Best Korean thrillers of all time

While Hollywood continues to dominate the global entertainment industry, other film industries are also winning accolades for their varied content. One such industry is the Korean cinema, which is renowned for its well-crafted films with gripping storylines. Though known for its romance dramas, the Korean film industry has also churned out some terrific thrillers such as Oldboy, Memories of Murder and I Saw the Devil. On that note, we bring you the list of the best Korean thrillers of all time that are guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush.

Top Korean thrillers on OTT

Parasite

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the 2019 black comedy thriller focuses on the poor Kim family, who cleverly gain employment at the wealthy Park household. They gradually gain the Parks' trust through manipulation, but their plan is jeopardized by shocking revelations and a conflict between social classes. With its impeccable direction, and standout performances, the film captivated audiences worldwide and became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

OTT platform: Netflix

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Oldboy

Directed by Park Chan-wook, the 2003 thriller centres around Oh Dae-su, who is released from prison after 15 years. Dae-su sets out on a bizarre journey because he is driven by a desire for vengeance and is desperate to learn the truth about his captivity. Oldboy mesmerizes audiences with its terrific action sequences, intense performances, and inventive storytelling, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video

Memories of Murder

Bong Joon-ho's 2003 crime thriller Memories of Murder is based on the actual events surrounding the 1980s Hwaseong serial killings. It is set in a small rural town and centres around detectives Park and Seo's investigation into the savage murders of young women. Due to their lack of resources and incompetence, the detectives turn to desperate measures, which sets them on a terrifying path of obsession and frustration. Memories of Murder enthralls with its compelling story and acting.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

OTT platform: Netflix

I Saw the Devil

Directed by Kim Jee-woon, the 2010 psychological thriller centers on NIS agent Kim Soo-hyun, who sets out to exact revenge on serial killer Kyung-chul after his fiancée is killed. But rather than apprehend Kyung-chul, Kim decides to play a bizarre game by capturing and releasing him repeatedly to cause psychological suffering. I Saw the Devil is an action film that shocks the audience with its complex moral story and intense performances.

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video

Burning

The 2018 psychological thriller Burning is directed by Lee Chang-dong. The film, which is an adaptation of a Haruki Murakami short story, centers on struggling writer Jong-su who reaches out to his old friend Hae-mi. When Hae-mi returns from a trip with the mysterious Ben, it upends their budding romance. The film explores what happens as Jong-su grows more and more fixated on Ben and Hae-mi's relationship.

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video

Forgotten

The 2017 psychological thriller, directed by Jang Hang-jun, focusses on Jin-seok, who moves into a new home with his family. Yoo-seok, his older brother, is abducted but returns after 19 days, having forgotten the whole ordeal. Jin-seok starts to wonder if Yoo-seok is still sane after he shows odd behavioural changes. Jin-seok learns unsettling facts about his past and family. Forgotten, which is well-known for its complex plot and intense suspense, has received accolades for its compelling story and surprising turns of events.

IMDb rating: 7.4/10

OTT platform: Netflix

A Hard Day

Kim Seong-hun directed this 2014 thriller that centres on detective Go Geon-soo, who encounters a string of increasingly serious events. He kills a man in a road accident, and then tries to hide the body, only to have a witness come after him. Go's attempts to hide the crime go out of hand as he deals with police departments and increasing pressure. The film is praised for its dark humour and tight, suspenseful plot.

IMDb rating: 7.2/10

OTT platform: Apple TV+