Top 10 Comedy Korean Movies You Must See

If you’re a fan of Korean cinema, you already know that the industry has been producing top-quality movies for decades. What you may not know, however, is that Korean comedies have taken the world by storm in recent years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 comedy Korean movies you simply must see. 

Introduction to Korean Comedy Movies

Before we delve into our top 10 list, let’s first explore the history and significance of Korean comedies. For years, Korean cinema has been praised for its depth, strong storylines, and character development. However, comedy movies were considered as low-brow and unimpressive. But that’s not the case anymore. 

Comedy movies have come a long way in Korea, and they are now being recognized as a legitimate genre of film. The Korean film industry has been producing some of the funniest and most entertaining movies in recent years.

The Rise of Korean Cinema

In recent years, the Korean film industry has experienced a boom in global popularity. It all started with the success of movies like Oldboy, The Host, and Memories of Murder. These critically acclaimed films put Korean cinema on the map, leading to international box office success and widespread recognition. 

With the success of these films, the Korean film industry began to focus more on producing quality films that would appeal to a global audience. This led to the rise of Korean cinema and the emergence of many talented actors, directors, and producers in the industry.

The Role of Comedy in Korean Films

In spite of the good quality of Korean cinema, many people still think of it as being very dramatic and serious. However, comedy has played an increasingly important role in Korean cinema in recent years, adding a sense of lightheartedness and balance to the industry. 

Comedy films have become a way for Korean filmmakers to showcase their creativity and humor, while still delivering a powerful message. These films are often a reflection of Korean society and culture, and they provide a unique perspective on life in Korea.

Furthermore, Korean comedies are not just popular in Korea, but they have also gained a following around the world. Many Korean comedies have won awards at international film festivals and have been recognized for their unique style and humor.

Korean comedy movies have come a long way in recent years, and they are now an important part of the Korean film industry. With their unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary, these films are sure to continue entertaining audiences around the world for years to come.

The Criteria for Our Top 10 List

Our top 10 list was created based on three main criteria: popularity and box office success, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. Let’s discuss each category more in-depth. 

Popularity and Box Office Success

Of course, a defining factor for our list is the popularity of the movie and its box office success. We took into account highly grossing films that did well in domestic and international markets. Our selection ranges from internationally popular films to ones that tried something different and became successful for it within the local Korean market. 

One such film that did exceptionally well both domestically and internationally is “Parasite”. This film by Bong Joon-ho won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making it the first non-English language film to win this award. The film’s social commentary on class structure and inequality resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a cultural phenomenon.

Another film that deserves a mention is “Train to Busan”. This action-horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho became a massive hit in Korea and internationally. The film’s unique take on the zombie genre and its focus on character development made it a standout film in the genre. 

Critical Acclaim

Even though successful movies are often praised, it doesn’t mean it has great reviews. Our selection includes movies that have gained favorable reviews from film critics and the audience. 

“Oldboy” is a film that has gained critical acclaim both in Korea and internationally. Directed by Park Chan-wook, the film won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. The film’s unique storyline and cinematography have made it a cult classic. 

“The Handmaiden” is another film that has received critical acclaim. Directed by Park Chan-wook, the film is a psychological thriller that explores themes of deception and sexuality. The film’s stunning visuals and intricate plot have won over audiences and critics alike. 

Cultural Impact

Lastly, we considered the influence of the movies on Korean pop culture. We selected films that either initiated a trend, played a vital part in shaping it, or became a cultural reference that people still remember and laugh about to this day. 

“My Sassy Girl” is a romantic-comedy that became a cultural phenomenon in Korea. The film’s quirky characters and humorous storyline resonated with audiences and sparked a trend of romantic-comedies in Korean cinema. 

“The Host” is a monster film that has become a cultural reference in Korea. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film’s unique take on the monster genre and its social commentary on government bureaucracy and environmentalism have made it a classic in Korean cinema. 

These are just a few examples of the films that made our top 10 list. Each film on the list has left a lasting impact on Korean cinema and pop culture. 

The Top 10 Comedy Korean Movies

Korean cinema has gained worldwide recognition for its unique storytelling, innovative techniques, and ability to blend genres. From heartwarming romantic comedies to action-packed thrillers, Korean cinema has something for everyone. In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 comedy Korean movies that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world.

1. My Sassy Girl (2001)

My Sassy Girl is a movie that needs no introduction. This romantic comedy has become a cultural phenomenon, not only in Korea but also around the world. The movie tells the story of a college student who falls in love with a young woman with a sharp tongue and a rebellious spirit. The film’s success paved the way for East Asian movies to gain worldwide recognition, and it remains a classic in the romantic comedy genre.

The movie’s success can be attributed to its innovative storytelling techniques, witty dialogue, and unforgettable characters. The use of split screens and unbounded imagination adds a unique touch to the movie, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves romantic comedies.

2. Welcome to Dongmakgol (2005)

Welcome to Dongmakgol is a whimsical portrayal of the absurdity of war, and how in even in the darkest times, humanity can blossom in unexpected ways. The movie tells the story of soldiers from both North and South Korea who find themselves in a remote village during the Korean War.

The film was praised for its unique perspective on the Korean War and its ability to portray the tragedy of the conflict while also providing moments of humor and levity. The movie’s success can be attributed to its heartwarming message and the excellent performances by the cast.

3. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)

Miracle in Cell No. 7 is a comedic drama about a man wrongfully accused of murder and his journey in prison. The story follows the heartfelt friendship he builds with his fellow inmates, and the creative ways they attempt to reunite him with his daughter.

The movie was not only a commercial success, grossing over 110 million dollars, but it was also well-received by audiences, feeding on the emotions of viewers, who found themselves laughing and crying alongside the characters. The movie’s success can be attributed to its heartwarming message and the excellent performances by the cast.

4. The Host (2006)

The Host is a horror-comedy focused on a family that fights to rescue a young girl who has been taken by a creature created by toxic waste. The movie mixes laughs and scares in equal measure and features a sympathetic cast of characters, including the goofy yet lovable protagonist.

The Host became a phenomenon in Korea, dominating the box office charts and making director Bong Joon-ho a household name. The movie’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of horror and comedy, and the excellent performances by the cast.

5. The Thieves (2012)

The Thieves is a heist-comedy about a group of thieves coming together on one big job. The movie transcends the genre, taking the viewer all around Asia and setting up a plot where no one is to be trusted.

The movie’s success can be attributed to its tightly-wound plot, likable characters, and clever dialogue. With a budget of 16 million dollars, The Thieves became the second-highest-grossing film in Korean cinema history.

6. Scandal Makers (2008)

Scandal Makers is a lighthearted romantic comedy that tells the story of a playboy DJ who finds out he has a teenage daughter. The movie explores themes of redemption, growth, and how family connections can surprise us in the strangest of ways.

The feel-good vibes of the story made Scandal Makers one of the highest-grossing films in Korean cinema history. The movie’s success can be attributed to its heartwarming message and the excellent performances by the cast.

7. Miss Granny (2014)

Miss Granny is a fantasy-comedy about an elderly woman who gains new, youthful life with a magical photo studio. The film sends a poignant message about the importance of youth and family in a comedic and heartwarming way.

The movie proved to be hugely popular, grossing over 84 million dollars at the box office, which led to it being remade across Asia, including China and the Philippines. The movie’s success can be attributed to its heartwarming message and the excellent performances by the cast.

8. Veteran (2015)

Veteran is an action-comedy about a seasoned detective who takes on a young, arrogant millionaire. The movie benefits from a brilliant performance by highly acclaimed actor Hwang Jung-min, who elevates Veteran’s exhilarating action-packed storyline to new heights.

Veteran went on to become one of the highest-grossing films in Korean cinema history, proving that Korean filmmakers can create something that appeals to both adrenaline-seekers and comedy-lovers. The movie’s success can be attributed to its excellent performances and thrilling action sequences.

9. Sunny (2011)

Sunny is a story about unbreakable bonds between women that were made in their high school years. The movie perfectly recreates a time capsule of the 1980s and tells a funny, heartfelt story of nostalgia and friendliness that will leave you with a smile on your face.

The movie holds a special place in the hearts of Koreans who grew up in that era and has given the movie a cult status. The movie’s success can be attributed to its heartwarming message and the excellent performances by the cast.

10. Extreme Job (2019)

Extreme Job is an action-comedy that shows a team of cops who are assigned to go undercover and take down a drug ring. The film doesn’t shy away from including social commentary, but in a light-hearted way, by using every single trope in film history without losing its self-control.

Upon its release, the movie broke box office records in Korea, becoming one of the most successful comedy films in the country’s history. The movie’s success can be attributed to its thrilling action sequences and the excellent performances by the cast.

In conclusion, Korean cinema has produced some of the most innovative and entertaining comedies in recent years. These top 10 comedy Korean movies are a testament to the creativity and talent of Korean filmmakers and actors, and they are a must-watch for anyone who loves a good laugh.

The Wrap-Up

Thank you for joining us as we explored the top 10 comedy Korean movies that are sure to make you laugh and leave you entertained. Korean cinema has been gaining popularity in recent years, and these movies show why. 

One of the things that make Korean comedies stand out is their ability to blend humor with heart. These movies often have a poignant message or a relatable theme that makes them more than just a funny film. 

For example, one of the movies on our list, “My Sassy Girl,” is not just a romantic comedy but also explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of communication. Similarly, “The Thieves” is not just a heist comedy but also delves into the dynamics of a group of thieves and their personal motivations. 

But don’t worry, these movies never sacrifice humor for depth. They are still hilarious and will have you laughing out loud. 

And while we’ve highlighted our top 10 picks, there are plenty of other excellent Korean comedies out there waiting to be discovered. So if you enjoyed these movies, be sure to check out others like “Miss Granny,” “Extreme Job,” and “The Beauty Inside.”

So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these comedy gems. And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite movie.