In 2021, South Korea gave us many amazing Korean movies, dramas and performances. Now specifically we will be talking about some brilliant Korean movies that have received great reviews and feedback for their cast performances and good storyline with variety of genres. Here are 10 Best Korean Movies of 2021:
1. Sinkhole
Sinkhole is a disaster comedy film that revolves around a man and his family who purchased a house after 11 years of labour. A heavy overnight rain creates a sinkhole that engulfs the house with people inside it. How they all find a way out or find a solution is the main thing to see in the film.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Kim Ji-hoon. He is also known for making some popular South Korean movies like May 18 (2007), Sector 7 (2011), The Tower (2012) and Sinkhole (2021).
Main Cast and their characters
Kim Sung-Kyun as Park Dong-won
He worked hard to purchase the house after 11 years of labor.
Image source: kdramadiary
Cha Seung-won as Jung Man-soo
He played the role of Jung Man-soo who works hard and struggles to raise his son alone.
Image source: hancinema
Lee Kwang-soo as Kim Seung-hyun
He played the role of Dong-won’s colleague
Image Source: soompi
Kwon So-hyun as Young-yi
She played the role of Dong-won’s wife
Image source: gossipchimp
Feedback
Many critics praised the film for its humour despite being a disaster film. Many praised the performances of actors. It is the 2nd highest grossing Korean film of 2021. That is why it has been added in the list of 10 Best Korean movies of 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 6.1/10
MyDramaList: 7.8/10
2. Escape from Mogadishu
Image Source: imdb
It is a South Korean action film based on real events, which is set during the Somali Civil War and South and North Korea’s efforts to be admitted to the UN in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. He is known for making Die Bad (2000), Crying Fist (2005), The City of Violence (2006), The Berlin File (2013), Svaha: The Sixth Finger (2019) and Escape from Mogadishu (2021).
Main Cast and their characters
Kim Yoon-seok as Han Sin-seong
He played the role of South Korean Ambassador in Somalia
Image source: koreajoongangdaily
Jo In-sung as Kang Dae-jin
He played the role of South Korea’s ANSP Intelligence officer
Image source: koreaherald
Heo Joon-ho as Rim Yong-su
He played the role of North Korean Ambassador in Somalia
Image source: koreajoongangdaily
Koo Kyo-hwan as Tae Joon-ki
He played the role of North Korea’s MSS Intelligence Officer
Image source: forbes
Feedback
It was selected as the South Korean entry for the “Best International Feature Film” at the “94th Academy Awards”. Won 6 awards at “30th Buil Film Awards”. The film was praised for its action scenes and how the film portrayed the horrors of wars and characters’ emotions. It is one of the best Korean movies of 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 7.2/10
MydramaList: 7.9/10
Rakuten Viki: 8.1/10
3. Miracle: Letters to the President
Image Source: viki
It is a romantic drama based on a true story of a high school mathematics genius who sends many letters to the President as he wants to make a train station for his sister and villagers, but doesn’t get any reply. He with his girlfriend and village residents establish a train station but it is privately owned.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Lee Jang-hoon. He is known for making Be With You (2018) which is one of the popular South Korean movies.
Main Cast and their characters
Park Jeong-Min as Joon-Kyeong
Im Yoon-ah as Ra-hee, Joon-Kyeong’s friend
Image source: kdramapal
Lee Sung-Min as Tae-yoon
He played the role of Joon-Kyeong’s father
Lee Soo-kyung as Bo-kyeong
She played the role of Joon-Kyeong’s older sister
Image source: kdramapal
Feedback
Critics lauded the performances of actors, especially Lee Soo-Kyung and praised the emotional sequences in the film. As of 2021, it ranks 7th among the Korean movies released this year. It is also one of the best Korean movies of 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 7.7/10
MyDramaList: 8.3/10
Rakuten Viki: 9.6/10
4. Space Sweepers
The story is set in the year 2092, where the crew of a space junk collector ship called “The Victory” discover a 7 year old humanoid robot girl inside and also wanted by UTS Space guards.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Jo Sung-hee. He is also known for making A Werewolf Boy (2012), Phantom Detective (2016) and recently Space Sweepers (2021).
Main Cast and their characters
Song Joong-ki as Kim Tae Ho
Portrayed the character of Former Commander of the Space Guards
Image source: soompi
Kim Tae Ri as Captain Jang
Portrayed the character of Former Special Forces Squad officer
Image source: zapzee
Jin Seon Kyu as Tiger Park
Portrayed the character of Former Drug King
Image source: imdb
Yoo Hae-jin as Robot Bubs
Portrayed the character of Former Military robot
Image source: soompi
Feedback
It is regarded as the first Korean movie Space blockbuster. It received positive response both from critics and audience. Critics praised the film for its visual effects and relatable characters. The film also dominated Netflix’s Top 10 rankings in 80 countries upon its release. It is one of the top 10 popular Korean movies of 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 6.6/10
MyDramaList: 8.4/10
5. The Book Of Fish
Let’s talk about one of the best Historical Korean movies “The Book Of Fish”. It’s a historical film set in 1801 about the Joseon era scholar who was exiled to Heuksando Island and a fisherman who exchange their knowledge to write a book.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Lee Joon-ik. His other notable movies include Sunny (2008), Hope (2013), The Throne (2015) and The Book Of Fish (2021).
Main Cast and their characters
Sol Kyung-gu as Jeong Yak-jeon
He portrayed the character of Joseon era scholar
Byun Yo-han as Jang Chang-dae
Young Conservative fisherman
Image source: en.yna
Feedback
The film won the Grand Prize at 57th Baeksang Arts Award in May 2021. Received favorable and positive responses from critics and audience. Performances of the cast were praised by critics. It is regarded as one of the best Korean movies of 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 7.5/10
MyDramaList: 8.1/10
6. Midnight
One of the popular Korean movies of 2021 is “Midnight”. The film revolves around a young deaf woman who accidently interrupts one of the serial killer’s kills and becomes his new target.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Kwon Oh-seung. He is best known for making this film.
Main Cast and their characters
Jin Ki-joo as Kim Kyung-mi
She portrayed the character of a deaf woman who works as a sign language counsellor.
Wi Ha-joon as Do-shik
He played the character of a serial killer.
Gil Hae Yeon as Kyung-mi’s mother
Image source: asianmoviepulse
Feedback
The film won “Silver Audience Award for Best Asian Film at 25th Fantasia International Film Festival and “Best Feature Award” at 13th UK Grimmfest Film Festival. It was well received from critics and audience. They specially praised the performance of Jin Ki-joo in the film. It is one of the most best thriller Korean movies ever made.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 6.6/10
MyDramaList: 8.3/10
7. Recalled
Image source: imdb
The story revolves around a woman who loses her memory after an accident. She starts seeing her future and her illusions start becoming reality. She sets out to find the truth about her husband.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Seo Yoo-min. Its her debut film as a director.
Main Cast and their characters
Seo Yea-ji as Soo-jin
She loses her memory after the accident and her illusions starts becoming the reality
Image source: zapzee
Kim Kang-woo as Ji-hoon
He played the character of Soo-jin’s husband
Image source: zapzee
Feedback
It ranked at number 1 in the opening weekend of its release. Critics praised the main leads performance and the thrilling storyline. It is one of the popular Korean movies made in 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 6.9/10
MyDramaList: 8.1/10
Rakuten Viki: 9.6/10
8. The Box
Image source: imdb
The story revolves around a talented musical artist who has a severe glossophobia (stage fright). But his life changes when he meets a genius producer Min-soo.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Yang Jeong-woong, South Korean musical theatre writer and director. He is currently well known for making The Box (2021).
Main Cast and their characters
Park Chanyeol as Ji Hoon, an aspiring singer
Jo Dal-hwan as Min-su
Image source: kdramadiary
Feedback from critics and audience
It received positive response both from critics and audience. They praised the performance of the cast, especially Chanyeol’s moments in the film. They also praised his singing talent. It became the second most watched Korean movie in Indonesia. The film became one of the popular Korean movies in South Korea in 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 7.9/10
MyDramaList: 8.2/10
Rakuten Viki: 9.8/10
9. Seobok
Image Source: imdb
The story revolves around an ex-intelligence agent who meets the first human clone who possesses secret for eternal life.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Lee Yong-ju. He is known for making Possessed (2009), Architecture 101 (2012) and Seobok (2021).
Main Cast and their characters
Gong Yoo as Min Gi-heon
He portrayed the character of former intelligence agent
Park Bo-gum as Seo Bok
The first human clone
Feedback from critics and audience
The film was screened at Fantasia International Film Festival. It was also screened in Canadian Premiere section on demand. It ranked number 1 at the Korean box office on the opening day. Critics mostly praised the performance of the cast and some really liked the way film touched the question of philosophical of eternal life. That is why it has been added in the list of top 10 Korean movies of 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 6.1/10
MyDramaList: 8.1/10
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10. Mission Possible
This action comedy film revolves around Chinese rookie secret agent and private detective who gets involved in the case. Their witnesses are murdered and both of them become prime suspects.
Who is the director and their other films?
It was directed by Kim Hyung-joo.
Main Cast and their characters
Lee Sun-bin as Yoo Da-hee
She played the role of Chinese MSS Intelligence agent
Image source: themoviebeat
Kim Young-kwang as Woo Soo-han
Portrayed the character of Private Detective and former agent
Image source: soompi
Feedback
It ranked number one at the box office in the first week of its release. Critics praised the film for its humour and funny action storyline. It is one of the best best comedy Korean movies of 2021.
Ratings
IMDB RATING: 6.5/10
MyDramaList: 8.1/10
Rakuten Viki: 9.3/10
Why should these Korean movies be on your watchlist?
These are some best Korean movies of 2021 that should be on your watchlist. They received positive responses from both critics and audience and some of them also received accolades. The performance of the cast is the main highlight of all these movies.
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