10 Best Korean War Movies Of All Time, Ranked

While not as well represented on the big screen as World War II or the Vietnam War, there are still a number of great movies depicting the Korean War. The Korean War was a conflict that took place in the years following the conclusion of WW II (from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953), and as with many global conflicts, it inspired some of the greatest movies of all time. While not as large in scale as either of the World Wars, the Korean War was just as violent and terrifying as any other 20th-century war.

Some great movies document the struggles of the soldiers on both sides, as well as the civilians who were deeply impacted by this conflict. Among the best war movies ever made, these films focus on the atrocities committed in the war and the trauma they created for everyone involved, while others focus on the bravery of the soldiers and civilians who lived through the conflict or sacrificed themselves so that others might live. Whatever aspect of the war these films are focused on, these movies give an insight into the conflict and those who fought.

10 Snipers (2022)

A True Account Of A Chinese Sniper

Snipers, or Sniper as it is also referred to, is a Chinese war film that tells a fictionalized account of Zhang Taofang, a Chinese Sniper who served during the Korean War. Taofang was part of the 5th Squad, 8th Company of the Chinese Army, which fought against the American and Korean forces during this war. Taofang supposedly killed or wounded 214 soldiers in 32 days while fighting in the Korean War.

While this film is highly entertaining, it does not have the same emotional punch as the other films that tackle the subject. Part of this is due to the jingoistic nature of the movie which can often be found among many military movies. Snipers has been criticized as being little more than propaganda and containing an anti-American message. However, as a pure war action movie, it delivers some memorable scenes. The movie also became a box office hit in China after being released on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.

9 War Hunt (1962)

A Soldier Goes On A Rogue Killing Spree

War Hunt is an excellent 1962 film set in the Korean War and was Robert Redford’s first major film role. The film follows Redford’s Private Loomis, who encounters a deranged comrade named Endore (John Saxon), who has been murdering people behind enemy lines without permission from his commanding officers. Loomis later finds out that Endore has been mentoring an orphaned Korean boy, whom he seemingly turns into a killer as well.

War Hunt is a thought-provoking film with strong performances that help elevate it beyond a run-of-the-mill war movie. It served as the feature debut of Tom Skerritt and Sydney Pollack. The movie also sets itself apart for its rather dark subject matter even by war movie standards. In fact, the production sought approval from the Pentagon to allow military advisors to work on the movie but was turned down for its “gruesome” tone, according to Guts and Glory: The Making of the American Military Image in Film by Lawrence H. Suid.

8 The Hook (1963)

The 1963 film The Hook is a fascinating movie about the Korean War that follows a crew of U.S. Army soldiers on a merchant boat who capture a Korean pilot after shooting down his plane. The soldiers are ordered to execute the pilot but find that none of them are capable of killing him in cold blood. Despite having killed numerous people during their time in the war, none of them are capable of killing a defenseless man.

This is another take on the Korean War that deals with the way that humanity can be lost in the midst of such a complicated conflict. Based on the 1957 novel L’Hameçon by Vahé Katcha, it is an underrated war movie that looks at the compassion that can exist between two enemies, which leads to a powerful and heartbreaking ending. However, the movie was criticized for its stereotypical characters even with actors like Kirk Douglas to elevate these roles.

7 Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)

The Saga Of Two Brothers Fighting In The War

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War is a South Korean war film that follows a pair of brothers who are reluctantly drafted into service during the Korean War with the title referring to the name of the symbol seen on the original Korean flag as well as both the current North Korean and South Korean flags. Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War is one of the most successful South Korean films ever, grossing over $68 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo) and participating in some of the world’s most prestigious international film festivals.

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War crafts a realistic and unflinching portrayal of this war, and carefully emphasizes the brutality of both sides in this terrible conflict. The authenticity of his portrayal led to the movie being praised by war experts and differentiated itself from other war movies that tend to depict one side of the conflict in a more heroic way. The movie went on to receive a number of awards within the South Korean film industry.

6 Devotion (2022)

The True Story Of Co-Pilots Who Form A Friendship During The War

Devotion tells a true story about the U.S. Navy’s first Black pilot, Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors). Devotion follows Brown’s experience in the Korean War, but largely focuses on the friendship between Brown and one of his comrades, Tom Hudner (Glen Powell). Despite coming from different backgrounds, these men proudly fought together throughout the dangerous battles of the war.

While Devotion‘s box office numbers were heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been consistently praised by audiences and critics alike since its release. This gripping story is full of spectacular visuals and is true to the story of these men. Basing the movie on real individuals helps add to the authenticity of the story. It also makes for a unique war movie that focuses on a friendship that develops between two men in a life-or-death journey together.

5 Sayonara (1958)

An American Officer Reexamines His Prejudices After Falling For A Japanese Entertainer

Sayonara, released in 1957, is an Academy Award winner about the Korean War starring Marlon Brando as Major Lloyd “Ace” Gruver. The story follows Gruver, an American Air Force pilot who has been vocally opposed to his fellow servicemen marrying Japanese women during the time in the war. However, those prejudices are challenged when he finds himself falling in love with a Japanese entertainer.

Sayonara is notable for its willingness to deal with issues of race and prejudice at a time when almost no movies were willing to do so. It is also one of the few romance movies to come out of the Korean War. The film’s writing and cinematography were widely praised by critics, and it resonated with audiences as well maintaining the number one spot in the U.S. box office for five straight weeks in 1958.

Sayonara was nominated for Best Picture and won four Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Miyoshi Umeki who became the first Asian performer to win an Oscar.

Related

10 Best War Movies On Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is heavily saturated with war movies, but these 10 stand out as the best Prime Video has to offer in this popular genre.

4 The Steel Helmet (1951)

An Injured Soldier Befriends A Korean Boy

The Steel Helmet is notable for actually being filmed during the Korean War, the same conflict in which it takes place. The film follows U.S. Army Sergeant Zack (Gene Evans), who befriends a young Korean boy after the child saves his life following the death of his entire platoon. Together, they meet up with another platoon that is setting up to make a stand in a Buddhist temple.

The Steel Helmet is directed with great skill, making up for its low budget. The story is also engaging and the film does a great job of recreating the harsh reality of the Korean War. It was also notable for addressing some of the darker aspects of American society, such as the inequality faced by African American soldiers who were fighting alongside their white comrades as well as the first-ever mention in a Hollywood movie of Japanese internment camps during World War II.

3 Pork Chop Hill (1959)

A Dramatization Of An Infamous Battle During The War

The 1959 war film, Pork Chop Hill, depicts the first Battle of Pork Chop Hill, which occurred in 1953 between the U.S. Army’s 7th Infantry Division and the combined forces of China and North Korea. The movie also deals with the peace talks that were underway at the time of the battle. Gregory Peck leads the ensemble picture which also includes notable stars like George Peppard, Robert Blake, Woody Strode, and Rip Torn.

This dark film was praised by critics for its grim feel and boldness in conveying the difficulty of ground warfare. Pork Chop Hill was a box office hit when it came out, and it remains one of the best depictions of the Korean War. Without pulling any punches, this grounded war film tells an engaging story that captures the horrors of the harrowing battle. The movie was also praised for its authenticity which was aided by its technical advisor, Lieutenant Joe Clemons, who fought the real Battle of Pork Chop Hill.

2 The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

A Korean Veteran Is Brainwashed As A Sleeper Agent

The Manchurian Candidate is a 1962 film following a Korean War veteran who is brainwashed before leaving Korea, causing him to hatch a plan to overthrow the United States government. Frank Sinatra plays the former wartime comrade of the veteran who seeks to get to the bottom of the conspiracy and prevent it from happening.

The Manchurian Candidate won two Academy Awards and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry, emphasizing the cultural impact this film had. The Korean War is used as a pivotal aspect of the story, but the thriller focuses on the story unfolding once the war is over. It brilliantly uses that conflict to comment on the growing fear of Communism and the so-called “Red Scare” movement of the time. While The Manchurian Candidate was remade into an underrated Denzel Washington movie, there is no topping the impact of the original.

1 M*A*S*H (1970)

Hijinks Ensue At A Medical Military Base

M*A*S*H is often considered one of the greatest films ever made and a hugely influential movie of the 70s. Starring some of the biggest names of the day, including Donald Sutherland and Robert Duvall, M*A*S*H follows a team of medics stationed in Korea during the Korean War. While they goof around and avoid following orders, it is impossible for them to truly avoid the horrors of war.

M*A*S*H is a true work of art and a unique approach to a Korean War movie. This black comedy war film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won Best Adapted Screenplay. It spawned a television series of the same name which has sprouted into an entire franchise. Robert Altman perfectly balances the comedy of the movie and the clever satire of it commenting on some very big ideas. Despite taking place during the Korean War, M*A*S*H is seen as one of Hollywood’s most insightful critiques of the Vietnam War.