South Korean cinema has taken the world by storm in recent years, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling, stunning visuals, and exceptional performances. As we look back at the most popular Korean films up to 2025, it’s clear that the industry has produced some true masterpieces that have resonated with viewers both in Korea and internationally. Let’s dive into the 10 most-watched South Korean movies of all time, exploring what makes each of them so special.
1. The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
At the top of our list is the historical war epic “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” This film tells the incredible true story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597. With over 17.6 million viewers, it remains the most-watched movie in South Korean cinema history.
The movie showcases the brilliant naval tactics of Admiral Yi, who led just 12 ships against a massive Japanese fleet of over 330 vessels. The intense sea battles and the inspiring leadership of the admiral make for a thrilling experience. Choi Min-sik’s powerful performance as Admiral Yi brings this historical figure to life, showing his determination and strategic genius.
What makes “The Admiral” so popular is its blend of action, drama, and national pride. It reminds viewers of a pivotal moment in Korean history and celebrates the courage of those who fought against overwhelming odds.
2. Extreme Job (2019)
Coming in second is the action-comedy “Extreme Job,” which surprised everyone by becoming a massive hit with nearly 16.3 million viewers. This movie follows a team of narcotics detectives who go undercover by taking over a fried chicken restaurant to catch drug dealers.
The film’s success lies in its perfect mix of humor and action. As the detectives unexpectedly become famous for their delicious chicken, they must balance their newfound restaurant success with their actual police work. The hilarious situations and witty dialogue keep audiences laughing throughout.
“Extreme Job” resonated with viewers because of its relatable characters and the amusing twist on the typical police story. It shows that even serious professions can have their funny moments, and sometimes the best plans lead to unexpected results.
3. Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
The fantasy drama “Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds” takes the third spot with over 14.4 million viewers. This visually stunning film explores the Korean concept of the afterlife, following a firefighter’s journey through seven trials in the underworld.
What sets this movie apart is its unique blend of action, drama, and spiritual themes. As the main character faces each trial, we learn about his life and the lives of those around him. The film tackles deep questions about morality, sacrifice, and redemption in a way that’s both thought-provoking and entertaining.
The movie’s success sparked a sequel and showed that Korean cinema could create big-budget fantasy epics that rival Hollywood productions. Its exploration of life, death, and the choices we make resonated deeply with audiences.
4. Ode to My Father (2014)
“Ode to My Father” touched the hearts of over 14.2 million viewers, earning it the fourth spot on our list. This emotional drama spans several decades of Korean history, following one man’s life from the Korean War through the country’s rapid development.
The film’s power comes from its personal approach to historical events. Through the main character’s experiences, viewers see how major events shaped the lives of ordinary Koreans. From the Hungnam Evacuation to working in German mines and the Vietnam War, the movie paints a vivid picture of the sacrifices made by previous generations.
“Ode to My Father” struck a chord with audiences by combining nostalgia, family drama, and national history. It reminded many of their parents’ and grandparents’ stories, creating a shared experience across generations.
5. Veteran (2015)
The action-comedy “Veteran” takes the fifth spot with over 13.4 million viewers. This movie follows a tough detective as he takes on a wealthy, corrupt business heir who thinks he’s above the law.
What makes “Veteran” stand out is its satisfying blend of action, humor, and social commentary. The film taps into the public’s frustration with economic inequality and abuses of power by the rich. Watching the determined detective go up against a seemingly untouchable opponent is both thrilling and cathartic.
The movie’s success comes from its ability to tackle serious issues while still being incredibly entertaining. It offers audiences the pleasure of seeing justice served, even if it’s just in the world of cinema.
6. 12.12: The Day (2023)
“12.12: The Day” surprised many by climbing to the sixth spot with over 13.1 million viewers. This historical drama focuses on the military coup of December 12, 1979, a pivotal moment in modern Korean history.
The film’s success lies in its tense, thriller-like approach to historical events. By focusing on the 24 hours surrounding the coup, it creates a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie also benefits from strong performances that bring historical figures to life.
“12.12: The Day” appealed to audiences interested in understanding their country’s past. It sparked discussions about democracy, power, and the role of the military in politics, showing that historical films can be both educational and exciting.
7. The Host (2006)
At number seven is the monster movie “The Host,” which attracted over 13 million viewers. This film, directed by the internationally acclaimed Bong Joon-ho, tells the story of a family trying to rescue their daughter from a giant monster that emerges from Seoul’s Han River.
What sets “The Host” apart is its unique blend of genres. It’s part monster movie, part family drama, and part social satire. The film critiques government incompetence and environmental pollution while delivering thrilling monster scenes and touching family moments.
The success of “The Host” showed that Korean cinema could create world-class monster movies with deeper themes. It paved the way for more ambitious projects in Korean filmmaking and helped introduce international audiences to Korean cinema.
8. The Thieves (2012)
“The Thieves,” a star-studded heist film, takes the eighth spot with nearly 13 million viewers. This movie follows a group of professional thieves from Korea and China as they attempt to steal a valuable diamond from a casino in Macau.
The film’s appeal comes from its clever plot, exciting action sequences, and the chemistry between its ensemble cast. It offers the thrill of a complex heist while also exploring the relationships and conflicts within the team of thieves.
“The Thieves” succeeded by bringing Hollywood-style glamour and excitement to Korean cinema. It showed that Korean films could compete with international blockbusters in terms of scale and spectacle.
9. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
The heartwarming drama “Miracle in Cell No. 7” touched over 12.8 million viewers, earning it the ninth spot on our list. This movie tells the story of a mentally challenged father who is wrongfully imprisoned for murder and forms unlikely friendships with his cellmates.
The film’s power comes from its emotional storytelling and the bond between the father and his young daughter. It balances moments of humor with deep sadness, creating a rollercoaster of emotions for the audience. The movie also raises questions about the justice system and societal prejudices.
“Miracle in Cell No. 7” resonated with viewers because of its focus on love, innocence, and the power of human connections. It showed that even in the darkest places, kindness and hope can flourish.
10. Assassination (2015)
Rounding out our top 10 is the period action film “Assassination,” which drew over 12.7 million viewers. Set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea, the movie follows a team of Korean resistance fighters planning to assassinate a pro-Japanese businessman and a Japanese army commander.
What makes “Assassination” stand out is its blend of historical drama and thrilling action. The film recreates 1930s Seoul and Shanghai in stunning detail, immersing viewers in the period. It also features complex characters and plot twists that keep the audience guessing until the end.
The movie’s success comes from its ability to combine entertainment with a patriotic message. It celebrates the bravery of those who fought against colonial rule while delivering edge-of-your-seat action and suspense.
Bottom Line
These 10 films represent the best of South Korean cinema, showcasing the industry’s ability to create diverse, high-quality movies that resonate with millions of viewers. From historical epics and fantasy adventures to comedies and heartwarming dramas, Korean filmmakers have proven their skill in various genres.
What sets these movies apart is their ability to combine universal themes with uniquely Korean perspectives. They tackle issues like family, justice, history, and social change in ways that feel authentic to Korean culture but still accessible to international audiences.
The success of these films has not only entertained millions but also helped put Korean cinema on the global map. They’ve opened doors for Korean actors and filmmakers internationally and inspired a new generation of creators.