If you loved the high-stakes tension and relentless action of Hard Hit (2021), this list is for you. We’ve curated 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping thrills, heart-stopping suspense, and edge-of-your-seat drama. Whether you're a fan of intense car chases, clever heists, or life-or-death dilemmas, these picks will keep you hooked just like Hard Hit did.

The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019)
Description: A violent crime thriller about an unlikely alliance between a gangster and a cop to hunt down a serial killer, featuring brutal action and moral complexity.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events involving Korean mob boss Lee Kang-hee. Sylvester Stallone's production company acquired rights for an American remake.


The Chaser (2008)
Description: A gritty, fast-paced crime thriller about a former detective racing against time to track down a serial killer, filled with unpredictable twists and raw violence.
Fact: The movie was based on real-life serial killer Yoo Young-chul's crimes. It marked a turning point in Korean thriller cinema, reviving the genre's popularity.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: A dark, action-packed revenge thriller with a protagonist driven to extreme measures to save a young girl, featuring intense fight scenes and emotional depth.
Fact: The film's climactic knife fight scene is considered one of the most realistic and brutal in Korean cinema. It won several awards for its action choreography.


I Saw the Devil (2010)
Description: A brutal, psychologically intense revenge story that explores the dark consequences of vengeance, featuring graphic violence and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its extreme violence. It features one of the longest continuous fight scenes in Korean cinema history.


The Terror Live (2013)
Description: A gripping, real-time thriller centered around a radio host who becomes entangled in a terrorist's deadly game, creating an atmosphere of relentless tension and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The entire movie takes place in real-time, adding to the urgency and suspense. It was inspired by real-life hostage situations and media manipulation cases.


A Hard Day (2014)
Description: A darkly comedic yet intense crime thriller about a detective's desperate attempts to cover up an accidental crime, leading to increasingly dangerous situations.
Fact: The film's title is a playful reference to The Beatles song, contrasting with its dark content. It won Best Film at the Sitges Film Festival.


The Piper (2015)
Description: A dark thriller with horror elements about a mysterious piper who arrives in a village hiding terrible secrets, leading to violent consequences.
Fact: The movie is a twisted retelling of the Pied Piper legend set in post-Korean War era. It blends folk horror with psychological thriller elements.


Memoir of a Murderer (2017)
Description: A psychological thriller about a former serial killer with Alzheimer's trying to protect his daughter from a new murderer, blending memory loss with suspense.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Japanese novel 'The Village' but changes several key elements to fit Korean sensibilities. It explores unreliable narration through its protagonist's fading memory.


The Outlaws (2017)
Description: A crime action film based on true events, featuring violent gang conflicts and a tough detective caught in the middle of escalating brutality.
Fact: The movie is based on the 2007 Heuksapa Incident, a real-life gang war between Korean and Chinese gangs in Seoul. It spawned a successful sequel.


The Call (2020)
Description: A high-stakes thriller with a tense, life-or-death premise, featuring a protagonist caught in a desperate race against time to prevent a tragic outcome.
Fact: The film's plot involves a mysterious phone call that connects two women living in the same house but 20 years apart. It blends elements of psychological horror with crime thriller.
