Many of films. The presentation of these genres, from comedies to thrillers, is simultaneously refreshing and familiar to fans of action movies. The Korean martial arts flicks include the standard well-choreographed fight sequences, which are made up of hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, and fun wire work.

The entertaining Korean martial arts comedies don't require much from audiences and are still highly rewarding viewings. However, the grittier films typically revolve around martial arts tales of revenge, like The Man from Nowhere and The Divine Move. These films are filled with suspense and have harsh acts of violence, making for an irresistible watch. Regardless of what kind of martial arts film one prefers, audiences are sure to find one from Korea that impresses.

10 Shadowless Sword (2005)

Directed by Kim Young-jun

Set far back in history after the fall of the Balhae kingdom's capital, Shadowless Sword, also known as The Legend of the Shadowless Sword, combines romance and awe-inspiring martial arts sequences. The film follows a strong martial artist and swordswoman, Yeon So-ha (Yoon So-yi), as she travels to find the exiled prince Dae Jeong-hyun (Lee Seo-jin). At the same time, the Killer Blade Army is also after the prince following orders to kill him.

The martial arts sequences are grand and feature characters gliding through the air, making for some memorable shots throughout the film.

The growing romantic connection between So-ha and Jeong-hyun is captivating, but doesn't take away from the central action in Shadowless Sword. Fighting off those who wish to see the prince dead, So-ha and Jeong-hyun make a resilient pair. The martial arts sequences are grand and feature characters gliding through the air, making for some memorable shots throughout the film.

9 Memories Of The Sword (2015)

Directed by Park Heung-sik

Lee Byung-hun has starred in several notable works from South Korea, including the series Squid Game and Mr. Sunshine, and the thriller film I Saw the Devil. While Memories of the Sword isn't one of Lee Byung-hun's best movies, he still delivers a dramatic performance that stands out amidst a compelling revenge story. In the Korean martial arts film, Lee stars as Deok-gi, a man who goes rogue and kills his fellow swordsmen.

One of these people is the father of future warrior Seol-hee (Kim Go-eun), who was only an infant at the time. As an adult, Seol-hee flees home and sets out to avenge her parents' death. When explaining how past events have led to present-day conflicts, Memories of the Sword can be a bit confusing. Still, Kim's performance wonderfully captures the hardening of Seol-hee's once cheery spirit, anchoring the film and making it easy for audiences to become invested.

8 Fighter In The Wind (2004)

Directed by Yang Yun-ho

Many great martial arts films are based on true stories and real-life martial arts legends. One of these movies is Fighter in the Wind, which draws inspiration from the life of Mas Oyama, who is best known for founding what's recognized as the first full- karate style, Kyokushin. The film follows Choi Bae-dal (Yang Dong-geun), who'd go on to be referred to as Mas Oyama, at the end of World War II.

Moving away from his goal of becoming a fighter pilot, Bae-dal instead travels across Japan and defeats several martial artists. Bae-dal earns respect and attention for his rare accomplishments and eventually works his way to creating Kyokushin. It's important to emphasize Fighter in the Wind portrays a fictionalized version of Mas Oyama's life and there are some important historical details altered or left out to fit the film's narrative.

7 Running Turtle (2009)

Directed by Lee Yeon-woo

As many great martial arts comedies do, Running Turtle combines engaging action sequences with a fun and comedic narrative. The film follows a detective, Jo Pil-seong (Kim Yoon-seok), who scratches off lottery tickets all day and uses his wife's money without permission to bet on bullfights. When the money is stolen by famous escaped prisoner Song Gi-tae (Jung Kyung-ho), Pil-seong trains and prepares to fight to take it back.

While Running Turtle may not be as complex as other martial arts comedies, the predictable story in the film allows audiences to give all of their attention to the film's action. Luckily, the fight choreography in the film is entertaining and easy to get swept up in. Pil-seong, while an imperfect character, is persistent with his goals and audiences will find it difficult not to root for him as he inches closer to a final confrontation with Gi-tae.

6 The Divine Move (2014)

Directed by Jo Bum-gu

Unlike most martial arts films, the action in The Divine Move is quite scarce. Instead, much of the film's runtime is dedicated to building up the tension between Tae-seok (Jung Woo-sung) and Sal-soo (Lee Beom-soo) following a game of baduk that puts the former in prison. Following his prison sentence, Tae-seok concocts a plan with a junkyard owner and master baduk player to get revenge against Sal-soo and his men.

Having spent his time in prison training, Tae-seok becomes a strong fighter and is difficult for Sal-soo's men to take down. The focus and strategy required for the complex game of baduk, or Go, is mirrored in The Divine Move's narrative. Tae-seok and Sal-soo engage in a match throughout the film, with the film's titular move coming into play during their final face-to-face confrontation. The film is full of gripping suspense, and the limited action becomes all the more rewarding.

5 Arahan (2004)

Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan

On par with some of Stephen Chow's beloved martial arts comedies is Ryoo Seung-wan's Arahan. The film is heavily inspired by great martial arts comedy and fantasy films that came before it, meaning audiences familiar with the genres aren't likely to see anything new. Still, Arahan is saved by its unrivaled charm and humorous performances. The film sees rookie officer Sang-hwan (Ryoo Seung-bum) being saved by a skilled martial artist and warrior, Eui-jin (Yoon So-yi), following a failed pursuit of a thief.

Arahan doesn't take itself too seriously, which elevates it above other martial arts films sharing the familiar plot.

When Eui-jin brings Sang-hwan to the Masters of Tao, they believe he has the potential to be a strong warrior, and from that point on his training begins. Arahan doesn't take itself too seriously, which elevates it above other martial arts films sharing the familiar plot. Arahan has absurd special effects and many of its action sequences are silly and feature characters flying through the air.

4 The Swordsman (2020)

Directed by Choi Jae-hoon

The story of a retired fighter returning to their former lifestyle to save a loved one has been told time and time again in action films, including The Swordsman. However, the film is still fresh and exciting thanks to its convincing on-screen performances and rich historical setting. The film, set in the Joseon era, revolves around the quiet life of Tae-yul (Jang Hyuk), who was once seen as the best swordsman around and is now going blind.

Tae-yul lives with his daughter in the mountains and struggles to keep her safe from the world around them. After she is kidnapped, Tae-yul finds himself back in action. The Swordsman's use of weapons and fight sequences are impressive and structured well. Caught up in action once again, Tae-yul is given an effective opponent in the villainous Gurutai (Joe Taslim).

3 The Man From Nowhere (2010)

Directed by Lee Jeong-beom

Won Bin first earned attention as an actor following his leading role in the 2000s coming-of-age K-drama Autumn In My Heart. However, the actor completely transforms for his last role to date in the gritty martial arts film, The Man from Nowhere. The actor leads the film as Cha Tae-sik, a pawnshop owner and retired covert operative who finds himself back in action to take down a dangerous drug and organ trading operation.

The Man from Nowhere has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Man from Nowhere was among the highest-grossing South Korean films the year of its release, and there's no question as to why. ing the brutal and uncompromising violence in the film is an emotional story about the connection between the lonely Tae-sik and a young girl living in his neighborhood. This balance prevents The Man from Nowhere from becoming an all-out bloodbath with little substance. Won Bin is a strong and heroic lead and won several Best Actor awards for his performance.

2 Fists Of Legend (2013)

Directed by Kang Woo-suk

Based on Lee Jong-gyu's webtoon of the same name, Fists of Legend is a martial arts tournament movie that sees former fighters and friends reunite in a televised mixed martial arts competition. In the film, Im Deok-kyu (Hwang Jung-min) and his troublesome friends were sent to jail when they were younger. This incident effectively ends their friendship and sends the boys on different paths in life.

Considering the film's premise, it's no surprise that Fists of Legend is filled with exciting action sequences. Though the film's runtime is a bit longer than some audiences or critics might prefer, the quick and well-choreographed fight scenes help keep up the momentum. Deok-kyu's history and prior friendship with his competitors also add depth and tension to the competition. This results in unexpected thought-provoking themes about Korean society.

1 The Killer (2022)

Directed by Choi Jae-hoon

In The Killer, a retired assassin, Bang Ui-gang (Jang Hyuk), is thrown back into action after his wife leaves with her friend on vacation. Ui-gang is left to take care of the friend's daughter, but it soon becomes apparent that the entire arrangement is part of a plan organized by a human trafficking ring. The film's action takes its time, but once it begins, it's difficult not to become absorbed in the thrilling story.

Several critics have compared The Killer to John Wick and fellow Korean martial arts movie, The Man from Nowhere. Yet, The Killer still boasts some originality, namely in its leading performance, which holds much of the film together. Jang is a convincing lead who balances the portrayal of a hostile assassin with a kind heart who does whatever it takes to protect the teenager he was told to look after.