Crime thriller is certainly one of the most popular branches of the suspense family tree. Likewise, South Korean films have the finest content in this genre. From chasing crime syndicates to psycho killers or detective play, everything is top-notch. So I bring you the only guide with the best of the best options to stream on Amazon Prime Video. I would say watch each of them if you are a true maniac for crime thrillers. Let’s start,
Memories of Murder
The Parasite actor Song Kang Ho’s other masterpiece is Memories of Murder. The film is set in 1986, in Gyunggi province. Here women were found dead after severely raped and tied. Two local detectives catch and beat up any suspects without a practical result or technique. But the story turns wild when they find an important clue from the latest body. The movie sheds light on despising society, and the suspense is excellent.
IMDb: 8.1/10 MDL: 8.4/10 My Rating: 4.4/5
Midnight Runners
If a crime thriller combines with comedy and action, there is the Midnight Runners film. Two police academy trainees go to a pub to enjoy their leave, but accidentally witness a kidnapping case on the way back. Being determined to save her, they break the law and take down an underground trafficking ring and save hundreds of girls. The actors Park Seon Joon and Kang Ha Neul give the finest acting in every scene. Likewise, the movie has good comedy between the duo, and the choreographed fights are worth watching.
IMDb: 7.5/10 MDL: 8.7/10 My Rating: 4.6/5
The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil
This film strikes a good balance of real justice to psychopathic killers and twisted crime. A veteran gangster, Jang Dong Soo aka Ma Dong Seok, gets attacked by a serial killer, and remains the sole survivor/witness who has seen the killer. Detective Jung Tae Seok works with the thug to catch the perpetrator at any cost. Both protagonists gave their best performances. Even though the movie lacks depth, it does create suspense.
IMDb: 7/10 MDL: 8.3/10 My Rating: 4.2/5
Target
The target film is completely different from the plotlines in this list. This story is mainly women-centric and follows Jang Su Hyun, who gets scammed, exposes the seller of the broken washing machine. But actually, she brought chaas, the scammer is a psychopath, and resells the items from his precious kill. The plot is really interesting, and some chase scenes keep you on edge. If you love realistic suspense, add Target to your watchlist.
IMDb: 7.7/10 MDL: 7.8/10 My Rating: 3.9/5
House of the Disappeared
This crime revenge story follows Mi Hui, an ordinary housewife who gets framed for the death of her detective husband, and their son goes missing from home. All events result in 25 years of imprisonment. After the tenure, she goes back to the same house & starts searching for her son in agony and desperation. The movie has good plot twists & gives you chills in between. Furthermore, actors did their best, especially the climax is killer.
IMDb: 6.3/10 MDL: 7.6/10 My Rating: 3.5/5
Conclusion
If you are bored with old romance films, then pick any one of these kickers and light up your mood. In fact, most of these Korean movies depict a society that we live in. So we even learn life lessons. I say start with Midnight Runners and Memories of murder now. Then continue the binge flow with the other three movies till the weekend.
Written by – Meghana Pinninti