Love heart-pounding action, jaw-dropping fight scenes, and stories that keep you hooked from start to finish? Korean action movies have taken the world by storm, and Netflix is packed with some of the best. From explosive blockbusters to hidden gems, there’s something for every action fan. In this guide, we’ve put together a list of the 40 best Korean action movies to watch on Netflix in 2025, perfect for movie nights, binge-watching, or just finding your next favorite thrill ride.
1. Nocturnal (2025)
Nocturnal is a 2025 South Korean neo-noir crime thriller directed by Kim Jin-hwang, featuring Ha Jung-woo, Kim Nam-gil, Yoo Da-in, and Jung Man-sik. The story kicks off when Min-tae’s brother, Seok-tae, turns up dead and his sister-in-law, Moon-young, goes missing. As Min-tae hunts for answers, he crosses paths with Ho-ryeong, a novelist whose bestseller eerily predicted Seok-tae’s death. Things get even more tangled when the criminal organization his brother was part of and the police get involved. Fueled by anger and determination, Min-tae dives headfirst into uncovering the truth behind that fateful night.
2. Holy Night: Demon Hunters (2025)
Holy Night: Demon Hunters is a gripping South Korean action-horror film about a unique trio called the Holy Night. When Seoul falls under the terrifying grip of the Black Mass cult, which plans to summon the ancient demon Asmodeus, the team springs into action. Ba Woo, a powerhouse fighter; Sharon, a skilled exorcist; and tech whiz Kim Gun must save a young girl, Eun-seo, who’s possessed. Facing cultists, spiritual attacks, and their own personal demons, they storm a hidden cathedral, confront the ritual, and banish the demon. By the end, the city is safe… for now, as new threats loom.
3. Officer Black Belt (2024)
Officer Black Belt follows Lee Jung-do, a martial arts whiz who splits his time between delivering chicken for his dad and playing video games with his buddies. After he accidentally helps probation officers stop a violent parolee, he’s recruited as a “martial arts officer” and quickly becomes close with his partner, Kim Sun-min. Their job gets dangerous fast when they’re assigned to monitor a notorious child predator, Kang Ki-jung. A kidnapping, an ambush, and a brutal fight leave Jung-do’s team shattered, but he refuses to give up. With help from his friends, he tracks down the criminals, rescues the girl, and ultimately earns recognition as a true hero back on duty.
4. Escape (2024)
Escape tells the thrilling story of Lim Gyu-nam, a North Korean soldier who’s ready to risk it all for a new life in South Korea. Just as he’s about to leave, his plan is discovered, setting off a dangerous chain of events. Major Li Hyeon-sang, Gyu-nam’s childhood acquaintance and a tough State Security officer, becomes his relentless pursuer. After a tense, life-or-death chase across the DMZ, Gyu-nam finally reaches South Korean troops. A year later, he’s free, building a new life and honoring the memory of his fallen comrade, Dong-hyuk, while embracing the hope he’s fought so hard to find.
5. I, the Executioner (2024)
I, the Executioner is the 2024 action-thriller sequel to Veteran, following veteran detective Seo Do-cheol as he teams up with rookie Park Sun-woo to track down a mysterious vigilante known as “Haechi,” who’s targeting criminals that escaped justice. As the investigation unfolds, Seo starts noticing troubling signs that point to Sun-woo himself. Tense chases, kidnappings, and brutal fights lead to a dramatic showdown between the two. Packed with suspense, action, and emotional stakes, the film keeps viewers on edge and ends with a shocking twist, leaving Sun-woo on the run and Seo facing the consequences of his choices.
6. Uprising (2024)
Uprising is a gripping 2024 South Korean historical action film about two childhood friends whose lives take very different paths during the Japanese invasions of Korea. Cheon Yeong, a slave with incredible martial arts skills, fights to break free from a life of injustice, while his former master, Jong-ryeo, becomes his enemy in the chaos of war. Their personal battle plays out alongside King Seonjo’s military campaigns, mixing intense action with emotional stakes. Premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, Uprising is a thrilling story of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, now available to stream on Netflix.
7. Badland Hunters (2024)
Badland Hunters is a thrilling 2024 South Korean post-apocalyptic action film, serving as a standalone sequel to Concrete Utopia. Three years after a massive earthquake, Seoul has turned into a chaotic wasteland. Nam-san, a tough survivor, and his friend Choi Ji-wan are doing their best to keep their village safe while scavenging for resources. Things get intense when their fellow villager, Su-na, is kidnapped by a rogue scientist, Dr. Yang Gi-su, who’s obsessed with immortality. Teaming up with military sergeant Lee Eun-ho, they face mutant soldiers, uncover deadly experiments, and manage to rescue Su-na, restoring some safety to their village.
8. Alienoid: Return to the Future (2024)
Alienoid: Return to the Future is the thrilling sequel to Alienoid, packed with sci-fi action and starring Ryu Jun-yeol, Kim Tae-ri, and Kim Woo-bin. The story follows Lee Ahn, stuck in the past, trying to track down Thunder and stop an alien prisoner hiding inside a human. Along the way, he’s chased by mages, a blind swordsman, and others after the legendary Divine Sword. Back in the present, an alien substance called haava threatens to explode. With time ticking down, Lee Ahn must save the day, and along the way, shocking secrets are finally revealed.
9. Project Silence (2023)
Project Silence is a 2023 South Korean disaster thriller directed by Kim Tae-gon. It made its world premiere at the Midnight Screening of the 76th Cannes Film Festival and hit theaters in South Korea on July 12, 2024. The film plunges viewers into a tense scenario: survivors trapped on a crumbling airport bridge during a massive storm, only to face a terrifying new threat: military experimental dogs. Originally designed to rescue humans, these dogs were turned into deadly attack animals under a secret project called Project Silence. Now, uncontrollable and vicious, they target everyone, including the people who created them, making survival nearly impossible.
10. Believer 2 (2023)
Believer 2 is the thrilling 2023 sequel to the 2018 hit Believer. The story picks up with detective Won-ho, who’s determined to track down the mysterious “Rak” after Brian’s arrest, all while uncovering the secrets of a ruthless drug cartel. Full of intense action, suspense, and twists, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With a talented cast including Cho Jin-woong, Cha Seung-won, and Han Hyo-joo, Believer 2 premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and is now streaming on Netflix, bringing crime, betrayal, and high-stakes drama straight to your screen.
11. Kill Boksoon (2023)
Kill Boksoon follows Gil Bok-soon, a top-tier contract killer who’s also a devoted mom. She navigates a dangerous world of assassinations, betrayal, and corruption while trying to protect her daughter, Jae-young. When Bok-soon faces off against a yakuza and later spares a corrupt politician, she shows there’s more to her than just violence. Meanwhile, Jae-young struggles at school, comes out as a lesbian, and stands up for herself. Betrayed by colleagues and her agency, Bok-soon fights back in intense, brutal confrontations. In the end, both mother and daughter find their own strength, proving they can survive and thrive in a dangerous world.
12. Ballerina (2023)
Ballerina is a 2023 South Korean action thriller that follows Jang Ok-ju, a former bodyguard on a mission for revenge after her best friend, Choi Min-hee, is victimized by a ruthless sex trafficker. Using her skills and cunning, Ok-ju tracks down Choi Pro, battles his gang, and rescues a high school girl held captive. Along the way, she takes down Choi and destroys the evidence of his crimes, even securing a notebook revealing his clients. Packed with intense action and suspense, Ballerina is a gripping story of justice, revenge, and a woman taking matters into her own hands.
13. Yaksha: Ruthless Operations (2022)
Yaksha: Ruthless Operations is a 2022 South Korean spy action thriller that follows prosecutor Han Ji-hoon, who gets demoted to the NIS and finds himself in the Shenyang black ops branch. There, he teams up with the elite Black Team led by Ji Kang-in and dives into a high-stakes mission involving a North Korean defector and his daughter, Ju-yeon. Together, they outsmart dangerous enemies, expose double agents, and take down powerful threats. Packed with espionage, action, and suspense, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat, ending with Ji-hoon back in Seoul and the Black Team ready for their next global mission.
14. Confidential Assignment 2: International (2022)
Confidential Assignment 2: International follows North Korean detective Im Cheol-ryeong and South Korean detective Kang Jin-tae on another high-stakes adventure. When a North Korean terrorist steals $1 billion and sneaks into Seoul, the duo teams up with FBI agent Jack to track him down. Between dodging henchmen, stopping a virus plot, and rescuing Jin-tae’s family, the trio faces nonstop action and surprises. With plenty of humor and edge-of-your-seat suspense, they manage to outsmart the villain, recover the stolen money, and even deliver it to UNICEF. And of course, Cheol-ryeong finds time for a little romance, proposing to Min-young.
15. Hunt (2022)
Hunt is a thrilling South Korean spy action film and Lee Jung-jae’s directorial debut, starring himself and Jung Woo-sung. Set in the 1980s, it follows NIS agents Park Pyong-ho and Kim Jung-do as they try to uncover a North Korean mole, Donglim, within their agency. But things get messy. Kim has his own secret plan, and Park turns out to be the mole himself. From high-stakes chases across South Korea, Japan, and Thailand to shocking betrayals, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat with intense action, twists, and political intrigue from start to finish.
16. Deliver Us From Evil (2020)
Deliver Us from Evil is a 2020 South Korean action thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It follows hitman In-nam, who just wants to retire after one last job, but ends up caught in a dangerous kidnapping case in Thailand. Things get personal when he discovers the kidnapped girl, Yoo-min, is actually his daughter. Racing against time through a ruthless child trafficking ring and a criminal syndicate, In-nam fights to save her. With intense action, high-stakes chases, and emotional twists, it’s a story about redemption, vengeance, and a father who will stop at nothing to protect his child.
17. Collectors (2020)
Collectors is a fun South Korean heist action-comedy that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It stars Lee Je-hoon as Kang Dong-goo, a brilliant thief with an uncanny knack for pulling off impossible jobs. He teams up with Dr. Jones, a mural expert, and Sapdari, a legendary shoveling master, for a risky grave robbery in Seoul. When antiques expert Curator Yoon brings a bold new heist idea, the team has to combine brains, skill, and a little luck to succeed. Released in November 2020, Collectors was a hit, racking up over $12 million and 1.5 million viewers.
18. Hitman: Agent Jun (2020)
Hitman: Agent Jun is a hilarious action-comedy from 2020 about Jun, a former top NIS agent who gave up the spy life to become a webtoon artist. Things get wild when one of his comics accidentally reveals his secret past as an elite assassin. When his family gets caught in the crossfire, Jun teams up with his old colleagues, Cheol and Chief Cheon, to take down Jason, a villain out for revenge. After a thrilling showdown, Jun saves the day, clears his name, and finally enjoys family life while still drawing his wildly popular webtoon.
19. The Golden Holiday (2020)
The Golden Holiday is a fun and thrilling action-comedy from 2020. It follows detective Hong Byeong-soo, who takes his family to the Philippines for their 10th anniversary, only to get unexpectedly framed for murder! With the help of a local tour guide, Man-Cheol, he dives into the investigation to clear his name. Along the way, he reconnects with his old friend Yong-bae and uncovers a mysterious case surrounding the legendary “Yamashita’s Gold.” Packed with twists, action, and humor, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat while delivering plenty of laughs and adventure.
20. Extreme Job (2019)
Extreme Job is such a fun ride! It’s a 2019 South Korean action-comedy about a team of young narcotics detectives who go undercover by running a fried chicken restaurant to keep an eye on an international drug gang. Squad chief Go and his team plan it as just another stakeout, but things take a hilarious turn when the chicken they cook with a special marinade becomes an instant hit. What was meant to be a cover operation turns into a booming restaurant! Released on January 23, 2019, it became a massive hit, raking in over ₩91.5 billion and becoming one of South Korea’s most-watched films ever.
21. The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos (2019)
The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos is an action-packed South Korean film from 2019 that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Oh Goo-tak pulls together his special crime unit, made up of former gangsters and cops like Woong-Cheol and Yoo-Sung, to track down escaped criminals tied to a ruthless yakuza boss, Yoshihara. With insider help from Jessica, they navigate deadly traps, face corrupt officers, and take on dangerous goons. In the end, through teamwork, clever planning, and a bit of revenge for fallen friends, they bring down the crime ring, secure justice, and even earn reduced sentences.
22. Ashfall (2019)
Ashfall is an edge-of-your-seat disaster film about Mount Paektu erupting and shaking the entire Korean peninsula. Captain Jo In-chang (Ha Jung-woo) teams up with North Korean spy Lee Joon-pyeong (Lee Byung-hun) on a risky mission to stop another eruption by detonating a nuclear bomb in a mine. Meanwhile, In-chang’s pregnant wife, Ji-young (Bae Suzy), fights to survive amid the chaos, with Professor Kang (Ma Dong-seok) guiding the operation. Battling gangsters and international interference, the team manages to prevent total disaster. A year later, North and South Korea work together to rebuild, and In-chang raises his family with Ji-young and Soon-ok.
23. Believer (2018)
Believer is a 2018 South Korean action crime thriller that follows detective Won-ho as he goes undercover to take down Asia’s most mysterious drug lord, Mr. Lee. Teaming up with Rak, a former gang member with a personal grudge, Won-ho dives into the cartel’s dangerous world through deception, high-stakes operations, and intense confrontations. As the story unfolds, shocking secrets emerge, including Rak’s true identity as Mr. Lee himself, blurring the lines between good and evil. Packed with action, suspense, and twists, Believer is a gripping crime story that sets the stage for the 2023 sequel, Believer 2.
24. Unstoppable (2018)
Unstoppable is an action-packed South Korean thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Ma Dong-seok plays Kang Dong-cheol, a former gangster turned seafood distributor, whose quiet life is turned upside down when his wife Ji-su is kidnapped by a ruthless human trafficking ring. With the help of his loyal friend Choon-sik and a retired inspector, Dong-cheol goes on a wild, high-stakes chase through casinos, ports, and criminal hideouts, taking down henchmen left and right. In the end, he saves Ji-su, brings the criminals to justice, and even opens a restaurant to celebrate with a happy meal.
25. Fabricated City (2017)
Fabricated City follows Kwon Yoo, a former taekwondo champ who now spends his days gaming until he suddenly gets framed for murder with evidence that looks impossibly perfect. After suffering in prison and losing his mother, he escapes and reconnects with his online squad, RESURRECTION, especially the brilliant hacker Yeo-wool. Together, they uncover a huge conspiracy led by corrupt attorney Min Chum-sang, who stages crimes and frames innocent people for the rich and powerful. With time running out, the team pulls off a bold live broadcast to expose Min’s secrets, clear Kwon Yoo’s name, and finally set the truth free.
26. The Merciless (2017)
The Merciless is a 2017 South Korean crime-action flick that’s full of tension and twists. It stars Sul Kyung-gu and Im Si-wan and dives into the dangerous world of prison gangs. The story follows Hyun-soo, an undercover cop who gets thrown behind bars to infiltrate a gang, and Han Jae-ho, a ruthless inmate leader. The two form a shaky alliance to take control of the gang, but loyalty and betrayal constantly test their partnership. Packed with suspense, action, and power struggles, the film is a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing until the very end.
27. Confidential Assignment (2017)
Confidential Assignment is a 2017 South Korean action-comedy that’s equal parts thrilling and fun. The story follows North Korean officer Im Cheol-ryung and Seoul detective Kang Jin-tae as they team up to catch a dangerous fugitive running a counterfeiting gang. After Cheol-ryung’s team is ambushed, he heads to South Korea to recover stolen master plates, and that’s where the chaos and comedy begin. Between high-stakes chases, clever tricks, and explosive fights, the duo learns to trust each other. Packed with action, humor, and a bit of heart, it’s a wild ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
28. Midnight Runners (2017)
Midnight Runners is a fun and thrilling 2017 South Korean action-comedy about two best friends, Ki-joon and Hee-yeol, who are students at the police academy. One night, they witness a young girl being kidnapped, but when the police prioritize a high-profile case, they decide to take matters into their own hands. The duo uncovers a criminal ring exploiting girls for egg harvesting, goes through intense training, and takes on the bad guys themselves. In the end, they save the victims, earn the gratitude of those they helped, and learn that doing the right thing sometimes comes with unexpected consequences.
29. Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds is a thrilling South Korean fantasy-action film that really tugs at the heart. It follows firefighter Kim Ja-hong, who dies on duty and must face seven intense trials in the afterlife, guided by three Grim Reapers. Each trial, from murder to deceit to family duty, tests his courage, selflessness, and past mistakes. With the help of his guardians and some surprising family revelations, Ja-hong navigates vengeful spirits and clears up misunderstandings, ultimately earning the chance for reincarnation. It’s a mix of emotional drama, epic action, and a fascinating look at the afterlife.
30. The Prison (2017)
The Prison is a thrilling South Korean action-crime film from 2017 that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It follows Song Yoo-gun, a former cop who ends up in jail for corruption, only to discover that the prison is anything but ordinary. At night, inmates sneak out to pull off “perfect crimes,” all under the control of the ruthless kingpin Jung Ik-ho. Yoo-gun’s bold attitude quickly catches Ik-ho’s eye, dragging him into dangerous schemes. Packed with suspense, action, and twists, the movie shows how survival, smarts, and courage are put to the ultimate test behind bars.
31. Steel Rain (2017)
Steel Rain is an intense South Korean action thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It follows North Korean agent Eom Chul-Woo, who, after a missile attack, rescues the injured supreme leader and two schoolgirls, fleeing to South Korea. Teaming up with South Korean secretary Kwak Chul-woo, Eom navigates a web of assassination plots, nuclear threats, and political scheming led by coup mastermind Ri Tae-han. With quick thinking and daring action, they manage to stop a war and secure peace. Packed with suspense, tension, and high-stakes drama, the movie is a thrilling ride across the Korean peninsula.
32. Luck Key (2016)
Luck Key is a hilarious action-comedy about Jae-sung, a down-on-his-luck actor, and Hyung-wook, a skilled assassin. Their lives collide in a sauna mix-up: Jae-sung ends up stealing Hyung-wook’s belongings, while Hyung-wook gets amnesia and thinks he’s Jae-sung. Thrust into normal life, Hyung-wook surprisingly shines at a small restaurant and even lands a role on a TV show, while Jae-sung uncovers his neighbor’s secret and falls for her. When Hyung-wook regains his memory, the two hatch a clever plan to fake deaths and start fresh. Full of laughs, action, and heart, it’s a wild ride of mistaken identities and second chances.
33. Master (2016)
Master is a thrilling South Korean action-crime film starring Lee Byung-hun, Gang Dong-won, and Kim Woo-bin. The story follows Detective Kim Jae-myung on a high-stakes chase to catch Chairman Jin, a smooth-talking conman who scams thousands and flees to Metro Manila. To catch him, Kim teams up with Jin’s own clever partner, General Park, and together they navigate a web of betrayal, schemes, and clever tricks. Packed with suspense, plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat action, Master keeps you guessing while exploring corruption, loyalty, and the dark side of ambition. It’s a cat-and-mouse thrill ride from start to finish.
34. Asura: The City of Madness (2016)
Asura: The City of Madness is a wild ride of corruption, crime, and moral dilemmas. It follows Han Do-kyung, a homicide detective who’s doing shady work for the city’s corrupt mayor, Park Sung-bae, just to cover his terminally ill wife’s hospital bills. But things get messy when ambitious prosecutors use Han to gather dirt on the mayor, and his loyal junior, Moon Seon-mo, ends up drawn into the same dark web. Han’s caught between survival, loyalty, and doing the right thing, facing a storm of greed, betrayal, and crime that could ruin his life and everyone he cares about.
35. Veteran (2015)
Veteran follows detective Seo Do-cheol, a tough, no-nonsense cop on a mission to take down Jo Tae-oh, the arrogant heir of the powerful Sinjin Group. When Tae-oh’s assault leads to a truck driver’s death, Do-cheol dives headfirst into the investigation, facing threats, bribery, and even assassination attempts. With help from his team and a determined reporter, he uncovers the truth and sets a clever trap for Tae-oh. After a thrilling car chase and brutal hand-to-hand showdown, Do-cheol arrests him. Justice is served, Tae-oh is imprisoned, and Do-cheol recovers from his injuries, ready to get back to work.
36. Assassination (2015)
Assassination is an intense South Korean spy thriller set during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The story follows a group of resistance fighters planning to take down high-ranking Japanese officers, including the treacherous Kang In-guk. Betrayal, secret identities, and deadly missions take them across Seoul and Shanghai, with skilled operatives like Hawaii Pistol and Ahn Okyun facing constant danger. The team navigates suspense, personal vendettas, and high-stakes action, culminating in a daring attack on a wedding to eliminate their targets. Packed with tension, heroism, and sacrifice, Assassination is a thrilling tale of justice and resistance against oppression.
37. Snowpiercer (2013)
Snowpiercer, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is an intense post-apocalyptic thriller set entirely on a train carrying the last humans after a climate disaster plunges the world into a new ice age. The train’s divided: the rich live in luxury at the front, while the poor are crammed in the tail. Curtis, a leader from the tail, sparks a rebellion, fighting guards and uncovering shocking secrets about Wilford, the train’s mastermind. With help from Namgoong and his daughter Yona, Curtis battles through the train, leading to a dramatic finale where Yona and a young boy emerge into a frozen but hopeful world outside.
38. The Thieves (2012)
The Thieves is an exciting South Korean heist action-comedy that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It follows a team of Korean and Chinese thieves who set their sights on the $20 million “Tear of the Sun” diamond in Macau. Led by the clever Macau Park, the crew juggles tricky plans, double-crosses, and even undercover cops. As the heist unfolds, loyalties are tested, and chaos erupts with shootouts, betrayals, and shocking twists. With love, revenge, and clever tricks thrown in, Pepsee, Popie, and Yenicall navigate a thrilling, unpredictable journey to outsmart their rivals and the law.
39. The Man from Nowhere (2010)
The Man from Nowhere is a thrilling South Korean action film from 2010 starring Won Bin. It follows Cha Tae-sik, a quiet pawnshop owner who’s close to his young neighbor, So-mi. When she’s kidnapped by a dangerous drug gang over stolen opium, Tae-sik’s secret past as a covert operative comes back to the surface. Fueled by determination, he goes on a nonstop, action-packed mission to save her, taking down the gang along the way. Amid all the chaos and fight scenes, the heart of the story is Tae-sik’s bond with So-mi, leading to a deeply emotional and unforgettable farewell.
40. Oldboy (2003)
Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook, is a wild, gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It follows Oh Dae-su, a man mysteriously locked up for 15 years with no explanation. When he’s finally released, he dives into a dark quest for revenge, only to uncover shocking secrets set up by his captor, Lee Woo-jin. Along the way, he forms a complicated bond with Mi-do, a young sushi chef, but the truth about love, family, and betrayal hits hard. With intense action and unforgettable twists, Oldboy is a must-watch psychological thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
From martial arts masterpieces to gripping crime thrillers, Korean action films on Netflix never disappoint. Our list of the 40 best Korean action movies to watch on Netflix in 2025 has a little something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and dive into stories full of high-stakes suspense, unforgettable characters, and adrenaline-pumping moments. Your Netflix queue is about to get a serious upgrade!
