Korean cinema has gained global recognition for its compelling storytelling, unique narratives, and high production quality. With the rise of streaming platforms, Netflix has played a crucial role in bringing Korean films to international audiences through both Netflix originals and Netflix-exclusive distributions. As a result, several Korean movies—whether produced by Netflix or exclusively distributed on the platform—have captivated viewers worldwide, spanning genres such as thriller, science fiction, crime, and romance. From action-packed adventures to mind-bending thrillers, these films showcase the best of Korea’s filmmaking industry while introducing fresh, innovative concepts.

In this list, we explore some of the most notable Netflix original and Netflix-exclusive Korean movies, highlighting their casts, genres, and intriguing storylines that have left a lasting impact on global audiences.

Main Casts: Ahn Seo-hyun, Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, Jake Gyllenhaal

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Writer: Bong Joon-ho, Jon Ronson

Date of Release: June 28, 2017

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: Young Mija has spent ten years raising Okja, a genetically modified super pig, in the mountains of South Korea. When the multinational conglomerate Mirando Corporation takes Okja for their own purposes, Mija embarks on a daring mission to rescue her beloved friend, confronting corporate greed and forming alliances with animal rights activists.

Trivia: “Okja” competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, sparking discussions about the role of streaming services in cinema.

Main Casts: Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Seon-kyu, Yoo Hae-jin

Director: Jo Sung-hee

Writer: Jo Sung-hee, Yoon Seung-min

Date of Release: February 5, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Synopsis: In the year 2092, Earth has become nearly uninhabitable. The crew of the spaceship Victory, consisting of a genius pilot, a former pirate, an engineer, and a reprogrammed military robot, survive by collecting space debris. They discover a humanoid robot named Dorothy, known to be a weapon of mass destruction, and find themselves entangled in a risky business deal.

Trivia: “Space Sweepers” is considered South Korea’s first big-budget space science fiction film and received praise for its visual effects and imaginative storytelling.

Main Casts: Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo

Director: Lee Chung-hyun

Writer: Lee Chung-hyun

Date of Release: November 27, 2020

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: Seo-yeon returns to her childhood home and discovers an old cordless phone. She begins receiving calls from a woman named Young-sook, who claims to live in the same house but 20 years earlier. The two form a bond, altering each other’s lives across time, but their connection soon takes a dark and dangerous turn.

Trivia: “The Call” is a remake of the 2011 British and Puerto Rican film “The Caller.” Jeon Jong-seo’s performance as Young-sook garnered critical acclaim for its intensity.

Main Casts: Uhm Tae-goo, Jeon Yeo-been, Cha Seung-won

Director: Park Hoon-jung

Writer: Park Hoon-jung

Date of Release: April 9, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Crime, Drama

Synopsis: Tae-goo, a skilled mobster, seeks revenge after his sister and nephew are murdered. Fleeing to Jeju Island, he meets Jae-yeon, a terminally ill woman with her own tragic past. As they form an unexpected bond, their lives become intertwined with violence and betrayal from the criminal underworld.

Trivia: “Night in Paradise” was selected for the ‘Out of Competition’ section at the 77th Venice International Film Festival, highlighting its international recognition.

Main Casts: Kang Soo-yeon, Kim Hyun-joo, Ryu Kyung-soo

Director: Yeon Sang-ho

Writer: Yeon Sang-ho

Date of Release: January 20, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action

Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic future where Earth is uninhabitable due to climate change, humans live in man-made shelters. To end a civil war, a researcher at an AI lab clones the brain of a heroic soldier—her mother—to create a combat-ready AI. As the project progresses, ethical dilemmas and hidden truths emerge.

Trivia: “Jung_E” marks the final film appearance of actress Kang Soo-yeon, who passed away in 2022. The film is directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for his work on “Train to Busan.”

Main Casts: Kim Yoo-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo, Noh Yoon-seo

Director: Bang Woo-ri

Writer: Bang Woo-ri

Date of Release: October 21, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: Set in 1999, the film follows high school student Na Bo-ra, who agrees to help her best friend Yeon-du gather information about her crush, Baek Hyun-jin. In the process, Bo-ra becomes close to Hyun-jin’s best friend, Poong Woon-ho, leading to unexpected feelings and a poignant love story that transcends time.

Trivia: The film nostalgically captures the late 1990s in South Korea, highlighting the era’s fashion, technology, and youth culture.

Main Casts: Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon, Park Yu-rim

Director: Lee Chung-hyun

Writer: Lee Chung-hyun

Date of Release: October 6, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Thriller

Synopsis: Ok-ju, a former bodyguard with exceptional combat skills, seeks vengeance after her close friend Min-hee, a ballerina, dies under mysterious circumstances. As she delves deeper into the criminal underworld, Ok-ju confronts dangerous adversaries, uncovering a web of corruption and betrayal.

Trivia: The film showcases intense action sequences choreographed to mirror the grace and precision of ballet, blending artistry with combat.

Main Casts: Chun Woo-hee, Im Si-wan, Kim Hee-won

Director: Kim Tae-joon

Writer: Kim Tae-joon

Date of Release: February 17, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: Na-mi loses her smartphone, which is found by Jun-yeong, a man with malicious intent. By hacking into her device, he gains access to her personal life, manipulating her every move. As Na-mi’s life spirals out of control, she must uncover the identity of her tormentor before it’s too late.

Trivia: The film highlights the vulnerabilities of digital privacy and the potential dangers of our reliance on smartphones.

Main Casts: Seohyun, Lee Jun-young

Director: Park Hyun-jin

Writer: Park Hyun-jin

Date of Release: February 11, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis: Jung Ji-woo, a competent public relations officer, accidentally discovers her colleague Jung Ji-hoo’s secret preference for BDSM. Intrigued, she agrees to enter a consensual master-servant relationship with him, leading to unexpected feelings and comedic situations as they navigate their unconventional arrangement.

Trivia: The film is based on the popular webtoon “Moral Sense” by Gyeoul.

Main Casts: Jang Ki-yong, Chae Soo-bin, Krystal Jung

Director: Lee Gye-byeok

Writer: Lee Gye-byeok

Date of Release: June 4, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: The film follows the relationship between Jang Hyuk and Da-eun, who fall in love but struggle to maintain their bond due to the challenges of long-distance and demanding careers. As they drift apart, Jang Hyuk becomes attracted to a colleague, leading to a bittersweet exploration of love and commitment.

Trivia: “Sweet & Sour” offers a realistic portrayal of modern relationships, highlighting the difficulties of balancing personal and professional life.

Main Casts: Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Esom, Koo Kyo-hwan

Director: Byun Sung-hyun

Writer: Byun Sung-hyun

Date of Release: March 31, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Thriller

Synopsis: Gil Bok-soon is a single mother and a renowned assassin working for a top-tier killing agency. As she contemplates renewing her contract, she faces a moral dilemma when assigned a hit that conflicts with her personal principles, leading to a high-stakes battle against her employers.

Trivia: The film showcases intense action sequences and delves into the complexities of a mother’s dual life as a professional killer and a parent.

Main Casts: Sol Kyung-gu, Park Hae-soo, Yang Dong-geun, Lee El

Director: Na Hyeon

Writer: Na Hyeon

Date of Release: April 8, 2022

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Thriller

Synopsis: Han Ji-hoon, a prosecutor known for his strict adherence to the law, is demoted to a position in Shenyang, China. There, he becomes entangled with a covert NIS black ops team led by the ruthless Kang In, nicknamed “Yaksha.” Together, they navigate a dangerous mission filled with espionage and betrayal.

Trivia: The film’s title, “Yaksha,” refers to a mythical spirit known for its ferocity, reflecting the lead character’s relentless nature.

Main Casts: Lee Sung-min, Park Hae-joon, Kim Yoo-jung, Nam Da-reum

Director: Kim Tae-hyung

Writer: Kim Tae-hyung

Date of Release: July 2, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: An ancient prophecy foretells the resurrection of a malevolent spirit that can plunge the world into darkness. To prevent this, a former exorcist embarks on a perilous journey to stop the spirit’s awakening, confronting his own fears and unraveling hidden truths along the way.

Trivia: The film blends elements of Buddhist mythology with horror, creating a unique narrative that explores themes of faith and redemption.

Main Casts: Kim Woo-bin, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Hae-young

Director: Jason Kim

Writer: Jason Kim

Date of Release: September 13, 2024

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Comedy

Synopsis: Lee Jung-do, a skilled martial artist holding black belts in taekwondo, kendo, and judo, leads a carefree life delivering chicken for his father’s restaurant and playing video games with friends. His life takes a turn when he assists a probation officer in subduing a violent parolee, leading to his recruitment as a “martial arts officer” by the Ministry of Justice. Partnered with veteran probation officer Kim Sun-min, Jung-do uses his combat skills to manage and apprehend aggressive parole violators.

Trivia: Director Jason Kim is known for blending action and comedy, as seen in his previous works like “Midnight Runners” and “Bloodhounds.” In “Officer Black Belt,” he continues this trend, delivering well-choreographed fight scenes alongside heartfelt storytelling.

Netflix has proven to be a game-changer in the Korean film industry, providing a platform for both seasoned directors and emerging talent to share their stories with a global audience. The success of these Netflix original Korean movies reflects the growing demand for Korean content, fueled by engaging narratives, stunning cinematography, and exceptional performances.

As Netflix continues to invest in Korean cinema, we can expect even more groundbreaking films in the future. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean movies or just getting started, these Netflix originals offer something for everyone—thrills, emotions, and unforgettable cinematic experiences.