Suppose you were captivated by the movie “I Saw the Devil” because of its intense psychological drama and compelling intensity.
In that case, you’d probably be interested in more films that deal with themes of vengeance, suspense, and complex narrative.
Within the genre of movies like I Saw the Devil, you will find stories that explore the most sinister sides of human nature, stretching the bounds of psychological suspense.
These films, which range from American classics like “Silence of the Lambs” to South Korean masterworks like “Oldboy,” traverse the difficult territory of justice, retribution, and the toll it takes on the individuals involved.
Get ready to be engrossed in a film experience that combines intense action sequences with insightful examinations of human psychology.
So, if you are ready, let’s explore a carefully chosen collection of Top revenge-themed movies Like I Saw the Devil.
You can also read I saw the devil movie quotes here.
Top 8 movies like I Saw the Devil
Following are 8 films that have similar themes like “I Saw the Devil” of retribution, suspense, and complicated narrative.
Now, if you loved the intense and psychological aspect of “I Saw the Devil,” you can enjoy the following films as well:
1. The Chaser (2008)
- 2h 5min
- Genres: Action, Crime
- Director: Na Hong-jin
- Writer: Won-Chan Hong, Na Hong-jin, Na Hong-jin
- Stars: Kim Yoon-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Yeong-hie Seo
- Country: South Korea
- Summary: A disgraced ex-policeman who runs a small ring of prostitutes finds himself in a race against time when one of his women goes missing.
Na Hong-jin’s thrilling and compelling thriller “The Chaser” (2008) will appeal to fans of “I Saw the Devil.” The film follows Joong-ho, a former investigator turned pimp, who discovers that his girls are disappearing often.
The plot develops a complex web of tension and cat-and-mouse. Similar to “I Saw the Devil,” “The Chaser” delves into the darkest depths of human nature to examine justice, morality, and the psychological ramifications of an endless pursuit.
Movies like “I Saw the Devil,” and “The Chaser”‘s crisp plot and intriguing performers keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
2. Oldboy (2003)
- 2h 0min
- Genres: Action, Drama
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Writer: Garon Tsuchiya, Nobuaki Minegishi, Park Chan-wook
- Stars: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong
- Country: South Korea
- Summary: After being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must find his captor in five days.
“Oldboy” (2003), directed by Park Chan-wook, is deep and psychological like “I Saw the Devil.” This Korean revenge thriller movie follows Oh Dae-su, a man strangely imprisoned for 15 years and then freed, as he seeks revenge and truth.
Like “I Saw the Devil,” “Oldboy” intrigues spectators with its dark and deep tale of human perseverance and previous mistakes.
The film’s stunning imagery and startling storyline twists make it a cinematic jewel for lovers of dramatic, emotionally driven storytelling in movies like “I Saw the Devil.”
3. V.I.P. (2017)
- 2h 8min
- Genres: Action, Crime
- Director: Park Hoon-jung
- Writer: Park Hoon-jung
- Stars: Jang Dong-Gun, Myung-Min Kim, Lee Jong-suk
- Country: South Korea
- Summary: The son of a high-ranking North Korean official is suspected of committing serial murders around the world, and is chased by South Korea, North Korea and Interpol.
Director Park Hoon-jung’s criminal thriller “V.I.P.” (2017) is a dramatic and psychological movie similar to I Saw the Devil.
The film follows a talented detective, a motivated prosecutor, and a strong politician as they investigate a serial murderer. Like the best South Korean suspense films Like “I Saw the Devil,” “V.I.P.” explores human nature’s dark side, uncovering a network of power, corruption, and retribution.
Fans of intriguing and thought-provoking films similar to “I Saw the Devil.” will love the film’s engaging tale, compelling characters, and surprising turns.
4. Mr. Brooks (2007)
- 2h 0min
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Director: Bruce A. Evans
- Writer: Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon
- Stars: Kevin Costner, Demi Moore, Dane Cook
- Country: United States
- Summary: A well-respected businessman is sometimes controlled by his murder and mayhem-loving alter ego.
Bruce A. Evans’ “Mr. Brooks” (2007) has psychological depth like “I Saw the Devil” and is considered a Korean cinema masterpiece.
In this American psychological thriller, Kevin Costner plays a prosperous businessman who is also a skilled serial murderer.
He struggles with his dual identities, and a determined investigator (Demi Moore) seeks retribution.
A movie like “I Saw the Devil,” “Mr. Brooks” explores its characters’ psychological complexities, creating a compelling story.
Its surprising turns and examination of human nature’s darker side make “Mr. Brooks” as riveting as “I Saw the Devil.”
5. A Bittersweet Life (2005)
- 1h 59min
- Genres: Action, Crime
- Director: Jee-woon Kim
- Writer: Dong-Cheol Kim, Jee-woon Kim
- Stars: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Yeong-cheol Kim
- Country: South Korea
- Summary: Things go wrong for a high ranking mobster when he doesn’t proceed by his boss’s orders.
Thematically, “A Bittersweet Life” (2005) by Kim Jee-woon is a movie similar to “I Saw the Devil.” In this South Korean action thriller, Lee Byung-hun plays a hotel manager who becomes involved in crime and vengeance.
This film examines morality, loyalty, and retribution, like “I Saw the Devil,” with a visceral narrative. The protagonist’s journey into the darkness and moral difficulties echo “I Saw the Devil.”
With its gorgeous photography, exciting action scenes, and subtle representation of the human mind, “A Bittersweet Life” will appeal to fans of “I Saw the Devil.”
6. The Handmaiden (2016)
- 2h 25min
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Writer: Sarah Waters, Chung Seo-kyung, Park Chan-wook
- Stars: Kim Tae-ri, Yong-nyeo Lee, Min-chae Yoo
- Country: South Korea
- Summary: A woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her.
Parker Chan-wook’s “The Handmaiden” (2016) is a conceptually rich and refined movie like “I Saw the Devil.” Based on Sarah Waters’ “Fingersmith,” this South Korean psychological thriller and also the dark and visceral crime drama is a gripping tale of betrayal, desire, and sophisticated plot twists.
A wealthy heiress, her handmaiden, and a charming conman in colonial Korea star in the film. Like “I Saw the Devil,” “The Handmaiden” has stunning cinematography, precise direction, and meticulous detail.
The picture suspensefully and sensually examines human nature’s darker side, attracting and challenging audiences. For admirers of “I Saw the Devil,” “The Handmaiden” is a visual and psychological masterpiece.
7. Red Dragon (2002)
- 2h 4min
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Director: Brett Ratner
- Writer: Thomas Harris, Ted Tally
- Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes
- Country: Germany, United States
- Summary: A retired FBI agent with psychological gifts is assigned to help track down “The Tooth Fairy”, a mysterious serial killer. Aiding him is imprisoned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter.
As with movies like “I Saw the Devil,” Brett Ratner’s “Red Dragon” (2002) explores criminal minds’ psychological depths.
Based on Thomas Harris’s book, the film is a prequel to “The Silence of the Lambs” and follows F.B.I. agent Will Graham as he seeks Dr. Hannibal Lecter’s aid in finding the “Tooth Fairy.”
Like “I Saw the Devil,” “Red Dragon” explores dark and intense crime thrillers and criminal investigations with captivating performances and a frightening story that puts viewers on edge.
Psychological thriller fans, particularly cat-and-mouse fans, will like “Red Dragon”‘s frightening story.
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- 1h 58min
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Writer: Thomas Harris, Ted Tally
- Stars: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
- Country: United States
- Summary: A young F.B.I. cadet must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to help catch another serial killer, a madman who skins his victims.
The psychological thriller “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) by Jonathan Demme is a dramatic movie like “I Saw the Devil.”
In this classic thriller, F.B.I. investigator Clarice Starling begs brilliant but imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter to help her discover another serial killer.
Like “I Saw the Devil,” it explores human darkness with dramatic prose and fascinating characters. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins’ impressive performances and cat-and-mouse scenes make the film unforgettable.
As with “I Saw the Devil,” “The Silence of the Lambs” is a classic for psychological drama enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is a captivating selection of films available to fans of “I Saw the Devil” and similar works that manage to evoke the same level of psychological complexity, dramatic narrative, and physical intensity.
From the complex and dark stories of South Korean thrillers like “Oldboy” and “The Chaser,” to the thought-provoking examination of morality and revenge in “A Bittersweet Life,” and the stunning psychological work of “The Silence of the Lambs,” these films offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of the human mind.
Thematically, each of the films included here shares the qualities that set “I Saw the Devil” apart from its genre peers; they all provide compelling stories, deep ideas, and memorable cinematic experiences.
Join us on this cinematic journey, and you won’t be disappointed—you’ll experience the same gripping action and suspense movies that made “I Saw the Devil” so remarkable.
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In I Saw the Devil, the justice we get through the law seems ridiculous. The film shows that in today’s modern world, in Korea that has progressed to such an extent, some concepts are still in conflict with modernity. Law is the handiwork of modern humans, but it does not satisfy their soul. The law ignores the thirst for revenge and anger and cannot be a relief for mankind.