get to know that a Tsunami will hit their city, they have no time to escape. How will they protect themselves? Will they be able to survive? To know, you can watch the movie Tidal Waves on Amazon Prime Video and MX Player.
- Ratings: 5.5/10
- Duration: 2hrs
- Release Date: 22nd of July 2009
- Genre: Disaster, Action, and Comedy
- Director: Yoon Je-Kyoon
- Cast: Kim Yoo-Jeong, Ha Ji-Won, Lee Min-Ki
- Gross (₩): 81,025,841,000
- Gross Worldwide ($): $73.5 Million
- Streaming Platform: MX Player and Amazon Prime Video
17. Exit (2019)
Exit is a 2019 South Korean Film having the genre of disaster action and comedy, which successfully won the hearts of viewers and also got success at the box office grossing $69.5 Million worldwide.
In the year 2019, this movie became South Korea’s third highest-grossing domestic film, and with over 9.4 million plus admissions, it also became the third most-watched domestic movie of that year.
The story film features a jobless grown man named Yong Nam, who was once an expert rock climber during his college days. He wants to celebrate his mother’s birthday at Cloud Garden to see his crush Eui-Joo.
As they get there, he tries to flatter and impress her. Meanwhile, a terrorist nearby to cloud garden releases a harmful white gas which in no time spreads in the surrounding and then the whole city. They have to save themselves from it but fail to be rescued two times.
What will happen to both of them? will they be able to get rescued, and will there be a spark between the two? To know you can watch the movie Exit on Google Play, YouTube, and Apple Tv.
- Ratings: 7/10
- Duration: 1hrs 43min
- Release Date: 31st of July 2019
- Genre: Action and Comedy
- Director: Lee Sang-Geun0
- Cast: Jo Jung-Suk, Im Yoon-Ah, Du-Shim Ko
- Gross (₩): 79,234,922,162
- Gross Worldwide ($): $69.5 Million
- Streaming Platforms: Google Play, YouTube, and Apple Tv
18. A Violent Prosecutor (2016)
A Violent Prosecutor is a South Korean Film that was released in the year 2016. This action and crime genre film grossed over $67.9 Million at the box office worldwide.
The film features a court prosecution lawyer who gets framed and sentenced for murder. From the jail itself, he tries to find and catch the actual culprit behind the murder taking help from a con artist.
In the beginning, he is ill-treated by the prisoners, but later when he helps a few guards with legal matters and avoids the courtroom fees, he gets a special position in prison.
Will he be able to clear his name and prove himself innocent? To know, you can watch the movie A Violent Prosecutor on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 6.7/10
- Duration: 2hrs 06min
- Release Date: 3rd of February 2019
- Genre: Action and Crime
- Director: Lee II-Hyung
- Cast: Hwang Jung-Min, Gang Dong-Won, Kim Byeong-Ok
- Gross (₩): 77,320,403,264
- Gross Worldwide ($): $67.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
19. Inside Men (2015)
‘Inside Men’ is an action and crime Film based on a webtoon by Yoon Tae-ho released in the year 2015. This South Korean Film became the top-grossing R-rated film of all time at the box office in Korea and grossed $64.4 Million worldwide.
The story film revolves around an editor named Lee Kang-hee, who works at a powerful conservative newspaper. He signed a deal with the biggest sponsor of the newspaper, because of which he used the power of the press and rose congressman Jang Pill-Woo to the position of the leading presidential candidate.
A supporter of them got caught, which made prosecutor Woo Jang-Hoon investigate the relationship between the editor and sponsor. Where will this investigation lead to? To know you can watch the action and crime movie Inside Men on Amazon Prime Video and iQIYI.
- Ratings: 7/10
- Duration: 2hrs 10min
- Release Date: 19th of November 2015
- Genre: Action and Crime
- Director: Min-Ho Woo
- Cast: Lee Byung-Hun, Cho Seung-Woo, Yun-Shik Baek
- Gross (₩): 73,578,935,864
- Gross Worldwide ($): $64.4 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video and iQIYI
20. Snowpiercer (2013)
Snowpiercer is a Sci-Fi post-apocalyptic film with action and drama, which was released in the year 2013. The movie got appreciable fame, views, and love from fans. The success of the movie comes with a successful grossing at the box office, and this movie grossed $86.8 Million worldwide.
Not only the grossing of the movie is high but also is the production cost. The movie’s budget is $40 million, making it one of the most expensive South Korean Production.
The story of the film features the year 2031, where after 17 years of attempts to stop Global Warming through a Scientific experiment failed and backfired, creating an ice age.
The experiment kills almost every life except a handful of survivors who boarded a train that travels across the globe named Snowpiercer. Where will their journey for life lead to? You can watch the movie Snowpiercer on MX Player and Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hrs 6min
- Release Date: 1st of August 2013
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, and Thriller
- Director: Bong Joon Ho
- Cast: Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris
- Gross (₩): 67,012,370,200
- Gross Worldwide ($): $86.8 Million
- Streaming Platform: MX Player and Amazon Prime Video
21. The Host (2006)
The Host by Bong Joon-Ho is a South Korean Action, Horror, and Sci-Fi film released in the year 2006, which was well distinguished by the viewers. Not only the film was highly anticipated, but it also had high grossing at the box office.
The movie grossed $89.4 Million worldwide and closed at selling 13 million tickets, and that time it made the film the highest-grossing South Korean film of all time.
The story follows a monster that comes from the Han River and starts killing people one by one. He kidnaps a daughter of a man who tries every possible way to rescue her.
The ideation behind this movie came from an actual local news article which was about a disfigured fish that came from Han River and whose spine was S-shaped. The Host is a film that will be interesting to watch if you are someone who likes Horror movies or monsters. You can stream it on Netflix or MX Player.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hrs
- Release Date: 27th of July 2006
- Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
- Director: Bong Joon Ho
- Cast: Song Kang-Ho, Byun Hee-Bong, Tilda Swinton, Park Hae-Il
- Gross (₩): 66,716,104,300
- Gross Worldwide ($): $89.4 Million
- Streaming Platform: Netflix and MX Player
22. The Pirates (2014)
The Pirates is a 2014 released South Korean Action and Adventure Film which you would love to watch if you like adventures. The film also has a sequel released in the year 2022 named The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure.
The movie, with a budget of US$ 13 million, grossed $61.9 Million worldwide, making the film a success. The story of the film takes its viewers to the time when Joseon Dynasty was founded.
The Ming Emperor’s Seal of State was being brought from China to Joseon by the Chinese envoys, but on its way, a whale swallowed it. An announcement is made that whoever brings the royal seal back will get a big reward.
Hering this, the mountain bandits, with their leader Jang Sa-Jung go to the sea to capture the whale but have an encounter with the female captain of Pirates, Yeo-Wol, and from here, the adventure begins. You can watch the movie The Pirates by streaming it on Rakuten Viki and Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 6.5/10
- Duration: 2hrs 10min
- Release Date: 6th of August 2014
- Genre: Action and Adventure
- Director: Seok-Hoon Lee
- Cast: Nam-Gil Kim, Son Ye-Gin, Hae-Jin Yoo
- Gross (₩): 66,372,140,706
- Gross Worldwide ($): $61.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki (Specific Regions), Amazon Prime Video
23. King and the Clown (2005)
King and the Clown is a Historical South Korean drama film released in the year 2005 and is adapted from a stage play named Yi (You), wherein it showcases the Joseon Dynasty king and a court clown who mocks him.
The movie did great, both in terms of ticket selling and box office grossing, and became the 10th highest-grossing film in South Korea by selling 12.3 million tickets and grossing over $70.1 Million at the box office.
The film takes its viewers back to the 15th century during the Chosun Dynasty and the regnant of King Yeonsan. Two clowns on the street are apprehended for performing a play that mocks the king. They are brought to the palace and are threatened with punishment.
Their life is at risk, but they are given a chance to save themselves on the condition that if they become successful in making the king laugh, then he will spare their life. This will be super fun to watch. You can stream the movie King and the Clown on iQIYI.
- Ratings: 7.3/10
- Duration: 1hrs 59min
- Release Date: 29th of December 2005
- Genre: Historical and Drama
- Director: Joon-Ik Lee
- Cast: Woo-Seong Kam, Jin-Young Jung, Seong-Yeon Kang
- Gross (₩): 66,015,436,600
- Gross Worldwide ($): $70.1 Million
- Streaming Platform: iQIYI
24. The Face Reader (2013)
The Face Reader is a Historical South Korean film with lots of drama which was released in the year 2013. The film was a success at the box office, grossing $60.1 Million worldwide and having 9.1 million admissions, making it one of the highest-grossing films in South Korea in the year 2013.
At the 50th Grand Bell Awards, this historical film won six awards in total, which also includes the Best film award. The movie has two further sequels released in the year 2018, which are Princess and the Matchmaker and Feng Shui.
Being a historical film, the story is set back in the Joseon Dynasty where it showcases a very skilled full-face reader named Nae Gyeong. He has the power to quickly analyze a person’s state of mind, habits, and personality just by looking at him.
Identifying a murderer gets him noticed, and his identity gets disclosed. It spread all over, and King Munjong soon gets to know about him and his talent. He is called and ordered by the king to identify the ones who pose a threat to his reign. He later gets into a complicated power war between prince Suyang and Kim Jong Seo.
How will things turn out? To know, you can watch the movie The Face Reader by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video and Zee5.
- Ratings: 6.8/10
- Duration: 2hrs 20min
- Release Date: 11th September 2005
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Director: Han-Jae Rim
- Cast: Song Kang-Ho, Lee Jung-Jae, Yun Shik-Baek, Lee Jong-Suk
- Gross (₩): 66,009,791,500
- Gross Worldwide ($): $60.1 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video, Zee5
25. Confidential Assignment (2017)
Confidential Assignment is a South Korean film released in the year 2017 which is a power pact combination of multiple genres including Action, Comedy, Drama, and Thriller.
The movie was successful at the box office by grossing $57.1 Million worldwide with a budget of just $8.52 million. In early 2017 it became the most-viewed film. It is also followed by a sequel that got released in the year 2022, which is Confidential Assignment2: International.
The story of the film showcases that a North Korean officer comes across the border to South Korea and events lead to his encounter with a South Korean detective.
They have to work cooperatively together on a secret joint investigation to track down a dangerous escapee who is running an illegal business with a gang. This film will be thrilling to watch. You can get to stream Confidential Assignment on Amazon Prime Video and Google play.
- Ratings: 6.6/10
- Duration: 2hrs 04mins
- Release Date: 18th January 2005
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, and Thriller
- Director: Kim Sung-Hoon
- Cast: Hyun Bin, Yoo, Hae-Jin, Kim Ju-Hyuk
- Gross (₩): 63,783,051,326
- Gross Worldwide ($): $57.1 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video and Google Play
26. Miss Granny (2014)
Miss Granny is a South Korean comedy and fantasy film which got released in the year 2014. With an interesting and funny storyline, the movie was a success at both, attracting the viewer’s interest and having a hit box office.
The film grossed $56.2 Million worldwide and sold 85 million tickets soon after its opening in the theaters. The story film revolves around a 74-year-old grandmother who is not treated well by her son and her daughter-in-law.
She wanders around the street after her son informs her that she will soon be sent to a nursing home. On her way, she comes across a strange photo studio. Thinking that she does not have much time left, she goes to that photo studio that says it captures the moments of one’s youth.
As her picture gets clicked, her life completely turns upside down as she finds herself as a 20-year-old. She gets to do what she couldn’t before and joins a band as a lead singer. To know the rest, you can watch this exciting movie Miss Granny by streaming it on either Netflix or iQIYI.
- Ratings: 7.2/10
- Duration: 2hrs 04min
- Release Date: 22nd January 2014
- Genre: Comedy and Fantasy
- Director: Hwang Dong-Hyuk
- Cast: Shim Eun-Kyung, Moon-Hee Na
- Gross (₩): 62,714,008,819
- Gross Worldwide ($): $56.2 Million
- Streaming Platform: Netflix and iQIYI (Specific Region)
27. The Age of Shadows (2016)
The Age of Shadows is a South Korean film which got released in the year 2016 and is full of action and thriller. This spy thriller got success at both the box office and received awards.
This film grossed around $55.3 Million at the box office with the film budget being just $8.62 Million, and at 2016’s Fantastic Fest, the film won the Best Picture award in the Action Features category.
The story film is set around the year 1920, mainly in Shanghai and Seoul, wherein a group of resistance fighters brings explosives to Seoul from Shanghai to get rid of the Japanese Army, and their agents try to stop them.
Meanwhile, a Korean-born Japanese officer who himself was in the resistance movement is stuck between what decision to make. To watch the movie The Age of Shadows, you can stream it on iQIYI or Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hrs 20min
- Release Date: 7th September 2016
- Genre: History, Action, and Spy Thriller
- Director: Jee Woon Kim
- Cast: Song Kang-Ho, Lee Byung-Hoon, Gong Yoo
- Gross (₩): 61,270,079,831
- Gross Worldwide ($): $55.3 Million
- Streaming Platform: iQIYI (Specific regions), Amazon Prime Video.
28. The Himalayas (2015)
The Himalayas is a South Korean film which got released in the year 2015 and is based on a true story. This movie is a biography of Um Hong-Gil’s real life.
The film made a good profit at the box office grossing $50.54 Million worldwide. The emotion of the movie was well sent to the audience, which led to its success.
The story revolves around Um Hong-Gil, a mountaineer who saves the life of two climbers Park Moo-Taek and Park Jeong-Bok, while he was climbing up Kangchenjunga. Hong-Gil on getting a new project wanted a crew and got the two members whom he saved.
When they started climbing mountains the bond of friendship grew between him and Moo-Taek. Hong Gil stopped at one point as his legs couldn’t help him any longer. When the others go forward, Moo-Taek dies along with a member. His friend goes in search of him.
After a few days, Hong Gil decides to go to the mountain to search for the body of Moo-Taek with his same old crew. You can stream the film The Himalayas on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 6.4/10
- Duration: 2hrs 04min
- Release Date: 16th December 2015
- Genre: Adventure, Biography, and Drama
- Director: Lee Seok-Hoon
- Cast: Kim In-Kwon, Woo Jung, Hwang, Jung-Min
- Gross (₩): 60,175,363,015
- Gross Worldwide ($): $50.54 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video (Specific region)
29. 1987: When the Day Comes (2017)
1987: When the Day Comes is a Political thriller South Korean film released in the year 2017 and became a huge success. This film is based on a true story that highlights the events that led to June Democratic Uprising in Korea.
In South Korea, the film gained a high viewership of more than 7.2 million views, and it also successfully grossed $50.54 Million worldwide at the box office.
The film is set in the year 1987, wherein Korea is under an oppressive military regime. During this time, a student is tortured and killed at the time of police interrogation, but the government tries to hide and cover up this case.
The false cover-up led to the rising of suspiciousness and questioning, and it soon led to the truth coming out, which made the citizens filled with rage. To watch the political thriller film 1987: When the Day Comes, you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.8/10
- Duration: 2hrs 09min
- Release Date: 16th December 2015
- Genre: History, Thriller, and Drama
- Director: Jang Joon-Hwan
- Cast: Kim Yoon-Seok, Ha Jung-Woo, Yoo Hae-Jin
- Gross (₩): 58,166,910,145
- Gross Worldwide ($): $50.54 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
30. Master (2016)
Master is a 2016 released South Korean Film that includes crime and action, and it has successfully earned audience praise and high grossing at the box office.
The film grossed over $49.81 million at the South Korean box office and, in total worldwide, grossed about $50.5 Million. The movie also got an appreciable view count, which reflects its success.
The story of the film features a manhunt for an Imposter who is involved in a huge countrywide fraud and escapes with the money. He hides by using a fake identity.
A strong cop team is ordered to bring the mastermind fraud down. It will be exciting to watch all the thrilling hide and seek between them. To watch the movie Master, you can stream it on iQIYI.
- Ratings: 6.6/10
- Duration: 2hrs 23min
- Release Date: 21st of December 2016
- Genre: Action and Crime
- Director: Ui-Seok Jo
- Cast: Lee Byung-Hun, Gang Dong-Won, Kim Woo-Bin
- Gross (₩): 58,068,236,865
- Gross Worldwide ($): $50.5 Million
- Streaming Platform: iQIYI (Specific regions)
31. Take Off (2009)
‘Take Off’ is a South Korean Comedy, Drama, and Sports film which got released in the year 2009. The film became pretty successful at the box office worldwide, grossing over $51.5 Million, making it the 2nd most attended film of the year in South Korea.
The film revolves around Cha Heon-Tae, a Korean-born American who is a well-trained alpine skier. He joins a TV program to find his mother. Muju County in South Korea held the 2002 Winter Olympics having a national Ski Jump team because of the IOC judges, so Coach Bang reached out to Heon-Tae to join in.
After lots of exciting neck-to-neck matches between the members at last for the first position and the gold medal, 5 men go to compete. They all went back home filled with joy and proud of each one of them.
But did they win or lose? this will be very exciting to see so, so now you can watch the film Take Off by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 6.9/10
- Duration: 2hrs 17min
- Release Date: 30th of July 2009
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, and Sport
- Director: Yong-Hwa Kim
- Cast: Ha Jung-Woo, Dong-Il Sung, Ji-Seok Kim
- Gross (₩): 57,570,773,000
- Gross Worldwide ($): $51.5 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
32. Tunnel (2016)
The Tunnel is a Drama and Thriller South Korean Film which got released in the year 2016. The film gained good reviews from the critics as well as the audience and also got a successful hit at the box office, grossing over $51.9 Million worldwide.
The story film revolves around Lee Jung-Soo, a family man who was on his way going home with a cake to celebrate her daughter’s birthday. He passes through a tunnel while driving, but because of the mountain, the large tunnel collapses and blocks out the path the whole with concrete and debris.
All he had with him were two bottles of water and the birthday cake. A task force got immediately assigned and came in contact with Lee Jung-Soo. The rescue team failed in their attempts to enter the tunnel. The task force was very slow in their work, while his wife gave him emotional support and hoped through the radio.
Will he be able to survive? and will the rescue team be able to reach out to him inside? To know, you can watch the film ‘Tunnel,’ which you can stream on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 6.8/10
- Duration: 2hrs 06min
- Release Date: 10th August 2016
- Genre: Drama and Thriller
- Director: Seong Hun Kim
- Cast: Ha Jung-Woo, Bae Doona, Dal-Su Oh
- Gross (₩): 57,530,028,417
- Gross Worldwide ($): $51.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
33. Luck Key (2016)
Lucky Key is the year 2016 released South Korean Action, Comedy, and Crime Film. This film is a remake of a Japanese film named Key of Life which was released in the year 2012. The film was successful in selling 1 million tickets in just three days and also at the overall box office, grossing over $51.9 Million worldwide.
The story of the film is interesting to watch, having life switch between two characters. Jae-Sung, an unlucky actor who is completely disheartened and wants to commit suicide, meets Hyung-Wook, an assassin at the Sauna, after killing a target.
After slipping on a soap, Hyng-Wook is rushed to the hospital and is diagnosed with amnesia. Jae-Sung takes advantage of the situation and switches his locker key, and steals not only his belongings but also his identity.
After waking up, Hyung-Wook thinks of himself as Jae-Sung because of the key swap and lives his life, but he becomes an excellent actor given Jae-Sung’s actual career and his actual life experience. What will happen if he gets his memory back? To know, you can watch the film Lucky Key by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video and Rakuten Viki.
- Ratings: 6.9/10
- Duration: 1hrs 52min
- Release Date: 21st of October 2016
- Genre: Action, Comedy, and Crime
- Director: Kae-Byeok Lee
- Cast: Yoo-Hae Jin, Lee Joon, Yun-Hie Jo
- Gross (₩): 56,445,023,256
- Gross Worldwide ($): $51.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki (Specific Region), Amazon Prime Video (Specific Location)
34. The Outlaws (2017)
The Outlaws is a South Korean film that is an Action, Crime, and Thriller released in the year 2017. The film is the first part of the Crime City series and is continued by a further sequel released in the year 2022 which is “The Roundup.”
The film grossed over $52.9 Million at the box office worldwide, making it the 3rd highest-grossing domestic film in South Korea also, the film’s admissions reached over 6.87 million, marking its success.
The story of the film is based on real events and is set in the year 2004. It revolves around Ma Dong-Seok, a detective living in South Korea’s capital city Seoul. He tries his best to bring peace amid the war for turf between the Chinese Korean gangs.
Meanwhile, he was also dealing with a dangerous money lender named Jiang Chen, who is the leader of ‘Black Dragon,’ a Chinese mainland gang. You can watch the crime thriller, The Outlaws, on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.2/10
- Duration: 2hrs 01min
- Release Date: 3rd of October 2017
- Genre: Action, Crime, and Thriller
- Director: Yoon–Seong Kang
- Cast: Ma Dong-Seok, Yoon Kye sang, Jo Jae-Yoon
- Gross (₩): 56,322,098,349
- Gross Worldwide ($): $52.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
35. The Wailing (2016)
The Wailing is a South Korean film released in the year 2016 with a combination of genres, including Drama, Horror, Mystery, and Thriller, making it very interesting to watch if you are someone who is into these genres.
The film was not only a commercial success but also a critical success and a good response from the viewers. It grossed $51.3 Million worldwide at the box office with a budget of just $8 million.
The story film is set in a remote village in South Korea named Gokseong, whereupon the arrival of a suspicious stranger, mysterious illnesses, and killings are taking place all over.
A police officer is dragged into this case and has no choice but to solve the mystery behind this so as to save his daughter. Who is behind all this? and will he be able to find out and solve the case? To know you can watch the Horror mystery film The Wailing by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video or MX Player.
- Ratings: 7.4/10
- Duration: 2hrs 36min
- Release Date: 12th of May 2017
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, and Thriller
- Director: Na Hong-Jin
- Cast: Jun Kunimura, Hwang Jung-Min, Kwak Do-Won
- Gross (₩): 55,864,308,382
- Gross Worldwide ($): $51.3 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video and MX Player
36. War of the Arrows (2011)
War of the Arrows is the year 2016 released South Korean period film comprising amazing action and adventure, and it is also alternately titled Arrow: The Ultimate Weapon.
The film is well praised by the audience and also became successful at the box office grossing $51.4 Million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of the year 2011 and attracting an audience.
The story of the film revolves around a professional, skilled archer who battles against the powerful, mighty Manchus with the purpose of freeing her sister, who is kidnapped by them. With the arrow being the ultimate weapon, a war thus begins.
Will he become successful? To know, you can watch the action and adventure movie War of the Arrows by streaming it on Apple Tv, YouTube, MX Player, Google Play, Hungama Tv, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hrs 02min
- Release Date: 11th of August 2011
- Genre: Action and Adventure
- Director: Kim Han-Min
- Cast: Park Hae-Il, Seung-Ryong Ryu, Mu-Yeol Kim
- Gross (₩): 55,827,861,500
- Gross Worldwide ($): $51.4 Million
- Streaming Platform: Apple Tv, YouTube, MX Player, Google Play, Hungama Tv, and Amazon Prime Video
37. Battle of Incheon: Operation Chromite (2016)
Battle of Incheon: Operation Chromite is the year 2016 released South Korean film with a mixture of genres, including Action, Drama, History, and War. The film is based on real-life events that happened during the Battle of Incheon.
At the opening of the film, it ranked number 1 at the box office in South Korea. Overall, it was a success at the worldwide box office grossing $50.9 Million with a budget of $12.7 million.
The story of the film shows how a group of spies is ordered to go to Incheon to take out secret information and gain intelligence on the position of North Korea before the invasion by the UN forces. To watch the historical war film Battle of Incheon: Operation Chromite, you can stream it 0n Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.4/10
- Duration: 1hr 51min
- Release Date: 27th of July 2016
- Genre: Action, Drama, History, and War
- Director: John H. Lee
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Lee Jung-Jae, Beom-Su Lee
- Gross (₩): 55,105,606,303
- Gross Worldwide ($): $50.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
38. Sunny (2011)
Sunny is another highly esteemed South Korean film with Comedy and Drama which got released in the year 2011 and got successful. This is director Kang’s 2nd film and also a back-to-back hit after Scandal Makers, released in the year 2008.
The movie Sunny became the 1st one to sell five million tickets in South Korea that year, and till the year 2012, this film was the 13th Best-selling film of all time.
The story of the film is based on a group of high school best friends who, because of certain events, part ways and lose contact for 25 years. The film takes turns between two timelines, one in the year 1980, wherein the friends are in high school, and the other is when they are middle-aged women.
One of the friends gets to know that she is going to die soon, and so as to fulfill her last wish, the whole group reunites. This movie will be worth watching. You can stream ‘Sunny’ on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.8/10
- Duration: 2hr 04min
- Release Date: 4th of May 2011
- Genre: Comedy and Drama
- Director: Hyeong-Cheol Kang
- Cast: Ho-Jeong Yu, Shim Eun-Kyung, Hee-Kyung Jin
- Gross (₩): 54,037,760,700
- Gross Worldwide ($): $51.1 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
39. Scandal Makers (2008)
Scandal Makers is the year 2008 released South Korean film comprising comedy, drama, and music, which is also the first work of director Kang, and it turned out to be a success in winning the hearts of the viewers.
it also became the highest-grossing film of the year at the box office, grossing $47.9 Million worldwide, given its interesting storyline, which is a fun watch.
The story revolves around Nam Hyeon-Soo, a man in his thirties working as a radio DJ who was an idol in his teenage time. Hwang Jeong-Nam, a young woman who is also a single mother, shares her life story and says that she will go and meet her father.
Surprisingly Hyeon-Soo was her father, which they also confirmed by doing a DNA test. He takes responsibility as a father and grandfather, and due Jeong-Nam’s rising fame as a singer, she meets her son’s father and reconciles with him. Scandal Makers is a warm and funny film that will be fun to watch, and you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.2/10
- Duration: 1hr 48min
- Release Date: 3rd of December 2008
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, and Music
- Director: Hyeong-Cheol Kang
- Cast: Tae-Hyun Cha, Park Bo-Young, Il-Kwon Ahn
- Gross (₩): 53,801,341,400
- Gross Worldwide ($): $47.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
40. The Berlin File (2013)
The Berlin File is a South Korean Action and Spy Thriller film which got released in 2013. The film was successful in selling tickets and grossing high at the box office.
The movie grossed over $48,979,656 at the box office worldwide with a budget of just US $9 million, and 14 days post the film’s release, it already reached 5 million admissions which marks its success.
The film features a North Korean spy named Pyo Jong Seong in Berlin who gets betrayed while a secret weapon deal gets exposed. North and South Korean operatives are pursuing a translator from the North Korean embassy living in Berlin with his wife, who tried to run away secretly while being purged.
To watch the spy thriller Korean movie “The Berlin File,” you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 6.6/10
- Duration: 2hr 01min
- Release Date: 31st of January 2013
- Genre: Action and Spy Thriller
- Director: Seung-Wan Ryu
- Cast: Ha Jung-Woo, Han Suk-Kyu, Seung-Beom Ryu
- Gross (₩): 52,537,006,637
- Gross Worldwide ($): $48,979,656
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
41. The Battleship Island (2017)
The Battleship Island is another Historical South Korean action and drama film which got released in the year 2017. The film marked its success in both attracting the audience and also having a good box office grossing.
The film grossed around $47.3 Million at the box office worldwide with a budget of $21 million. At the time of its release, it created a new record on the opening night of the film reaching 970,516 views.
Being a historical film, the story brings back its viewers to the time during the end of the 2nd World War. Hashima is a small island which is also called Battleship Island, where a massive mine of coal is situated. There, 400 Koreans work and live, leading a desolate life as conscripted laborers.
The island has its own dark secrets, and once it comes out, the Koreans gather up courage and plan and plot a daring escape. What are these secrets? And will the Koreans be free from the Japanese army? To know, you can watch the film ‘The Battleship Island’ by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video and iQIYI.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hr 12min
- Release Date: 26th of July 2017
- Genre: Action, Drama, and History
- Director: Seung-Wan Ryu
- Cast: Hwang Jung-Min, So Ji-Seob, Song Joong-Ki
- Gross (₩): 50,510,565,168
- Gross Worldwide ($): $47.3 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video and iQIYI (VIP)
42. Dragon Wars: D-War (2007)
Dragon Wars: D-War is a South Korean film with a combination of a variety of genres, including Action, Drama, Fantasy, and Thriller, which got released in the year 2007. Though the film has a low IMDb rating, it got a huge success at the box office.
With a budget of $32 million this movie at the time of its release was the highest-budget film in South Korea and eventually, the film got a big hit at the box office grossing over $75 million worldwide.
The story film features unknown fantasy creatures, which according to Korean myth, appear every 500 years. Ethan Kendrick, a reporter, is told to investigate this in depth. He thinks that the key to this is a girl named Sarah, who has a mysterious and strange illness.
When the myth becomes true, the creature called Imoogi paves his way to Los Angeles and destroys the entire city and creatures in havoc. Will Ethan and Sarah be able to save the people and put an end to this?
To know this, you can watch the exciting action thriller film ‘Dragon Wars: D-War’ by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 3.5/10
- Duration: 1hr 47min
- Release Date: 1st of August 2007
- Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, and Thriller
- Director: Hyung-Rae Shim
- Cast: Jason Behr, Amanda Brooks, Robert Forster, Craig Robinson
- Gross (₩): 49,340,084,700
- Gross Worldwide ($): $75 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
43. The Throne (2015)
The Throne is a South Korean Historical period drama film which got released in the year 2015 and got quite popular among the audience. The film did good work at the box office and was also successful in winning awards.
The film marked its success by grossing over $45.9 Million at the box office worldwide with a budget of just $8 million, gaining 6.23 million admissions. The film won three awards at the 35th Korean.
Being a historical period film, the story takes the audience back to 18th-century Korea, wherein is under the rule of King Yeongjo. He has a bad relationship with his son Sado and punishes him for the guilt of regicide.
The flashback memories show how things build up and lead the king’s heir Sado go against his father. The film highlights the idea of the strained relationship between father and son and their expectations of each other. You can watch the film ‘The Throne’ by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hr 05min
- Release Date: 16th of September 2015
- Genre: Drama and History
- Director: Joon-Ik Lee
- Cast: Song Kang-Ho, Yoo Ah-In, Moon Geun-Young, Kim Hae-Sook
- Gross (₩): 48,845,771,500
- Gross Worldwide ($): $45.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video, Rakuten Viki (Specific Region), and iQIYI (VIP)
44. Secretly Greatly (2013)
Secretly Greatly is a South Korean Action, Comedy, and Drama film which got released in the year 2013 and is based on ‘Covertness’ a very famous spy webtoon series by Hun that got around 40 million page hits.
The film received a good response from the audience and also got success at the box office by grossing $42.6 Million worldwide, breaking several box offices. at that time, it also held the record for selling the highest number of tickets in one day for a domestic film.
The story of the film surrounds three North Korean spies who are named 5446 Corps. They are hiding their identities, taking up different roles, and staying under cover for a very long time and have completely forgotten what they have come for until they receive an order to kill one another and threaten death.
It will be a worth watching movie given this interesting spy plot. So, if you love this kind of genre, then you’ll definitely love the movie, and you can watch the action and comedy film Secretly Greatly by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 6.8/10
- Duration: 2hr 04min
- Release Date: 5th of June 2013
- Genre: Action, Comedy, and Drama
- Director: Cheol-Soo Jang
- Cast: Kim Soo-Hyun, Gi-Woong Park, Hyun-Woo Lee
- Gross (₩): 48,700,887,413
- Gross Worldwide ($): $42.6 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
45. The Man from Nowhere (2010)
The Man from Nowhere is a highly esteemed South Korean Film that got released in the year 2010. Having a mixture of genres, including dark Crime, Action, Drama, and Thriller. The film was a success having 6 million admissions making it the highest-grossing film of the year in South Korea.
The movie grossed over $43 Million at the box office worldwide, marking its success. The story of the film revolves around a mysterious and suspicious man who boards a bloody, horrifying rampage when the one and only person who knows and understands him the best gets kidnapped.
Cha Tae-Sik, a pawn shop keeper who is always very quiet and a non-social person, becomes friends with So-Mi, a little girl living in the same neighborhood whose mother is a nightclub dancer and opium addict. Because of various events, So-Mi gets kidnapped in order to take revenge Tae-Sik.
Given the situation and his dark and violent past, he takes up a drug and organ trafficking ring in order to save his one and only friend. This will be super thrilling to watch. You can stream the film ‘The Man from Nowhere’ on Amazon Prime Video and Rakuten Viki.
- Ratings: 7.7/10
- Duration: 1hr 59min
- Release Date: 4th of August 2010
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, and Thriller
- Director: Jeong-Beom Lee
- Cast: Won Bin, Kim Sae-Ron, Kim Tae-Hoon
- Gross (₩): 47,103,592,500
- Gross Worldwide ($): $43 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video and Rakuten Viki (Specific Regions)
46. A Werewolf Boy (2012)
A Werewolf Boy is a romantic drama and fantasy South Korean film which got released on big screens in the year 2012, but even before that, the film premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and also at the 17th Busan International Film Festival.
The film gained a lot of fame and attraction by an audience and got success at the box office worldwide by grossing $41.5 Million, making it the most successful Korean Melodrama of that time.
The story film showcases an elderly woman named Sun-Yi, living in the US, who goes back to her old country cottage in South Korea with her granddaughter and remembers her youth. She recalls meeting a boy during the Korean war times who was Human having a mixed DNA of a werewolf.
He was an anti-social boy who got tamed by her, and they both slowly grew feeling towards each other and but his werewolf side of him kept showing up. He would protect Sun-Yi with a spoiled rich, self-obsessed son Ji-Tae who wants to marry her in the future.
This will be a worth-watching film with a cute romantic fantasy having an interesting storyline. To watch the film ‘A Werewolf Boy,’ you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video or on iQIYI.
- Ratings: 7.2/10
- Duration: 2hr 07min
- Release Date: 31st of October 2012
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, and Romance
- Director: Sung-Hee Jo
- Cast: Song Joong-Ki, Park Bo-Young, Yeong-Ran Lee
- Gross (₩): 46,594,767,400
- Gross Worldwide ($): $41.5 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon prime Video (Specific Regions), iQIYI (VIP)
47. The Great Battle (2018)
The great Battle is an epic Historical Period South Korean action, drama, and war film which came out in theaters in the year 2018 and was a success. The film migratory got positive reviews from critics.
The film did an appreciable job at the box office, grossing $41.5 Million worldwide, crossing its Break-even point at 5.4 million admissions, and even topped the box office on the opening day of the films.
The story of the film is based on the siege of Ansi Fortress and a battle that took place for eighty-eight days. The battle is between Goguryeo troops led by Yang Man-Chan and Tang Dynastie’s 500,000 invading men to defend it.
The film will be thrilling to watch if you are someone who likes historical action and war films. You can watch the film ‘The Great Battle’ by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7/10
- Duration: 2hr 16min
- Release Date: 19th of September 2018
- Genre: Action, Drama, History, and War
- Director: Kwang-Shik Kim
- Cast: Nam Joo-Hyuk, Seol-Hyun Kim, Jung Eun-Chae
- Gross (₩): 46,306,495,026
- Gross Worldwide ($): $41.5 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon prime Video and Rakuten Viki (Specific Region)
48. Northern Limit Line (2015)
Northern Limit Line is a South Korean Naval thriller, drama, and war film which got released in the year 2015 and is based on real-life events from the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, which took place in the year 2002.
The main cast of the film did an amazing character portrayal gaining a good response from the viewers. The film did a great job at the box office by grossing over $38.9 Million worldwide and also topped at the box office on the opening day of the film.
The story of the film highlights the love for the country, the war effects, and how the young soldiers died for their country in the deadly battle. The war was fought on the 29th of June in the year 2002 on the yellow sea.
North Korean patrol vessel surprisingly attacked PKM 357, and as a result, it severely crippled both ships until the South arrived and the North Korean navy went back leaving many soldiers wounded and dead. To watch the Naval thriller ‘Northern Limit Line,’ you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.
- Ratings: 6.5/10
- Duration: 2hr 10min
- Release Date: 24th of June 2015
- Genre: Drama, Naval Thriller, and War
- Director: Kim Hak-Soon
- Cast: Mu-Yeol Kim, Jin Goo, Hyun-Woo Lee
- Gross (₩): 45,566,111,300
- Gross Worldwide ($): $38.9 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video and Tubi
49. The Last Princess (2016)
The Last Princess is the year 2016 released Historical period South Korean action and drama film which is based on the best-selling novel by Kwon Bi-Young, which gained famed in South Korea as well as outside borders.
The film did great at the box office by grossing over $35.4 million in South Korea and around $40.35 Million worldwide, selling about 1.7 million tickets and presenting its success.
The Story film showcases the life of the last princess of the Joseon Dynasty, Princess Deokhye. Being a historical period film, the story takes its audience to the year 1925, when Korea was under the rule of the Japanese, and so the princess is taken to Japan for her schooling without her will.
Her several attempts to go back to her own country failed. She meets a friend who also helps her but gets caught. She is forcefully married to a Japanese and has a baby together.
She later gets diagnosed with schizophrenia and is sent to a mental hospital, where she reunites with his friend and finally gets to go back to her home country, Korea. You can watch this historical action film, ‘The Last Princess,’ by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video.
- Ratings: 7.1/10
- Duration: 2hr 07min
- Release Date: 3rd of August 2016
- Genre: Action, Biography, Drama, and History
- Director: Jin Ho-Hur
- Cast: Son Ye-Jin, Park Hae-Il, Ra Mi-Ran
- Gross (₩): 44,393,828,100
- Gross Worldwide ($): $40.35 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
50. Midnight Runners (2017)
Midnight Runners is yet another well-praised South Korean film having action, comedy, and crime, which got released in the year 2017. It also has an Indian remake named Saakini Daakini which got released in the year 2022.
The film did a pretty good job at the box office worldwide by grossing over $39.7 Million with a budget of just $7 million and reaching 5.61 million admissions making it the year 2017’s 7th Highest grossing South Korean film marking its success.
Midnight Runners (Credits: Rakuten Viki)
The story of the film is followed by two friends, Ki-Joon and Hee-Yeol, who are students at Korean National Police. While returning back from a club around midnight, they both witness a kidnapping of a girl named Yun-Jung, and they start their amateur investigation into it.
The kidnappers were actually part of a gang running unfertilized egg harvesting rings, and they are more girls kidnapped and locked in their secret hideout. With no field experience, they and very less and crucial time in their hand they go to catch them and rescue the girls.
Tho they knew that they would get expelled for taking up the case as they are just students, they took the risk and were successful in saving them. as what they did felt right, their punishment got satisfactorily reduced. You can watch the film ‘Midnight Runners’ by streaming it on Amazon Prime Video and Rakuten Viki.
- Ratings: 7.3/10
- Duration: 1hr 49min
- Release Date: 9thof August 2017
- Genre: Action, Comedy, and Crime
- Director: J00-Hwan Ki
- Cast: Park Seo-Joon, Kang Ha-Neul, Ha-Seon Park
- Gross (₩): 44,382,020,516
- Gross Worldwide ($): $39.7 Million
- Streaming Platform: Amazon prime Video and Rakuten Viki (Specific Regions)
