Top 15 Highest Grossing Korean Movies of All Time (2025 Update)
Korean cinema has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with compelling storytelling, cultural richness, and high production quality. Over the years, several films have not only won international acclaim but also achieved monumental success at the box office. In this article, we present the most accurate list of the highest grossing Korean movies as of 2025, based on verified box office figures.
Whether you’re a K-drama lover or a movie enthusiast, these record-breaking Korean films are essential viewing. Here is the list below -
1. Parasite (2019)
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Box Office Gross: $262 million
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Genre: Thriller / Drama
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Director: Bong Joon-ho
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Main Cast: Song Kang-ho, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Lee Sun-kyun
Why Watch: The first Korean film to win the Palme d'Or and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. A sharp, darkly comedic look at class division that captivated audiences globally.
2. Ode to My Father (2014)
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Box Office Gross: $184 million
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Genre: Drama / Historical
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Director: Yoon Je-kyoon
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Main Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Kim Yunjin, Oh Dal-su
Why Watch: A deeply emotional journey through Korea’s modern history, this film tugs at the heartstrings and offers a powerful depiction of sacrifice and family.
3. The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
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Box Office Gross: $138 million
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Genre: War / Historical
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Director: Kim Han-min
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Main Cast: Choi Min-sik, Ryu Seung-ryong, Cho Jin-woong
Why Watch: The most-watched Korean film domestically, chronicling Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s legendary naval battle with intense war scenes and inspiring leadership.
4. Extreme Job (2019)
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Box Office Gross: $119 million
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Genre: Action / Comedy
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Director: Lee Byeong-heon
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Main Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Lee Hanee, Jin Seon-kyu
Why Watch: A hilarious undercover cop film turned chicken restaurant sensation. Smartly written and perfectly timed comedy made it a massive crowd-pleaser.
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5. Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
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Box Office Gross: $109 million
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Genre: Fantasy / Drama
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Director: Kim Yong-hwa
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Main Cast: Ha Jung-woo, Cha Tae-hyun, Ju Ji-hoon
Why Watch: A breathtaking visual fantasy exploring the afterlife through emotional storytelling and philosophical questions about life and justice.
6. The Roundup (2022)
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Box Office Gross: $101 million
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Genre: Action / Crime
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Director: Lee Sang-yong
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Main Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Son Suk-ku, Choi Gwi-hwa
Why Watch: A fierce cop action flick with Ma Dong-seok returning as the unstoppable Detective Ma Seok-do. Fast, gritty, and filled with intense action.
7. 12.12: The Day (2023)
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Box Office Gross: $97 million
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Genre: Historical / Political
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Director: Kim Sung-su
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Main Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung
Why Watch: A gripping reenactment of Korea’s 1979 military coup, praised for its tight screenplay, historical accuracy, and brilliant performances.
8. Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018)
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Box Office Gross: $97 million
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Genre: Fantasy / Drama
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Director: Kim Yong-hwa
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Main Cast: Ha Jung-woo, Ju Ji-hoon, Kim Hyang-gi
Why Watch: The stunning sequel deepens the emotional narrative with more character backstories and high-stakes courtroom drama in the afterlife.
9. Assassination (2015)
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Box Office Gross: $96 million
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Genre: Action / Historical
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Director: Choi Dong-hoon
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Main Cast: Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Jung-jae, Ha Jung-woo
Why Watch: Set during Japanese colonial rule, this spy thriller combines historical drama with nail-biting espionage and stylish cinematography.
10. Veteran (2015)
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Box Office Gross: $94 million
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Genre: Action / Crime
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Director: Ryoo Seung-wan
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Main Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Yoo Ah-in
Why Watch: A relentless cop hunts down a corrupt chaebol heir. A blend of raw action and sharp social satire that hit home with Korean audiences.
11. Masquerade (2012)
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Box Office Gross: $94 million
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Genre: Historical / Drama
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Director: Choo Chang-min
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Main Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo
Why Watch: A tale inspired by “The Prince and the Pauper,” featuring Lee Byung-hun in a masterful dual role as a king and a commoner look-alike.
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12. Exhuma (2024)
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Box Office Gross: $93 million
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Genre: Horror / Supernatural
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Director: Jang Jae-hyun
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Main Cast: Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin
Why Watch: A rare blend of Korean shamanism and modern horror that earned high praise for its originality, direction, and eerie atmosphere.
13. Train to Busan (2016)
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Box Office Gross: $92 million
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Genre: Horror / Thriller
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Director: Yeon Sang-ho
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Main Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
Why Watch: A zombie outbreak on a high-speed train with emotional stakes and relentless action. A global sensation and genre-defining film.
14. The Host (2006)
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Box Office Gross: $89 million
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Genre: Sci-Fi / Thriller
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Director: Bong Joon-ho
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Main Cast: Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il
Why Watch: A monster emerges from the Han River in this allegorical, thrilling critique of government incompetence. Early proof of Bong Joon-ho's brilliance.
15. The Thieves (2012)
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Box Office Gross: $87 million
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Genre: Heist / Action
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Director: Choi Dong-hoon
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Main Cast: Kim Yoon-seok, Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Jung-jae
Why Watch: Korea’s take on Ocean’s Eleven, featuring an all-star cast, fast-paced heist action, and stylish execution.
Final Thoughts
The success of these highest grossing Korean movies reflects Korea's storytelling power, cinematic artistry, and growing global influence. From emotionally charged dramas to thrilling action spectacles, these films continue to break records and inspire new generations of filmmakers and fans alike. Visit our website for more korean drama news and updates.
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