20 Best Korean Sci-fi Movies Of All Time
Korean cinema has come a long way in recent years, becoming a major film industry player and earning worldwide recognition. Among the many genres Korean filmmakers have excelled, science fiction stands out as a testament to their creativity and innovation. With a unique blend of technology, action, and drama, Korean sci-fi movies have gained a massive following and become a staple in science fiction.
From thrilling action sequences to thought-provoking storylines, Korean sci-fi movies offer a diverse range of experiences for viewers. With the rise of the Korean Wave (or “Hallyu”), these films have gained a global audience and praised for their imaginative worlds, compelling characters, and exceptional special effects. Whether you are a hardcore science fiction fan or simply looking for a good movie, the best Korean sci-fi movies of all time are worth checking out.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Set in a future where the Earth has become a frozen wasteland, “Snowpiercer” follows the story of a class struggle between the residents of a train that continuously circles the globe. The train is divided into different classes, with the wealthy living in luxury at the front and the poor living in squalor at the back. As the poor residents begin to rebel against the wealthy, they must navigate the train’s many dangers and try to take control of their future.
The Host (2006)
“The Host” is a monster movie set in Seoul, South Korea. When a mutant creature emerges from the Han River and begins terrorizing the city, a dysfunctional family must come together to save their daughter, who the monster has taken. The film blends elements of horror, comedy, and drama to create a unique and entertaining experience.
Save the Green Planet! (2003)
“Save the Green Planet!” is a dark comedy that tells the story of a man who believes that aliens are behind the destruction of the planet and that the only way to save the world is to capture and execute the aliens’ leader. As the man sets out on his mission, he must navigate the challenges of his mental instability and the obstacles of the real world.
I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK (2006)
“I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK” is a whimsical film about a young woman who believes she is a cyborg and must recharge her batteries by eating batteries. When she is admitted to a mental hospital, she meets a man who believes he is a vampire, and the two form an unlikely friendship as they explore their delusions and the realities of their lives.
Deranged (2012)
“Deranged” is a horror movie set in a world where a virus has caused people to become flesh-eating zombies. When a young woman’s husband becomes infected, she travels to find a cure and save her family. Along the way, she faces danger from the zombies and other survivors and must make difficult decisions to stay alive.
Colossal (2016)
“Colossal” is a science fiction film about a woman who discovers that her actions in the real world are causing a giant monster to appear in South Korea. As she tries to figure out how to stop the monster and regain control of her life, she must confront her demons and the consequences of her actions.
Time to Hunt (2020)
“Time to Hunt” is a dystopian film set in a future where South Korea is on the brink of collapse. A group of friends decides to pull off a high-stakes heist, but their plans are complicated by a mysterious stranger hunting them down. As the friends try to stay one step ahead of the stranger, they must also navigate the dangers of a world that is falling apart.
The Divine Fury (2019)
“The Divine Fury” is a supernatural action film about a mixed martial arts fighter who develops the ability to see and fight against evil spirits. As he battles the demons that threaten the city, he also learns more about his past and the secrets of his powers.
The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018)
“The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion” is a science fiction film about a young girl raised in a secret government facility and trained to be a weapon. When she escapes and begins to discover the truth about her past, she must navigate a much larger and more dangerous world than she ever imagined.
The Witch: Part 2 – The Other One (2022)
A young woman awakens in a hidden research facility and encounters Kyung-hee, who is working to shield her from a dangerous criminal organization. However, when the gang finally tracks down the girl, they are taken aback by a remarkable and unforeseen force.
Ashfall (2019)
“Ashfall” is a disaster movie set in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption in North Korea that threatens to destroy the entire Korean peninsula. As the government and military work to contain the disaster, a team of soldiers must venture into the heart of the eruption to retrieve a key piece of technology that could save the country.
Jung_E (2023)
In the 22nd century, Earth has become uninhabitable, and the outcome of a civil conflict rests on the cloning of the brain of a skilled soldier to produce a robotic mercenary.
Okja (2017)
“Okja” is a science fiction film about a young girl who must rescue her genetically-engineered super-pig from the clutches of a corporation that wants to exploit the pig’s unique abilities. As the girl sets out on her journey, she must confront the moral and ethical questions raised by the creation of such a creature and deal with the dangerous forces trying to stop her from saving her pig.
Project Wolf Hunting (2022)
The story follows a group of dangerous criminals transported from the Philippines to South Korea on a cargo ship. When an escape attempt triggers a riot, they unleash an evil force.
Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017)
“Strong Girl Bong-soon” is a supernatural comedy about a young woman who has been blessed (or cursed) with superhuman strength. When she is hired as the bodyguard for a wealthy businessman, she must use her powers to protect him from a mysterious kidnapper and navigate the challenges of her new job and her growing feelings for her employer.
Signal (2016)
“Signal” is a science fiction film about a detective who discovers that he can communicate with a detective from the past through a mysterious radio signal. As the two detectives work together to solve a series of crimes, they must also navigate the challenges of communicating across time and space and the consequences of their actions.
Space Sweepers (2021)
“Space Sweepers” is a science fiction film set in a future where a group of space scavengers must team up to save the life of a young girl who is the key to unlocking a powerful technology. As they journey through the galaxy and face various challenges, they must confront their demons and navigate the complex relationships between the crew members.
Flu (2013)
“Flu” is a disaster movie set in a world where a deadly virus has swept through a city and is threatening to spread to the rest of the world. As the government and medical professionals work to contain the virus, a group of survivors must band together to escape the city and find a way to survive in a world where the virus has forever changed.
Sijipeuseu: The Myth (2021) – TV Show
A mysterious occurrence leads a brilliant engineer to discover dangerous secrets of the world and to encounter a woman from the future who has come in search of him.
Mouse (2021) – TV Show
Mouse imagines a scenario where psychopaths possess the capacity to feel regret and remorse for their deeds. The story centers around Jeong Ba-rum (played by Lee Seung-gi), a dedicated police officer whose life turns out after encountering a cunning serial killer with psychopathic tendencies. This leads him and his colleague Go Moo-chi (played by Lee Hee-Joon) to uncover the truth behind psychopathic behavior.
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Along the way, they confront moral questions such as, whether it is possible to detect a psychopath through fetal genetic testing during pregnancy. And if a child in the womb is determined to be a psychopath, is it ethical to bring that child into the world?
