The Most Popular Korean Movie, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the movie you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 5, 2024 07:17
In a world where cinema transcends borders, Korean films have carved out a significant niche, resonating with audiences globally through their unique storytelling and emotional depth. As these movies gain popularity, it becomes intriguing to learn which titles resonate the most with viewers. Ranking these films helps provide insights and recommendations, guiding new and seasoned fans alike towards cinematic gems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Such a ranking system not only fuels engaging discussions among movie enthusiasts but also supports the industry by highlighting successful filmmakers and actors. By casting a vote, you contribute to a dynamic collective opinion, giving a voice to your favorites and helping others in the community discover the films that have captivated audiences. Join in, cast your vote, and see how your preferences stack up against the collective admiration of Korean cinema fans worldwide.
What Is the Most Popular Korean Movie?
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163votesThis film made history by winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and it became the highest-grossing South Korean film of all time. Its social commentary, dark humor, and unpredictable plot have earned it widespread critical acclaim.Parasite is a South Korean black comedy thriller film that was released in 2019. The movie tells the story of two families from different social classes, the wealthy Parks and the impoverished Kims. The Kims slowly infiltrate the lives of the Parks and become deeply entangled in their lives. The film explores themes of greed, class discrimination, and the social disparity between the rich and poor in South Korea.
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Writer: Bong Joon-ho, Han Jin-won
- Starring: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam
- Genre: Black comedy, thriller
- Language: Korean
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249votes
Train to Busan (2016)
Directed by Yeon Sang-hoThis zombie apocalypse thriller has become a cult classic for its intense action, emotional performances, and clever use of genre conventions. It broke box office records in South Korea and is widely regarded as one of the best zombie movies ever made.Train to Busan (2016) is a Korean action-horror film that follows a group of passengers aboard a train from Seoul to Busan as they fight for their survival against a zombie outbreak. The movie explores themes of humanism, family, and sacrifice while providing intense suspense and thrilling action sequences.- Genre: Action, Horror
- Running Time: 118 minutes
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
- Release Date: July 20, 2016
Train to Busan (2016) in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular zombie movie
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320votesThis revenge thriller from acclaimed director Park Chan-wook is a twisted and brutal tale of a man seeking vengeance against those who wronged him. It won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and has influenced countless filmmakers around the world.Oldboy (2003) is a South Korean neo-noir action thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. It tells the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years and then released, seeking revenge on those who imprisoned him. The film deals with themes of vengeance, obsession, and moral ambiguity, and is known for its intense violence and shocking plot twists.
- Genre: Neo-noir, action thriller
- Release Date: 21 November 2003
- Running Time: 120 minutes
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
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410votes
My Sassy Girl (2001)
Kwak Jae-yongThis romantic comedy is a beloved classic in South Korea and has been remade in multiple countries. It tells the story of a young man who falls for a quirky and unpredictable woman, leading to a series of hilarious and touching misadventures.My Sassy Girl (2001) is a romantic comedy film that tells the story of a young college student who encounters a sassy and unpredictable woman that turns his life upside down. Directed by Kwak Jae-yong and based on a series of internet blog posts, the film became a massive hit in South Korea and gained international acclaim.- Release date: July 27, 2001
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- Running time: 123 minutes
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
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512votes
The Handmaiden (2016)
Park Chan-wookAnother film from Park Chan-wook, this erotic thriller is a visually stunning and intricately plotted masterpiece. It explores themes of power, deception, and sexuality in a complex and compelling way, and it has earned widespread critical acclaim.The Handmaiden (2016) is a South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. Set in Japanese-occupied Korea during the 1930s, the story follows a young Korean woman who is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress. As the two women develop an unexpected bond, they join forces to carry out a devious plot against the heiress's uncle, with a series of twists and turns that unfold in a mesmerizing manner.- Release Date: June 1, 2016
- Running Time: 144 minutes
- Genre: Psychological thriller, Romance, Drama
- Language: Korean, Japanese
- Country: South Korea
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61votes
Memories of Murder (2003)
Bong Joon-hoThis crime drama is based on the true story of South Korea's first serial killer case. It is a haunting and suspenseful film that delves into the psychological toll of the investigation and the impact of violence on a small community.Memories of Murder is a popular Korean movie released in 2003. It is a crime-drama film based on true events and directed by Bong Joon-ho. The movie tells the story of two detectives who investigate a series of unsolved murders in a rural province of South Korea in the 1980s. Here are ten important specifications of Memories of Murder:- Release Year: 2003
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Running Time: 132 minutes
- Language: Korean
- Country of Origin: South Korea
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712votes
A Taxi Driver (2017)
Jang HoonThis historical drama tells the story of a taxi driver who becomes unwittingly involved in the Gwangju Uprising of 1980, in which hundreds of civilians were killed by the military. It is a powerful and emotional film that sheds light on a dark chapter in South Korean history.A Taxi Driver (2017) is a South Korean historical action-drama film directed by Jang Hoon. The movie is based on the true events of the Gwangju Uprising that took place in 1980 and follows the story of a taxi driver who becomes involved in the movement to expose the truth of the uprising to the outside world.- Genre: Action, Drama, History
- Release Date: 2017
- Running Time: 137 minutes
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
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83votes
The Host (2006)
Bong Joon-hoThis monster movie is a unique blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary. It follows a family who must rescue their daughter from a giant mutated creature that emerges from the Han River. It was a massive box office success and has become a cult favorite around the world.The Host (2006) is a South Korean monster movie directed by Bong Joon-ho. It follows the story of a dysfunctional family who must rescue their young daughter from a terrifying creature that emerges from the Han River in Seoul.- Genre: Monster movie
- Country of origin: South Korea
- Language: Korean
- Release date: 2006
- Runtime: 120 minutes
The Host (2006) in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Kaiju movie
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95votesThis drama is based on the true story of a group of deaf students who were sexually abused by their teachers at a school in South Korea. It is a heartbreaking and powerful film that shines a light on a tragic injustice and the power of speaking out against it.Silenced (2011) is a South Korean drama film based on a true story. It was directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk and written by Lee Han-eol. The film sheds light on the horrifying events that took place at a school for hearing-impaired children where they were subjected to physical and sexual abuse by their teachers. The story follows a new teacher who becomes determined to expose the truth and seek justice for the victims.
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
- Running Time: 125 minutes
- Release Date: September 22, 2011
- Genre: Drama
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105votes
The Wailing (2016)
Na Hong-jinThis horror film is a slow-burning and atmospheric tale of a small village plagued by a mysterious illness and supernatural occurrences. It is a masterful blend of genre tropes and cultural mythology, and it has earned critical acclaim for its unsettling and unpredictable storytelling.The Wailing is a South Korean supernatural horror film released in 2016. It follows the story of a small village plagued by mysterious deaths and illnesses after the arrival of a stranger. As the investigation unfolds, a police officer uncovers a dark and sinister presence that threatens not only the village but also his own family.- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Director: Na Hong-jin
- Writer: Na Hong-jin
- Main Cast: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee
- Release Date: June 3, 2016
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Ranking factors for popular movie
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Box office performanceThe revenue generated by the movie in domestic and international markets gives a clear indication of its popularity.
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Critical receptionThe general consensus of film critics, which is often reflected in review aggregator scores (e.g., Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic) and various awards received, should be taken into account.
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Audience ratings and reviewsWebsites such as IMDb, Letterboxd, and Naver can provide a glimpse of the general audience's perception of the film, while considering the number of votes and reviews.
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Cultural impactA popular movie often transcends its box office success and becomes a part of the popular culture through parodies, references, or memorable quotes. The cultural impact of a Korean film can be considered by its influence on South Korean cinema, as well as its popularity in other countries.
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Distribution and accessibilityThe number of countries where the movie was released or the availability of the film on streaming platforms can give an indication of its popularity.
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Duration of popularityThe longevity of the film's popularity over time, as well as its impact on popular culture, should be considered.
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Awards and accoladesThe number and prestige of the awards that the movie has won or been nominated for can be an indicator of its quality and popularity.
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Genre and subjectSome movies become popular due to their groundbreaking approach to certain genres or their fresh and unique take on certain subjects.
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Star powerThe presence of popular actors, actresses, or directors can contribute to a film's popularity, as fans may flock to the theaters due to the talent involved in the film.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Korean movie. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Film is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1769 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Film once every 24 hours. The rank of each Film is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular korean movie
Korean cinema has gained immense popularity in recent years, with several Korean movies gaining critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. The industry has produced a range of movies spanning various genres, from romantic comedies to action-packed thrillers. The Korean film industry has been known for its unique storytelling style, which often weaves together elements of drama, comedy, and suspense.
Some of the most popular Korean movies to date include the 2019 film "Parasite," which made history by becoming the first foreign-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, and the 2016 zombie apocalypse thriller "Train to Busan." Other notable Korean films include the romantic comedy "My Sassy Girl" and the historical drama "The Admiral: Roaring Currents."
With such a diverse and dynamic film industry, it's no wonder that people around the world are curious about the most popular Korean movies. At StrawPoll, we've hosted thousands of polls and rankings on various topics, including Korean cinema. Join the conversation and discover which Korean movie is the most popular among our community!
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