Looking for an adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Look no further, as we have got your back. Presenting (drum-roll please)the best Korean action movies you can watch right now. Bursting with intense fight sequences, gripping storylines, and charismatic performances, these films have captivated audiences around the globe. Each film showcases the unique talents of Korean filmmakers, who seamlessly blend breathtaking action with emotionally charged narratives.
So grab some popcorn, and get ready to be immersed in the world of the best Korean action movies.
20 Best Korean Action Movies You Can Also Consider
So, I kind of had a thought that only 10 action movies might not be enough for you, I am guessing you already have seen at least some of it. So, I created a quick glance list of the best Korean action movies that you can try out. If you want to check out our editorial pick and why we have selected only a few movies for this list, read below. Happy watching!
| Rank | Movie Title | Release Year | Quick Description |
| 1 | Kill Bok-soon | 2023 | A legendary contract killer struggles between her brutal profession and being a single mother. |
| 2 | Ballerina | 2023 | A former bodyguard embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance after losing her best friend. |
| 3 | The Host | 2006 | A monstrous creature emerges from the Han River, forcing a father to fight for his daughter’s survival. |
| 4 | Train to Busan | 2016 | A zombie outbreak on a high-speed train forces passengers into a desperate fight for survival. |
| 5 | Oldboy | 2003 | A man mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years is released and seeks revenge in this mind-bending thriller. |
| 6 | The Roundup | 2022 | A tough cop tracks down a violent criminal in Vietnam, leading to a gripping chase full of action. |
| 7 | Veteran | 2015 | A relentless detective takes on an arrogant and corrupt chaebol heir in this action-packed crime drama. |
| 8 | Steel Rain | 2017 | A North Korean agent and a South Korean official must work together to prevent nuclear war. |
| 9 | The Villainess | 2017 | A female assassin trained from childhood fights against betrayal and her dark past. |
| 10 | The Man from Nowhere | 2010 | A quiet pawnshop owner with a deadly past sets out on a brutal mission to save a kidnapped girl. |
| 11 | New World | 2013 | An undercover cop caught between loyalty and duty struggles in the midst of a power shift in a crime syndicate. |
| 12 | Midnight Runners | 2017 | Two police academy cadets take matters into their own hands when they witness a kidnapping. |
| 13 | The Divine Move | 2014 | A professional Go player, framed for murder, seeks revenge against those who destroyed his life. |
| 14 | No Tears for the Dead | 2014 | A hitman struggles with guilt after mistakenly killing a child and is ordered to kill the child’s mother next. |
| 15 | Fabricated City | 2017 | A gamer is framed for murder and must use his skills to uncover a dark conspiracy. |
| 16 | The Drug King | 2018 | A small-time smuggler rises to power in the Korean drug trade during the 1970s. |
| 17 | Time to Hunt | 2020 | Four friends plan a heist in a dystopian South Korea, but end up being hunted by a ruthless assassin. |
| 18 | The Suspect | 2013 | A North Korean defector, falsely accused of murder, goes on the run while trying to prove his innocence. |
| 19 | Ashfall | 2019 | A volcanic eruption threatens to destroy the Korean peninsula, leading to a high-stakes mission to prevent disaster. |
| 20 | Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds | 2017 | A firefighter journeys through the afterlife, facing trials that determine his fate. |
Editorial Pick! – 10 Best Korean Action Movies
Don’t miss out on the pulse-pounding excitement and electrifying performances of these cinematic gems. Join us as we explore the 10 must-watch Best Korean Action Movies that will keep you hooked.
1. Kill Bok-soon
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Release Year: 2023
- Director: Byun Sung-hyun
- Cast: Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Kim Si-a
- Genre: Action, Thriller
‘Kill Bok-soon’ is a captivating Korean drama that delves into the dark and gritty world of revenge. This thrilling series follows the journey of Bok-soon, a young woman who becomes entangled in a web of tragedy and violence after her sister is brutally murdered. Driven by her desire for justice, Bok-soon embarks on a relentless quest to track down her sister’s killer. ‘Kill Bok-soon’ is a must-watch Korean action movie that will leave you emotionally invested and craving for answers.
Awards: Nominated for Best Actress (Jeon Do-yeon) and Best New Actress (Lee Yeon) at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2023.
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2. Ballerina
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Release Year: 2023
- Director: Lee Chung-hyun
- Cast: Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon, Park Yu-rim
- Genre: Action, Thriller
‘Ballerina’ is a mesmerizing Korean action movie that gracefully dances into viewers’ hearts. This enchanting movie takes us on a journey into the world of ballet, dreams, sacrifices, and triumphs of aspiring dancers. At its core, ‘Ballerina’ tells the story of Yeon-seo, a talented young ballerina who is passionate about dance. With its compelling storyline, excellent performances, and super cool visuals, this movie is a true masterpiece that will leave you in ‘Awe’.
Awards: Received a nomination for ‘Best Music’ and ‘Best Art Direction’ at the 2023 Blue Dragon Film Awards
3. The Host
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Release Year: 2006
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Cast: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
‘The Host’ is an award-winning Korean action movie that combines thrilling action, emotional depth, and social commentary. This incredible action movie combines mystery, action, and supernatural elements to create a unique storyline. The movie tells the story of a mysterious creature that emerges from the Han River in Seoul. The creature kidnaps a young girl named Hyun-seo, leading her family on a desperate quest to rescue her from its clutches.
Awards:
- Won Best Film at the 2007 Asian Film Awards
- Won Best Film, Best Supporting Actor, and Best New Actor at the 2006 Blue Dragon Film Awards
- Won Best Director and Best Editing Awards at the 2007 Grand Bell Awards
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4. Train to Busan
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Release Year: 2016
- Director: Yeon Sang-ho
- Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
- Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller
‘Train to Busan’ is an adrenaline-fueled Korean action movie that takes viewers on a heart-pounding and emotional journey. The story follows a group of passengers aboard a train bound for Busan, a city that has managed to remain safe from a deadly virus outbreak. However, when an infected passenger boards the train, chaos ensues as the virus quickly spreads among the passengers.
Awards: Won the Audience Choice Award for Most Popular Film and Technical Award at the 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2016.
5. Oldboy
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Release Year: 2003
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Cast: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
- Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery
Oldboy is a dark and gripping Korean drama that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around Oh Dae-su, a man who is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years without explanation. Upon his release, he embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind his captivity. It is an epic best Korean action movie that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and explores the darkest corners of humanity. I am sure this film will leave you questioning your beliefs and pondering the depths of human nature.
Awards:
- Won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival
- Won the Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor Award in 2003 at the Blue Dragon Film Festival.
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6. The Roundup
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Release Year: 2022
- Director: Lee Sang-yong
- Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Son Suk-ku, Choi Gwi-hwa
- Genre: Action, Crime
The sixth film in our list of best Korean action movies is ‘The Roundup’ with Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee) as a renegade investigator. In The Roundup, which took place four years after its predecessor, The Outlaws, a police officer goes to Vietnam to stop a vicious murderer who preys on Korean tourists. It is one of the cat-mouse chase films that you’ll fall in love with if you’re into detective drama.
Awards:
- Won the Audiences Choice Award for Most Popular Film, Technical Award in 2022 at the Blue Dragon Film Festival.
- Won the Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and People Choice Award in 2022 at the Grand Bell Awards.
- Nominated for Best Actor (Ma Dong-seok) and Best Supporting Actor (Park Ji-hwan) at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2023.
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7. Veteran
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Release Year: 2015
- Director: Ryoo Seung-wan
- Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Yoo Ah-in, Yoo Hae-jin
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
‘Veteran’ is a thrilling and action-packed Korean film that takes audiences on a wild ride through the underbelly of society. The story revolves around Detective Seo Do-cheol, who becomes determined to take down a powerful and corrupt conglomerate after witnessing their cruel treatment of a young employee. ‘Veteran’ is a gripping and action-packed Korean film that entertains while shedding light on social issues.
Awards:
- Won Best Film at the 25th Buil Film Awards in 2016.
- Won Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards in 2015.
- Nominated for Best Film at the 10th Asian Film Awards in 2016.
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8. Steel Rain
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Release Year: 2017
- Director: Yang Woo-suk
- Cast: Jung Woo-sung, Kwak Do-won, Kim Kap-su
- Genre: Action, Thriller
Steel Rain is a gripping political drama that explores the intricate web of power, diplomacy, and personal sacrifice. Set against the backdrop of a tense North-South Korea relationship, the story delves into the complexities of international relations and the consequences of political decisions. A good watch for any action movie enthusiast.
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9. The Villainess
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Release Year: 2017
- Director: Jung Byung-gil
- Cast: Kim Ok-bin, Shin Ha-kyun, Sung Joon
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
The Villainess is a thrilling Korean action movie that takes viewers on a wild ride through the life of a highly trained assassin. The movie seamlessly weaves together present-day events with flashbacks and has a distinct storytelling method. With its intense fight sequences, complex characters, and unexpected twists, this drama is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Awards:
- Won the Daniel E. Craft Award for Excellence in Action Cinema at the New York Asian Film Festival in 2017.
- Won the GURU Prize for Best Action Feature Film at the Fantasia International Film Festival in 2017.
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10. The Man from Nowhere
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Release Year: 2010
- Director: Lee Jeong-beom
- Cast: Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron, Kim Tae-hoon
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
When his only buddy is in danger, an ex-intelligence agent decides to come out of retirement is there a better plot point for an action thriller? In this neo-noir thriller, Won Bin plays the title character, Cha Tae-Sik. Who is a pawn shop owner and makes friends with his neighbor So-mi (Kim Sae-Ron). Tae-sik goes on a revenge streak when a ruthless criminal kidnaps So-mi. It is perhaps the most and best Korean action movie so far; to be honest, it is so good that this film has multiple remakes in different countries.
Award:
- Won Best Actor (Won Bin) and Best New Actress (Kim Sae-ron) at the 47th Grand Bell Awards in 2010.
- Won Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards in 2010.
- Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Asian Film Awards in 2011.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these 20 must-watch best Korean action movies will keep you hooked. With intense action sequences and super-awesome storylines, these films will leave you on the edge of your seat. From thrilling chase scenes to jaw-dropping fight sequences, each movie delivers heart-pounding excitement. So, don’t miss out on these must-watch movies that are sure to satisfy your craving for thrilling entertainment. Cheers!!!
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