Get ready for some best Ma Dong Seok movies that prove laughter is just as important as action! From thrilling fight scenes to hilarious moments, these films are a perfect blend of comedy and excitement. Some of the best Ma Dong Seok movies feature hits like Train to Busan, The Outlaws, and the Roundup series.
Often referred to as the action king of South Korea—and known as Don Lee in Western circles—Ma Dong Seok has made quite a name for himself. He’s one of the rare Korean actors to enjoy a steady rise in Hollywood, especially after joining the MCU as Gilgamesh in Eternals, which helped cement his position in the American film scene. But his impressive filmography goes far beyond just that!
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7 Best Films Starring Korea’s Action King Ma Dong Seok
Long before achieving global fame with the blockbuster Train to Busan, Ma Dong Seok was steadily climbing the ranks to become one of the top actors in the Korean film industry, often dubbed the hitmaker. His dedication and talent have led him to numerous successes. So today, let’s take a closer look at his impressive filmography and explore the best Ma Dong Seok movies that showcase his incredible range and charisma!
1. Train to Busan
- Cast: Gong Yoo, Choi Woo Shik, Ma Dong Seok
- Director: Yeon Sang Ho
- Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
- Release Date: July 1, 2016
Train to Busan is a worldwide box-office sensation that puts a fresh spin on the popular zombie genre. With plenty of jump scares and terrifying flesh-eating monsters, this film is a must-see for fans of horror and the supernatural.The gripping story follows Seok Woo (played by Gong Yoo), who is on a train journey with his daughter when a sudden zombie outbreak erupts.
Ma Dong Seok shines as Sang Hwa, an ordinary man traveling with his pregnant wife. His character embodies a heroic spirit, showcasing incredible zombie-fighting skills and a deeply emotional journey. From intense action scenes to a heart-wrenching conclusion, Ma Dong Seok expertly navigates every emotional shift, making this role one of the standout performances in the film and one of the best Ma Dong Seok movies to watch!
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2. The Outlaws
#No1KDramaThrillerOfAllTheTime
- Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Yoon Kye Sang, Jo Jae Yoon
- Director: Kang Yoon Sang
- Runtime: 2 hours 1 minute
- Release Date: October 3, 2017
The Outlaws is an action-packed comedy that dives into the gritty underbelly of Seoul, showcasing the fierce world of gang wars and violence. In this blockbuster, Ma Dong Seok takes on the role of a tough-as-nails police investigator named Ma Seok Do, who is determined to take down the Chinese and Korean gangs that dominate the streets of Seoul’s Garibong district.
Ma Dong Seok’s portrayal of this strict cop has earned him widespread acclaim, as he skillfully balances intensity with moments of humor, perfectly complementing the film’s blend of comedy and gritty storytelling. This performance makes The Outlaws one of the best Ma Dong Seok movies to enjoy!
What did i like the most?
- The twists had me on the edge of my seat! I loved how unpredictable it was—it felt like a rollercoaster ride!
- The way certain scenes were shot was amazing! For example, the use of close-ups during intense moments made me feel the tension. It was like I was right there with the characters!
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3. The Roundup
- Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Son Suk Ku, Park Ji Hwan
- Director: Lee Sang Yong
- Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes
- Release Date: May 18, 2022
The Roundup is a thrilling addition to a popular film franchise featuring Ma Dong Seok as the lead character. The first film in this anthology tells the story of a determined police officer who travels to Vietnam to track down a murderer linked to several crimes involving tourists.
In this blockbuster, Ma Dong Seok reprises his role from The Outlaws, which acts as a prequel to this exciting sequel. His performance continues to captivate audiences, making The Roundup one of the best Ma Dong Seok movies worth watching for action fans!
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4. The Roundup: No Way Out
- Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Lee Jun Hyuk, Park Ji Hwan
- Director: Lee Sang Yong
- Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Release Date: May 31, 2023
In The Roundup: No Way Out, Ma Dong Seok reprises his role as the tough police officer, with the story picking up seven years after the events in Vietnam. In this exciting sequel, he teams up with a new detective squad to investigate a fresh murder case.
As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover dark secrets involving a corrupt element within the Korean police force, linked to the Yakuza (Japanese gangs), synthetic drugs, and rampant violence. Ma Dong Seok’s compelling performance makes this film another standout in his collection.
5. The Roundup: Punishment
- Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Kim Mu Yeol, Lee Joo Bin, Lee Dong Hwi
- Director: Lee Sang Yong
- Runtime: 1 hour 49 minutes
- Release Date: April 24, 2024
The latest installment in the Roundup anthology series sees Ma Dong Seok return as the formidable Ma Seok Do. In this new film, he delves into the shadowy world of cybercrime, pursuing the developers behind a sophisticated drug trafficking system. As he investigates, he uncovers surprising connections to an online gaming syndicate, leading him on a perilous journey to dismantle this unexpected alliance.
With Ma Dong Seok’s captivating performance and the gripping narrative, this film promises to be another thrilling addition to his filmography. With this latest release, The Roundup series successfully created an action film phenomenon in the South Korean industry, brilliantly encapsulating Ma Dong Seok’s comical yet intimidating persona.
6. The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil
- Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Kim Mu Yeol, Lee Eun Saem
- Director: Won Tae Lee
- Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Release Date: May 15, 2019
In this classic Korean action-thriller, Ma Dong Seok first created his tough guy persona. He stars as a mafia boss named Jang Dong Soo, who joins forces with a police officer to take down an infamous serial killer disrupting his affair with his heinous crimes.
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7. Badland Hunters
- Cast: Ma Dong Seok, No Jeong Ee
- Director: Heo Myeong Haeng
- Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
- Release Date: January 26, 2024
In the latest release, Badland Hunters, directed by Heo Myeong Haeng, Ma Dong Seok takes on the role of Nam San in a dystopian version of Seoul ravaged by a devastating earthquake. As a determined hunter, Nam San scours the remnants of the city in search of vital resources to help his community survive.
When a teenager goes missing, the brave Nam San embarks on a perilous quest to rescue her, facing numerous challenges along the way. This film promises to deliver both action and emotion, showcasing Ma Dong Seok’s talent in a gripping narrative set in a post-apocalyptic world.
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Amazing article. Ma Dong Seok is an amazing artist. Been following him for a while. Shoutout to these recommendations!
Thank you, so sweet of you.