Top Korean Heist Movies Worth Watching

From boy bands to the smash-hit movie "Parasite", Korean content has become more popular than ever recently. And Korean cinema is no exception!

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With thrilling plot twists, gorgeous actors, and dynamic storytelling, many movies coming out of South Korea have captured the imagination of the world. It sure helps that Korean cinema is well-written, aesthetically appealing, and chockful of incredibly talented individuals.

From romance to drama and everything in between, Korean moviemakers have the market covered in nearly every genre. But nothing beats the suspense and brilliance of a high-end heist. Check out these flicks for a dose of Korean culture and action that will leave you wanting more.

"The Thieves"

This 2012 movie from director Choi Dong-hoon is part heist, part comedy. Featuring an ensemble cast, "The Thieves" sold over 12 million tickets and became the 10th highest-grossing Korean film ever. Here's just a little bit of what happens. After lifting a rare artifact from a renowned art dealer, the team gets heat from local police enforcement and leaves South Korea for Macau, where they join another heist. The target this time? A super valuable diamond in the collection of a crime lord's girlfriend. She'll be visiting one of the city's world-famous casinos with the gem, making her an easy target for the team of cat burglars. Full of twists, turns, double-crosses, and betrayal, "The Thieves" is a must-see. There's a definite reason this movie shot to the top of the box-office charts!

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"The Thieves" is directed by Choi Dong-hoon, and features Kim Yun-seok, Kim Hye-soo, Lee Jung-jae, Jun Ji-hyun, Simon Yam, Kim Hae-sook. Release date in Korea: 2012/07/25.

 

"The Big Swindle"

Also from Choi Dong-hoon, "The Big Swindle" is this legendary filmmaker's directorial debut. This movie follows a group of con men and women and the police hot on their tails. The scammers have stolen from the Bank of Korea and then disappeared along with all the money. Told through a series of flashbacks, "The Big Swindle" details the complicated heist in a creative and unique way that stands out from other movies. As the group of thieves eludes the police and other arrest attempts, more and more about their dynamic is uncovered in each scene. You'll be on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what happens next.

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"The Big Swindle" is directed by Choi Dong-hoon, and features Park Shin-yang, Baek Yoon-sik, Yum Jung-ah, Lee Moon-sik, Cheon Ho-jin, Park Won-sang. Release date in Korea: 2004/04/15.

 

"Time to Hunt"

This movie occupies a category all of its own. Set in the dystopian near future, "Time to Hunt" details a time when the South Korean won is worth nearly nothing. With their currency rendered useless, a group of young criminals plans to hit an illegal gambling house that holds stacks and stacks of American dollars. Despite some action-packed roadblocks along the way, the crew successfully steals the bag and valuable hard drives. But that's just where the story begins! Watch "Time to Hunt" to see an imaginary future full of action, revenge, car chases, and so much more.

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"Time to Hunt" is directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, and features Lee Je-hoon, Ahn Jae-hong, Choi Wooshik, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-soo, Lee Hang-na. Release date in Korea: 2020/04/23.

 

"Once Upon a Time"

While the last flick fast-forwarded to the future, "Once Upon a Time" takes us way back to the 1940s! A Jazz singer and a con artist team up to steal a diamond from Japanese authorities. It's a comedic undertaking for this duo, especially since the gorgeous jazz singer is much more than just a pretty face. She's a cat burglar, too! Her skills pair perfectly with the well-connected con man who knows where all the best loot lies around town. Full of tricks and plot twists at every turn, "Once Upon a Time" is a visual feast bursting with fabulous costumes and lavish sets that make for a glittery, wild ride back in time.

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"Once Upon a Time" is directed by Jeong Yong-ki, and features Park Yong-woo, Lee Bo-young, Kim Soo-hyun-IX, Sung Dong-il, Kim Eung-soo, Ahn Kil-kang. Release date in Korea: 2008/01/31.

 

"Pipeline"

While all the other actors of the South Korean films in this list seem to be fixated on gigantic precious stones or piles of cold hard cash, the cast of "Pipeline" seeks something different. They're out to scoop up oil. That's right-their target isn't in a casino or vault. Instead, the black liquid gold is hidden far underground. A group of six team up to figure out how to drill deep into the earth without getting caught by corporate overlords or the police-or causing a catastrophic explosion. Impending possible environmental disaster and ample jail time aside, the crew crafts creative solutions as the risks of the mission multiply. "Pipeline" is definitely not your classic "let's rob a rich guy" story!

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"Pipeline" is directed by Yoo Ha, and features Seo In-guk, Lee Soo-hyuk, Eum Moon-suk, Yoo Seung-mok, Tae Hang-ho, Bae Yoo-ram. Release date in Korea: 2021/05/26.

 

 

"The Grand Heist"

While the name sounds a little on the nose, "The Grand Heist" features an excellent premise-the cast must steal ice. It's a hot commodity for the era that the film is set in. Based in the late 18th century, the film follows a gang of 11 criminals who plan to take ice blocks from royal storage. The ice is harvested from frozen rivers during the winter months and then put aside for special occasions or general consumption. Corrupt officials have hatched a plan to control the distribution of ice and fix the price, so our rag-tag group of heist heroes aims to fight back. Watch as they do whatever they can to make it disappear from storage. This movie that's part historical drama and part comedy will melt all your woes away.

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"The Grand Heist" is directed by Kim Joo-ho, and features Cha Tae-hyun, Oh Ji-ho, Min Hyo-rin, Sung Dong-il, Shin Jung-keun, Ko Chang-seok. Release date in Korea: 2012/08/08.