3 Best Korean Horror Thrillers of All Time to Watch on Netflix

Published 11/10/2024, 12:05 AM EST

Many are split over Netflix’s ever-expansive content catalog that often sees the streaming giant axing shows midway or cutting short the journey they thought would last a little longer. But these drastic steps owned by the streamer work to favor them in the long run and even the divisive subscribers will attest to that. However, Netflix’s shelves are just as driven by the calculations of what may or may not bring success as it is to cater to a global demography. Thus, besides its tell-all catalog for English-speaking subscribers, the streamer has significant options for non-English fans, from Dutch and Portuguese to Korean and Japanese content.

This one, however, is a horror guide to all Korean thrillers available on Netflix before the spooky hangover calls it quits.

The Wailing (2016)

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The Wailing is a 2016 South Korean horror film written, and directed by Na Hong-jin. It stars Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, and Chun Woo-hee. The Wailing follows a police officer who shoulders an investigation of a series of mysterious murders and diseases in a remote Korean village in pursuit of saving his daughter.

A critical and commercial success, The Wailing has a 99% approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes with an average rating of 8/10, becoming one of the most celebrated Korean horror visuals of all time.

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For those who fancy the world of apocalypse more than the present, here is another Korean creeper that could send chills down your spine. 

Alive (2020)

Alive is a 2020 South Korean post-apocalyptic action horror film directed by Cho II-hyung, starring Yoo Ah-in and Park Shin-hye. Based on Matt Naylor’s 2019 script, Alone, the film centers on a video game live streamer’s story of survival when he is forced to stay alone in his Seoul apartment during a zombie apocalypse. The film hit Netflix globally on September 8, 2020, following its July release in Korean theaters.

Alive is said to have taken over 62% of the box office, marking the highest-first-day viewership of any film in South Korea post-pandemic. While the plot is enticing in itself, the thriller also topped the Netflix daily chart across 35 nations, becoming the only Korean movie to top Netflix Movies Worldwide chart. Hence, it is safe to say the streamer struck a pot of gold with Alive!

The Call (2020)

Another South Korean thriller, The Call, released in 2020, has become a hot topic in the horror town with flying, eerie colors. The science-fiction psychological thriller is directed by Lee Chung-hyun, starring Alive’s Park Shin-hye, and Jeon Jong-seo. The Call draws its storyline from the 2011 British and Puerto Rican film The Caller and follows Seo-yeon and Young-sook, two women from very different times who communicate via phone call only for their fates to get interchanged.

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This film holds quite the horror reputation with a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, serving the perfect lean-back for anyone suffering from Halloween withdrawals. As for the fans who prefer the world beyond spook, here is a guide to all the Korean holiday treats for the festive season.

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Have you watched these three Korean horror flicks on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!

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Anushka Bhattacharya

1497 articles

I'm Anushka Bhattacharya, an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. Armed with a degree in literature, I once wielded my words to catalyze change within society through my work with NGOs. However, as I stumbled into the exuberant hole of crime thrillers and documentaries on Netflix, it was love at first sight and pushed me into entertainment journalism.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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