October means Halloween, which means agonizing over the perfect costume and the perfect Korean Dramas for the season, so I thought I’d help by collating an article of the 10 best in this genre.
But let’s be real: it can be scary picking out a high-quality horror K-drama, given all the different vibes dramas have. So, for the perfect potion of suggestions, I started with the top 10 horror K-dramas on MyDramalist (MDL), adding in the rating to help determine the creepiness factor, plus some splashes of a drama’s other genres to help you get an idea of what else lurks behind its surface. Then, to finish it off, a dash of insight as to why a particular drama might cast a spell of interest.
10 Best Korean Dramas for Halloween
Kingdom (2019)
MDL score: 8.9/MDL ranking Overall: #84
Rating: 18+ Restricted
Genres: Thriller, Historical, Political, Supernatural
Netflix’s first produced K-drama serves up a visually thrilling drama where a zombie hellscape brings something different to the historical drama genre. It also earned a Baeksang nomination for Best Drama, as well as a sequel and a number of one-offs.
Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020)
MDL score: 8.9/MDL ranking overall: #105
Rating: 15+
Genres: Thriller, Romance, Fantasy, Historical
An extensive library of Korean mythology provides the source of the supernatural happenings, interconnecting them into an intricate storytelling web. An epic bromance at the center of this story overshadows the romantic relationship at times. A third installment of this drama, this time set in the Joseon era, will be forthcoming.
The Guest (2018)
MDL score: 8.7/MDL ranking overall: #221
Rating: 18+ Restricted
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural
A psychic, a Catholic priest, and a detective team up to take on a horrifying demon that causes its victims to kill their families and maim themselves after being possessed. This truly chilling drama has at its heart a friendship trio to root for.
Sweet Home (2020)
MDL score: 8.7/MDL ranking overall: #229
Rating: 18+ Restricted
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
An apartment building becomes a place of horror as the residents turn into monsters as they struggle with their own personal hardships. Another Netflix visual stunner masterpiece headed up by some of the best actors in K-drama, Song Kang and Lee Do Hyun, to name just two. A second season of this intense drama is set to air this year.
Revenant (2023)
MDL score: 8.7/MDL ranking overall: #249
Rating: 15+
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural
The award-winning leads Kim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se, and Hong Kyung, plus famed screenwriter Kim Eun-hee see Kingdom above), created a Neilsen rating hit with this tense watch, firmly placing it in the top 10 k-dramas of 2023. The drama’s pacing drives viewer anxiety in this decidedly more mystery-based show, even though one of the trio is demon-possessed.
Strangers from Hell (2019)
MDL score: 8.7/MDL ranking overall: #273
Rating: 15+
Genres: Thriller, Psychological
Another apartment-based horror drama where our lead learns cohabiting alongside unnerving tenants doesn’t make up for the cheap rent. A ghost-free psychological thriller that will leave you theorizing throughout the drama and will stay with you long after you finish. Lee Dong Wook (see Tail of the Nine-Tailed above) takes on a decidedly different role than his usual romance offerings.
Hotel de Luna (2019)
MDL score: 8.6/MDL ranking overall: #303
Rating: 15+
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
IU is the focus here, both in terms of her character’s story arc and the actress’s performance, earning a Best Actress nomination for her take on this eclectic hotel owner with an incredible wardrobe. Created by the famed Hong Sisters writing team, masters of supernatural storytelling, this drama is a lighter offering among the horror drama offerings on this list.
The Master’s Sun (2013)
MDL score: 8.5/MDL ranking overall: #475
Rating: 15+
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Supernatural
Another less-scary offering tempered by the romcom K-drama setting, this drama, also written by the Hong sisters (see Hotel de Luna above), has all the classic tropes found in old-school K-dramas but bolstered by the leads’ excellent chemistry & and a supernatural twist.
All of Us Are Dead (2022)
MDL score: 8.5/MDL ranking overall: #494
Rating: 18+
Genres: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi
Netflix is at it again with another zombie pandemic offering. This time, a high school provides the origin of the outbreak. This gruesome action-driven drama features many big performances by up-and-coming young actors and actresses. A sequel is planned for 2024.
The Mysterious Class (2021)
MDL score: 8.4/MDL ranking overall: #742
Rating: not rated
Genres: Mystery, Youth, Supernatural
A relatively normal high school class becomes a place of distrust as one of the classmates is a ghost, and the classmates all scramble to find out who is the outsider among them. This YouTube drama is a must-watch for fans of the K-pop group Treasure, whose members make up the cast.
What would you add to this Best Korean Dramas for Halloween List? Comment below.
