Thrillers are always a favorite among moviegoers—there’s a bit of horror, action, drama, and a whole lot of suspense in between. The climax keeps us on the edge of our seats, while the plot twists make our jaws drop. And when it comes to this genre, Korean filmmakers are the experts.
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We know you’re up for some serious binge-watching, so we put together a list of the best Korean thriller movies to watch now on Viu and Netflix:
1. Forgotten (2017)
Watch on: Netflix
This Korean movie is surely one that you will never forget. Kang Ha Neul shows why he is a best actor awardee in the thriller Forgotten has the most unexpected plot twists. The gripping storyline revolves around the memory loss of the main lead and the abduction of his brother. We'll leave it at that.
2. The Chase (2017)
Watch on: Netflix
When a movie stars a veteran actor and our favorite appa Sung Dong Il, you already know that it’s going to be a good one. The Chase is an action-packed thriller and is about two men chasing a serial killer who’s back after 30 years to commit more crime.
3. Pandora (2016)
Watch on: Netflix
Pandora is a relevant disaster thriller focused on natural and man-made catastrophes that paint a picture of future possibilities that are dark and dangerous. When a nuclear explosion caused by an earthquake took place in a small town, the lives of the citizens were put in grave danger.
4. Alive (2020)
Watch on: Netflix
What’s a thriller movie list without a zombie flick? Alive peaked at number one on Netflix’s top movies and is your modern day zombie apocalypse story. Oh Joon Woo (Yoo Ah In) and Kim Yoo Bin (Park Shin Hye) are left in isolation in their individual apartments a mysterious breakout happens. Will they be able to survive? Can social media save them? Watch it for yourself.
5. Lucid Dream (2017)
Watch on: Netflix
A longing single father traces his abducted son through lucid dreams in this sci-fi thriller. With a slight resemblance to the 2010 Hollywood film Inception but with a more emotional appeal, Lucid Dream opens the door to a parent’s worst nightmare.
6. Time To Hunt (2020)
Watch on: Netflix
Imagine South Korea in a dystopian version with a brutal killer who’s after four outlaws and you have Time To Hunt. Featuring Choi Woo Shik, Ahn Jae Hong, Park Jung Min, and Lee Je Hoon (who was nominated as Best Movie Actor in the 56th Baeksang Art Awards), the thriller movie was originally slated for release in theaters in South Korea back in February, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Catch it on Netflix instead!
7. The Witch: Part 1 The Subversion (2018)
Watch on: Viu
If you’re looking for an epic mystery thriller that involves intelligent psychopaths, The Witch: Part 1 The Subversion is your answer. Itaewon Class' Kim Da Mi’s flawless portrayal of a country girl who transforms into a different persona will surprise you, and Choi Woo Shik’s iconic “You better get home. Godspeed” dialogue from his villain role are enough reasons to watch this epic movie.
8. Burning (2018)
Watch on: Viu
Based on Haruki Murakami’s Barn Burning, this award-winning psychological thriller tells the story of wannabe-writer Jong Soo (Yoo Ah In) who meets his childhood friend Hae Mi (Jeon Jong Seo). Hae Mi soon leaves for Africa and asks Jong Soo to take care of her cat while she’s gone. She later returns with Ben (Steven Yeun) who has a very strange hobby that’s connected to the movie’s title.
LOOKING FOR MORE KOREAN FILMS? TRY THESE:
- 5 Korean Horror Movies That Will Keep You Up All Night
- K-Drama Fans, These Korean Movies Will Leave Your Heart Shattered
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