If you loved the gripping tension and psychological thrills of 'Criminal Audition' (2020), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver similar high-stakes drama, intense performances, and dark storytelling. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers or psychological mind games, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Oldboy (2003)
Description: A brutal revenge thriller with shocking twists, exploring themes of imprisonment, vengeance, and psychological torment through its protagonist's harrowing journey.
Fact: The famous hallway fight scene was shot in one continuous take. The film's twist ending has become legendary in cinema history.


The Host (2006)
Description: A creature feature that blends family drama with political satire and thrilling action, creating a unique mix of genres while maintaining intense suspense throughout.
Fact: The monster was created using both CGI and practical effects. The film broke box office records in South Korea and won numerous international awards.


The Chaser (2008)
Description: A gritty crime thriller about a former detective turned pimp racing against time to find a missing woman, uncovering a serial killer's brutal spree.
Fact: The film was based on real-life serial killer Yoo Young-chul's crimes. It revitalized the Korean thriller genre and was a massive box office success.


I Saw the Devil (2010)
Description: A relentless cat-and-mouse game between a secret agent and a serial killer, pushing the boundaries of revenge narratives with its extreme violence and psychological depth.
Fact: The film was initially banned in South Korea for its extreme violence before being released with cuts. It features one of the most intense chase sequences in Korean cinema.


The Handmaiden (2016)
Description: A sumptuous psychological thriller filled with deception, erotic tension, and shocking twists, set against the backdrop of Japanese-occupied Korea.
Fact: The film's elaborate sets included a full-scale reproduction of a 1930s Korean mansion. It won the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language.


The Wailing (2016)
Description: A supernatural horror-thriller that blends police procedural elements with folk horror, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and uncertainty about who or what is truly evil.
Fact: Director Na Hong-jin spent years researching shamanistic rituals for the film. The movie's ambiguous ending sparked intense debate among viewers.


Train to Busan (2016)
Description: A high-intensity thriller that uses its zombie apocalypse premise to explore human nature under extreme pressure, featuring heart-pounding action and emotional depth.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on moving trains. It became the first Korean film to screen at the Cannes Film Festival's Midnight Screenings section.


Parasite (2019)
Description: A masterful blend of dark comedy and psychological thriller, exploring themes of class struggle, deception, and the lengths people will go to for survival.
Fact: It was the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's iconic semi-basement apartment set was built from scratch.


Burning (2018)
Description: A slow-burning psychological mystery that explores class tensions and obsession through the story of a love triangle with potentially deadly consequences.
Fact: The film holds the record for the highest-scoring Korean movie on Screen International's critics' poll. It's based on a short story by Haruki Murakami.


The Call (2020)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the dark consequences of a mysterious phone call connecting two women across time, leading to a twisted game of survival and manipulation.
Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days and features a non-linear narrative that keeps viewers on edge. It was a box office hit in South Korea despite the pandemic.
