If you loved the intense action and gripping storyline of 'The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil' (2019), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping thrills, dark humor, and complex characters. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas or action-packed thrillers, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002)
Description: A bleak and violent tale of revenge and its consequences. The film's nonlinear storytelling and moral complexity challenge viewers' perceptions of justice.
Fact: This is the first film in Park Chan-wook's 'Vengeance Trilogy,' though the films are not directly connected. It was initially a box office failure but gained cult status over time.


Oldboy (2003)
Description: A visceral revenge story with shocking twists and extreme violence. The film's exploration of obsession, punishment, and redemption is both brutal and thought-provoking.
Fact: The famous hallway fight scene was shot in one continuous take and took three days to perfect. The film won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.


The Chaser (2008)
Description: A fast-paced thriller about a former detective turned pimp hunting down a serial killer. The film's relentless tension and moral ambiguity make it a standout in the crime genre.
Fact: The film was made on a relatively low budget but became a critical and commercial success, revitalizing the Korean thriller genre. It's based on the real-life serial killer Yoo Young-chul.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: A gritty action-thriller with intense fight scenes and a dark, revenge-driven narrative. The protagonist's journey from a quiet existence to violent retribution mirrors the themes of justice and personal vendetta.
Fact: The film's climactic knife fight scene is considered one of the most realistic and brutal in Korean cinema. It won several awards, including Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.


I Saw the Devil (2010)
Description: A brutal cat-and-mouse game between a vengeful protagonist and a sadistic killer. The film explores themes of revenge, morality, and the blurred lines between good and evil through extreme violence.
Fact: The film was initially banned in Korea for its extreme violence but was later released with heavy edits. It's known for its unflinching portrayal of graphic violence and psychological torment.


The Berlin File (2013)
Description: A spy thriller with intense action sequences and a complex plot involving international intrigue. The film's gritty realism and high stakes align with the tension of crime dramas.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Berlin, adding to its authentic international espionage feel. It was one of the highest-grossing Korean films of


The Wailing (2016)
Description: A supernatural thriller that blends horror with crime elements, exploring themes of fear, paranoia, and the unknown. The film's dark tone and unpredictable narrative keep viewers on edge.
Fact: The film's title in Korean, 'Goksung,' refers to the name of the village where the story is set. It took over six months to film, with extensive on-location shooting in rural Korea.


The Villainess (2017)
Description: A high-octane action film with a female protagonist seeking revenge. The film's stylish violence and emotional depth make it a standout in the revenge thriller genre.
Fact: The opening scene features a first-person perspective action sequence that lasts over seven minutes. The film was praised for its innovative action choreography.


The Outlaws (2017)
Description: A crime thriller based on true events, focusing on the clash between law enforcement and organized crime. The film's realistic portrayal of gang violence and police tactics adds to its gritty appeal.
Fact: The movie is inspired by the real-life Heuksapa Incident, a violent conflict between Korean gangs and Chinese-Korean gangs in the 2000s. It was a massive box office hit in South Korea.


The Spy Gone North (2018)
Description: A gripping espionage thriller based on true events, focusing on the dangerous world of undercover operations. The film's tension and moral dilemmas resonate with crime and revenge narratives.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of a South Korean spy who infiltrated North Korea's upper echelons in the 1990s. It was selected as South Korea's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards.
