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K-Drama: 11 Korean Movies You Must Watch (According to MyDramaList)

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Discover eleven Korean films that have moved audiences around the world and earned top ratings on MyDramaList. From Parasite to Miracle in Cell No. 7, each story will touch the heart of anyone who truly loves cinema.

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被某某人翻译 Nox (Markos)

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审核人 Tabata Marques

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11 Favorite Korean Movies (According to MyDramaList)

Korean cinema is known for its powerful storytelling, filled with emotion, humanity, and visual impact. Whether it’s touching dramas, chilling thrillers, or action films with deep sensitivity, South Korea has captivated audiences worldwide with stories that combine authentic emotion and sharp social commentary.

This list highlights some of the highest-rated Korean films on MyDramaList, works that have inspired millions of viewers. These are powerful stories about love, sacrifice, injustice, hope, and courage.

If you’re looking for films that stay with you long after the credits roll, this selection is for you.

Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)

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MyDramaList Rating: 9.1

Miracle in Cell No. 7 is one of the most emotional and unforgettable films in Korean cinema. The story follows Lee Yong Gu, a father with an intellectual disability who lives humbly with his daughter, Ye Seung. One day, a tragic misunderstanding leads to him being falsely accused of a terrible crime, separating him from the person he loves most.

Inside prison, Yong Gu finds unlikely friends who help him recreate joyful moments for his daughter, turning the cell into a place filled with love and humanity. The film perfectly balances heartbreak and warmth, delivering a powerful message about justice, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his child.

Hope (2013)

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MyDramaList Rating: 9.1

Based on true events, Hope is both devastating and healing. The young girl So Won endures a brutal attack that completely changes her life and that of her family. The film shows how her parents, especially her father, help her recover physically and emotionally, facing the trauma with love and patience.

It is a story of pain and resilience, but also of how affection can rebuild what once seemed destroyed. Despite its heavy subject matter, Hope is a necessary film: sensitive, deeply human, and capable of inspiring profound empathy.

Train to Busan (2016)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.9

One of the greatest successes of modern Korean cinema, Train to Busan is much more than a zombie movie. The story follows Seok Woo, an absent father, and his daughter Soo An as they travel by train during the outbreak of a deadly virus.

As the train becomes a battleground for survival, the film explores themes of selfishness, sacrifice, and parental love. The tension never lets up, but what truly resonates is the emotional growth of the characters. In the end, Train to Busan is a film about humanity amid chaos and one that’s impossible to forget.

A Taxi Driver (2017)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.9

Based on true events, A Taxi Driver tells the story of a widowed cab driver who unknowingly becomes involved in one of Korea’s most significant historical moments, the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. He agrees to drive a foreign journalist to cover the events, and together they witness the brutal military crackdown.

The film blends action and emotion masterfully, showing how ordinary people can become heroes in the face of injustice. Song Kang Ho’s performance is unforgettable, and the story highlights the strength of courage and truth in times of oppression.

Parasite (2019)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.9

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, Parasite is a masterpiece about social inequality and morality. The Kim family, unemployed and living in a basement apartment, finds a way to infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Park family. What starts as a clever comedy of deception turns into a dark reflection on ambition, class, and survival.

Under Bong Joon Ho’s flawless direction, the film is visually rich and full of symbolism. It’s the kind of movie that reveals something new every time you watch it, blending dark humor, suspense, and tragedy in a way that reshaped world cinema.

Silenced (2011)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.8

Silenced is one of the most courageous and influential films ever made in Korea. Based on real events, it follows a teacher who begins working at a school for deaf children and discovers the horrific abuse being committed against the students.

The film doesn’t shield the audience from outrage but powerfully emphasizes the importance of speaking out and demanding justice. After its release, Silenced had real-world impact, sparking protests and leading to changes in Korean law. It’s a painful but vital experience.

The Man from Nowhere (2010)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.7

One of the best action films in Korean cinema, The Man from Nowhere follows Cha Tae Shik, a quiet pawnshop owner whose only friend is a young girl named So Mi. When she is kidnapped by a criminal organization, he sets out on a violent mission to rescue her.

With breathtaking action scenes and a deeply emotional core, the film perfectly combines brutality and tenderness. It’s a story about redemption, love, and how far one will go to protect innocence.

SKZFLIX (2023)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.7

SKZFLIX is a recent production that merges cinematic storytelling with musical elements from the creative universe of the group Stray Kids. The story follows the revival of a student film project and explores themes of friendship, dreams, and self-discovery.

Though short and experimental, the film stands out for its modern visual style and message about creativity and collaboration. It is a celebration of youth and the power of shared stories.

Sunny (2011)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.7

Sunny is a touching tribute to female friendship and youth. The story follows Na Mi, a middle-aged woman who decides to reunite with her high school friends after decades apart. The narrative alternates between the present and the 1980s, revealing memories, laughter, and old wounds.

With its nostalgic soundtrack and endearing characters, the film reflects on time, regret, and the lasting power of friendship. It is funny, heartfelt, and deeply moving, making it one of the most beloved works in Korean cinema.

Midnight Runners (2017)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.7

Midnight Runners offers a fun mix of action, comedy, and friendship. Two police academy cadets witness a kidnapping and decide to investigate on their own. Lacking experience but driven by justice, they put their classroom training to the test in the real world.

The chemistry between the leads is the film’s highlight, and its fast-paced story keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. It’s both entertaining and inspiring, showing the courage to act when no one else will.

Ode to My Father (2014)

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MyDramaList Rating: 8.7

Closing the list is Ode to My Father, a deeply emotional story about Deok Su, an ordinary man whose life spans decades of Korea’s modern history. From surviving war to working in German mines, he faces countless sacrifices to support his family.

The film is an epic portrait of perseverance and family devotion. Each stage of Deok Su’s life mirrors a part of Korea’s evolution, resulting in a profoundly human story about legacy and duty.

Conclusion

These films show why Korean cinema is so respected and loved around the world. With powerful storytelling, unforgettable performances, and genuine emotion, they explore the best and worst of humanity with sensitivity and depth.

Whether about love, pain, or perseverance, each of these films proves that cinema can bridge cultures and reflect the universal emotions we all share.