6 Mind-Blowing Movies Similar to Memories of Murder

Infernal Affairs is a captivating film that will remind you of Memories of Murder. Both movies revolve around the theme of crime and police investigations. While Memories of Murder takes place in a small Korean province in the 1980s, Infernal Affairs is set in Hong Kong. The plot of both movies revolves around the search for undercover moles within the police department. The intense cat-and-mouse game between the characters will keep you on the edge of your seat. Although Memories of Murder is longer in runtime, both films manage to maintain a thrilling pace throughout. If you enjoyed the suspenseful nature of Memories of Murder, you will be equally captivated by Infernal Affairs.

Oldboy takes the baton from Memories of Murder and runs with it, creating a gripping and intense cinematic experience. While both films share the common themes of crime, mystery, and neo-noir, Oldboy adds a psychological twist that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Instead of a murder investigation, Oldboy follows the story of a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, only to be released and forced to find his captor in just five days. The raw emotion displayed by the actors in Oldboy is truly awe-inspiring, and the film's brutal and painstaking direction adds an extra layer of intensity. With its gripping story, believable characters, and stunning display of raw emotion, Oldboy is a must-watch film that will leave you in awe.

Hill Street Blues, much like Memories of Murder, transports us to a different time and place. Set in an inner city police precinct, this series takes us back to 1980s America, where we witness the lives and work of the dedicated staff. But while Memories of Murder focuses on a specific criminal investigation, Hill Street Blues takes a broader approach, showcasing an ensemble cast and their daily struggles on the job. Both narratives delve into the complexities of police work, but Hill Street Blues stands out with its emphasis on character development and the challenges faced by female police officers. It's a reminder of a bygone era of television, when storytelling was rich and the music was both melancholic and beautiful. So if you enjoyed the gripping intensity of Memories of Murder, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the world of Hill Street Blues and experiencing the nostalgia of 1980s police dramas.

Omertà, la loi du silence is a series that is reminiscent of Memories of Murder. Both movies fall under the crime, drama, and thriller genres. While Memories of Murder takes place in a small Korean province in the 1980s, Omertà, la loi du silence is set in Montreal and focuses on the head of the city's Mafia. The main similarity between the two movies is their exploration of the dark underbelly of society and the efforts of law enforcement to catch the culprits. However, while Memories of Murder is a cinema movie, Omertà, la loi du silence is a series, giving it more time to develop its characters and plot. Additionally, Memories of Murder received numerous nominations and wins, while Omertà, la loi du silence garnered fewer accolades. Overall, if you enjoyed the intense crime-solving and gripping storytelling of Memories of Murder, you should give Omertà, la loi du silence a watch.

Omerta - zmowa milczenia is reminiscent of Memories of Murder in its genre and key topics. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and explore themes such as neo-noir, police, and murder. While Memories of Murder takes place in 1980s Korea and follows the case of multiple young women being raped and murdered, Omerta - zmowa milczenia is set in Montreal and revolves around an anti-crime squad's efforts to catch the head of the city's Mafia. Both movies offer intense and suspenseful narratives, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. However, Omerta - zmowa milczenia distinguishes itself with its focus on the undercover work of its protagonist, as well as the dynamic between the two main characters. The film also features a standout performance by Romano Orzari, who captivates audiences with his strong presence and memorable voice.

"Infernal Affairs II" is a captivating movie that takes us back to 1990s Hong Kong, just like "Memories of Murder" did in 1980s Korea. While the first movie delves into a case of multiple young women being raped and murdered, the second film explores the tense and dangerous world of triads and police corruption. Both movies are part of the crime genre and share the key topics of neo-noir and police investigation. However, "Infernal Affairs II" stands out with its focus on the back story of the characters and its wider perspective on Hong Kong society. It presents a more character-driven narrative, making us deeply engaged with the heroes and villains, whose subtle behaviors are more intriguing than the typical macho posturings found in American movies. Although some might have been disappointed by the absence of Tony Leung from the original cast, the film still manages to stand alone and captivate the audience, even though we already know the ultimate ending.

The Sleeping Car Murder is reminiscent of Memories of Murder, the 2003 Korean crime drama. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and share key topics such as neo noir, police, and mystery killer. While Memories of Murder takes place in a small Korean province in 1986, where two detectives struggle to solve the case of multiple young women being found raped and murdered by an unknown culprit, The Sleeping Car Murder is set on a train, where the witnesses of a murder must take the investigation into their own hands if they want to survive.
The Sleeping Car Murder, directed by Costa-Gavras and based on a novel by Sébastian Japrisot, boasts a splendid cast including Michel Piccoli, Yves Montand, Simone Signoret, and Jean-Louis Trintignant. It is known for its cracking pace and ingenious plot, with surprises at every turn.

Luther: DCI John Luther is a near-genius murder detective whose brilliant mind can't always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions. This show, reminiscent of Memories of Murder, takes you on an exhilarating journey through the dark and twisted world of crime and investigation. While Memories of Murder focuses on the chilling case of multiple young women being found raped and murdered in a small Korean province in 1986, Luther delves into the complex mind of a detective haunted by his own demons. Both stories portray the struggles of flawed heroes who go to great lengths to catch the culprits. With its intense plot, superb acting, and gripping suspense, Luther is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed the thrilling neo-noir atmosphere of Memories of Murder. So, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and immerse yourself in the gritty world of Luther.

Shenmue: The Movie takes us on a thrilling snow adventure reminiscent of Memories of Murder. Both films transport us back to the 1980s, immersing us in a world of mystery and intrigue. While Memories of Murder focuses on a criminal investigation, Shenmue: The Movie follows Ryo Hazuki's quest for vengeance after his father's murder. The movies differ in their genres, with Memories of Murder being a gripping crime drama, while Shenmue: The Movie combines elements of action, adventure, and fantasy. Both films boast captivating plots that will keep you on the edge of your seat, making Shenmue: The Movie a must-watch for fans of Memories of Murder who crave a thrilling, snow-filled journey with a touch of the supernatural.

"Baantjer het begin" takes you back to the turbulent Amsterdam of the early 80s, just like "Memories of Murder" transports you to a small Korean province in 1986. While the former dives into the world of a mild-mannered detective in the face of a violent plot against the Dutch royal family, the latter follows two detectives grappling with a series of rape and murder cases. Both movies capture the essence of their respective time periods, painting a vivid picture of the social and political climate. With great acting, suspense, and intriguing storylines, "Baantjer het begin" is a worthy watch for those who enjoyed "Memories of Murder.

Fire of Conscience takes us on a thrilling journey of corruption and murder, similar to Memories of Murder. Both movies delve into the dark side of law enforcement, exploring the complexities of police work. While Memories of Murder focuses on a series of unsolved crimes in 1980s Korea, Fire of Conscience follows a police captain who teams up with a narcotics officer to prove his partner's innocence. Both films skillfully tackle the theme of corruption within the police force, showcasing the moral dilemmas faced by the main characters. However, Fire of Conscience adds an extra layer of intensity by incorporating explosive action sequences, particularly the brutally staged restaurant scene. The movie also features a more diverse cast, with standout performances from Richie Ren as the corrupt cop and Leon Lai attempting a career intervention. Although Fire of Conscience may not reach the same heights as Memories of Murder, it still offers an entertaining and visually stunning experience.

Paris by Night is reminiscent of Memories of Murder in its portrayal of the police force and the dark underbelly of crime. Both movies explore the world of crime and law enforcement, delving into the gritty and complex nature of criminal investigations. While Memories of Murder takes place in a small Korean province in the 1980s, Paris by Night is set in contemporary Paris. The two films share key topics such as police and neo-noir, highlighting the corrupt and dangerous aspects of the criminal world. However, Paris by Night puts a unique twist on the genre by focusing on the perspective of police commander Simon Weiss as he navigates the demi-monde of Paris, ensuring that the rules aren't bent too far. The film sheds light on the criminal gangs that run rampant in this special domain, while also hinting at corruption within the police department itself. With its interesting format and solid performances, Paris by Night offers a fresh take on the police movie genre.

Heat Team: In this action-packed Hong Kong film, hotshot police officers Aaron Kwok and Eason Chan are forced to work together on a "special" project, despite their huge egos. As they try to catch a dangerous jewelry thief, their bickering and ego clashes provide plenty of entertainment. The movie is full of action, but what sets it apart is the interesting and humorous characters. Aaron Kwok, Eason Chan, and Yumiko Cheng deliver good performances, particularly in portraying the evolving relationship between Kwok and Chan. From an office paintball match to a daring plunge off a three-story roof, the two endure hardships and engage in hilarious banter. If you enjoyed Memories of Murder, you should definitely check out Heat Team for its thrilling action, engaging characters, and comedic moments.

**Mother**: In "Mother," a devoted mother goes to extreme lengths to prove her son's innocence after he is framed for a girl's murder. Directed by Bong Joon Ho, known for his work in "Memories of Murder," "Mother" shares some common elements with its predecessor. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and explore the theme of a mother's unwavering love for her child. However, while "Memories of Murder" focuses on a criminal investigation in 1980s Korea, "Mother" delves into a more personal story of a mother's quest for justice. With its surprising plot twists, engaging story, and standout performance by Hye-ja Kim, "Mother" is a must-watch for fans of Bong Joon Ho's work and anyone seeking a gripping and emotional thriller.

Zero Focus is reminiscent of Memories of Murder in its exploration of a mysterious disappearance and the subsequent investigation. Both movies delve into the world of crime, mystery, and police work, captivating the audience with their intriguing plots. However, while Memories of Murder is set in 1980s Korea and focuses on the hunt for a serial killer, Zero Focus takes place in 1960s Japan and revolves around a newlywed woman searching for her missing husband. The two films differ in their settings, cultural contexts, and storytelling styles, but they both offer a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. If you enjoyed the thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere of Memories of Murder, Zero Focus is a must-watch for its own unique take on crime and mystery.

Payback is a movie that will remind you of Memories of Murder, but with a twist. Both films fall under the neo-noir genre and feature an anti-hero as the main character. In Memories of Murder, we follow two detectives as they investigate a series of brutal crimes in 1980s Korea. On the other hand, Payback tells the story of Porter, who seeks revenge and his share of the money after being left for dead following a successful heist. While both films explore themes of crime and vengeance, their execution differs. Memories of Murder takes a more mysterious and psychological approach, delving deep into the minds of the characters. In contrast, Payback opts for a straightforward and action-packed narrative, keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoyed the thrilling investigation in Memories of Murder, you'll love the adrenaline-fueled quest for revenge in Payback.

The Score is reminiscent of Memories of Murder in its exploration of the crime genre and the complexities of its characters. Just like Memories of Murder, The Score delves into the world of crime and the individuals involved in it. While Memories of Murder focuses on a police investigation, The Score follows an aging thief who is convinced to do one last heist. Both films feature anti-hero protagonists who are faced with difficult choices and moral dilemmas. However, there are also notable differences between the two movies. Memories of Murder takes place in 1980s Korea and deals with the theme of criminal investigation, whereas The Score is set in present-day Montreal and focuses more on the action and thrill of the heist. Additionally, Memories of Murder has a darker tone and explores the psychological impact of the crimes, while The Score is more of a stylish and entertaining crime drama.