6 Korean Horror Movies On Netflix 2023 | Scariest Films To Binge Tonight
Prepare to get spooked with these Korean horror movies on Netflix that will keep you glued to your seat.
You have just finished binge-watching ‘Squid game’- one of the greatest Korean television series on Netflix, and now looking for some other mind-blowing thriller and horror films to get hooked into.
Lucky for you, Korean pop culture is known for its classic horror and psychological thrillers.
Although South Korean horror films are often overlooked, they shouldn’t be because they have the capacity to bring you some haunting nightmares. Remember Train To Busan and how it redefined the horror genre?
Related: List of Korean Horror Movies
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In the past, they have made an immense contribution to Asian cinema with its unusual method of scares and its ability to push dark human nature beyond a limit.
It is a lot similar to Japanese horror films who also focus on twisted and psychological concepts.
Family is a very vital part of their culture and hence the theme can be depicted in many horror films.
It is much different from American horror films with its captivating storylines, disturbing characters, plot twists, bewildering concepts, which are far more terrifying and spine-chilling.
So sit back and relax and get ready to discover some of the top Korean horror films picks to binge-watch over the weekend:
| Korean Horror Movies On Netflix | IMDB Score | Rotten Tomatoes Scores (Tomatometer) |
| Alive | 6.3/10 | 88% |
| The Call | 7.1/10 | 100% |
| The 8th Night | 5.3/10 | 63% |
| Svaha: The Sixth Finger | 6.3/10 | 72% |
| Kingdom Ashin of the North | 7.0/10 | Unrated |
| The Closet | 5.7/10 | 86% |
Korean Horror Movies On Netflix
#Alive
- Release Date – 2020
- Directed By – Cho Il-hyung
- Starring – Yoo Ah In, Jeon Bae Soo, Park Shin Hye
Who Will Enjoy It: Action Thriller Fans
It was released on September 8th,2020 on Netflix. It was directed by Cho Il-Hyung and starred Yoo Ah In, Jeon Bae Soo, Park Shin Hye, Oh Hye Won and Lee Hyun Wook.
It became one of the top Korean films to reach the number one position on one of the world’s largest websites for movies and streaming services.
Did you know that it reached the number one position in more than thirty-five countries and is famous for its unusual take on the zombie apocalypse?
The movie was dubbed in around thirty-one languages. The film revolves around Joon-woo(Yoo Ah-in) who is home alone until he discovers that the zombie apocalypse has started due to an unexplainable airborne disease.
The hero is faced all alone with little food, exhausted water resources, no internet while he debates over the fact of leaving his home or not in fear of getting the virus as it is deadly and can spread through stab wounds, blood or bite.
So, people are confined to their homes unaware of what is yet to come.
The film got a lot of popularity as well because it was exactly what people were facing when the coronavirus pandemic broke out and led to panic, uncertainty, loneliness and panic and isolation among so many people.
Related: List of Korean Zombie Movies
The Call
- Release Date – 2020
- Directed By – Lee Chung Нyun
- Starring – Park Shin Hye and Jeon Jong Seo
Who Will Enjoy It: Fans of the fantasy genre
This horror, thriller and fantasy film was released on November 20th,2020; directed by Lee Chung Нyun and starred Park Shin Hye and Jeon Jong Seo.
This film is guaranteed to keep you on your toes from the beginning till the end of the film. It is the perfect blend of three genres-horror, sci-fi and thriller.
The story revolves around two women who are connected through a telephone and a house they share twenty years apart.
In the present day, Seo Yeon moves back into her childhood home and receives a usual phone call from a girl named Young Sook.
To her horror, she discovers a hidden room and finds out that Young Sook both live in the same house but in different timelines and communicate with each other on a telephone.
When the women of the past begin a killing spree, it is up to the women in the present to make it stop before it’s too late.
It is one of those movies with a lot of twists and turns where you do not know to trust and the need might not actually be the ending.
I liked this movie for its chilling plot with a lot of drama,time-travelling, tension with brilliant acting performances by the actresses.
The 8th Night
- Release Date – 2021
- Directed By – Kim Tae-hyung
- Starring – Sung-min Lee, Kim Yoo-Jeong, Park Hae-Joon
Who Will Enjoy It: People who love plot twists
This South Korean horror film was released on Netflix on July 2nd 2021.
It was written and directed by Kim Tae-hyung and starred Sung-min Lee, Kim Yoo-Jeong, Park Hae-Joon, Dong-Yeong Kim, and Nam Da-Reum.
The story revolves around a monk who is on a mission to track down a millennial old spirit that is going to bring destruction to the world and possess humans.
I love how the film is full of captivating plot twists and exceptional acting. If you are someone who is interested in suspenseful horror, then this is worth checking out.
The film also makes some wonderful references to Hindu mythology and many intricate details that will be much appreciated by the audience.
There are a lot of unexpected twists and a well-developed storyline. And no I won’t give you spoilers here!
Each character is very unique with Sung-min Lee’s character having the ability to see what others cannot like the third eye.
It is not just another typical scary horror film and a very different concept from western films. You will love how atmospheric the cinematography is! I found it very intriguing and worth the watch just for this alone.
Svaha: The Sixth Finger
- Release Date – 2019
- Directed By – Jang Jae-hyun
- Starring – Lee Jung-jae, Lee Jae‑in, Park Jung Min
Who Will Enjoy It: People who like slow burn plot-driven movies
This thriller mystery was written and directed by Jang Jae-hyun and starred Squid game star Lee Jung-jae who delivers a promising performance as Pastor Park who exposes religious and cult leaders as a part of a religious investigation.
He begins to discover a series of bizarre cases of missing teenage girls related to a cult called Deer mount.
There is a perfect fusion of Christian and Buddist ideologies found in the film. So if you’re into philosophical stuff like that, you will really enjoy this movie. It’s not just blood and gore, it’s very cerebral.
But at the same time it is definitely both a crime thriller and horror flick that pushes audiences at the edge of their seats.
This horror movie with tons of twists and detective plots sets it apart from other films of the same genre.
Religion and faith are brought to focus in this intriguing horror film. This movie has a very thought-provoking story that will make you wonder what is coming next.
This is definitely a Korean horror film to act with your family and friends.
Kingdom: Ashin of the North
- Release Date – 2021
- Directed By – Kim Sung-Hoon
- Starring – Park Byung-Eun, Jun Ji-Hyun, Kim Si-ah
Who Will Enjoy It: Fans of shows like Game of Thrones/Gamers
The outstanding South Korean series Kingdom on Netflix brought a lot of suspense to viewers and hence a special spin-off episode or movie was released on July 23rd, 2021.
It was directed by Kim Sung-Hoon and starred Jun Ji-hyun who plays the legendary Ashin. The film revolves around her role and the events that are taking place in her Kingdom.
If you are someone who has never watched this wonderful franchise before, do not worry as you can still enjoy the film with its compelling storyline and amazing cinematography.
Her character was introduced in Kingdom season 2 where her entire village is killed and she becomes the sole survivor and thus begins her plot for revenge.
The brilliant story takes you on the difficult trials faced by Ashin at a young age and overall depicts a very spooky, dark and moody vibe.
The performances played by both actresses of Ashin are truly worthy of praise. Ashin uses zombies as part of vengeance and the CGI effects were so scary and real-life, unlike most horror films.
There are no jumpscares but it does keep you on the edge of your seat not knowing what to expect.
The Closet
- Release Date – 2020
- Directed By – Kwang-bin Kim
- Starring – Jung-woo Ha, Nam-gil Kim
Who Will Enjoy It: Fans of classic horror movies with jumpscares
This 2020 horror film follows the story of a father hoping to find his missing daughter who suddenly vanished into a closet.
It was written and directed by Kwang-bin Kim and starred Jung-woo Ha, Nam-gil Kim and Yool Heo.
If you loved watching the Japanese classics like The Ring and The Grudge, then this film is definitely for you!
It is worth the watch and has some incredible story build-up leading to dangerous and greater threats.
There are some scary scenes and scare imagery that makes it stand out from other horror films and keeps you thoroughly spooked and entertained till the end.
The Movie taps into real-life fears like trauma, missing child, heartbreak, abuse, loss of a loved one and more.
This South Korean horror delivers excellence in both mysteries and as a thriller. What stands out in the film is the moving performance of the young girl played by actress Yul Heo who is simply talented and scary at the same time.
You will enjoy the realistic and dark elements of the storyline and revolve around the theme of social realism. Overall, it is worth the watch that will make all you horror fans very happy.
Final Takeaway About Korean Horror Movies On Netflix:
So, there you go! If you are looking for an alternative from the usual Hollywood horror thrillers and drama films,try to select some bone-chilling horror films from Korea to keep you up all night.
With everything from monsters to killers to ghosts, exquisite cinematography and spooky scares,it is safe to say that Korea occupies a very unique place in horror cinema.
South Korea has come a long way in film production and has taken the world by storm.
Watching Korean films will definitely get you hooked on them and fall in love with stories. If you are someone who loves anything that makes your heart pound, then give it a go.
So, grab some popcorn and start a horror night marathon session with the above picks, get ready to experience some blood and darkness bound to give you a good fright.
Scaring yourself and your loved ones can be such a thrill, am I right?
Also Read:
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List of Korean thriller movies
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