The Best Korean Movies About Revenge
Vote for your favorite Korean revenge film.
If you like movies like Oldboy, here are the best Korean revenge movies, ranked by fans everywhere. From action thrillers to mystery dramas, this list of famous South Korean films dealing with vengeance, payback, and justice includes old classics, art house favorites, and recent box office hits. Several popular revenge films, like A Bittersweet Life and Hwayi: The Monster Boy, are available for streaming on Amazon Prime.Â
Vote up the top Korean movies about revenge, and suggest other good recommendations by adding missing titles to the list.Â
- 1Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
A brutal masterpiece of revenge cinema directed by Park Chan-wook featuring Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-su who seeks vengeance for fifteen years of captivity against his mysterious enemy Woo-jin Lee (Yoo Ji-tae). This modern classic is known for its intense violence, raw emotion, and unforgettable twist that keeps audiences guessing until the final moments. Oldboy garnered numerous awards worldwide including Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival making it one of the most influential Korean films ever made.
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- 2Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo
Park Chan-wook's erotic psychological thriller leaves audiences breathless with its powerful storytelling and stunning visuals. Featuring captivating performances by Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, and Cho Jin-woong, the film is set in Korea during the Japanese occupation era, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster full of twists, turns, betrayal and desire. No wonder it received critical acclaim, including a nomination for Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
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- 3Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, Jeon Jong-seo
This slow-burning mystery thriller from director Lee Chang-dong mesmerizes with its enigmatic plot involving a love triangle between Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in), Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo), and Ben (Steven Yeun). The film's masterful pacing and superb acting make it an unforgettable experience as it explores themes of class division, obsession, and personal identity. With multiple award nominations worldwide including Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards, Burning undoubtedly cements its place on this list.
- 4Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jeon Gook-hwan
Kim Jee-woon's bloodcurdling tale of revenge pushes boundaries with its horrific acts of violence as it tells the story of government agent Kim Soo-hyun (Lee Byung-hun) hunting down his fiancée's serial killer Jang Kyung-chul (Choi Min-sik). The cat-and-mouse game between these two characters leaves viewers on edge as they witness how far one man is willing to go in pursuit of vengeance. I Saw the Devil is an intense psychological thriller that will stay with audiences long after they've finished watching.
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- 5Kim Yoon-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Seo Young-hee
With thrilling suspense and relentless action, director Na Hong-jin takes us on a nerve-racking race against time as former detective-turned-pimp Joong-ho (Kim Yoon-seok) hunts down a psychopathic serial killer who has kidnapped one of his girls. This gritty crime noir features powerful performances from Kim Yoon-seok and Ha Jung-woo while showcasing Na Hong-jin's masterful storytelling abilities. The Chaser stands tall amongst other Korean thrillers in its riveting portrayal of desperate pursuit for justice.
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- 6Lee Si-young, Park Se-wan, Lee Joon-hyuk
Directed by Im Gyeong-taek, this action-packed revenge thriller stars Lee Si-young as In-ae, a fierce and skilled martial artist who embarks on a relentless quest to rescue her kidnapped younger sister Eun-hye (Park Se-wan). As In-ae battles against corrupt officials, gangsters, and other adversaries standing in her way, No Mercy delivers high-octane fight sequences and intense emotions throughout its runtime. With its powerful performances and compelling story of sisterly love and vengeance, No Mercy is a gritty entry into the Korean revenge cinema landscape.
- 7Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron, Young-chang Song
Lee Jeong-beom’s exhilarating action thriller stars Won Bin as Tae-shik, a reclusive pawnshop owner who sets out on a brutal rampage against drug traffickers when they kidnap his young neighbor So-mi (Kim Sae-ron). Filled with heart-pounding fight scenes and intense emotion, this gripping tale of redemption showcases Won Bin’s acting prowess alongside Lee Jeong-beom’s excellent direction. The Man from Nowhere deservingly became the highest-grossing film in South Korea that year, solidifying its status as a must-see revenge thriller.
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- 8Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin, Kim Min-jung
Bong Joon-ho's tense crime drama follows Kim Hye-ja as she embarks on an obsessive quest to clear her mentally challenged son's name after he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. Featuring riveting performances from both Kim Hye-ja and Won Bin, Mother effortlessly balances emotional depth with nail-biting suspense that keeps viewers glued to their seats until the very end. The film received numerous awards including Best Director at Asia Pacific Screen Awards, making it another unforgettable entry in Bong Joon-ho's exceptional filmography.
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- 9Lee Byung-hun, Kim Yeong-cheol, Shin Min-ah
Kim Jee-woon's stylish neo-noir follows Lee Byung-hun as mob enforcer Sun-woo, who goes against his boss's orders and finds himself targeted by his own criminal organization. With its beautifully choreographed action scenes and intensely emotional core, A Bittersweet Life is a gripping exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the human capacity for violence. The film received multiple accolades including Best Director at Sitges Film Festival, further proving Kim Jee-woon's mastery of the revenge genre.
- 10Ha Jung-woo, Cho Seong-ha, Kim Yun-seok
Director Na Hong-jin reunites with his Chaser stars Kim Yoon-seok and Ha Jung-woo in this intense crime thriller about a desperate cab driver tasked with carrying out an assassination in order to repay mounting debts. Navigating a dangerous web of corruption and betrayal, The Yellow Sea delivers relentless action and suspense while showcasing Na Hong-jin's signature visual style. This pulse-pounding masterpiece demands attention from fans of gritty Korean cinema.
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- 11Jeon Do-yeon, Song Kang-ho, Jo Yeong-jin
Directed by Lee Chang-dong and featuring an emotionally devastating performance from Jeon Do-yeon who won Best Actress at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, this gripping drama tells the story of a grieving mother seeking solace and redemption in a small town after the unexpected death of her son. With its heart-wrenching narrative and brilliant acting, Secret Sunshine succeeds in portraying the complexities of human emotions and spirituality. This profound exploration of loss, faith, and forgiveness makes it an essential viewing experience for fans of Korean cinema.
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- 12Ma Dong-seok, Kim Mu-yeol, Kim Sung-kyu
Lee Won-tae’s crime thriller features Ma Dong-seok as gangster Jang Dong-su who forms an unlikely alliance with cop Jung Tae-seok (Kim Moo-yul) to catch a serial killer that has targeted them both. The dynamic performances and fascinating relationship between the two leads keep viewers engrossed while the high-stakes action sequences make for an adrenaline-pumping experience. A box office hit in South Korea, this film further cements its place on this list with Ma Dong-seok winning Best Actor at the 2019 Fantasia International Film Festival.
- 13Lee Young-ae, Song Kang-Ho, Choi Min-sik
The final installment in Park Chan-wook's acclaimed Vengeance Trilogy tells the story of a woman seeking revenge on the man who framed her for murder. Lee Young-ae delivers an unforgettable performance as the vulnerable yet vengeful Geum-ja, with Choi Min-sik co-starring as the sadistic Mr. Baek. A stylish and thought-provoking exploration of retribution and redemption, Lady Vengeance is a must-watch for fans of Korean revenge cinema.
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- 14Kim Ok-bin, Shin Ha-kyun, Sung Joon
Jung Byung-gil's stylish action thriller follows Sook-hee (Kim Ok-bin), a deadly assassin trained since childhood, who seeks vengeance for her father's death while being manipulated by a secretive government agency. With its breath-taking action sequences and captivating storyline, The Villainess effectively blurs the line between hero and villain while keeping audiences on edge throughout its runtime. This high-octane film will please any fan of Korean action cinema.
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- 15Tae-goo Eom, Jeon Yeo-been, Cha Seung-won
Park Hoon-jung's gritty action-drama follows a gangster named Tae-gu (Uhm Tae-goo) who seeks revenge after his family is brutally murdered by rival gang members. Forced into hiding on Jeju Island, he forms an unlikely bond with Jae-yeon (Jeon Yeo-been), a terminally ill woman seeking her own form of vengeance. With its striking visuals and raw emotion, Night in Paradise provides an engaging exploration of personal tragedy and retribution that will resonate with fans of Korean cinema.
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- 16IU, Seo Young-hee, Ro-jin Myeong
This harrowing tale of revenge directed by Jang Cheol-soo follows Hae-won (Seong-won Ji), who returns to her childhood island home only to witness her friend Bok-nam (Yeong-hie Seo) suffer unspeakable abuse. As tensions rise between the two women, Bedevilled explores themes of gender discrimination and societal injustice through its brutally honest portrayal of female rage. The shocking climax will leave audiences speechless making this powerful debut an unforgettable experience for all Korean film enthusiasts.
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- 17Kim Yoon-seok, Cho Jin-woong, Jang Hyun-sung
Director Jang Joon-hwan delivers a gripping coming-of-age story that follows Hwayi (Yeo Jin-goo), a young man raised by five criminal father figures who trains him to become their perfect weapon. As Hwayi uncovers dark secrets about his past, he sets out on a violent quest for revenge against those who have wronged him. With its outstanding performances and intricate plot, Hwayi: A Monster Boy offers audiences an unforgettable exploration of identity, vengeance, and the monstrous nature within us all.
- 18Song Kang-ho, Bae Doona, Han Bo-bae
The first entry in Park Chan-wook's renowned Vengeance Trilogy chronicles the intertwined fates of two men seeking justice for their loved ones. Song Kang-ho stars as Ryu, a deaf-mute factory worker-turned-kidnapper whose tragic actions inadvertently lead him towards a collision course with Park Dong-jin (Shin Ha-kyun), the vengeful father of Ryu's victim. With its unflinching portrayal of violence and morally complex characters, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance cements its status as a groundbreaking classic within Korean revenge cinema.
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- 19So Ji-sub, Lee Gyeung-young, Lee Mi-yeon
In Lim Sang-yoon's thrilling crime drama, So Ji-sub delivers a gripping performance as Hyeong-do, an elite hitman who longs to leave his dark past behind when he falls in love with a singer. The film masterfully balances intense action sequences and emotional depth, exploring the moral complexities of loyalty and redemption. A Company Man offers viewers a fresh take on the corporate world and its violent undertones, making it one of Korea's standout revenge thrillers.
- 20
Pieta
Lee Jung-jin, Jo Min-soo, Kim Jae-rokKim Ki-duk's provocative exploration of guilt and redemption centers around Lee Jung-jin's chilling performance as Kang-do, a ruthless loan shark who cripples his clients when they fail to pay their debts. When he meets a mysterious woman claiming to be his long-lost mother (Jo Min-soo), Kang-do is forced to confront the emotional consequences of his brutal actions. Winner of the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival, Pieta's dark and compelling narrative makes it an essential viewing for fans of intense Korean cinema.
- 21Kim Hye-na, Yang Ik-joon, Oh Jung-se
Yeun Sang-ho's disturbing animated drama delves into the cruel world of school bullying through the eyes of two former victims who decide to take matters into their own hands years later. Featuring powerful voice performances from Yang Ik-june and Kim Hye-na, The King of Pigs offers a brutally honest examination of power dynamics and violence within society that will leave viewers shaken. This groundbreaking animated gem proves its worth among Korea's best revenge films with multiple accolades including Best Screenplay at Busan International Film Festival.
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- 22
Princess Aurora
Uhm Jung-hwa, Hyun Young, Kim Yong-gunThis chilling crime thriller directed by Bang Eun-jin sees Moon Sung-keun as detective Oh Jung-sik who relentlessly pursues a grieving mother (Uhm Jung-hwa) exacting her own form of bloody justice against child predators. The film expertly combines heart-pounding suspense with thought-provoking commentary on vigilantism and society's failure to protect the innocent. Princess Aurora's haunting portrayal of one woman's vengeance makes it a standout entry in Korean revenge cinema.
- 23Jun Ji-hyun, Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Hye-soo
This thrilling heist film showcases a star-studded ensemble cast including Kim Yoon-seok, Gianna Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Hye-soo as they play a group of thieves attempting to steal a valuable diamond from Macau casino. Director Choi Dong-hoon effortlessly blends action-packed sequences with witty humor resulting in a highly entertaining and engaging film. The Thieves' success at the box office speaks volumes about its compelling storytelling, making it a must-watch Korean movie.
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- 24Jang Dong-gun, Kim Min-hee, Brian Tee
This action-packed crime thriller from director Lee Jeong-beom centers around Gon (Jang Dong-gun), a conflicted hitman who is tasked with assassinating his latest target – a young woman named Mo-kyeong (Kim Min-hee) – despite his growing feelings for her. As Gon's loyalties are put to the test, No Tears for the Dead delivers pulse-pounding action sequences alongside its emotionally charged narrative. Its seamless blending of vengeance and redemption makes it an engaging addition to Korea's revenge filmography.
- 25
Broken
Jung Jae-young, Oh Jung-se, Seo Jun-youngDirector Lee Jeong-ho adapts Keigo Higashino's novel The Hovering Blade into this suspenseful tale about a grief-stricken father (Jung Jae-young) seeking justice for his daughter's tragic death. Caught in a dangerous game with her killers and pursued by an obsessive detective (Lee Sung-min), Broken masterfully portrays one man's harrowing journey towards retribution. This emotionally charged thriller will leave audiences questioning the true cost of vengeance.
- 26
Coin Locker Girl
Kim Hye-soo, Kim Go-eun, Uhm Tae-gooA gritty crime drama set in Seoul’s underworld, Kim Hye-soo stars as Il-young, an orphan raised by ruthless loan shark Mother (Kim Go-eun) to become her loyal enforcer. When Il-young’s loyalty is put to the test, she must choose between her dangerous past and a chance at redemption. With its powerful performances and compelling narrative, Coin Locker Girl offers a gripping exploration of family, violence, and survival in the unforgiving world of organized crime.
- 27Shin Ha-kyun, Baek Yun-shik, Hwang Jeong-min
A unique blend of dark comedy, science fiction, and revenge thriller, Jang Joon-hwan's directorial debut follows Lee Byeong-gu (Shin Ha-kyun), a paranoid man who believes he must save the planet from an alien invasion by torturing a powerful businessman (Baek Yoon-sik). As the line between reality and madness blurs, this genre-bending film takes viewers on a wild ride full of shocking twists and unforgettable moments. Save the Green Planet!'s daring originality and bold storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of Korean cinema.
- 28
Pluto
Lee David, Sung Joon, Kim Kkot-biDirector Shin Su-won's psychological thriller centers around June (David Lee), a high school student driven to desperate measures when he is denied entry into an elite group due to his social class. As tensions rise and lines are crossed, Pluto delves into themes of societal pressure, vengeance, and moral ambiguity that will stay with audiences long after they've finished watching. This unsettling drama proves its worth among Korean revenge films with multiple accolades including Best Director at Busan International Film Festival.
- 29Kam Woo-seong, Seo Jeong, Kang Gyeong-heon
This atmospheric psychological thriller from director Song Il-gon follows Kang Min (Gam Woo-sung), who wakes up in the mysterious Spider Forest only to find himself entangled in a web of memory loss, murder, and deceit. As he desperately tries to unravel the truth behind his connection to the murders, Spider Forest delves into themes of guilt and retribution that will keep viewers guessing until its shocking conclusion. With its haunting visuals and nail-biting suspense, this film is sure to leave an impression on fans of Korean cinema.
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- 30
Soo
Jin-hee Ji, Moon Sung-Keun, Lee Ki-youngIn this gritty tale directed by Choi Yang-il (Yi Chae-yong), Jang Hyuk stars as Tae-su – a hired assassin seeking revenge for the murder of his twin brother. As he navigates the seedy criminal underworld, Tae-su uncovers a conspiracy that forces him to confront his own dark past. With its relentless action and gripping story, Soo is a welcome addition to the pantheon of Korean revenge cinema.
