If you loved the intense, darkly comedic thriller 'A Hard Day' (2014), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its high-stakes tension, moral dilemmas, and unexpected twists. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas or adrenaline-pumping suspense, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Oldboy (2003)
Description: A psychological thriller with themes of revenge, betrayal, and shocking twists, featuring brutal fight scenes and a morally complex narrative.
Fact: The famous hallway fight scene was shot in one continuous take and took three days to perfect.


The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019)
Description: A crime thriller with an unlikely alliance between a gangster and a cop to hunt down a serial killer, featuring intense action and moral complexity.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life encounter between a gangster and a serial killer, though the story is heavily fictionalized.


The Chaser (2008)
Description: A gripping crime thriller with intense cat-and-mouse dynamics, featuring a relentless protagonist and brutal violence, set in a gritty urban environment.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life serial killer Yoo Young-chul, and its low budget didn't stop it from becoming a massive box office success in South Korea.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: A high-octane action thriller with a brooding, skilled protagonist seeking redemption through violent means, set against a backdrop of organized crime.
Fact: The film's climactic knife fight scene is considered one of the best-choreographed action sequences in Korean cinema.


I Saw the Devil (2010)
Description: A dark and violent revenge story that explores moral ambiguity, featuring a protagonist pushed to extremes and a chilling antagonist.
Fact: The film was initially banned in Korea for its extreme violence but was later released with heavy edits; the director's cut remains controversial.


The Berlin File (2013)
Description: A fast-paced spy thriller with international stakes, featuring double-crosses, intense action, and a protagonist caught between competing loyalties.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Berlin, Latvia, and South Korea, adding to its authentic international espionage atmosphere.


The Wailing (2016)
Description: A tense, atmospheric thriller blending crime and horror elements, with a protagonist caught in a web of supernatural and human evil.
Fact: The film's ambiguous ending sparked widespread debate and multiple interpretations among viewers and critics.


The Villainess (2017)
Description: A stylish, action-packed revenge thriller with brutal fight sequences and a female protagonist navigating a world of betrayal and violence.
Fact: The film's opening first-person action sequence was praised for its innovative cinematography and intensity.


The Outlaws (2017)
Description: A crime action film based on true events, featuring a tough cop taking on ruthless gangsters in a gritty urban setting.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the 2007 Heuksapa Incident, a real-life gang war between Korean and Chinese criminals.


The Spy Gone North (2018)
Description: A tense espionage thriller based on true events, featuring high-stakes political intrigue and a protagonist operating in dangerous, shadowy worlds.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of a South Korean spy who infiltrated North Korea's upper echelons in the 1990s.
