10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Wailing (2016)

Description: Oldboy, like The Wailing, is a psychological thriller that explores themes of revenge, guilt, and redemption. Both films feature shocking twists and a descent into madness, with a visual style that enhances the unsettling atmosphere. The emotional and physical brutality in Oldboy mirrors the intense horror of The Wailing.

Fact: Oldboy won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. The famous hallway fight scene was shot in one take. Director Park Chan-wook is known for his meticulous attention to detail and visual storytelling.

Description: The Host shares with The Wailing a mix of horror, dark humor, and family drama, all set against a mysterious and terrifying threat. Both films critique societal and governmental responses to crises, blending supernatural elements with sharp social commentary. The emotional core of both films revolves around a family's struggle to protect one of their own.

Fact: The Host was inspired by a real-life incident where a Korean mortician was ordered to dump formaldehyde into the Han River. The creature in the film was created through a combination of CGI and practical effects. It was the highest-grossing South Korean film at the time of its release.

Description: The Chaser shares with The Wailing a gritty, realistic approach to its thriller elements, focusing on a desperate search for a missing person. Both films critique systemic failures and feature morally ambiguous characters. The tension and pacing in The Chaser are reminiscent of the relentless dread in The Wailing.

Fact: The Chaser was based on the real-life crimes of serial killer Yoo Young-chul. It marked the directorial debut of Na Hong-jin, who later directed The Wailing. The film was a critical and commercial success, revitalizing the Korean thriller genre.

Description: I Saw the Devil, like The Wailing, is a dark, intense thriller that delves into themes of revenge, morality, and the nature of evil. Both films feature a cat-and-mouse dynamic between the protagonist and antagonist, with a relentless and brutal tone. The psychological depth and graphic violence in both films serve to unsettle and provoke the audience.

Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its extreme violence. Director Kim Jee-woon is known for his versatility, having worked in genres ranging from horror to comedy. The lead actor, Lee Byung-hun, performed many of his own stunts.

Description: The Handmaiden shares with The Wailing a rich, atmospheric visual style and a narrative filled with twists and turns. Both films explore themes of deception, betrayal, and hidden motives, with a focus on complex character relationships. The period setting and meticulous craftsmanship in The Handmaiden echo the detailed world-building of The Wailing.

Fact: The Handmaiden is an adaptation of the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, transposed to 1930s Korea. The film won the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language. Director Park Chan-wook is known for his visually stunning and thematically rich films.

Description: Like The Wailing, Train to Busan is a South Korean film that blends horror with deep emotional and social commentary. Both films explore themes of survival, human nature under extreme stress, and the breakdown of societal norms. The visceral horror elements in Train to Busan, much like in The Wailing, serve as a backdrop to more profound human dramas.

Fact: Train to Busan was a massive box office success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in South Korea. The film revitalized the zombie genre with its unique setting and emotional depth. Director Yeon Sang-ho originally conceived the story as an animated film before developing it into a live-action feature.

Description: Parasite, like The Wailing, is a masterful blend of genres, combining elements of thriller, horror, and social commentary. Both films critique societal structures and feature a gradual descent into chaos. The dark humor and shocking twists in Parasite are reminiscent of the tonal shifts in The Wailing.

Fact: Parasite made history by winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes and the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's set design was meticulously crafted to reflect the class divisions in the story. Director Bong Joon-ho is known for his genre-defying films.

Description: Burning, like The Wailing, is a slow-burning psychological thriller that explores themes of obsession, class disparity, and existential dread. Both films use ambiguity and tension to create a sense of unease, with a focus on character-driven narratives. The atmospheric and visual storytelling in Burning is reminiscent of The Wailing's haunting tone.

Fact: Burning is based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. It was the first Korean film to make the shortlist for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. The film's ambiguous ending has sparked much debate among viewers.

Description: The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion shares with The Wailing a blend of horror, mystery, and supernatural elements, with a strong focus on a young protagonist caught in a web of dark forces. Both films feature shocking revelations and a gradual unraveling of the truth, with a tense and atmospheric buildup.

Fact: The film was a breakout role for actress Kim Da-mi. It combines elements of science fiction and horror, creating a unique genre hybrid. The film's success led to plans for a sequel.

Description: The Call shares with The Wailing a supernatural thriller premise that explores themes of fate, time, and the consequences of one's actions. Both films feature a tense, atmospheric buildup and a narrative that keeps the audience guessing. The psychological horror elements in The Call mirror the unsettling dread of The Wailing.

Fact: The Call is a remake of the 2011 British film The Caller. The film's time-travel premise adds a unique twist to the thriller genre. It features strong performances from its lead actresses, Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo.