10 Mind-Blowing Movies Similar to Oldboy

Jayam Manadera is a delightful movie that takes us on a journey across Europe with Abhiram and Uma. It may not have the intense psychological torture and gripping mystery of Oldboy, but it makes up for it with its own charm. Abhiram, a fun-loving guy from London, becomes a tour companion for the group of eight lucky contest winners, including Uma. The movie explores themes of revenge, dysfunctional family, and brother-sister relationships, much like Oldboy. However, Jayam Manadera adds a touch of romance to the mix, making it a heartwarming and enjoyable watch. So, if you're looking for a lighter take on the brother-sister relationship dynamic, coupled with a European adventure and a sprinkle of romance, Jayam Manadera is the movie for you.

Theevram is reminiscent of Oldboy because both movies explore themes of revenge and mystery. In Oldboy, the protagonist is kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, only to be released and forced to find his captor. Similarly, Theevram revolves around a missing auto-rickshaw driver and a murder investigation that uncovers a history of revenge. Both films keep the audience on the edge of their seats with their thrilling plotlines. However, while Oldboy is a neo-noir psychological thriller from South Korea, Theevram is a crime drama from India. Theevram offers a unique narrative style to the Malayalam industry, with a standout performance by Dulquer Salmaan. So if you're looking for a different movie experience that combines suspense, mystery, and the promise of a rising young actor, I highly recommend watching Theevram.

Zinda, a movie released in 2006, is reminiscent of the main movie, Oldboy, for several reasons. Both films fall under the genres of Action, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and share key topics such as revenge and captivity. However, the similarities end there. While Oldboy is hailed as a masterpiece, Zinda fails to live up to its reputation. The cinematography in Zinda is chaotic, the acting is subpar, and the overall experience is simply intolerable. In contrast, Oldboy is beautifully acted and directed, delivering a gripping story filled with raw emotion. The feeling of awe it leaves the audience with is unparalleled. While Oldboy is a film that should not be missed under any circumstances, Zinda is a regrettable attempt at replicating its success. So, if you have watched and loved Oldboy, I would strongly advise you to give Zinda a pass and spare yourself the disappointment.

The Garden of Sinners: Oblivion Recording, released in 2008, is reminiscent of Oldboy. Both films delve into the theme of revenge, but in very different ways. While Oldboy explores the psychological torture of its protagonist and his quest for vengeance, The Garden of Sinners takes a more supernatural approach. The similarities lie in the dark and mysterious atmosphere that both movies create, as well as their exploration of memory and its impact on the characters. However, where Oldboy is a live-action film filled with intense action and gritty realism, The Garden of Sinners is an animated film that combines elements of horror, drama, and mystery. Despite their differences, fans of Oldboy should give The Garden of Sinners a chance for its unique take on revenge and its visually stunning animation.

Payback is reminiscent of Oldboy because both movies revolve around the theme of revenge. In Oldboy, the protagonist is kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, only to be released and forced to find his captor within five days. Similarly, in Payback, the main character is left for dead after a successful heist and seeks vengeance to recover his share of the money. Both films explore the dark and gritty nature of their respective protagonists, portraying them as anti-heroes who are willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve their goals. While Oldboy is a Korean film known for its raw emotion and intense psychological torture, Payback takes a more straightforward and "safe" approach to storytelling. However, this doesn't make Payback any less compelling. It is a well-made film with a compelling story that keeps the audience engaged. If you enjoyed the thrilling and twisted journey of Oldboy, you should definitely give Payback a watch.

Trapped is reminiscent of Oldboy in its dark and intense storytelling. Both movies explore the theme of revenge, but in different contexts. While Oldboy focuses on one man's quest for vengeance after being imprisoned for fifteen years, Trapped delves into the desperate fight of a couple to save their kidnapped daughter. The movies also share the neo-noir genre, creating a gritty and atmospheric atmosphere. However, Trapped brings its own unique elements to the table, such as a psychopathic villain and a home invasion plotline. The tense interactions between the kidnappers and the parents in Trapped provide some gripping scenes, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. While Oldboy is a masterpiece known for its raw emotion and impeccable acting, Trapped offers an entertaining watch, with Kevin Bacon delivering a standout performance as the menacing antagonist. So, if you enjoyed the intensity and darkness of Oldboy, Trapped is definitely worth checking out.

In the mood for a captivating and mysterious movie? Look no further than "Chandramukhi," a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just like its predecessor "Oldboy." While "Oldboy" explores the dark depths of revenge and psychological torture, "Chandramukhi" takes a different approach. It embraces the supernatural and adds a touch of comedy to the mix. This Indian gem tells the story of an ancient courtesan's ghost seeking revenge in an abandoned mansion. Rajinikanth's presence alone is worth the watch, as he showcases his acting prowess in a controlled manner. Unlike his usual action-packed roles, Rajinikanth's portrayal of Vettaya Maharaja is a refreshing change. Despite the absence of his signature stunts, his screen presence is simply mesmerizing.

Kroadh is a 1990 Indian cinema movie that shares some similarities with Oldboy. Both movies explore the theme of revenge, but in different contexts. While Oldboy focuses on psychological torture and captive situations, Kroadh tells the story of two brothers seeking justice for their mother's murder. The elder brother, Ajay, gets involved in the criminal world, dragging his younger brother, Vijay, along. The plot takes a twist when Ajay becomes a police officer and tries to rescue Vijay from the underworld. The clash of principles and ideologies between the brothers leads to their separation. Kroadh, with its action-packed storyline, showcases the talents of Sanjay Dutt and Sunny Deol, who deliver brilliant performances. Although the movie didn't receive many nominations or wins, it is a classic example of the Bollywood action masala genre.

Phool Aur Angaar, released in 1993, is a movie that will take you back to the good old days of Bollywood. While it may not have the same level of critical acclaim as Oldboy, it certainly has its own charm and appeal. The film tells the story of Vijay Saxena, a professor who falls in love with his sister's friend, Sudha Verma. However, their love is tested when Sudha accuses Vijay of molesting her. The plot takes a twist when Vijay discovers that Sudha's younger sister is being threatened, leading them to resume their romance. Phool Aur Angaar is a revenge story filled with action, drama, and of course, Mithun Chakraborty. Mithun's powerful performance and his ability to captivate the audience with his action and emotion make this film a must-watch for his fans.

I Saw the Devil is reminiscent of Oldboy, but with its own twisted charm. Both movies delve into the dark realms of revenge, taking viewers on a thrilling and blood-soaked journey. While Oldboy captivates with its mind-bending plot and raw emotions, I Saw the Devil adds a chilling layer of horror to the mix. The creative script and intense violence in I Saw the Devil make it a must-see for any horror fan who craves something fresh in a genre filled with the same old vampire and zombie stories. Lee Byung-hun's portrayal of a secret agent seeking revenge on a serial killer is mesmerizing, and the beautiful shots and masterful storytelling by Jee-woon Kim elevate this movie to a bloody masterpiece. So, if you loved Oldboy and want to experience revenge taken to the next level, give I Saw the Devil a watch. Just be warned, it's not for the faint of heart.