While looking atanimationas a medium for storytelling, the mainstream is very well acquainted with popular Hollywood studios like Disney and Pixar, as well as Japanese classics and Studio Ghibli films. These production houses often hog the spotlight and steer it away from new and exciting stories that are quietly being rolled out by Korean filmmakers.
That’s right. Over the past few decades,Korea has been creating epic adventuresas well as heartwarming tales across many genres, only to have them fly under the radar. Despitethe top-notch animation styleand intricate storytelling techniques, these films remain underappreciated. What’s more interesting is how unapologetically Korean these animation films are, encasing the culture and history, as well as a view of modern Korea.
Korean animators aren’t afraid to experiment either. Whether they’re reimagining a Hollywood classic or throwing a fresh narrative at you, plenty of Korean animated films play with creative visuals,stylized CGI, and even rotoscoping. For animation fans who like to experiment, this extensive selection of 20 Korean animated movies deserve time in the spotlight. Get ready to discover your next favorite film.
20My Beautiful Girl, Mari (2002)
This tragic yet touching tale of childhood nostalgia and fading friendships follows a young boy named Kim Nam-woo, who is devastated when he learns that his only friend, Jun-ho, is leaving him to go study in Seoul.
It does not help that his widowed mother is always spending time with her new boyfriend. Nam-woo creates his own fantastical world where he befriends a white-haired girl named Mari.
The surreal visuals and enchanting score makeMy Beautiful Girl, Marian increasingly captivating film to watch. Not only is the storyprofoundly moving, but the animation, which beautifully bends the line between fantasy and reality, breaks boundaries.
19Hammerboy (2003)
Superheroes come in any form or shape: from flying at lightning speed to utilizing gadgets and driving a badass car. And sometimes, they come on a solar-powered flying tricycle.
Hammerboyis an over-the-top action adventure about a young boy named Mangchi, who possesses a magical hammer that acts as a tool to solve all his problems. Living on the distant island of Candlestick, Mangchi seldom faced trouble. But when some bad guys seek to capture Princess Poplar, Hammerboy decides to save the day.
Hammerboyis one of those rare Korean animated movies set in a post-apocalyptic world. Its innovative use of sound effects and endearing characters make the 80-minute movie fly by. It gives an adrenaline rush from start to finish with its action and humor.
18Wonderful Days (2003)
Written and directed by Kim Moon-saeng,Wonderful Days(also known asSky Blue), is set a century after the Earth was drenched in perpetual rain. The domed city of Ecoban, created by a well-intentioned Dr. Noah, is still housing survivors.
A couple of vital characters like Jay and Shua, who are part of the first generation to come of age in this strange world, want to find a way to save their remaining world and grow up safe.
Related:10 Animated Movies That Don’t End with a Happily Ever After
The fact thatWonderful Daysis set in the year 2142 itself is quite fascinating. As a science fiction animated movie, it soars with its vision of a lived-in, futuristic world. Don’t be fooled though, because the social commentary, intricate plot points, layered characters, and dark visuals, make it just as thought-provoking as stunning.
17Oseam (2003)
Directed by Seong Baek-yeob,Oseamis a heart-wrenching film about two young siblings — Gami and her five-year-old brother Gilson – who find a new home at a Mahayana Buddhist temple after their mother dies. Being slightly older, Gami, who lost her eyesight in the same accident that took her mother, gets accustomed to the monk lifestyle almost instantly. But it takes little Gilson a trip with the monks to the mountains to finally realize what his purpose in this strange world is.
Told with simplicity, grace, and heavy emotions,Oseamcelebrates loveeven in the darkest of times. Though dealing with difficult themes, the movie is appreciated for its animation and style. Few know that the movie is a beloved classic, and that it took home an award for Best Animation Film at the 27th Montreal World Film Festival.
16Empress Chung (2005)
Set against the backdrop of traditional Korea,Empress Chungis a beautiful animated musical that tells the enchanting tale of a young princess who has grown up in poor conditions, with her blind yet loving father by her side. One day, she decides to sacrifice herself to the Water Spirit and plunges deep into the sea to get her father’s eyesight back.
Rich in fantastical lore and cultural accuracy,Empress Chungis full of emotions and girl power. The movie thrills with its intricate detail about Korean history and laces every inch of the frame with subtle feminist themes. Highly praised for its vibrant animation andriveting musical score, the movie also receives contributions from popular voice actors like Bae Jong-ok and Jeon Gwang-ju.
15Aachi & Ssipak (2006)
First things first:Aachi & Ssipakhasthe most ridiculous and bizarre plotever seen in the history of animation. How, you ask? Strap yourself in: Set in a distant future where all forms of energy are depleted, mankind has resorted to using human excrement as fuel.
To control and monitor this new flow of energy, ID chips are installed in each citizens’ butt, and they’re given addictive frozen treats to improve their movement. Amid this chaos are the titular characters, two hoodlums trying to survive the black market that sells these treats.
Adult animation has never been cooler or more creative thanAachi & Ssipak. Every frame of the film radiates whimsy and weirdness, and it is all anchored by gritty animation that matches the bizarre plot, jarring twists and turns, and fast-paced action. Hyun-hye Seo and Hae-chul Ryu, the voice actors, lend both enthusiasm and humor to make this science fiction comedy somehow, inexplicably, work.
Stream Aachi & Ssipak on Crunchyroll
14Yobi, The Five Tailed Fox (2007)
Blending magnificent elements of Korean mythology with science-fiction,Yobi, The Five Tailed Foxtells the story of a mystical fox who has the power to take any form she pleases.
Having lived for almost a century with a bunch of shipwrecked aliens in the mountains, Yobi never thought of the human world as something accessible. But when a turn of events leads her to transform into a human, she discovers a newfound liking for herself and attempts to stay human.
If you’re someone who genuinely adoresHayao Miyazaki’s work, then this beautiful Korean animated movie is perfect for you. It weaves a breathtaking story with themes of identity and self discovery. Minus all the social commentary,Yobi, The Five Tailed Foxboasts a sentimental story with delightful animation.
13Life Is Cool (2008)
One of the most distinctly innovative films on the list,Life Is Coolcenters around three thirty-something friends who gather around to catch up on life. They all have different personalities — one’s a hopeless romantic, the other heartbroken, and the last is a playboy. What they do share in common is their idea of a perfect girlfriend. And when they all fall for the same woman, things get complicated.
Related:15 Disney Animated Movies Barely Anyone Remembers
Few Korean animated movies manage to capture the essence of adulthood likeLife Is Cooldoes. As the main characters navigate friendship, love, and all in between, the movie taps into the universal feelings of not belonging in a place and yearning for companionship.
Moreover, the fact that it draws inspiration from Richard Linklater’s filmsWaking LifeandA Scanner Darklyto combine live-action and animation with rotoscope technology shows just how much potential Korean animators hold.
12Leafie, A Hen Into The Wild (2011)
Leafie, A Hen into the Wild(which is calledDaisy, A Hen into the Wild outside of Korea) follows a beloved dairy hen who dreams of a wide open world and, believing that there’s more to life than the horrible chicken farm, she manages to escape.
After an encounter with a weasel named One-Eye, a beaver, a duck, and Mr. Otter, Leafie the hen finds lively experiences, friends and foes, and she eventually builds a family of her own.
On the surface, this animated film is about a hen raising an adopted duckling. But within its simple and straightforward storyline linger genuine themes of following your dreams and chasing freedom. Withits heartwarming narrativeand a charming voice cast, the movie offers a refreshing look at caged animals, and entertains viewers of all ages.
11The King of Pigs (2011)
A psychological thriller directed by Yeon Sang-ho in his directorial debut,The King of Pigsis inspired by his real-life experiences as a high school student.
It follows two friends, Jung Jong-suk and Hwang Kyung-min, who suddenly meet ten years later and happen to revisit their memories of high school — a time that scarred them. Both men share a common past and childhood trauma, and uncovering the truth as adults sends them down a shocking path.
Known among international audiences for his masterful work in 2016’s zombie hitTrain To Busan, Yeon Sang-ho first crafted this atmospheric and bleak animated movie that shed an unflinching light on heavy subjects like school violence and past trauma. As harrowing as its visuals may be,The King of Pigsis lauded as an impactful entry into Korean cinema.
