Oldboy (2003)
Kernel Score: 89% · 9,626 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Action
Released: 2003-11-21
Runtime: 120 minutes
Is Oldboy worth watching?
Must-watch. A violent, strange and emotionally brutal revenge thriller with a famous corridor fight and a twist that lingers. It is not for everyone, but it is one of the most daring thrillers of its era.
Watch it if you
- like dark, twisty thrillers
- enjoy South Korean cinema
- want a film that sticks with you
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic violence and torture
- are put off by disturbing themes
Best for: Late night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Oldboy
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
With no clue how he came to be imprisoned, drugged and tortured for 15 years, a desperate man seeks revenge on his captors.
Oldboy parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that Oldboy is a violent R-rated Korean revenge thriller involving torture, imprisonment, and disturbing themes.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic, shocking violence including torture and revenge-driven brutality described as very violent by reviewers.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Alcoholism is a noted theme in the story.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Oldboy
If you liked Oldboy, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Lady Vengeance (2005) — 87%: Another Park Chan-wook revenge story, colder and stranger
- Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) — 85%: The first film in the same director's revenge trilogy
- The Handmaiden (2016) — 89%: Same director's lush, twisting thriller
- Joint Security Area (2000) — 89%: Same director's quieter mystery about a border shooting
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%: Twisty undercover thriller from Hong Kong
- Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (2011) — 88%: A stylish revenge story
Director
Cast
- Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-Su
- Yoo Ji-tae as Lee Woo-jin
- Kang Hye-jung as Mi-do
- Kim Byeong-ok as Mr. Han
- Ji Dae-han as No Joo-hwan
- Oh Dal-su as Park Cheol-woong
- Lee Seung-shin as Hypnotist
- Yoon Jin-seo as Lee Soo-ah
- Oh Tae-kyung as Young Dae-su
- Yoo Yeon-seok as Young Woo-jin
Oldboy FAQ
Is Oldboy worth watching?
Must-watch. A violent, strange and emotionally brutal revenge thriller with a famous corridor fight and a twist that lingers. It is not for everyone, but it is one of the most daring thrillers of its era.
Where can I watch Oldboy?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Oldboy OK for kids?
Oldboy is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Oldboy is a violent R-rated Korean revenge thriller involving torture, imprisonment, and disturbing themes.
What movies are like Oldboy?
If you liked Oldboy, try Lady Vengeance, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, The Handmaiden and Joint Security Area.