Burning (2018)
Kernel Score: 83% · 1,778 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Mystery, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2018-05-17
Runtime: 148 minutes
Where to watch Burning
- Stream: MUBI, AsianCrush, Cineverse
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, YOW.tv, The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Deliveryman Jong-su is out on a job when he runs into Hae-mi, a girl who once lived in his neighborhood. She asks if he'd mind looking after her cat while she's away on a trip to Africa. On her return, she introduces to Jong-su an enigmatic young man named Ben, who she met during her trip. One day Ben tells Jong-su about his most unusual hobby.
Burning parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that this South Korean psychological thriller involves jealousy, class tension, sexual themes, and an unsettling hobby tied to arson.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The film builds slow psychological menace involving arson as a hobby, with tension over explicit violence.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — A love triangle includes sexual jealousy and references to a sex shop as part of the character's world.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Burning
If you liked Burning, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Following (1999) — 79%
- Lost Highway (1997) — 85%
- The Dog Stars (2026) — 40%
- Angel's Egg (1985) — 88%
- Soul (2020) — 90%
Director
Cast
- Yoo Ah-in as Lee Jong-su
- Steven Yeun as Ben
- Jeon Jong-seo as Shin Hae-mi
- Kim Soo-kyung as Yeon-ju
- Choe Seung-ho as Lee Yong-seok
- Moon Sung-keun as Lawyer
- Min Bok-gi as Judge
- Ban Hye-ra as Jong-su's Mother
- Cha Mi-kyung as Hae-mi's Mother
- Lee Bong-ryeon as Hae-mi's Sister
Burning FAQ
Is Burning good?
Burning has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,778 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Burning?
In the US you can stream Burning on MUBI, AsianCrush and Cineverse, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, YOW.tv and The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Burning OK for kids?
Burning is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that this South Korean psychological thriller involves jealousy, class tension, sexual themes, and an unsettling hobby tied to arson.
What movies are like Burning?
If you liked Burning, try Following, Lost Highway, The Dog Stars and Angel's Egg.