Beyond “Parasite”: 5 Must-Watch Korean Movies That Will Change Your Life
So, you watched Parasite. You sat there with your mouth open as the credits rolled, realizing you just witnessed a masterpiece. Or maybe you binged Squid Game and realized that Korean storytellers are on a completely different level when it comes to suspense and emotion.
Welcome to the world of Chungmuro (the Hollywood of Korea).
Korean cinema isn’t just about catchy K-Pop or romantic K-Dramas. It is dark, it is gritty, and it is incredibly emotional. Korean directors aren’t afraid to mix genres—making you laugh one minute and scream the next.
If you are looking to dive deeper into Korean culture but don’t know where to start, put down the remote and check out these 5 essential Korean movies. Trust me, Hollywood has nothing on these.
1. Train to Busan (2016)
The Vibe: Zombies on a high-speed train.
Why You Must Watch: Even if you hate zombie movies, you need to watch this. Most Western zombie flicks are just about gore and guns. Train to Busan is about humanity. It follows a selfish businessman trying to take his daughter to Busan as a viral outbreak consumes the country. It is terrifying, yes, but it will also make you cry harder than The Notebook. It is a masterclass in tension and fatherhood.
Best For: Adrenaline junkies who also want to feel feelings.
2. Oldboy (2003)
The Vibe: A dark, twisted tale of revenge.
Why You Must Watch: Before Parasite, this was the movie that put Korea on the map. A man is kidnapped and locked in a hotel room for 15 years without knowing why. One day, he is suddenly released and given 5 days to find his captor.
Warning: This movie is not for the faint of heart. It is violent, shocking, and has one of the most famous plot twists in cinema history. The “corridor fight scene” is legendary. Do NOT watch the American remake. Watch the original.
Best For: People who like psychological thrillers and aren’t easily offended.
3. A Taxi Driver (2017)
The Vibe: A heartwarming (and heartbreaking) true story based on history.
Why You Must Watch: If you want to understand modern Korean history, watch this. It is based on the true story of a German reporter and a Seoul taxi driver who sneak into the city of Gwangju during the 1980 pro-democracy uprising. It starts as a comedy and slowly transforms into a powerful drama about courage and freedom. It stars Song Kang-ho (the dad from Parasite), who is arguably Korea’s greatest actor.
Best For: History buffs and anyone who loves an underdog story.
4. Memories of Murder (2003)
The Vibe: A frustratingly realistic true-crime mystery.
Why You Must Watch: Directed by Bong Joon-ho (the genius behind Parasite), this film is often voted as the best Korean movie of all time by critics. It follows two detectives in the countryside trying to catch Korea’s first serial killer in the 1980s. Unlike American cop shows where DNA solves everything in an hour, this movie shows the chaos, the lack of technology, and the desperation of the era. It is visually stunning and haunting.
Best For: Fans of Zodiac or Mindhunter.
5. The Handmaiden (2016)
The Vibe: An erotic psychological thriller with a gothic twist.
Why You Must Watch: Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea, it tells the story of a pickpocket hired to become the maid of a Japanese heiress to steal her inheritance. But nothing is what it seems. The plot twists will give you whiplash. It is visually one of the most beautiful movies ever made—every frame looks like a painting. It explores themes of colonization, sexuality, and deception.
Best For: Lovers of art-house cinema and complex plots.
Final Thoughts
Korean cinema is a treasure trove. These five movies are just the tip of the iceberg, but they are the perfect “starter pack” to understand the range and depth of Korean storytelling. Grab some popcorn (or some Ramyeon) and get ready to be obsessed.