Korean thrillers have taken the world by storm in recent years, and Netflix has been instrumental in bringing these gripping dramas to a global audience. With their intricate plots, stunning visuals, and incredible performances, Korean thrillers have captivated viewers, keeping them on the edge of their seats.
Whether you’re into suspense, mystery, or psychological drama, there’s something for everyone in this collection of the best Korean thriller shows on Netflix. From the gritty world of crime to the twisted psyche of serial killers, these shows will take you on an emotional rollercoaster and leave you wanting more.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
1. Signal (2016)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Fantasy
- Debut Date: February 22, 2016
Signal is a time-bending series that tells the tale of a detective from 1989 and a cold case profiler from 2015 who team up to solve crimes that span nearly three decades. They communicate through a seemingly magical walkie-talkie, creating a compelling mix of crime and sci-fi. With nuanced character development and a thrilling central mystery, Signal is a must-watch for fans of both genres. The captivating performances by Lee Jehoon and Kim Hye-su make it an eye-catching and deeply gripping tale.
2. Song of the Bandits (2023 – Present)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
- IMDb: 7.2/10
Set during the 1920s Japanese occupation, this drama follows a group of exiles fighting to save their homeland. Song of the Bandits feels epic from the start, with director Hwang Jun-hyeok bringing an eye-catching sense of scope to the small screen. The show excels as both an informative period piece and a dramatic Western, building tension that explodes into impressive action sequences. Heartfelt and powerful, this multi-genre experience is not to be missed.
Top 10 Korean Hot Movies You Cannot Miss!
3. Mask Girl (2023 – Present)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- IMDb: 7.3/10
- Genre: Thriller, Comedy, K-Drama
- Release Date: August 18, 2023
Mask Girl follows Kim Mo-mi, an office worker insecure about her looks who becomes a masked internet personality by night. Her life spirals out of control after achieving internet stardom, leading to a series of ill-fated events. Played by three talented actors, Lee Han-byeol, Nana, and Go Hyun-jung, Kim Mo-mi’s journey is documented in detail, with tension locking viewers in its vice-like grip. The tight script and talented ensemble cast bring shocks and twists at every turn.
4. The Lies Within (2019)
- IMDb: 7.1/10
- Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Release Date: October 12, 2019
The Lies Within is a South Korean crime thriller with beautiful cinematography and a twisty tale of conspiracy and political sabotage. The story follows Jo Tae-Sik, a detective investigating the mysterious death of a local lawmaker. Teaming up with the lawmaker’s daughter, Kim Seo-Hui, they uncover the truth about her father’s murder while searching for her missing husband. This sixteen-episode thrill ride is filled with intrigue and chemistry between the leads, making it a binge-worthy series.
Top 10 Hottest Web Series On MX Player You Should Watch!
5. Sweet Home (2020 – Present)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
- IMDb: 7.3/10
- Genre: Fantasy, Horror, K-Drama
- Release Date: November 18, 2022
Based on a popular webtoon, Sweet Home revolves around Cha Hyun-soo, a reclusive high school student who moves into a new apartment complex after the tragic death of his family. He soon finds himself trapped inside the building with his neighbors as a mysterious epidemic turns people into monstrous creatures. As they struggle to survive, they must confront their inner demons and past traumas.
6. A Model Family (2020)
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, K-Drama
- Release Date: December 18, 2020
A Model Family is a crime drama about Dong-ha, a desperate family man who steals money from a car accident to pay hospital bills. The money belongs to a brutal cartel that forces him to be a courier to repay the debt. The series mirrors Dong-ha’s plight with the struggles of the main antagonist, Gwang-cheol, creating a compelling story about how money can dominate and destroy lives. It’s a captivating tale on par with popular series like Breaking Bad and Ozark.
Top 10 Family Movies in Hindi on Hotstar: Heartwarming Adventures for All Ages
7. Unlock My Boss (2022 – 2023)
- IMDb: 7.3/10
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Thriller, K-Drama
- Release Date: December 7, 2022
Based on Park Seong-hyun’s webtoon, Unlock My Boss is a fun South Korean comedy. Jong-Hyeop Chae stars as a young unemployed man whose life changes when he picks up a strange smartphone containing the trapped spirit of an IT company president. Together with a young woman, they set out to better their lives while seeking the truth behind the man’s murder. Blending humor, mystery, and a slight supernatural element, Unlock My Boss is a fun 12 episodes.
