Discover South Korean Action Movies: Thrilling Picks for Your Watchlist

Key Takeaway

South Korean cinema offers an exhilarating blend of action, drama, and unique storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of high-octane heists or gripping revenge sagas, there’s something in the South Korean film landscape to capture your imagination. Dive into this curated list of 16 action-packed South Korean movies, each promising a distinct and captivating experience.

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South Korean cinema is renowned for its dynamic storytelling and intense action sequences. If you’re looking to explore some of the best South Korean action films, you’re in the right place. Below is a curated list of 16 South Korean action movies, categorized by genre, each with a one-liner synopsis to give you a taste of what to expect.

Heist & Crime Thrillers

1. The Con Artists (2014)

Rating: 6.5/10
Duration: 1h 57m
Synopsis: A skilled safe-cracker must execute a heist to steal illicit funds from a customs building within a tight deadline.

2. The Swindlers (2017)

Rating: 6.6/10
Duration: 1h 57m
Synopsis: A group of unlikely allies teams up to trap a legendary con artist who has evaded justice for years.

3. Pipeline (2021)

Rating: 6.0/10
Duration: 1h 48m
Synopsis: Six thieves plot to change their lives by stealing oil from an underground pipeline in Korea.

4. The Prison (2017)

Rating: 6.5/10
Duration: 2h 5m
Synopsis: An ex-cop discovers a crime syndicate running a prison and must navigate the dangerous underworld within.

5. The Five (2013)

Rating: 6.5/10
Duration: 2h 3m
Synopsis: A woman devastated by her family’s murder seeks revenge with the help of four strangers.

6. Hit-and-Run Squad (2019)

Rating: 5.9/10
Duration: 2h 13m
Synopsis: A demoted police officer and an ace detective pursue a former Formula One driver turned criminal.

7. By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture (2019)

Rating: 5.8/10
Duration: 2h
Synopsis: A bar owner battles organized crime while navigating the perilous nightlife of Korea.

8. Long Live the King (2019)

Rating: 6.0/10
Duration: 1h 58m
Synopsis: A gang leader struggles with love and power as he faces challenges from his past and present.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

1. Aachi & Ssipak (2005)

Rating: 6.7/10
Duration: 1h 30m
Synopsis: In a future where energy is derived from feces, two hustlers fight against a mutant gang to survive.

2. Jeon Woochi (2009)

Rating: 6.6/10
Duration: 2h 16m
Synopsis: A Taoist magician from the Joseon era wreaks havoc in modern-day Korea with his mystical abilities.

3. Piwoneichi: Saeloun segyeui sijag (2020)

Rating: 5.0/10
Duration: 1h 38m
Synopsis: Boys travel across different eras to find a star of hope and save a virus-ravaged Earth.

Drama & Action Combos

1. Gang (2019)

Rating: 6.2/10
Duration: 1h 34m
Synopsis: A high school student aims to become the top fighter in a secretive fight club at his new school.

2. Golden Slumber (2018)

Rating: 5.9/10
Duration: 1h 48m
Synopsis: A deliveryman must evade capture after being wrongfully accused of a high-profile assassination.

3. The Assassin (2023)

Rating: 5.4/10
Duration: 1h 41m
Synopsis: The greatest assassin of the Joseon era embarks on his final deadly mission.

4. My Girlfriend Is an Agent (2009)

Rating: 6.3/10
Duration: 1h 52m
Synopsis: A man discovers his ex-girlfriend is a secret agent, leading to comedic and action-packed revelations.

5. The Long Way Home (2015)

Rating: 6.4/10
Duration: 1h 52m
Synopsis: A North and South Korean soldier navigate personal conflicts during the last days of the Korean War.

Miscellaneous

1. Ironheart (1992)

Rating: 3.4/10
Duration: 1h 32m
Synopsis: An LA cop faces off against a gang of murderous drug dealers in a gritty action showdown.

2. Reptile 2001 (1999)

Rating: 2.7/10
Duration: 1h 39m
Synopsis: An ancient reptilian monster is awakened by aliens and rampages through Korea, threatening humanity.

3. Ape (1976)

Rating: 2.7/10
Duration: 1h 26m
Synopsis: A giant gorilla escapes in Korea, causing chaos and kidnapping an American actress.

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South Korean action films offer a diverse range of thrilling experiences, from high-stakes heists and intense dramas to fantastical adventures and futuristic dystopias. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping crime thriller or a fantastical tale, these movies showcase the creativity and excitement of South Korean cinema. Enjoy your cinematic journey!