I Saw the Devil (2010)

Kernel Score: 88% · 2,932 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Thriller, Horror

Released: 2010-08-12

Runtime: 144 minutes

Is I Saw the Devil worth watching?

Worth watching. A brutal, deadly serious Korean revenge thriller about a secret agent hunting the killer of his fiancee. It is expertly made and very well rated, but also extremely violent and cruel in places.

Watch it if you

  • like intense Korean thrillers
  • enjoy cat-and-mouse revenge stories
  • can take graphic violence

Skip it if you

  • dislike gore and cruelty
  • want a light or comforting watch

Best for: Late-night thriller

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch I Saw the Devil

  • Free with ads: Philo
  • Rent: Google Play
  • Buy: Google Play

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Kyung-chul is a dangerous psychopath who kills for pleasure. Soo-hyeon, a top-secret agent, decides to track down the murderer himself. He promises himself that he will do everything in his power to take vengeance against the killer, even if it means that he must become a monster himself.

I Saw the Devil parents' guide: ages 16+

Parents need to know that I Saw the Devil is an extremely brutal revenge thriller with graphic violence and disturbing content.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Contains graphic, sadistic violence including torture and killing by a serial murderer, described by reviewers as brutal.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like I Saw the Devil

If you liked I Saw the Devil, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Chaser (2008) — 87%: Korean serial-killer thriller with a relentless pace
  • Memories of Murder (2003) — 89%: Korean serial-killer drama with a grim true-crime feel
  • Se7en (1995) — 92%: The classic bleak serial-killer thriller
  • A Bittersweet Life (2005) — 85%: Same director's stylish gangster revenge film
  • A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) — 80%: Same director's chilling horror
  • Monster (2003) — 83%: Dark true-crime drama about a female killer

Director

Kim Jee-woon

Cast

I Saw the Devil FAQ

Is I Saw the Devil worth watching?

Worth watching. A brutal, deadly serious Korean revenge thriller about a secret agent hunting the killer of his fiancee. It is expertly made and very well rated, but also extremely violent and cruel in places.

Where can I watch I Saw the Devil?

In the US you can watch it free with ads on Philo and rent it from Google Play.

Is I Saw the Devil OK for kids?

I Saw the Devil is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that I Saw the Devil is an extremely brutal revenge thriller with graphic violence and disturbing content.

What movies are like I Saw the Devil?

If you liked I Saw the Devil, try The Chaser, Memories of Murder, Se7en and A Bittersweet Life.