Korean Movie Releases Not to Miss in 2026

The arrival of streaming services has catapulted Korean cinema over cultural barriers such as language and subtitling. That and the fact that unique voices have emerged from the Korean film studios with storytelling that incorporates social commentary, satire, dark undertones and themes of survival, injustice and inequality. It's gutsy, gritty and has really resonated with Western audiences.

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Below is a list of some of the most anticipated releases in 2026, especially if you like drama, thriller or more mature themes. The titles below are most certainly not for children. 

"The King's Warden"

This South Korean historical drama, starring Yoo Hae-jin, Yoo Ji-tae, Park Jihoon and Jeon Mi-do, and directed by Jang Hang-jun, stormed the box office in its first weekend. The film takes place in 1457 during the days of the Joseon Dynasty and tells the story of village chief Eom Heung-do, who welcomes the deposed teenage King Danjong into the remote mountain valley, unaware of all the political turmoil this will unleash. 

"The King's Warden", also known as "The Man Who Lives With the King", displays the mature storytelling characteristic of Korean cinema as the clash of expectations between the two main characters gives way to a surprising human bond where there's emotional tragedy and quiet humour. As political tumour ensues, the cost of survival from the palace becomes clear. 

"The Dealer"

Although not a movie, the anticipation for this South Korean Netflix casino drama series is so great that it would be almost criminal not to include it. The fact that the creator and director of smash hit "Squid Game" series, Hwang Dong-hyuk, is producing the series is a good omen. "The Dealer" centres around Geon-hwa (played by Jung So-min), a casino dealer who, rather than turning to spins on slot machines, enters her employer's own Texas Hold'em poker tournament after she's scammed out of a deposit for her home. But what her employer doesn't know is that she can detect lies after drinking alcohol.

Viewers can expect real moments of tension throughout the series. Lee Soo-hyuk plays Jo Joon, a skilled gambler and dominator of the poker tables who has an incredible poker face and injects tension every time he appears at the table. Then there's Ryu Kyung-soo, who plays Choi Woo-seung, a relentless detective and the fiancé of Geon-hwa, and will never let a suspect get away. 

"Project Y"

Set against the background of the glamorous Gangman district, this crime thriller, directed by Lee Hwan and starring Han So-hee, Jeon Jong-seo and Kim Shin-rok, will have you hanging on the edge of your seat. The storyline is a simple one of two close friends of the same age, Mi-seon and Do-kyeong, plotting to steal $6 million in gold bars and escape the harsh reality of their lives. 

Each of the actors brings fresh personality to their role. In the case of Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, the off-screen true-life friendship between the two stars enhances the chemistry between their characters (Mi-seon and Do-kyeong). As Mi-seon and Do-kyeong plan to steal the money, the desires of seven different characters intertwine and generate tension. These tensions, combined with the chase for the gold bars and unpredictable twists in the storyline, and with bold pacing and stylish direction, make the film's 108 minutes fly by. 

"Possible Love"

This high-profile relationship drama, expected for release on Netflix in the final quarter in 2026, sees director Lee Chang-dong reunite with stars from previous work, including Jeon Do-yeon, who worked with Lee Chang-dong on "Secret Sunshine", and Sul Kyung-gu, who collaborated with the director on "Peppermint Candy" and "Oasis". Sul Kyung-gu has also worked previously with Jeon Do-yeon, the previous three pairings being "I Wish I Had a Wife", "Birthday" and "Kill Boksoon". Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong round out the storyline's central pairing as Sang Woo and Ye-ji respectively.

This highly anticipated drama follows two couples living at opposite ends of the social and emotional spectrum. Their immensely different lifestyles cause unexpected intersections and disrupt their seemingly stable routines, and these worlds being to fracture as they encounter. This is characteristic of Lee's filmmaking, as he explores Korean social dynamics through detailed character studies and psychologically complex narratives, the type of edge to Korean storytelling that has helped it to resonate with Western audiences.

2026 is looking like it will be a strong year for Korean cinema, as it gifts domestic and international audiences with storytelling that combines intensity, emotional depth and slick storytelling. To get the very best out of viewing Korean cinema, don't just watch mainstream releases, but also check out streaming services and follow movie festivals. Of course, what constitutes the best over-18s viewing will depend on personal tastes and whether you enjoy high-stakes casino narratives, thrillers, crime, drama or something completely different.