45 Must-watch thrilling serial killer K-dramas

Publish date: 2024-03-31

Have you been looking for heart-pounding K-dramas to give you an instant adrenaline rush? Or are you looking for a change of pace from your usual mushy-romance-filled dramas? Well, you are in luck because when it comes to adrenaline-boosting dramas, you certainly cannot do better than a nail-biting serial killer K-drama. This time we have hand-selected the best thrilling serial killer K-dramas that revolve around a complex murder mystery. In fact, every enlisted K-drama has in-depth characters and terrific storytelling that has the power to give you a rush of emotions that is bound to make you gasp. 

So what are you waiting for? Keep reading for a list of the best thrilling K-dramas that not only feature top-notch adventures, and gritty experiences but interestingly revolve around suspenseful serial killer plots. 

1. Beyond Evil (2021)


Read the full review of Beyond Evil (2021) here.

Beyond Evil is a 2021 South Korean TV that aired on JTBC. The thrilling K-drama revolves around two fearless men who go to extreme lengths to find a serial killer and uncover the murderer's identity. 

2. Mouse (2021)


Read the full review of Mouse (2021) here.

Mouse is a thriller K-drama starring Lee Seung Gi, Lee Hee Joon, Park Ju Hyun, and Kyung Soo. The storyline of the exhilarating show follows a seat-gripping confrontation of police officer Jeong Ba Reum played by Lee Seung Gi with a serial killer.

3. Memorist (2020)


If you love thrilling dramas, you are going to love this South Korean TV series starring Yoo Seung Ho, Lee Se Young, and Jo Sung Ha. Memorist is one of the best serial killer K-dramas based on the premise that Dong Baek has the power to read minds which helps him to solve crime mysteries. 

4. Life on Mars (2018)


Life on Mars is another thrilling K-drama that’s based on Han Tae Joo played by Jung Kyung Ho who leads a crime investigation team. The storyline follows an accident after which Han Tae Joo finds himself in 1988 and tries to get back to the present while solving a serial murder mystery.

5. Tunnel (2017)


Tunnel is an intriguing K-drama starring Choi Jin Hyuk, Yoon Hyun Min, and Lee Yoo Young. The thrilling show is inspired by the Hwaseong serial murders. The show is one of the most-loved serial killer K-dramas that involves elements of time travel and a seat-gripping serial killer mystery. 

6. Less Than Evil (2018)


Less Than Evil is one of the best serial killer K-dramas that’s a bewitching crime-drama based on a psychological battle between a brilliant psychopathic killer and a justice-driven but short-tempered Detective Chief Inspector.

7. Train (2020)


Train is based on a storyline of a hard-hitting but fearless detective who fights for justice. The story follows a plot where the protagonist’s love interest becomes the target of a serial killer and his world downright changes.

8. Voice (2017-2021)


Read the full review of Voice (2017-2021) here.

If you are looking for a crime-thriller TV series, you must watch Voice which follows the story of emergency call center and dispatch team members as the group fight against various crimes. 

9. Gap Dong (2014)


Read more about Gap Dong here.

Gap-dong is a Korean crime thriller show that’s based on real-life Hwaseong serial murders. The storyline features a murder of a young girl by a man nicknamed "Gap Dong."

10. Come and Hug Me (2018)


Come and Hug Me is a one of the best serial killer K-dramas with a romantic element that follows the premise of childhood love that reunites after years with an interesting plot where the guy’s father was a psychopath serial killer. 

11. Missing Noir M (2015)


The must-watch K-drama is based on Gil Soo Hyun, a genius who joined Harvard University when he was only ten years old. The story further focuses on how he ends up working for the FBI and gets assigned to lead one of the toughest unsolved mystery cases. 

12. Nobody Knows (2020)


The intriguing K-drama titled Nobody Knows is based on the aftermath of a 19-year-old murder by the Stigmata serial killer. The storyline follows how detective Cha Young Jin played by Kim Seo Hyung tries to catch the killer.

13. Possessed (2019)


Possessed is based on a nail-biting storyline where Detective Kang Pil Sung along with a psychic Hong Seo Jung works to solve a 20 year old murder mystery. 

14. Suspicious Partner (2017)


Read more about Suspicious Partner (2017) here.

The K-drama follows the storyline of Noh Ji Wook played by Ji Chang Wook along with a prosecutor and a prosecutor trainee. The plot thickens when the trio follows a mysterious case of a sly psychopath serial killer. 

15. Through The Darkness (2022)


Read the full review of Through The Darkness here.

One of the must-watch serial killer K-dramas Through The Darkness is based on a non-fiction book of the same name. The storyline of the show features Korea's criminal profiler Kwon Il Yong along with a journalist cum author Ko Na Mu and their experiences.

16. Inspector Koo (2021)


Read more about Inspector Koo (2021) here.

One of the best thrilling serial killer K-dramas that follows an intriguing battle between a former policeman and a college-going girl who is interestingly a serial killer. The must-watch drama is available on Netflix to stream. 

17. Signal (2016)


This serial killer drama starring Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Su, Cho Jin Woong, and Kim Won Hae is full of crime and fantasy elements. Stream the movie on Netflix to watch a stale of detectives, and murder amidst a spectacular plot.  

18. Bad Guys (2014)

Bad Guys

Starring Sang Jung Kim, Ma Dong Seok, Park Hae Jin, and Dong Hyuk Cho this action crime thriller is another outstanding crime drama that you must definitely watch. The highly rated 2014 drama titled Bad Guys is available on Disney+ Hotstar to stream.

19. Beautiful Mind (2016)


Another iconic serial killer K-dramas we recommend watching is Beautiful Mind. Released in 2016, this Korean drama is filled with mystery and romance. Watch the movie on Amazon Prime Video to witness the best of a bizarre neurosurgeon story.

20. God's Gift: 14 Days (2014)


This 2014, fantasy mystery thriller is another must-watch serial killer drama we highly recommend. The movie stars actors including Lee Bo Young, Cho Seung Woo, Kim Tae Woo, and Gyu Woon Jung and tells a story featuring time travel. 

21. Mouse (2021)


Mouse is a 2021 thriller action filled with elements of crime and mystery. The movie features an iconic suspenseful plot featuring psychopaths. The highly-rated drama features stars including Lee Seung Gi, Lee Hee Joon, Park Ju Hyun, and Soo Jin Kyung and is available on Viki to watch. 

22. Flower of Evil (2020)


We highly recommend watching Cheol Gyu Kim’s serial killer K-drama titled Flower of Evil. The 2020 crime drama features the perfect mix of mystery and romance. The movie features stars like Lee Joon Gi, Moon Chae Won, Seo Hyun Woo, and Choi Dae Hoon and is available on Amazon Prime Video to watch. 

23. Tell Me What You Saw (2020)


Featuring Jang Hyuk, Choi Sooyoung, and Jin Seo Yeon, this serial killer drama titled Tell Me What You Saw features an exhilarating tale of revenge. The highly rated movie is one of the best thrilling serial killer K-dramas ever created and is available on Rakuten Viki to watch. 

24. Psychopath Diary (2019)


This 2019 serial killer K-drama is another show that is an absolute must-watch. Featuring the story of a man who gets hold of a serial killer’s journal and how he gets himself into an ugly mess. 

25. Connect (2022)


This is another Korean drama that will keep you glued to your screens. The 2022 mini-series features organ trading with the most intriguing fantasy plot ever. The fantasy thriller  K-drama features stars like Jung Hae In, Go Kyung Pyo, and Kim Hye Jun and is available on Hulu to stream. 

26. 365: Repeat the Year (2020)


This crime drama fantasy features the best of Korean actors including Lee Jun Hyuk, Nam Ji hyun, and Kim Ji Soo. The 2020 drama is directed by Kyung hee Kim and revolves around a plot where people travel back in time and find mysterious circumstances. 

27. A Superior Day aka Uwolhan Halu (2022)


A Superior Day is a 2022 K drama that stars Jin Goo, Young Gu Kim, and Lee Won geun. This thrilling drama is directed by Kyung hee Kim. The plot of the movie revolves around how people face a thriller experience where only the strongest survive. Watch the movie on Viki to witness how an ordinary hunts a serial killer.

28. Abyss (2019)


In Abyss Korean stars like Park Bo Young, Ahn Hyo Seop, and Song Sang Eun come back to life in new bodies after an untimely death. Directors Sanggyu Ju and Je Won Yu craft this blend of crime, drama, fantasy, and romance which is based on Moon Soo Yun's story. The K drama is available on Netflix to stream. 

29. Ancient Detective (2020)


Ancient Detective is a 2020 K drama that features Jiwei Yu, Yanyang Wang, and Ruoshan Wang in a story about an amnesiac detective's quest to uncover the truth about his father’s murderer. Directed by Yiheng Ma and written by Pang San Jing and You Wu, it holds an IMDb Rating of 7.9 out of 10

30. Awaken (2020-2021)


Awaken is a 2020 K drama that stars Min Namkoong, Seol Hyun Kim, and Chung Ah Lee. The romantic mystery is directed by Jung Hyun Kim and Su Hyun Lee and unravels the secrets of events linking a village's past to mysterious occurrences 26 years later. It is available on Netflix.

31. Blind (2022)


Blind is a 2022 drama that follows a homicide squad detective, played by Taecyeon who is suspected of serial murder as he searches for the real culprit. It has an IMDb Rating of 8 out of 10.

32. Born Again (2020)


Born Again is a 2020 K drama that tells the story of reincarnation and fate. The K drama involves a story of two men and a woman in the 1980s and the present day. Starring Jang Ki Yong, Se Yeon Jin, and Lee Soo hyuk, it has an IMDb rating of 6.7 out of 10. 

33. Jirisan (2021)


Set in Mount Jiri, Jirisan is a 2021 K drama that follows the lives of rangers in Jirisan National Park as they uncover mysterious and unexplored regions. Starring Ju Ji Hoon, Jun Ji Hyun, and Kim Young ok, and directed by Eung Bok Lee, this drama has an IMDb rating of 7.4 out of 10.

34. Let's Fight Ghost aka Bring It On, Ghost  (2016)


In 2016’s Let's Fight Ghost, you will get to watch a med student with supernatural abilities face ghosts until he encounters a wandering spirit that brings romance into the mix. Featuring Taecyeon, Kim So Hyun, and Lee Da Wit, this entertaining series is directed by Joon Hwa Park.

35. Catch the Ghost (2019)


Catch the Ghost is a 2019 mystery drama that follows rookie detective Yoo Ryung and her quest to find her autistic twin sister who goes missing. Moon Geun Young, Kim Seon Ho, and Jeong Eu Gene star in this dramatic and comedic series, directed by Shin Yoon Sub.

36. Children of Nobody (2018)


Cha Woo Kyung, a child counselor, finds her life upended after a car accident affecting a child. She partners with Detective Kang Ji Hun to solve a serial murder case. This gripping series stars Yi Kyeong Lee, Kim Seon A, and Gyu ri Nam, and is directed by Jung Kyu Choi.

37. Chimera (2021)


Chimera is a 2021 Korean drama that delves into a serial murder case known as the Chimera case, triggered by a past explosion. 35 years later, a similar explosion occurs, reigniting the mystery. The show features Lee Hee Joon, Park Hae Soo, and Cha Joo Young and is directed by Kim Do Hun and Do Hoon Kim

38. Crash Course in Romance (2023)


Crash Course in Romance is a 2023 K drama that revolves around a retired national team female handball player who becomes the owner of a grocery store while dealing with her daughter's tutor's eating disorder. Jeon Do Yeon, Jung Kyung Ho, and Lee Bong Ryun star in this romantic comedy, created by Hee Seung Yang.

39. Double Tap (2000)

Double Tap (2000)

Double Tap is a 2000 K drama that follows Rick's journey from a gun competition entry to a course of fatal rivalry, emerging as one of the town's best shooters. Starring Leslie Cheung, Alex Fong, and Ruby Wong, this action-packed thriller is directed by Chi Leung Law.

40. Dr. Frost (2014)


Dr. Frost features an intellectual psychology professor with an emotional injury who assists procedural teams using his deductive reasoning skills. Hee jin Lee, Da Yeong Ju, and Chang ui Song star in this crime drama, directed by Yong Il Sung.

41. God's Quiz (2010)


The medical team at Hankuk University aids law enforcement in solving fishy deaths and not so common diseases in the 2010 drama titled God's Quiz. Deok Hwan Ryu, Park Jun Myun, and Joo Hee Yoon feature in this intriguing medical drama created by Park Jae beam.


 

42. Happiness (2021)


Happiness is a 2021 Korean drama that features an apocalyptic thriller drama that’s set in a world where contagious illnesses have become the new reality. Han Hyo joo, Park Hyung sik, and Jo Woo jin star in this suspenseful series directed by Ahn Gil ho.

43. He Is Psychometric (2019)


He Is Psychometric is a 2019 K drama that follows a boy with the ability to read minds through touch and a girl determined to hide her agony. Park Jin young, Shin Ye eun, and Kwon Kim star in this drama directed by Byung Soo Kim.

44. Hello Monster (2015)

Hello Monster (2015)

In Hello Monster which is a 2015 K drama, a sharp criminal psychologist unravels murder cases linked by mysterious memory triggers. Seo In Guk, Jang Na ra, and Park Bo gum star in this suspenseful series directed by Jin Won Kim and Sang Hoon Noh.

45. I Hear Your Voice (2013)


I Hear Your Voice is a 2013 K drama that revolves around a team of brilliant female lawyers with a public defender and a high school kid gifted with special abilities who work together to bring down a killer. Lee Bo young, Lee Jong Suk, and Yoon Sang Hyun lead the cast in this compelling drama directed by Soo Won Jo.

A bonus list of serial killer movies listed according to IMDb ratings.

If you love the above list of serial killer dramas, this bonus list of serial killer movies will be a treat for you. 

1. Persona (2018) - IMDb Rating: 9 

2. Blood & Makeup: The Last Laugh of Blah Blah the Clown

(2020) - IMDb Rating: 9 

3. True Detective (2014– ) - IMDb Rating: 8.9 

4. Dexter (2006–2013) - IMDb Rating: 8.7 

5. Endeavour (2012–2023) - IMDb Rating: 8.6 

6. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - IMDb Rating: 8.6 

7. Se7en (1995) - IMDb Rating: 8.6 

8. Mindhunter (2017–2019) - IMDb Rating: 8.6 

9. The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015) - IMDb Rating: 8.6 

10. Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (2010 Video) - IMDb Rating: 8.6 

11. Graves End (2005)- IMDb Rating:  8.6 

12. Happy Valley (2014–2023) - IMDb Rating: 8.5 

13. Hannibal (2013–2015) - IMDb Rating: 8.5 

14. Psycho (1960) - IMDb Rating: 8.5 

15. Erased (2016) - IMDb Rating: 8.5 

16. Signal (2016) - IMDb Rating: 8.5 

17. Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday

the 13th (2013 Video) - IMDb Rating: 8.5 

18. Luther (2010–2019) - IMDb Rating: 8.4 

19. M (1931) - IMDb Rating: 8.3 

20. Prime Suspect (1991) - IMDb Rating: 8.3 

21. Tunnel (2017) - IMDb Rating: 8.3 

22. Gnade für Timothy Evans (1969 TV Movie) - IMDb Rating: 8.3 

23. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills

(1996) - IMDb Rating: 8.2 

24. Black Bird (2022) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

25. The Fall (I) (2013–2016) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

26. Sharp Objects (2018) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

27. Memories of Murder (2003) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

28. Bates Motel (2013–2017) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

29. Dexter: New Blood (2021–2022) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

30. Manhunt (II) (2017–2020) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

31. Ripper Street (2012–2016) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

32. Beyond Evil (2021) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

33. White Heat (1949) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

34. Chiefs (1983) - IMDb Rating: 8.1 

35. Cyanide Mallika (2021) - IMDb Rating: 8.1

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