Best Korean Movies of 2024: Every year, Korean cinema has set the bar high — 2024 was no exception. Indeed, this year brought an abundance of truly outstanding films, which thrilled audiences and critics alike, documenting how versatile and creative Korean film-makers can be Here are six must watch Korean movies of 2024, from adrenaline-pumping action and heartfelt dramas to gripping horror.
Best Korean Movies of 2024
Exhuma
Proving to be as spine chilling as they are historically deep Exhuma is written and directed by Jang Jae-hyun. Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin, and Lee Do-hyun make this supernatural thriller count, leading out above a movie that begins with superb promise but sinks as it continues. It weaves an eerie geopolitical back story with a storyline that keeps you on them edge. Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun stand out; both feel intense and emotional in their tasks.
Despite a surprising turn into a superpower conclusion in the third act, the meticulous buildup and atmosphere cinematography makes for a hell of an experience. Because Exhuma is layered storytelling that’s not only terrifying, but equally as thought-provoking, it works.
The Roundup: Punishment
The fourth edition of the Roundup series helmed by director Heo Myung-haeng stars Ma Dong-seok, Kim Mu-yeol and Park Ji-hwan, and Lee Dong-hwi. Unlike its predecessor No Way Out, The Roundup: Punishment, which is largely a narrative, centered on a high stakes digital gambling case. The screenplay is also better and makes a seamless flow that made the audience to get hooked.
But it’s Park Ji-hwan’s dynamic performance that stands out, even as Ma Dong-seok’s commanding presence remains a highlight. Also worth mentioning here is Kim Mu-yeol, who plays a cool, menacing villain, and Hyun Bong-sik, equally so. The film’s intense action sequences and engrossing story save it from a semi-rushed ending and reaffirm it’s the backbone of Korean action cinema.
I, Executioner (Veteran 2)
Ryoo Seung-wan, director of 2015 hit Veteran, is back with I, the Executioner, the sequel to his 2015 hit. This action packed crime thriller stars Hwang Jung-min and Jung Hae-in, in that tale of cat and mouse. Sharp dialogue and clever twists make for a onesheet electrifying narrative, which spins into psychological warfare.
The story is intense and the action sequences are gritty real; the moments of dark humor are as welcome as any others. The stellar performances of the cast and the superb direction — by Ryoo — mean that every scene does exactly what it is supposed to: serve to add to the suspense. It is more than just a sequel; it is a lesson in writing an entertaining crime thriller as explained in a masterclass.
Pilot
From Jo Jung-suk, Lee Ju-myoung, Han Sun-hwa and Shin Seung-ho, Kim Han-gyul’s absurd yet charming ‘Pilot’ is directed. The comedy takes place as a former hired for hire once famous pilot has nothing to say takes it literally and ends up doing some hilarious turns.
The comic timing is perfect due to Jo Jung-suk and the cast is so strong. The film isn’t very consistent about narrative logic (*doesn’t care about it), but it is a thoroughly entertaining, funny and heartfelt ride. It is a vindication of the idea that the most peculiar premises can all amount to solid cinematic gold.
Firefighters
Written by Kwak Kyung-taek, his Firefighters is a bittersweet melodrama based on the true burning of Hongje-dong. It stars Joo Won, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Yoo-young and Kim Min-jae, honoring first responders’ bravery and paying tribute to the struggles they endure to do their jobs well.
Deeply emotional performances by Joo Won and Yoo Jae-myung only give way to even deeper emotional performances and top notch action scenes. With Firefighters Kwak’s direction manages to bring firefighters’ humanity and heroism out of them — it’s a moving tribute to their resilience. Not only that it’s a film that entertains but it also makes you learn and get a push to start an awesome business.
Escape
Lee Je-hoon, Koo Kyo-hwan, Hong Xa-bin star in deadly high-stakes action thriller ‘ESC’ directed by Lee Jong-pil. Il Gyu nam, a North Korean soldier all but ready to risk his life to escape to South, and he is relentlessly pursued by State Security officer Hyeon-sang.
Gyu-nam, helmed so gorgeously by Lee Je-hoon, embodies the desperation and hope of a man released from prison with nothing but his clothes on his back. Koo Kyo-hwan does similarly in his intense antagonistic role. However, Escape stands tall amidst the political thriller genre due to its visceral action sequences, relentless pacing and emotionally charged narrative. And it’s a fascinating tale of survival and determination.
For Korean cinema, 2024 has been a remarkable breakthrough year as we can see the brands being able to thrive in pushing the boundary and capture the taste of their audiences, regardless of their nationality. Whether it’s the chilling atmosphere of Exhuma, the action-packed thrills of The Roundup These six films are surreal, punishing, or emotionally deep — or all three — and they are representative of the vast, beautiful potential of Korean history and history of form. If you haven’t watched these cinematic gems yet, they’re worth a look in on your watchlist to give you a great movie experience.
