The year 2023 has been a strong one for Korean cinema, with a diverse array of acclaimed films across genres. From heart-pounding action thrillers to poignant romantic dramas, Korean filmmakers once again demonstrated their storytelling prowess. In this blog, we will count down the 12 best Korean movies released in 2023.
Whether you’re a fan of gripping crime stories, fantastical sci-fi worlds, or emotional character journeys, this list has something for everyone. So without further ado, let’s dive into the 12 most impressive, moving, and memorable Korean films of 2023 so far!
1. The Roundup: No Way Out
This crime thriller is the third installment in The Outlaws series starring Ma Dong-seok as detective Ma Suk-do. He faces off against the most ruthless villain yet – an heir to a conglomerate who teams up with the Japanese mafia to wreak havoc in Korea. Packed with intense action sequences and a gripping cat-and-mouse storyline between Ma Suk-do and the villain, this was one of the highest grossing Korean films of 2023.
2. Jung_E
Set in a post-apocalyptic 22nd century, this sci-fi thriller focuses on the aftermath of a civil war over Earth’s last shelter. To end the war, the legendary mercenary Jung Yi is cloned to create an immortal warrior AI robot called Jung_E. Directed by acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho, the movie features stunning visual effects and raises thought-provoking questions about technology. It was selected to compete at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
3. Decision to Leave
Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook returns with this stylish noir thriller about a detective who suspects a mysterious woman is involved in her husband’s death. As he begins staking her out, they develop an intense connection. With gorgeous cinematography, simmering chemistry between the leads, and Park’s signature storytelling, this is possibly 2023’s most lush Korean film. It won Best Director at Cannes 2023.[3]
4. Next Sohee
A realistic and hard-hitting coming-of-age film, Next Sohee revolves around a high school girl who dreams of becoming a prosecutor despite her underprivileged background. Lead actress Kim Da-mi delivers an incredible raw performance. The movie sensitively tackles themes of poverty, teenage pregnancy, broken families, and more in Korean society.
5. Cobweb
Led by the legendary Song Kang-ho from Parasite, Cobweb offers a comedic yet insightful look at government censorship in the Korean film industry during the 1970s dictatorial rule. Song plays a demanding director hell-bent on getting his movie completed even as authorities come down on him. With its stellar cast’s performances, Cobweb was chosen as South Korea’s entry for 2023’s Best International Feature Film Oscar.
6. Unlocked
This intense thriller focuses on a woman whose life spirals out of control when a dangerous man accesses the data on her lost phone. He secretly stalks her every move using the spyware installed on her phone. Unlocked makes excellent use of everyday technology to deliver chilling scares and a suspenseful storyline. Lead actress Chun Woo-hee’s performance earned her a Blue Dragon Award nomination.
7. Past Lives
Led by Korean-American actress Greta Lee, this romantic drama traces the bittersweet reunion between childhood friends Nora and Hae-sung. They meet as adults in New York City years after Nora’s family migrated from Korea. The movie sensitively explores longing, rediscovering old memories, and the question of what could have been. With fully realized characters and gentle storytelling, Past Lives has received critical acclaim.
8. Ransomed
One of the funniest Korean films of the year, this action comedy buddy movie is about two mismatched men forced to work together to rescue a diplomat held hostage by terrorists. With sharp humor, exciting action sequences, and sizzling odd couple chemistry between the leads Hyun Bin and Yoo Ah-in, Ransomed became a sleeper box office hit.
9. The Childe
Slickly directed and violently entertaining, The Childe focuses on Marco, a young boxer of Korean-Filipino parentage who heads to Korea to search for his father. But Marco finds himself pursued by dangerous enemies and gets embroiled in the Korean criminal underworld instead. Delivering thrills and unexpected laughs, The Childe features a charismatic breakout performance by lead actor Kang Tae-joo.
10. Boston 1947
A moving sports drama based on real-life events, Boston 1947 spotlights Korean athletes participating in the 1947 Boston Marathon, the first international marathon held post-World War II. Beautifully capturing the emotional journey of these athletes finally competing under a liberated Korea, the film stars Yim Si-wan and Jung Woo as leads. It received multiple nominations at the Blue Dragon Awards.
11. Ballerina
A revenge-based action thriller led by popular actress Jeon Jong-seo, Ballerina focuses on a professional killer who infiltrates the upper echelons of society to avenge her friend’s death. With stylish visuals, slick action choreography, and a compelling heroine in Jeon Jong-seo, Ballerina is an engaging take on the revenge thriller genre.
12. Hopeless
This brutal, bleak neo-noir film chronicles the downward spiral of teenager Yeon-gyu as he becomes entangled with a local gang boss. Starring newcomer Hong Xa-bin and heartthrob Song Joong-ki, Hopeless paints a grim but gripping portrait of an exploited young soul driven to violence and crime. The movie earned Hong Xa-bin the Best New Actor award at the Blue Dragon Awards.
Also Read: The Royal Hotel 2023 Movie Summary and Ending Explained
From blockbusters at the box office to critically acclaimed festival favorites, this year has seen Korean movies excel across genres, styles and themes. Whether you’re a fan of pulse-pounding action, chilling suspense, warm romantic dramas or serious stories reflecting on society, the above 12 films prove that Korean cinema is creating some of the best dynamic movies in current world cinema.
