Top 5 Memorable Korean Films From 2023 To Have On Your Watchlist

2023 has been a great year for Korean films so far and here are 5 amazing ones that you do not want to miss!

Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor
4 min to read · Published : Aug 11, 2023 · Updated : Nov 1, 2023

Top 5 Memorable Korean Films From 2023 To Have On Your Watchlist

"The Moon" Movie / "The Point Men" Movie / "Killing Romance" Movie

2023 is proving to be an amazing year for Korean entertainment, whether that be in terms of K-Pop, K-Dramas, or Korean films. The latter of the three is flourishing with constant box office hits, international success, and growing global popularity, thanks to platforms like Netflix. If you've been looking for a quick dose of solid entertainment but can't commit to a K-Drama, we've got you covered. Check out five memorable Korean films from 2023 that you absolutely need to add to your watchlist!

1. "Rebound"

"Rebound" Movie

Coming of age, sports, and the coolest underdog story based on real events, "Rebound" will have adrenaline pumping through your veins and possibly some tears running down your cheeks. Starring Ahn JaeHong in the leading role, alongside a whole host of rising stars like Jung GunJoo, Kim Taek, 2AM's Jeong JinWoon, and Lee SinYoung, "Rebound" tells the story of how Coach Kang YangHyun (played by Ahn JaeHong) leads the Busan JoongAng High School basketball team to the KBA National Tournament against all odds, proving the true meaning of the word "rebound". The team struggles with losing players due to injury, fouls, and more, but they march on in the direst of situations, never losing their spirit. You don't need to be a basketball fan to watch this movie, but we assure you that you will become one after this.

2. "Killing Romance"

"Killing Romance" Movie

Tired of boring old romance? Try "Killing Romance", an absurdly hilarious romantic comedy starring Lee HaNee, Lee SunKyun, and Gong Myoung, that combines the flair of musicals, the thrill of a chase, and the heart-fluttering loveliness of new love. The premise revolves around Hwang YeoRae (played by Lee HaNee), a young actress with explosive popularity but average skills who finds herself in an abusive relationship with the megalomaniac Johnathan Na (Lee SunKyun). However, when he secludes her from the world, holding her back from resuming her career, she forms an alliance with neighbor/long-time fan Kim BeomWoo (Gong Myoung) to escape. The only way she can do that successfully is by killing her husband. Chaos ensues as their efforts are thwarted every time, leading to the most ridiculous situations. If you need something to make you laugh your head off, "Killing Romance" will be just the right fit for you!

3. "The Point Men"

"The Point Men" Movie

Chungmuro superstars Hwang JungMin and Hyun Bin star in this suspense thriller based on true events that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. "The Point Men", also known as "Bargaining", tells the story of how diplomat Jung JaeHo (Hwang JungMin) and NIS agent Park DaeSik (Hyun Bin) conduct a rescue mission to save a group of Koreans being held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan. After initially butting heads due to differences in approach, the two ultimately work together to strike the best deal that will save the hostages as well as their own lives. The film is rife with twists and turns, all of which are even more impactful when you consider that it is based on the real 2007 South Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan. Hwang JungMin and Hyun Bin deliver stellar performances, as always, effectively making "The Point Men" one of the best films to come out this year. Whether it is action you're seeking or a gripping storyline, "The Point Men" will be right up your alley.

4. "The Childe"

"The Childe" Movie

Marking Kim SeonHo's highly-awaited comeback to the entertainment industry as well as his silver screen debut, "The Childe" is one of those films that get better with every watch. Also starring Kang TaeJu, Go Ara, and Kim KangWoo, "The Childe" tells the story of Marco (played by Kang TaeJu), a half-Korean and half-Filipino young man living in the Philippines, who is urgently brought back to South Korea by his chaebol father. Unbeknownst to him, a sinister plan is afoot and his life is on the line. Also on Marco's trail is Nobleman (Kim SeonHo), a mysterious figure who is neither friend nor foe and only refers to Marco as his "Target". He is determined to get his hands on him at all costs, even if it means gunning down his opponents mercilessly. What follows is an intense hunt that could potentially bring down an evil empire and nail-biting tension that concludes in the most satisfying ending.

5. "The Moon"

"The Moon" Movie

This recently released science fiction film is already one of the highest-grossing movies released in South Korea in 2023. Starring Sol KyungGu, Kim HeeAe, EXO's D.O., and more, "The Moon" is an incredibly well-made survival film revolving around Hwang SunWoo (D.O.), who is left stranded in space after his spaceship malfunctions. Back on Earth, Kim JaeGuk (Sol KyungGu), the former head of the Naro Space Center, gives it his all to bring him home. In addition to veteran actors Sol KyungGu and Kim HeeAe, who are a delight to watch on screen, D.O. also delivers one of the finest performances of his career with this film, putting his extraordinary talent on full display. Moreover, the cinematography is top-notch, drawing us into the world of "The Moon" with flawless immersion. This is most definitely going to be one for the history books of Korean cinema.

Which other Korean films would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section down below!