Korean cinema has steadily gained global recognition for its unique storytelling, compelling characters, and intense atmosphere. Netflix offers a diverse selection of Korean films and series that showcase the country’s cinematic prowess. Whether you’re a fan of apocalyptic thrillers, supernatural horror, or action-packed adventures, these ten titles provide a great introduction to the rich world of Korean cinema.
Kingdom (2019)
Set during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, Kingdom combines historical drama with supernatural horror. The series follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he investigates a mysterious plague that turns people into flesh-eating monsters. As he battles both the undead and political conspiracies, the stakes become increasingly high for the survival of his kingdom. Kingdom is a gripping tale that explores themes of power, betrayal, and survival.
Sweet Home (2020)
Sweet Home is a dark, intense survival story that takes place in a rundown apartment complex where the residents find themselves under siege by monstrous creatures. The protagonist, Cha Hyun-soo, and his neighbors must confront their own fears and past traumas while fighting to stay alive. This series delves into the psychological effects of isolation and fear, making it a hauntingly immersive experience.
The Silent Sea (2021)
In The Silent Sea, a team of astronauts embarks on a high-stakes mission to the moon to retrieve samples from an abandoned research facility. The series is a blend of science fiction and suspense, as the crew encounters mysterious and life-threatening challenges. The Silent Sea explores the desperation and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters as they struggle to survive in a hostile environment.
Happiness (2021)
Happiness is a tense, character-driven drama that unfolds in a high-rise apartment complex during the outbreak of a deadly virus. The story centers on Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun, two residents who must navigate the chaos and moral dilemmas that arise as the infection spreads. The series captures the fear and uncertainty of a pandemic, while also exploring themes of trust, community, and sacrifice.
Flu (2013)
Flu is a disaster film that vividly portrays the rapid spread of a deadly virus in a South Korean city. The movie follows the efforts of medical personnel, government officials, and ordinary citizens as they try to contain the outbreak and save lives. Flu is a chilling reminder of how vulnerable societies can be in the face of a fast-moving epidemic, and the chaos that can ensue when systems fail.
Badland Hunters (2024)
Set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul, Badland Hunters follows a group of survivors navigating a world where law and order have completely collapsed following a catastrophic earthquake. The film is a gritty and action-packed journey through a desolate landscape, where survival is the only goal. The story highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Pandora (2016)
Pandora is a disaster thriller that centers on the aftermath of a nuclear power plant explosion in a small Korean town. The film follows the struggle of ordinary citizens and government officials as they attempt to prevent a full-scale catastrophe. Pandora is a harrowing exploration of the consequences of human error and the fragility of life in the shadow of nuclear power.
The 8th Night (2021)
The 8th Night is a supernatural horror film that follows a former monk on a mission to stop an ancient spirit from unleashing destruction on Earth. Armed with prayer beads and an axe, he battles possessed humans and confronts his own inner demons. The film weaves together elements of Buddhist mysticism and traditional horror, creating a story that is both eerie and thought-provoking.
The Divine Fury (2019)
The Divine Fury blends action, horror, and religious themes in a story about an MMA fighter who gains supernatural abilities after waking up with stigmata-like wounds. As he grapples with his newfound powers, he joins forces with a priest to battle demonic forces threatening humanity. The film offers a unique take on the classic good-versus-evil narrative, with intense fight scenes and a dark, foreboding atmosphere.
Zombieverse (2023)
Zombieverse takes a fresh approach to the zombie genre by placing participants in a reality-show-style scenario during a zombie outbreak in Seoul. The film is a blend of horror and dark comedy, as contestants must outwit the undead to survive. Zombieverse offers a satirical look at reality television, while also delivering plenty of thrills and scares for fans of the genre.
