Way before Parasite swept four major Academy Awards in 2020 and The Glory topped the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2023, South Korean culture started spreading its popularity wave (called the Hallyu Wave) through televised K-dramas, movies, and musical releases. With the increasing demand for such films and shows, Netflix has been streaming and/or producing interesting titles for all fans of the genre.

Squid Game, All of Us Are Dead, and The Glory, for example, made history on the streamer, with the former becoming one of the platform's biggest series launches of all time. Meanwhile, more and more titles are constantly being added, making sure to keep viewers entertained.

Quite different from Western productions, K-dramas and films have their own magic regardless of genre, whether they're wholesome little dramas, romantic comedies, horror stories, or modern slice-of-life tales. Audiences are fascinated with the compelling stories, attention to detail, swoon-worthy leads, tasteful costumes, and colorful cinematography and art direction. With Netflix expanding its South Korean library every day, here are some of the most compelling K-dramas and movies you can binge-watch on this platform, covering various subgenres, themes, and actors, to cater to all tastes.

Updated on April 14, 2024 by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

34 The Good Bad Mother (2023)

Choi Kang-ho, once a coldhearted attorney, loses his memory in an accident, reverting to a childlike state. Seeking refuge, he returns to his hometown and reunites with his estranged mother, Jin Young-soon. For her, it’s a second chance to be the mother she always wanted to be. As their bond deepens, a sense of transformation and hope laces the air. Accompanying Kang-ho and Young-soon on their afternoons is Kang-ho's childhood friend Mi-joo, whose kind heart adds to his growth and happiness.

A Bittersweet Tale of Second Chances

The Good Bad Mother is a poignant drama that starts in darkness but blossoms into a heartwarming tale of redemption. The relationship between the mother and son is born from adversity. Unfolding with touching sincerity, exploring themes of unintended harm in the pursuit of the best and the enduring strength of love amid the pain. This uplifting narrative resonates with the profound message that second chances and the power of love can heal wounds, making it a compelling story of reconciliation. Moreover, the exploration of a complicated dynamic between mother and son is extremely heartfelt too.

33 The Fabulous (2022)

The Fabulous delves into the vibrant lives of a close-knit group of friends in Seoul as they navigate the challenges and aspirations of the high-stakes fashion industry. On the one hand, we have Ji Woo-min, a professional retoucher who works on freelance projects and is not only great at his job but also extremely handsome. On the other hand, Pyo Ji-eun works in the same industry at a promotional agency, but is struggling to make ends meet. Much like The Bold Type, this series intricately explores their friendships, career pursuits, romantic entanglements, and urban adventures in the bustling city.

Taking You to the Fast-Paced Fashion Industry

With an outstanding cast, the show paints a vivid picture of young love’s heartaches, the daunting setbacks, and the unwavering passions that fuel the dreams of these determined individuals. In this exciting narrative, viewers witness the struggles and triumphs of these characters as they chase after their ambitions. The dramatic moments are well-balanced with the humorous ones, and co-stars Choi Min-ho and Chae Soo-bin have an electric on-screen chemistry. Overall, The Fabulous captures the essence of youthful resilience, professional drive, and the complexities of modern relationships in a fast-paced world.

32 My Mister (2018)

One of the more mature Korean dramas that is perfect for when you want to understand adulthood, themes of forgiveness and compassion, My Mister delves into the complexities of life. The series revolves around Lee Ji-an (Lee Ji-eun), a resilient young woman facing dire circumstances, and Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun-kyun), a middle-aged engineer dealing with his own struggles. Their paths cross unexpectedly, leading to a profound connection that transcends friendship and family. As they navigate their challenges together, the drama explores themes of sacrifice and the power of human connections.

A Deeply Emotional Journey

Against the backdrop of corporate politics and personal hardships, the characters find solace and strength in each other, highlighting the beauty of empathy and understanding. Few Korean dramas depict character struggles and important mental health issues like depression, loneliness, and the desire to break free, like My Mister. Through the comforting and relatable lens of its protagonists, it arrives as a painful yet heartwarming embrace. My Mister is a deeply emotional journey that displays the indomitable spirit of the human soul. It reminds audiences of the importance of compassion and solidarity in the face of adversity.

31 100 Days My Prince (2018)

Unfolding in the Joseon era, Crown Prince Lee Yul (Doh Kyung-soo) suffers amnesia and lives as a commoner for 100 days, guarded by Hong Shim (Nam Ji-hyun), a strong-willed woman. Unaware of his royal identity, he starts a new life with her, embracing the simplicity of everyday existence. Over time, their relationship blossoms, and amidst charming village life, they face challenges and grow together. Meanwhile, political intrigue surrounds the palace, and Yul’s true identity becomes a focal point. As his memory gradually returns, the couple must confront the complexities of their feelings and navigate the dangerous power struggles of the court.

Beautiful Period Drama

Much like other acclaimed historical romances, 100 Days My Prince weaves a captivating tale of love and mystery, immersing viewers in a historical romance filled with heartwarming moments and unexpected twists. It stars Doh Kyung-soo and Nam Ji-hyun as the leads, with prominent stars like Han So-hee, Jo Sung-ha, Kim Seon-ho, and Kim Jae-young providing the perfect supporting ensemble for them to shine. There are plenty of plot twists, complex character dynamics, and unexpected deaths that make the drama more compelling and bingeworthy. Plus, the music (composed by Jung Se-rin) is lovely and fits the series well.

30 Mask Girl (2023)

Adapted from a popular webtoon, Mask Girl revolves around the life of a woman weary of her monotonous office existence. Seeking an escape from the daily grind, she adopts a mask, transforming into an internet streaming sensation. However, her newfound online identity attracts the wrong kind of attention, plunging her into a labyrinth of murder, enigmatic puzzles, and multiple personalities. Meanwhile, an insecure and self-conscious guy harbors a crush on her, and eventually gets swept up in her troubles.

Creates an Exceptional Symphony

What distinguishes this limited series is not only its captivating visuals but also the audacious choice to have three distinct actresses portray different faces of Kim Mo-mi. This creative decision adds layers and intricacy to the character as she embarks on an unpredictable journey, navigating the complexities brought by her masked alter ego. Mask Girl was nominated at the Critics' Choice Awards in the category of Best Foreign Language Series, and while it did not win the award, the series left an indelible mark on the audience.

29 The Uncanny Counter 2 (2023)

Season 2 of The Uncanny Counter retains the same jovial charm as its debut while introducing a formidable new group of villains, resulting in a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience. The series primarily focuses on So-mun, a high school student who joins a group of paranormal warriors known as the Counters. When creatures from the afterlife break free from captivity and hunt for souls on Earth, it's up to the Counters to restore order.

Season 2 features malevolent entities in grand fashion. Mo-tak assumes a dual role as a police officer and Counter dedicated to bringing wrongdoers to justice. So-mun has embraced his role within the team, and they all agree on the necessity of a new member, Jeok-bong. However, this season presents a stronger adversary in the form of a supercharged trio led by the enigmatic Pil-kwang, who possesses abilities mirroring those of the Counters. This rivalry between evenly-matched opponents adds an exciting dynamic to the series.

An Outstanding Follow-Up

As a follow-up to a brilliant series, it keeps the stakes high, reveals an immersive plot and features plenty of fight sequences to leave fans thrilled. The blend of humor, action, and well-balanced storytelling ensures that fans remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Looking past Season 2, however, The Uncanny Counter features some impressive casting with the likes of Jo Byeong-kyu, Yoo Jun-sang, and Kim Se-jeong, with Studio Dragon of Sweet Home and 100 Days My Prince fame originally developing the series as a whole.

28 A Time Called You (2023)

Starring Jeon Yeo-beem as Han Jun-hee, the series follows her journey of grieving the death of her boyfriend, Koo Yeon-jun, who is played brilliantly well by Ahn Hyo-seop. Still not over the loss, she finds herself unexpectedly traveling back in time to 1998, now taking the form of high school student Kwon Min-ju. In her 18-year-old self, she encounters a boy who resembles her boyfriend. However, Min-ju's best friend adores the boy.

Romance Meets Time Travel

A Time Called You sets the stage for a captivating time-travel mystery romance. This show draws inspiration from the Taiwanese drama Someday or One Day, blending elements of time travel romance, a concept with a rich history in Korean pop culture. Korean dramas often incorporate time travel casually, but A Time Called You's cast allows for the premise to truly shine. Its cinematography and editing is another high point, as an initial glimpse of the show captivates the audience with distinct visual styles and appealing color palettes. Despite the challenge of following the entire plot line, the story deepens, ensuring viewer engagement.

27 Destined With You (2023)

Destined With You is a marvelous romance series where the protagonist is Lee Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah), who is a competent civil servant but always finds herself in trouble. The show begins with Lee Hong-jo convinced she’s dead and encountering Jang Sin-yu (Rowoon), whom she mistakes for a handsome grim reaper. She playfully asks if he’ll escort her to heaven or share a cup of tea, setting the stage for romance to triumph over death and curses. What follows is plenty of mysteries, thrills, and themes of reincarnation.

A K-Drama that Grows on You

Supernatural romantic comedy is a genre that’s notoriously tricky to execute well, but Destined With You defies this challenge. Navigating through various emotional tones, the series manages to transition seamlessly, embracing not only horror and comedy but also drama and romance. Rowoon and Bo-ah's chemistry makes the audiences root for their happily ever after, with some fantastic production values to accentuate the talent on screen. Overall, it’s a bit of a genre mishmash, common in many Korean dramas that blend lighthearted moments with serious themes.

26 Behind Your Touch (2023)

Following the tragic death of her mother, Bong Ye-bin (Han Ji-min) relocates to the fictional town of Mujin to start anew. A bizarre incident occurs when an asteroid strikes Ye-bun, rendering her unconscious. Upon waking, she discovers an unusual ability — touching someone allows her to see their memories and thoughts, extending both to animals and people. Despite her newfound powers, she keeps her head down and works as a veterinarian in a village devoid of any crime or drama. But when a serial killer breaks loose in the city, she joins hands with Moon Jang-yeol (Lee Min-ki), a hotshot detective, to catch him.

Great Fusion of Comedy and Crime

While Behind Your Touch embraces a quirky premise, it leans heavily into familiar tropes, resembling characters from shows like Strong Girl Bok-soon and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo. Though the series relies on low-brow humor and some occasionally predictable plot twists, what makes it binge-worthy is the chemistry between the leads, Han Ji-min and Lee Min-ki. Those who enjoy South Korean pop music will also enjoy the series' original soundtrack, which is composed of songs written by artists like Joohoney, pH-1, and Zior Park.

25 Forgotten (2017)

In the psychological thriller Forgotten, Jin-seok (Kang Ha-neul) witnesses his brother Yoo-seok (Kim Mu-yeol) getting kidnapped one night. Surprisingly, 19 days later, Yoo-seok returns seemingly unharmed, but Jin-seok is convinced that something is off. His brother’s behavior has changed drastically, and he has no memory of the past three weeks. Convinced that his brother is an imposter, Jin-seok embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, unearthing shocking revelations that threaten not just him and his brother, but those around him as well.

The Less You Know, the Better

Written and directed by Jang Hang-jun, Forgotten presents an unpredictable and puzzling story, reminiscent of films like I Saw the Devil and Memento. It stars Kang Ha-neul and Kim Mu-yeol in the lead roles, and both the actors are thorough in making the narrative as riveting and enticing as possible. Moreover, the movie also has some mild horror moments that come out of nowhere. Overall, this enigmatic and captivating thriller should be at the top of every Netflix watch list, particularly for enthusiasts of the genre.

24 Tune in for Love (2019)

Starring Kim Go-eun and Jung Hae-in, this endearing love story spans years, following the emotional journey of star-crossed lovers Hyun-woo and Mi-soo as they navigate the highs and lows of their relationship. Their initial encounter takes place in 1994 at a bakery where Mi-soo works. Back then, Hyun-woo was mysterious and unemployed, so he began working part-time with Mi-soo.

Despite growing close, their paths diverge and various peculiar situations continually pull them apart. The only thing they could share was stories through a radio station. From lost email passwords to periods of separation due to unforeseen circumstances like jail time, the couple’s love is tested repeatedly. Nevertheless, their determination to find each other remains unwavering, as they persistently search for ways to overcome life’s obstacles and be together.

A Wonderful Slow-Burn Romance

Watching them embrace life and its many uncertainties is as uplifting as it is genuine. Overall, Tune in for Love offers a heartfelt and subtly portrayed romance, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an emotionally touching cinematic experience. Tune in for Love was a critical darling as well, not only receiving nominations for Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards, but also winning the Popularity Award at the London East Asia Film Festival.

23 The Call (2020)

The Call is an intense psychological thriller that centers around a woman named Kim Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye), who arrives in a rural town to be with her ailing mother, and discovers an ancient phone at her childhood house. She soon begins getting calls from the past. The woman on the other end of the telephone is Oh Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), who says she is from 20 years ago. Apparently, Young-sook is being tortured by her mother and fears for her life. To aid Young-sook, Seo-yeon tries to change the past, but the results are disastrous.

Complicated Thriller with a Satisfying Ending

Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo star in Lee Chung-hyeon's mind-bending mystery film, which offers a fresh concept and stays true to its original inspiration: the 2011 film The Caller. The primary characters in this time travel story are incredibly complicated, and the storyline is constantly changing to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It weaves an exciting worst-case scenario of changing the past, doubling as one of the most effective serial killer films on Netflix. Audiences will be kept wondering until the very end of The Call, a compelling and mind-blowing investigation of the effects of interfering with time.

22 Time to Hunt (2020)

This drama centers on a group of friends, led by ex-convict Jun-seok (Lee Je-hoon), who attempt to escape poverty by pulling off one final robbery at a popular casino in a dystopian near-future. The owners of the gaming establishment employ a brutal assassin to recover the stolen goods, which also includes footage of shady dealings carried out by the gambling house and criminals. Suffice to say, this impromptu heist sets off a ferocious manhunt.

Features an Exceptional Cinematography

With Choi Woo-shik, Lee Je-hoon, Ahn Jae-hong, Paek Jung-min, and Park Hae-soo among its cast, Yoon Sung-hyun's action-packed and suspenseful Netflix original drama will have viewers on the edge of their seats as the four friends struggle to save their own lives. The movie was a hit with critics and audiences alike, who praised it for the relentless tension and timeless action sequences, as well as the subtle but certain character development. It's a film that feels even more poignant than it did back in 2020, especially when you consider just how much as happened in the time since its original release. Time to Hunt is a heart-pounding experience that is ideal for fans of heist movies and those who like suspenseful Korean thrillers.

21 Dream (2023)

A team's path to the international soccer competition known as the Homeless World Cup — an international soccer tournament meant to draw attention to global homelessness — is followed in the movie Dream. Unwillingly taking on the role of the coach is Yoon Hong-dae (Park Seo-joon), a professional soccer player on probatio0n. The only thing keeping him from being his cranky and arrogant self is the fact that he might become popular on TV, all because a documentary about him is being simultaneously filmed by Lee So-min (Lee Ji-eun). But as time passes, he develops a sincere relationship with the group and turns into a sympathetic leader.

Delightful Sports Drama

Despite following a well-known sports movie plot, the movie stands out due to its attention to the nation's homeless squad. Park Seo-joon is known for his sentimental portrayal of his numerous characters, and he brings the same vibe in the movie as the skeptical coach. Accompanying him is the Korean celebrity singer Lee Ji-eun, whose career as a videographer needs a boost. Dream, which is based on a true story, is ultimately a touching film that deftly balances seriousness and humor, and seeks to deliver all-around amusement for those in need of it.

20 Celebrity (2023)

Seo Ah-ri (played by Park Gyu-young) is a regular riches-to-rags girl who jumps into the world of social media influencers to make money and gain power. She rises to fame and becomes a celebrity on social media almost overnight. However, things don’t go her way as she soon encounters the uglier side of its power. Now, she must navigate through all the corruption and hate to make a name for herself and fight off those who try to ruin her reputation.

Explores the Dark Side of Fame and Power

Directed by Kim Cheol-kyu and written by Kim Yi-young, this 2023 thriller-suspense drama focuses on the life of social media influencers, and the addictive nature of internet fame. To showcase the glamorous world, the drama uses visually stunning shots and glitter-laced cinematography, both to present the facade of an illustrious life and the tragic undercurrents beneath it. The production values are top-notch, and the engagement level in the narrative is quite impressive as well. Mostly, it finds some thought-provoking moments about the darker underbelly of social media influencers. Celebrity puts a uniquely Korean spin on a subject we've become all too familiar with.

19 King the Land (2023)

Directed by Im Hyun-wook, this 2023 romantic comedy features the story of Gu Won (Lee Joon-ho) and Cheon Sa-rang (played by Lim Yoon-ah). Sa-rang, who is known for her bright smile and hardworking personality, started working at the King Hotel. Gu Won is a son of the Chaebol family that owns the same hotel, and unlike most people, he is aloof towards people who smile. Amidst his job as the next heir of the hotel, he is thrown into a power and inheritance war, forced to fight with those he loves while fostering a potential romance with Sa-rang. When together, they make a great pair, but misunderstandings find them.

Charming Leads, Swoon-Worthy Romance

The drama became a huge hit as soon as it debuted on Netflix, which was partly because of its co-stars, Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah. The two not only sizzled on screen with their electric chemistry but also swept all the trophies at festivals like the APAN Star Awards for categories like Best Couple, Popularity Award, Viewer's Choice – Actor of the Year, and more. Their characters and budding relationship work in that, despite their circumstances, they must navigate through their differences to face their real feelings for each other, a narrative that makes for plenty of drama and emotion. Thus, King the Land is an utter delight all around.

18 Queenmaker (2023)

Directed by Oh Jin-Seok, the political drama Queenmaker chronicles the struggles of an accomplished strategic planning manager of a powerful business, Hwang Do-hee (played by Kim Hee-ae). Due to her skills in dealing with public opinions, she has created quite a reputation for herself. When she is approached by Oh Kyung-sook (Moon So-ri), a labor rights lawyer, her ambition and drive becomes so infectious that Oh Kyung-sook, who hates authority, feels determined enough to become the mayor of Seoul. With a noble goal of fighting for the weak, Do-hee opts to join her. Now, she and Kyung-sook must manage their differences and fight corruption to make way for a new mayor.

Proclaims Empowerment

A rather underrated political drama, Queenmaker focuses on portraying sisterhood in a world dominated by men. The female cast, consisting of Kim Hee-ae and Moon So-ri, is truly phenomenal and powerful. Supporting them is Ryu Soo-young, who plays another Seoul mayoral candidate. In just 11 episodes, the drama runs like water, pulling you into every democratic war and rally for truth you could think of. What makes the show stand out is the fact that it stays true to political genre roots, without letting romance or emotion get in the way. Definitely worth watching, Queenmaker paves the way for more women-centric K-dramas.

17 See You in My 19th Life (2023)

See You in My 19th Life is based on a webcomic by Lee Hey. Directed by Lee Na-jeong, this romantic fantasy is about a person (played by Shin Hye-Sun) who can resurrect as a new person every time she dies. Dating back from ancient times till now, she has experienced a world of knowledge, war, heartbreaks, and, of course, boredom. This all changes during her 18th life when she meets Mun Seo-ha (Ahn Bo-hyun). She vows to care for him but passes away before doing so. Now, in her 19th life as Ban Ji-deum, she must find her former friend and re-grow the bond they once had. During this journey, she encounters some descendants from her past relations and goes through a series of regrets, gratitude, and affirmation.

Tender and Lighthearted Romance Drama

An astounding tale of love and destiny, See You in My 19th Life is among the most beautiful romances to come out of 2023. The central characters may have drawn inspiration from the webtoon, but they fashion themselves differently on screen, finding passion, desire, love, and hope. Played by Shin Hye-sun, Ahn Bo-hyun, and Ahn Dong-goo, they are equal parts relatable and inspiring. The drama also explores mental health issues like trauma and grief in an unconventional way, which makes it stand out. Moreover, the mesmerizing soundtrack carries the series to its satisfying ending.

16 Kill Boksoon (2023)

Written and directed by Byung Sung-hyun, Kill Boksoon is a 2023 action thriller starring Jeon Do-yeon as the titular lead, Gil Bok-soon, who is part of a secret group of elite assassins. It’s not easy being a renowned contract killer with a 100% success rate and a single mother to a closeted teenage girl. Right when it is time for her to renew her contract with M. K. Ent., she finds herself in a kill-or-be-killed confrontation — an assignment she is not entirely willing to embark on.

Packs a Punch for Fans of the Genre

Running for two hours and 17 minutes, this movie is especially praised for its fantastic fight choreography. Per The Guardian:

“Wait until you get towards the end, when an ultimate boss fight becomes a panorama of multiple, CGI-replicated Bok-soons and her adversary, as they slug, stab, and shoot it out all at once.”

While the critics cannot stop raving about the movie's exceptional action sequences and slick choreography, Jeon Do-yeon also deserves all the praise for redefining the action genre as a badass female lead who will stop at nothing to get what she wants and do what's right. At the Baeksang Arts Awards, both Jeon Do-yeon and Lee Yeon were nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for their respective performances as well, cementing this action thriller as a must watch.

15 20th Century Girl (2022)

20th Century Girl is a 119-minute romance written and directed by Bang Woo-ri and starring Kim Yoo-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo, and Roh Yoon-seo. The story is set in 1999 and centers on high school students as they navigate life, health, friendship, and the first flutters of love. It's heartfelt premise sees two teenage best friends being separated because of one's terminal disease, leaving the other to go through life by herself. Except when she returns, there is heartbreak, sacrifice, and a lot of tears.

Portrays First Love Like No Other

20th Century Girl saw immense critical success, both among audiences and among professional critics. Per Variety:

“Kim You-jung is both convincing and delightful as Bo-ra, who, in many seemingly insignificant yet occasionally heartbreaking moments, has yet to realize the significance of what she’s going through.”

Tragic in multiple places, 20th Century Girls hits you where you did not know it would hurt. Laden with melodrama and heavy-handed themes of loss, it also makes you nostalgic for the '90s by being authentic to the aesthetic and the tone. Though Bang Woo-ri's filmography is notably sparse compared to other directors featured here, this incredible coming-of-age film has certainly left a mark on the millions who've already seen it.