17 must-watch Korean movies in 2025

Few Korean thrillers this year have generated the same anticipation as this neo-noir film, which centres on Min-tae (Ha Jung-woo), a once-feared gangster now attempting a quiet life as a construction worker. His world is shattered by his younger brother's death and the swift disappearance of his sister-in-law, Moon-young (Yoo Da-in). The unsettling mystery deepens when Min-tae realises the crime closely mirrors the plot of a recent bestselling novel. This realisation propels him into a relentless pursuit, where he must confront his seemingly deceitful former crime syndicate and the police, all while racing to find the elusive novelist who might hold the key to the truth.

What starts as a light-hearted look at community life in Seoul quickly develops into a genuine mystery thriller. Geo Ui (Gyeong Su-jin), a spirited woman known for challenging local injustice and looking after her nephews, is forced to move into a new apartment following a dispute with her brother. Her new home, however, is anything but peaceful, as she is consistently haunted by a persistent, mysterious noise emanating through the flooring every night at 4 AM. Determined to uncover the source of the acoustic assault, she mobilises her bewildered neighbours, turning a simple nuisance into a collective quest that quietly explores the hidden tensions of contemporary urban living.

This neo-noir crime thriller examines the fragile nature of lifelong bonds when tested by desperation and deceit. The story follows three best friends—Hyun-tae, a paramedic; In-chul, a sharp insurance agent; and Min-soo, a quiet small business owner—whose lives are fractured by a single tragic decision. When Hyun-tae’s mother, seeking an insurance payout, enlists In-chul to stage a robbery at her illegal gambling arcade, the plan results in a shocking homicide. The fallout forces the trio to question the loyalty of their twenty-year friendship, as suspicion and guilt threaten to consume them all.

This film brings the tense world of the strategic board game Go (baduk) to the screen, based on the true-life rivalry between two legends of the sport. It focuses on the intense relationship between celebrated grandmaster Cho Hun-hyeon and his prodigious protégé, Lee Chang-ho. As the student matures into a rival, their bond shifts from mentorship to fierce competition. The film is a thoughtful portrayal of personal ambition, legacy, and the complex dynamics that exist when a master is challenged by the student he raised to surpass him. Starring Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in. 

An occult action thriller featuring the formidable Ma Dong-seok, this film follows a shadowy team of expert demon hunters who operate outside the law. Their mission is to protect the innocent by battling evil spirits and supernatural forces. With a blend of stylized action and dark mythology, the movie delivers high stakes and visceral confrontation as the team races against time to stop an ancient evil from overtaking the city.

This supernatural thriller is a spiritual sequel to the 2015 hit The Priests, deepening the lore of exorcism within the Korean cinematic landscape. The story centers on two nuns who attempt to save a young boy from a dangerous evil spirit that has taken possession of him. Featuring a high-profile cast, the film generates intense psychological tension and suspense as the nuns confront sinister forces that threaten not only the child but their own faith.

Set in 1998, this nostalgic youth romance follows two high school students, a kind-hearted boy and a girl with curly hair, as they find themselves in a complex web of first love and friendship. Based on a popular web novel, the story promises to be a poignant and beautiful journey back in time, exploring the innocence and awkwardness of teenage romance.

Starring one of Korea's most veteran actors, So Ji-sub, this crime drama is an intense thriller about a former gang member who attempts to lead a normal life. However, when his past comes back to haunt him, he is forced back into the world of gang warfare to seek revenge. This is a fast-paced, action-packed film that is not for the faint of heart.

Netflix’s first Korean-language animated film is a beautiful and poignant romance. The story follows a long-distance relationship between scientist Nan-young, who lives on Earth, and an astronaut who is stationed on a space exploration expedition. The film is a heartwarming love story that crosses the cosmos, voiced by two of Korea’s most popular actors.

This thrilling crime drama features a stellar cast in a story of betrayal and revenge. The film follows a man who, after being unjustly jailed, is recruited by a corrupt prosecutor to become a snitch within a drug trafficking ring. However, when he is double-crossed, he forms an alliance with a narcotics officer and an actress to expose the powerful figures who ruined their lives.

This new realistic thriller is set entirely within the confined space of an apartment building, where a financially burdened man's life takes a chilling turn. The film explores what happens when a seemingly normal living space becomes a claustrophobic and dangerous world, building suspense and tension with every floor.

Directed by The Terror Live’s Kim Byung-woo, this disaster thriller film centres around a catastrophic flood that engulfs the planet. The story follows An Na, an AI development researcher and Park Hae-see, who works in human resource security. As their apartment building begins to sink into the rising waters, the duo must navigate their complex relationship while struggling for survival.

The upcoming film explores themes of love, sacrifice and human resilience as the characters confront their fears while navigating treacherous conditions. Look forward to a star-studded cast including Itaewon Class’s Kim Da-mi and Squid Game’s Park Hae-soo.

Set to be released in theatres this January, this action-comedy film is a sequel to the 2020 movie Hitman: Agent Jun. The upcoming movie continues the story of Jun, a former secret agent turned webtoon artist. A shocking terrorist attack that eerily parallels the plot of his latest webtoon leads him to become the prime suspect in the investigation. We see him navigate a series of comedic yet perilous situations to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the terrorist plot.

Starring Stairway to Heaven’s Kwon Sang-woo as Jun, the film explores themes of redemption, identity and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Expect a rollercoaster ride of unexpected twists, clever humour and thrilling action sequences.

A remake of the French-Belgian-Spanish movie The Axe, this South Korean thriller-comedy film tells the story of Yoo Man-su, an office worker who believes he has achieved the ideal life with a stable job and loving family. His world is turned upside down when he is unexpectedly fired from his position after 25 years of service. He embarks on a desperate journey to reclaim his life.

The movie explores themes of desperation and moral ambiguity as Yoo protects his loved ones while regaining his sense of purpose. Anticipate an A-list cast including Squid Game’s Lee Byung-hun, Crash Landing on You’s Son Ye-jin and My Name’s Park Hee-soo.

This romantic comedy film is set to capture the essence of youthful love and friendship. Set in 1998 Busan, the film revolves around Park Se-ri who struggles with insecurities from having curly hair. Determined to make a confession to her crush, she embarks on a mission to straighten her hair, believing that overcoming this personal hurdle is essential for her romantic aspirations. Along this journey, she meets a mysterious transfer student who becomes an unexpected ally in Park’s quest for love. The film stars Light Shop’s Shin Eun-soo, Night Has Come’s Cha Woo-min and Be Melodramatic’s Gong Myung.

Directed by Train to Busan and Hellhound’s Yeon Sang-ho, this thriller follows pastor Min Chan who becomes consumed by a quest for vengeance after receiving a divine revelation. He believes that church visitor Yang Rae is responsible for the abduction of his son. As Min’s faith clashes with his growing obsession for retribution, he embarks on a dangerous path that tests the limits of his beliefs. Simultaneously, Detective Yeon Hee is investigating Yang as a suspect in a missing persons case. The film intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of faith, morality and the consequences of unchecked belief. 

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