Goblin (2016)
Kernel Score: 92% · 3,022 ratings
Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Comedy
First aired: 2016-12-02
Seasons: 1 · 16 episodes
Is Goblin worth watching?
Must-watch. A Korean fantasy romance that mixes comedy, heartbreak and big ideas about death and fate. Viewers adore it, and it earns the affection with strong chemistry between its odd supernatural leads.
Watch it if you
- like romance with a fantasy twist
- enjoy K-dramas that move between jokes and tears
- want a story about fate and second chances
Skip it if you
- dislike subtitles
- want a quick watch, since it runs long
Best for: Binge weekend
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Goblin
- Stream: Rakuten Viki, WeTV
- Free with ads: Rakuten Viki
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In his quest for a bride to break his immortal curse, a 939-year-old guardian of souls meets a grim reaper and a sprightly student with a tragic past.
Goblin parents' guide: ages 12+
Parents need to know that Goblin is a TV-14 Korean fantasy drama touching on suicide, child abuse, and depression alongside romance.
- Violence & scariness: Some — References to suicide, poison, child abuse, and kidnapping woven into a supernatural romance.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Goblin
If you liked Goblin, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020) — 90%: Korean fantasy romance built around a mythical creature
- Doom at Your Service (2021) — 88%: Korean fantasy romance with a supernatural being at its centre
- Death's Game (2023) — 92%: Korean fantasy drama about death and second chances
- Master's Sun (2013) — 87%: Romance between a living woman and a ghost-haunted man
- Hi Bye, Mama! (2020) — 89%: Korean drama about a ghost mother getting one more chance
- Lovely Runner (2024) — 92%: Korean romance with a fantasy hook and strong viewer love
Cast
- Gong Yoo as Goblin / Kim Shin
- Kim Go-eun as Ji Eun-tak
- Lee Dong-wook as Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo
- Yoo In-na as Sunny / Kim Seon
- Yook Sung-jae as Yu Deok-hwa
- Lee El as Sam-shin
- Kim Seong-gyeom as Yu Shin-woo
- Kim Byong-chul as Park Joong-heon
- Jo Woo-jin as Kim Do-yeong
- Yeom Hye-ran as Ji Yeon-sook
Goblin FAQ
Is Goblin worth watching?
Must-watch. A Korean fantasy romance that mixes comedy, heartbreak and big ideas about death and fate. Viewers adore it, and it earns the affection with strong chemistry between its odd supernatural leads.
Where can I watch Goblin?
In the US you can stream Goblin on Rakuten Viki and WeTV and watch it free with ads on Rakuten Viki.
Is Goblin OK for kids?
Goblin is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 12+. Parents need to know that Goblin is a TV-14 Korean fantasy drama touching on suicide, child abuse, and depression alongside romance.
What shows are like Goblin?
If you liked Goblin, try Tale of the Nine Tailed, Doom at Your Service, Death's Game and Master's Sun.