With the advent of streaming services like Amazon Prime, it’s easier than ever for viewers to broaden their horizons and explore other cultures.
While Hollywood continues to expand and strengthen its reach, The Korean entertainment industry has grown its audience by an enormous amount in recent years.
Korean films have captivated audiences because they provide new material, a distinct culture to explore, and new stories to experience. If you’re seeking a new drama show, Amazon Prime offers a fantastic selection of Korean films right now. Perhaps the finest streaming service for Korean films.
1. I Saw The Devil (2010)
Joo-Yeon, the daughter of a retired police chief, has a flat tire on the snow while driving in ‘I Saw The Devil.’ A mysterious man appears and offers her assistance before abducting and horribly maiming her body.
Soo-Hyun is a trained special agent who has dedicated his life to capturing and torturing the violent murderer who murdered his wife.
The film’s third act, however, serves as an unexpected surprise for those who may have seen the first two. The truth behind Kyung-Chul’s sudden transformation into a merciless murderer is revealed, setting the stage for a devastating conclusion in which good and evil are blurred.
2. Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a pitch-black social satire that doubles as a heist thriller, following the Kim family as they scheme to become employed by the wealthy Park family.
The Kims are an impoverished family living in a cramped basement apartment, while the Parks live in a luxurious mansion with all the trappings of wealth.
When the Kims’ son, Ki-woo, is given the opportunity to tutoring the Park family’s daughter, he sets in motion a plan for the family to take over all of the Park’s employed positions.
But as they become more entangled in each other’s lives, their facade of respectability starts to crumble, leading to a series of events that expose the ugly truth behind their relationship.
3. The Wailing (2016)
Na Jong-Gon is a small town police officer in ‘The Wailing.’ He’s called to investigate a series of mysterious deaths that seem to be caused by a demonic presence.
As he delves deeper into the case, he starts to suspect that his own daughter may be involved.
The Wailing is a masterfully suspenseful horror film that builds an atmosphere of unease and dread, leading to a shocking conclusion.
4. Train to Busan (2016)
‘Train to Busan’ follows a group of passengers as they attempt to survive a zombie outbreak while aboard a train from Seoul to Busan.
The film is a non-stop thrill ride that’s packed with action, suspense, and gore.
It’s also a surprisingly emotional film, with characters that are fully fleshed out and sympathetic.
If you’re looking for a good zombie movie, ‘Train to Busan’ is definitely worth watching.
5. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
‘A Tale of Two Sisters’ is a Korean horror film that’s based on a traditional folktale.
The film follows two sisters, Su-mi and Su-yeon, who return to their family home after being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness.
Upon their return, the girls find that their father has remarried and their stepmother is not the loving mother figure they were hoping for.
The sisters are forced to deal with the cruelty of their stepmother, as well as the dark secrets that are hidden within the walls of their home.
6. The Host (2006)
‘The Host’ is a Korean monster movie that’s set in Seoul. The film follows a family as they attempt to survive an attack by a giant monster that has emerged from the Han River.
The Host is a thrilling and suspenseful film that’s filled with action and gore. It’s also a very funny movie, with plenty of dark humor.
If you’re looking for a good monster movie, ‘The Host’ is definitely worth watching.
7. Mother (2009)
‘Mother’ is a Korean thriller that follows a mother as she attempts to clear her son of a murder charge.
The film is a slow-burn thriller that’s filled with suspense and tension. It’s also a very dark movie, with plenty of twists and turns.
If you’re looking for a good thriller, ‘Mother’ is definitely worth watching.
8. A Taxi Driver (2017)
Set in the 1980s, ‘A Taxi Driver’ follows a taxi driver who is hired by a foreign journalist to take him to Gwangju to cover the student uprising that’s taking place there.
The film is an intense and harrowing drama that’s based on true events. It’s also a very moving film, with plenty of heart and emotion.
9. The Thieves (2012)
‘The Thieves,’ a hilarious yet thrilling heist film, follows a band of South Korean thieves as they approach a more renowned Hong Kong gang for assistance in stealing a diamond necklace from a casino in Macau.
The film centers on Popie, the muscle, Yenicall, the climber, Pepsee, the safecracker, Chewing Gum, the disguise specialist, and Zampano as they attempt to steal $10 million worth of jewelry.
However, as the authorities start to close in on the criminals while the organization is torn apart by ancient rivalries, betrayals, and misunderstandings, it all comes to a head.
10. The Attorney (2013)
‘The Attorney’ is a Korean historical drama that’s based on the true story of human rights lawyer, Song Woo-seok.
Set in the 1980s, the film follows Song as he takes on a case that will change his life forever.
The Attorney is a powerful and moving film that’s filled with emotion and suspense. It’s also a very inspiring film, with a great message about standing up for what’s right.
If you’re looking for a good Korean movie to watch, ‘The Attorney’ is definitely worth watching.
11. The Man from Nowhere (2010)
‘The Man from Nowhere’ is a Korean action thriller that follows a former secret agent as he sets out to save a young girl who has been kidnapped by a group of criminals.
The Man from Nowhere is an intense and thrilling film that’s packed with action and suspense. It’s also a very emotional film, with a great message about the importance of family.
12. The Last Princess (2016)
‘The Last Princess’ follows Deok-hye, the final princess of the Joseon Dynasty, as she is forced to depart South Korea and relocate to Japan after it was occupied by Japan.
Life in a foreign nation is difficult, and although Deok-hye tries to keep her honor, the life of luxury she was used to seems like a distant memory.
The princess repeatedly attempts to return home, but her efforts are always in vain. However, with Deok-hye meeting up with her childhood sweetheart, Jang-han, the pair decides to take one final shot at returning to the place they called home.
These are just some of the great Korean movies that are available on Amazon Prime. If you haven’t seen any of these films, I highly recommend checking them out. And if you have seen any of these films, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading!