Top 20 Korean movies released in 2025 worth watching
The year 2025 was truly a booming year for the Korean drama market, both in quantity and quality. The list below Joy has compiled 20 Korean movies released in 2025 that are most worth watching, selected based on the script, cast, feedback from experts, the viewer community and actual viewing experience. Covering many genres from historical, daily romance to detective - thriller, suitable for many different tastes.
The article will follow the direction Brief assessment, reference scoring, making it easy for you to decide which series to watch first, and which series to "save". At the end of the article there will be a brief suggestion for you to quickly choose a movie according to your favorite taste!
1. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (The King of Tyrants)
Category: Historical, Rom-com, Time Travel
Main actors: YoonA, Lee Chae Min
Summary: Imagine a modern chef who travels back in time to the Joseon period and has to cook for a king known as a "gourmet tyrant". That is Yeon Ji Young's story. She must use her creative cooking skills to conquer the stomach (and heart) of King Yi Heon, while also surviving a secret palace rife with intrigue.
Quick review: If you like Mr. Queen, this is definitely the next "delicious dish". The movie has a fun "vibe", delicious food, and just the right amount of comedy, not too much. What I like is that the royal conflicts are "seasoned" just right so as not to dampen the mood.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) - Laugh out loud, delicious food.
2. The Haunted Palace (Haunted Palace)
Category: Historical, Fantasy, Humorous
Main actors: Yook Sung Jae, Kim Ji Yeon
Summary: A magician who always wants to deny fate and an ancient snake spirit imprisoned in the body of her ex-lover. When the two encounter an evil spirit, their souls and bodies begin to exchange and intertwine.
Quick review: The motif of spirit entering/exchanging is not new, but placed in the context of ancient exorcisms, it creates a compelling rhythm. I watched because of curiosity, stayed because of the mysterious atmosphere + good chemistry. There are a few "light scare" parts, not serious horror.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - Fantasy and captivating.
3. Dear Hongrang
Category: Historical, Mystery, Tragic Romance
Main actors: Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah
Summary: Hong Rang went missing at the age of 8 and returned 12 years later with empty memories. Jae Yi's older sister was suspicious but also wanted to find her. This return entails a series of dark family secrets.
Quick review: Different from the bright colors of the above two series, the movie has a "beautiful - sad - mysterious" style, the later it gets better Strong family identity and psychology. The dark and mysterious plot will keep you guessing until the final episode.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - Deep content, strong acting.
4. Taxi Driver 3 (Anonymous 3)
Category: Action, Investigation, Revenge
Main actors: Lee Je Hoon, Pyo Ye Jin
Summary: The Rainbow Taxi Squad is back! Part 3 expands the scale, the cases are heavier, this time "driver" Kim Do Gi will confront international criminal organizations in more complex cases, his professional ethics will be challenged more.
Quick review: There's not much need to say about the hotness of this series. If you need to relieve stress with eye-catching action scenes and justice being served, this is the number 1 choice.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - Super action movie not to be missed.
5. Nine Puzzles
Category: Detective, Criminal Psychology
Performer: Kim Da Mi, Son Suk Ku
Summary: Yoon E Na, the only witness to a murder 10 years ago, is now a psychological analyst. She must cooperate with the police who once suspected her of being the murderer to decode the mysterious pieces in a new series of murders.
Quick review: The combination of "crazy girl" Kim Da Mi and "uncle" Son Suk Ku is more than enough reason to watch. After watching one episode, you will definitely have to watch it again because the puzzle pieces are put together very well. The script promises to be extremely mind-bending.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) - Brain hacking and drama.
6. The Manipulated
Category: Revenge, Action, Thriller
Performer: Ji Chang Wook, Do Kyung Soo (D.O.)
Summary: An ordinary delivery guy was unjustly convicted because of a sophisticated plot by a strange director. He is determined to escape prison to reclaim justice with his own fists.
Quick review: The film pulls the viewer by the shirt with a fast rhythm, strongly emphasizing the feeling of being manipulated/pushed into a corner. The cast is good, especially the confrontation line is strong enough.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) - Top acting, eye-catching action.
7. Dear X
Category: Psycho, Thriller
Performer: Kim Yoo Jung
Summary: Baek Ah Jin is a girl with antisocial personality disorder. She uses men as tools to take revenge on those who hurt her, but then she also has to face the price to pay.
Quick review: The film carries character poisonous and dark Literally: the main character is the type of anti-hero that makes you both curious and... a little scared 😅. I like it because the movie dares to get to the bottom of the bad side of humanity, but also quite psychologically heavy.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - Unique and haunting.
8. When Life Gives You Tangerines (When Life Gives You Tangerines)
Category: Romance, Slice of life
Performer: IU, Park Bo Gum
Summary: The life story of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik on Jeju Island through historical and personal ups and downs. A nostalgic, gentle and poetic picture.
Quick review: There is not much debate about the popularity of this movie in 2025. The film was successful not only on screen but also became a catalyst to promote more vibrant tourism activities on Jeju Island. If you need a movie to heal your soul, to cry and laugh with the characters, choose this movie.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - Absolute healing.
9. Tempest
Category: Politics, Action, Romance
Performer: Jun Ji Hyun, Gang Dong Won
Summary: Cheeky aunt Jun Ji Hyun plays a talented diplomat who cooperates with mysterious agent Gang Dong Won to investigate an attack that threatens peace on the peninsula.
Quick review: The most "huge" visual couple on screen returns. The content seems a bit dry (political) but with this cast it will definitely be a blockbuster.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) - Monumental scale.
10. Genie, Make A Wish
Category: Rom-com, Fantasy
Performer: Kim Woo Bin, Bae Suzy
Summary: The genie Iblis (Kim Woo Bin) escapes the seal and meets the "injustice" of his past life, Ka Young (Suzy), an emotionless girl. Where will their 3 wishes lead them?
Quick review: Reunited later Uncontrollably Fond But this time it's a romantic comedy, so fans can rest assured that they won't waste a lot of tissues!
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - The golden couple returns.
11. Would You Marry Me
Category: Rom-com, Marriage contract
Performer: Choi Woo Sik, Jung So Min
Summary: To receive the prize of a townhouse, the unlucky girl Me Ri invited her colleague Woo Joo into a fake marriage for 90 days.
Quick review: The wedding first, love later motif is classic but never out of date. Choi Woo Sik and Jung So Min are both genius comedians, guaranteed to bring tears to laughter.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - Light entertainment.
12. Dynamite Kiss
Category: Rom-com
Performer: Jang Ki Yong, Ahn Eun Jin
Summary: An accidental "dynamite" kiss between an employee and her boss leads to a series of funny and sad situations and an interesting roundabout love story.
Quick review: Just hearing the name of the movie makes me feel like I'm on fire. For those who like office romance movies with shocking and humorous details. However, the details are sometimes a bit dramatized for fun.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) - Cute, sweet.
13. Weak Hero Class 2
Category: School, Action
Performer: Park Ji Hoon, Ryeoun
Summary: Yeon Si Eun transfers to new school Eunjang. Even though he wants peace, he has to face a more brutal bully alliance, involving gangsters.
Quick review: Part 1 was so excellent that part 2 is extremely anticipated. Prepare yourself for more mind-blowing battles and fights than ever before. What I like is the confrontations Not only fight with hands but also fight with brain.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - Top school action.
14. Bitch x Rich 2
Category: School, Drama, Makjang
Performer: Kim Ye Rim (Yeri), Lee Eun Saem
Summary: The war at Cheongdam school has not ended. The order is reversed, "Queen bee" Baek Jenna's position is shaken and the poor girl Hye In begins to take revenge.
Quick review: Full of drama, rivalry and plot twists. Very interesting for those who like to watch dramas.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) - Drama abounds.
15. Head Over Heels
Category: School, Spirituality
Performer: Cho Yi Hyun, Choo Young Woo
Summary: Seong Ah, a student by day, a magician by night. She falls in love and is determined to protect her classmate who has an unfortunate fate.
Quick review: A bit of gentle horror mixed with chicken romance. Cute and novel.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) - New and lovely.
16. Beyond The Bar
Category: Law, Office
Performer: Lee Jin Wook, Jung Chae Yeon
Summary: The confrontation and cooperation between a cold veteran lawyer and an enthusiastic trainee lawyer.
Quick review: If you like heated court arguments and professional growth, this is the movie for you.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - Highly professional, dramatic.
17. Resident Playbook (Resident Doctor's Life Story)
Category: Medicine, Daily life
Performer: Go Youn Jung, Kang You Seok
Summary: Spin-off of Hospital Playlist, revolves around the lives and work of resident doctors in the Obstetrics Department at Yulje Hospital.
Quick review: Inheriting the humane spirit of the original, the film promises to bring many tears and smiles from the audience.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - Warm and humane.
18. The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call
Category: Medical, Drama
Performer: Ju Ji Hoon, Choo Young Woo
Summary: Baek Kang Hyuk, a genius trauma surgeon with an eccentric personality, comes to revive a crumbling emergency room team.
Quick review: Although it is medical, it is not dry; charming character line. Different from the lightness of Resident Playbook, this movie will be tense and intense with emergency cases fighting for life every second.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - Thrilled every minute.
19. Typhoon Family
Category: Family, Adulthood, Business
Performer: Lee Jun Ho
Summary: Set in the context of the 1997 IMF crisis, "warm boy" Kang Tae Pung must shoulder the family business after his father's death, learning how to grow up amid the storms of the times.
Quick review: Lee Jun Ho always knows how to choose a script. A profound film about family love and the will to live. The pace of the film is slow, becoming more and more absorbent as it progresses.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) - Touching and inspiring.
20. Our Unwritten Seoul
Category: Slice of life, Psychology
Performer: Park Bo Young
Summary: Park Bo Young doubles as twin sisters with opposite lives: one is free but unstable, the other is stable but bullied. They swap lives to understand and heal each other.
Quick review: Just the fact that Park Bo Young plays two roles is enough to watch. The content hits the psychological crisis of adulthood of many young people.
Evaluate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - Deep, top acting.
Conclusion: 2025 is truly a sumptuous Korean film feast.
Depending on your "taste", choose a dish to enjoy. In conclusion, Joy will suggest you to quickly choose according to your mood as follows:
Healing / everyday life: When Life Gives You Funerals, Resident Playbook, Our Unwritten Seoul
Brain tension / detective: Nine Puzzles, Dear Hongrang
Action to "relieve stress": Taxi Driver 3, The Manipulated
Sweet rom-com: Genie, Make a Wish, Would You Marry Me, Dynamite Kiss
School + drama: Weak Hero Class 2, Bitch x Rich 2, Head Over Heels
