If you're a fan of gripping legal dramas with intense twists and emotional depth, then 'Defendant (2015)' likely left a lasting impression. This article is for viewers who loved the show and are craving more of the same thrilling courtroom battles, moral dilemmas, and suspenseful storytelling. We've curated a list of 10 movies and TV shows that share similar themes, ensuring you'll find your next binge-worthy obsession.

Beyond Evil (2021)
Description: Similar to 'Defendant (2015)', 'Beyond Evil' is a psychological crime thriller that delves deep into the minds of its characters, exploring themes of justice, morality, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Both series feature intense, slow-burning narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, with a strong focus on character development and moral dilemmas.
Fact: 'Beyond Evil' won the Best Drama award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards. The series is set in a small town, adding to its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. It stars Shin Ha-kyun and Yeo Jin-goo, both known for their powerful performances.


Death's Game (2023)
Description: 'Death's Game' and 'Defendant (2015)' both explore themes of life, death, and redemption. While 'Defendant' focuses on a man fighting to prove his innocence, 'Death's Game' follows a man who must relive multiple lives to escape death. Both series are intense and emotionally charged, with a strong focus on the protagonist's personal journey.
Fact: 'Death's Game' is based on a popular webtoon. The series features a unique premise where the protagonist experiences multiple deaths. It stars Seo In-guk, known for his versatile acting in various genres.


The Killing Vote (2023)
Description: Like 'Defendant (2015)', 'The Killing Vote' is a gripping crime drama that questions the nature of justice and the morality of vigilante actions. Both series feature protagonists who are caught in complex legal and ethical dilemmas, with high-stakes narratives that keep viewers engaged. The themes of revenge and justice are central to both shows.
Fact: 'The Killing Vote' is based on a popular webtoon. The series explores the concept of a public vote deciding the fate of criminals. It stars Park Hae-jin, known for his roles in 'Bad Guys' and 'Cheese in the Trap'.


Mouse (2021)
Description: 'Mouse' shares similarities with 'Defendant (2015)' in its exploration of the criminal justice system and the psychological toll of crime. Both series feature protagonists who are deeply affected by their encounters with criminals, leading to intense emotional and psychological struggles. The storytelling is intricate, with numerous twists and turns that challenge the viewer's perceptions.
Fact: 'Mouse' is inspired by the real-life case of the Incheon elementary school murder. The series features a unique premise involving genetic testing for psychopathic traits. Lee Seung-gi's performance in 'Mouse' was highly praised for its depth and intensity.


Bad Guys (2014)
Description: 'Bad Guys' and 'Defendant (2015)' both explore the theme of justice being served by unconventional means. 'Bad Guys' features a team of criminals recruited to catch other criminals, while 'Defendant' follows a prosecutor who must prove his innocence. Both series are action-packed and morally complex, with a focus on redemption.
Fact: 'Bad Guys' was a pioneer in the 'dark hero' genre in Korean dramas. The series stars Kim Sang-joong, Park Hae-jin, and Ma Dong-seok. It was followed by a movie and a second season.


Signal (2016)
Description: 'Signal' and 'Defendant (2015)' both blend crime, mystery, and thriller elements, with a strong emphasis on solving past crimes to achieve justice in the present. Both series feature protagonists who are deeply committed to their cause, often at great personal cost. The emotional and psychological depth of the characters is a key similarity.
Fact: 'Signal' is inspired by real-life unsolved cases in South Korea. The series uses a unique device of communication across time to solve crimes. It won several awards, including the Best Drama at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards.


Voice (2017)
Description: 'Voice' and 'Defendant (2015)' are both high-stakes crime thrillers that focus on the pursuit of justice. 'Voice' centers on a emergency call center team that solves crimes using sound, while 'Defendant' follows a prosecutor fighting to clear his name. Both series are known for their fast-paced, suspenseful storytelling and strong performances.
Fact: 'Voice' was a ratings hit and spawned multiple seasons. The series stars Jang Hyuk and Lee Ha-na, both known for their intense acting. It is praised for its realistic portrayal of emergency response teams.


Tunnel (2017)
Description: 'Tunnel' and 'Defendant (2015)' both involve time-related mysteries that the protagonists must unravel. While 'Defendant' deals with memory loss, 'Tunnel' features a detective who travels through time to solve a serial murder case. Both series are intense and suspenseful, with a strong focus on the protagonist's journey to uncover the truth.
Fact: 'Tunnel' is loosely based on the Hwaseong serial murders. The series stars Choi Jin-hyuk, known for his charismatic performances. It combines elements of crime, thriller, and science fiction.


Stranger (2017)
Description: 'Stranger' (also known as 'Forest of Secrets') shares with 'Defendant (2015)' a focus on the legal system and the pursuit of justice. Both series feature protagonists who are determined to uncover the truth, despite facing numerous obstacles. The storytelling is meticulous, with a strong emphasis on procedural details and character-driven narratives.
Fact: 'Stranger' was a critical and commercial success, leading to a second season. The series stars Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doona, both renowned for their acting skills. It is known for its realistic portrayal of the legal and prosecutorial systems in South Korea.


Whisper (2017)
Description: 'Whisper' and 'Defendant (2015)' both revolve around legal battles and the fight for justice. 'Whisper' focuses on a corrupt legal system and the efforts to expose it, while 'Defendant' deals with a prosecutor's struggle to prove his innocence. Both series are intense and suspenseful, with strong performances and intricate plots.
Fact: 'Whisper' stars Lee Bo-young and Lee Sang-yoon, both acclaimed actors. The series is known for its fast-paced and gripping narrative. It explores themes of corruption, power, and redemption.
