10 Lee Byung-hun Movies & TV Shows To Watch After Squid Game Season 2

Lee Byung-hun’s career goes beyond Squid Game and is packed with standout roles across both Hollywood and Korean cinema, making him one of the most versatile actors of his time. His haunting performance as the masked Front Man garnered worldwide attention, particularly with Squid Game season 2’s Player 001 twist.

Though Squid Game hid the Front Man’s identity for much of the first season, Lee’s intense presence shone through. For those intrigued by his complex and mysterious character, there are plenty of movies and TV shows to watch to explore the actor’s incredible talent. As we wait for Squid Game season 3, Lee’s other works offer a deeper look into why he’s a master at bringing unforgettable characters to life.

10

Ashfall (2019)

Directed by Kim Byung-seo & Lee Hae-jun

Ashfall is an action-disaster movie where Lee Byung-hun plays a key role as Lee Joon-Pyeong, a North Korean spy who possesses crucial information to prevent a catastrophic volcanic eruption of Mount Paektu. Originally titled Baekdusan, the 2019 film received mixed reviews for several reasons, including the overuse of CGI, a predictable plot line, and flat-feeling dialogue.

Still, despite a polarized response from audiences, Ashfall stands out as a worthy Lee watch, especially after the second season of Netflix’s Squid Game. It features high-stakes action as the star-studded cast, including Ha Jung-woo and Ma Dong-seok, race against time to prevent a major catastrophe. Predictable or not, the story is guaranteed to deliver some serious thrills. Additionally, the movie was a major commercial hit, attracting millions of viewers and ranking among the top-grossing South Korean films of the year.

9

Our Blues (2022)

Directed by Kim Kyu-tae

For those itching to experience the talented Lee Byung-hun in a far different light than his Squid Game persona, Our Blues is a refreshing choice. The K-drama followed in the footsteps of Squid Games’ success on Netflix, proving the genre’s broad appeal. Lee plays Lee Dong-seok, a troubled man dealing with a fractured relationship with his mother (portrayed by Kim Hye-ja).

While Lee is mostly associated with his more intense roles, his performance in Our Blues demonstrated the actor’s impressive range, solidifying his status as one of Korea’s best actors. It’s a rare opportunity to witness him in a role that requires such emotional maneuvering, making it an exciting watch for fans who are used to seeing the star in more action-packed stories. Additionally, the series features the stunning landscapes of the real-life Jeju Island, which in itself makes it worth tuning into.

8

Inside Men (2015)

Directed by Min-ho Woo

In another malevolent role, Lee Byung-hun fit perfectly in Inside Men, a 2015 political crime thriller. The gritty narrative dives deep into corruption within South Korean politics and the media, exploring the grim side of human nature. The movie’s focus on moral ambiguity offers an intense emotional experience, making it a natural next step for Squid Game fans who enjoy stories with a darker edge.

There is an extended version of the movie, titled Inside Men: The Original. It is 50 minutes longer than the initial release, making it 3 hours long.

Lee’s powerhouse performance scored him a number of Best Actor honors, including a Blue Dragon Award and a Grand Bell Award. The star delivered a compelling presence as the film’s anti-hero with a vendetta, captivating viewers who appreciate well-crafted characters and thrilling plots that keep one on the edge of the seat. Despite not being considered one of the best South Korean movies of all time, Inside Men is one of the highest-grossing R-rated films in the country.

7

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

Directed by Antoine Fuqua

The Magnificent Seven is a Western action film starring Lee Byung-hun as Billy Rocks, a knife-wielding assassin. In this remake of the 1960 classic, Billy joins a group of outlaws to defend a town from a ruthless industrialist. This marks Lee’s third Hollywood project, and the Korean actor brought his unique flair to the high-profile cast.

“The Magnificent Seven is packed with emotional punch and crowd-pleasing moments throughout – producing a solid mix of character, comedy, and action for moviegoers of all ages and film tastes.” – ScreenRant’s The Magnificent Seven review

The movie also features Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke in the lead. Billy’s intense fight scenes, especially his knife work, are one of the film’s visual highlights. After finishing the second season of Squid Game, the action-packed sequences in the Old West will offer a similar taste of high-stakes tension. Additionally, The Magnificent Seven is a great choice for those who want a fresh spin on a classic Western, much like how Squid Game reinvented survival drama.

6

G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra (2009)

Directed by Stephen Sommers

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra was Lee Byung-hun’s Hollywood debut in a major blockbuster. Playing Storm Shadow, one of G.I. Joe’s most powerful villains, marked a key milestone in the actor’s career. The role helped him gain international recognition and ultimately cemented Lee’s place in global cinema.

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In addition to diversifying the predominantly Western cast, Lee brought his impeccable martial arts skills to the table. His striking fight scenes are what ultimately made the actor stand out among the A-list ensemble, making Storm Shadow one of the most memorable characters in the G.I. Joe franchise. Lee reprised his role four years later in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, proving why he’s considered to be one of Korea’s finest talents. Despite being a product of its time, The Rise of Cobra continues to be a fan favorite, offering a straightforward action experience any Squid Game fan can appreciate.

5

A Bittersweet Life (2005)

Directed by Kim Jee-woon

Considered to be one of the best Korean noir films, A Bittersweet Life is also one of Lee Byung-hun’s best works. The actor plays Kim Sun-woo, a loyal enforcer for a powerful crime boss. Kim’s life unravels when he goes against his boss’ orders, which leads to a series of violent and dramatic events. With the perfect blend of action, emotion, and an intense story, it’s not hard to see why this 2005 title is a standout in Lee’s filmography.

Much like Squid Game’s visually captivating scenes and growing tension, A Bittersweet Life is known for its stylish cinematography and the slow build-up of suspense. However, more importantly, for those who were introduced to Lee through the hit Netflix series, watching his earlier works like A Bittersweet Life offers a glimpse into his growth as an actor and subsequent rise to global stardom.

4

Masquerade (2012)

Directed by Choo Chang-min

Arguably a grossly underrated movie, Masquerade brought us Lee Byung-hun in a wonderfully compelling dual role. The actor played both King Gwang-hae, a tyrannical monarch, and Ha-seon, a commoner who is hired to impersonate the king for 15 days to protect the throne. The film is notable for its refined storytelling, complex characters, and Lee’s remarkable performance as two vastly different people. His portrayal was widely praised and ultimately earned the star multiple Best Actor awards.

Moreover, viewers drawn to the cultural elements of Squid Game will find Masquerade offers a visually captivating glimpse into Korean history and cinema while still focusing on universally appealing themes.

Although not contextually similar, both Masquerade and Squid Game deliver intense drama any movie enthusiast will enjoy. Moreover, viewers drawn to the cultural elements of Squid Game will find Masquerade offers a visually captivating glimpse into Korean history and cinema while still focusing on universally appealing themes. A feast for the senses, the 2012 movie remains one of Lee’s most impressive works.

3

The Good, The Bad, The Weird (2008)

Directed by Kim Jee-woon

Set in 1930s Manchuria, The Good, the Bad, the Weird is a Western-inspired action-adventure movie where Lee Byung-hun plays Park Chang-yi, a ruthless assassin known as “The Bad.” The film fuses Western genre elements with the action style of Korean cinema, offering a fresh take on both. The unique blend stood out in the global film scene, making The Good, the Bad, the Weird a major success worldwide.

Lee’s portrayal of Park became a key element of the film’s appeal. His intense and charismatic performance stole the show, leaving a lasting impression that continues to be one of the highlights of the star’s career. His skill in making the character both menacing and charming, much like Squid Game’s Front Man, allows the actor to effortlessly bring villains to life. Park commanded attention in every scene he was in, proving that Lee was born to excel as the anti-hero.

2

I Saw The Devil (2010)

Directed by Kim Jee-woon

Not only is I Saw the Devil one of Lee Byung-hun’s most unforgettable movies, but it’s also one of the best Korean horror movies of all time. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast looking to broaden your repertoire or a Squid Game fan in search of more Lee content, I Saw the Devil is a must-watch.

The 2010 movie is renowned for its unflinching brutality and psychological depth, which redefined the revenge genre in Korean cinema. It follows Kim Soo-hyeon, played by Lee, a secret agent consumed by grief and fury after his fiancée is brutally murdered by a serial killer. His obsession with revenge pulls him deeper into a moral abyss, raising the question of whom the real monster is. Lee’s gripping performance as a man spiraling into darkness is one of his most haunting roles to date, cementing the star’s reputation for incredible range.

1

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Directed by Lee Eung-bok, Jihyeon Jeong, and Jang Young-woo

Mr. Sunshine is one of the highest-rated Korean shows of all time, rightfully earning its place among the K-dramas that many consider to be masterpieces. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this period piece follows Eugene Choi, a Korean-born U.S. Marine officer who returns home during a time of major political unrest. Along the way, he falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter (Kim Tae-ri), which complicates his journey.

Notably, the hit series was widely praised for its stunning visuals and high production quality. The fascinating story offers a deep dive into Korea’s tumultuous past while also exploring the emotional toll it took on those involved. Lee Byung-hun expertly brought Eugene’s inner struggles, vulnerability, and sense of justice to life, making his portrayal a defining aspect of Mr. Sunshine, as well as a major factor in the series’ critical and commercial success.