The advancement in the South Korean film industry is unfathomable. The extremely engaging storyline and plot with the amazing cast and selection of characters make it even more interesting. The best thing about it is the multiplicity and wide range of genres and options available for the audiences. Bored of the same cringy old Bollywood stories and want to give a fresh break to your rom-com movies? KDrama has got you covered with the best options!
Are you a KDrama fan? Specifically, the ones which are sci-fi? Black Knight shall be the one on the top list for sure!
The six-episode Netflix series is brought to life by Korea’s renowned visual effects studio, which has worked on hit dramas such as Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic future wrecked by a natural calamity and dives into the difficulties that individuals who live in this poisoned society confront. Despite the disaster, societal hierarchies are still in place, and people are still treated differently based on their social standing and identity.
A post-apocalyptic society ruled by the stifling, classist tech conglomerate Cheonmyeong is the setting of the South Korean science fiction series “Black Knight” on Netflix. Kim Woo-bin, Kang You-Seok, and Esom are among the actors who appear in the film, which is directed and written by Cho Ui-Seok. 5-8, with his unparalleled skills, is a legend in a society where messengers, who deliver oxygen and other necessities, are highly respected.
5-8 fights the CEO of Cheonmyeong with the assistance of Major Seol-ha and her adopted brother, Sa-Wol, as the government’s most recent relocation plan reveals a heinous conspiracy against the refugees.
‘Black Knight’ explores topics of class injustice, prejudice, and power exploitation through its dystopian setting. The theatrical programme emphasises the value of showing resistance in the face of injustice and centres on a power-hungry regime.
Here is a list of suggestions if you’re looking for other stories in this genre that deal with related subjects. The majority of these “Black Knight”-like series are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
1. The Last Of Us(2023)
Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin are the creators of the action-drama series “The Last Of Us.” Along with Nick Offerman, Merle Dandridge, and many others, Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and other prominent actors appear on the programme.
The series, which is based on the 2013 video game of the same name, is set in a dystopian world where humans have been transformed into zombie-like monsters by a fungal illness. An anti-fascist resistance group known as The Fireflies is battling FEDRA to reclaim power for the US populace.
Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, is swiftly identified by the Fireflies as having immunity to the disease. They, therefore, enlist Joel Miller, a weary but capable traveller, to assist them in getting her across the nation. Despite the fact that “The Last Of Us” and “Black Knight” are both set in post-apocalyptic settings, the core of the conflict in each of these programmes is caused by a corrupt government and humanity itself. In the end, despite having their roots in adversity, they share hopeful messages.
2. Silo(2023)
Hugh Howey’s Wool series served as the inspiration for the compelling dystopian drama series Silo, which is presently streaming on Apple TV+. Due to its captivating plot, which takes place in a futuristic society where thousands of people live in a huge underground building called Silo, the show has gained immediate popularity.
To keep residents safe from the outside world, the ruling council has established stringent rules and regulations within Silo. However, as the plot develops, a small number of people start to wonder about the truth of Silo and find a whole new world outside of its walls. The show, which Graham Yost created, examines a variety of subjects that are uncannily relevant to today’s world and to Black Knight.
Underneath its surface, Silo deals with important subjects, such as questioning the legitimacy of the executive branch with regard to fundamental human rights. The show, which is centred around Juliette (played by Rebecca Ferguson), a technological wizard in charge of maintaining Silo’s life support system, picks up when one of her pals passes away unexpectedly, prompting Juliette to begin asking difficult issues.
The ten-episode series takes its time setting up the scenario and is comparable to the South Korean drama Black Knight in that it depicts a society where individuals completely trust their government with their lives.
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3. Dr Cha(2023)
Writing a show that is both inspiring and enrage-inspiring requires a high level of talent. In the movie Dr Cha, Cha Jeong-Suk (Uhm Jung-Hwa), a housewife of 20 years, chooses to finish her medical residency, which she put off for the benefit of her family.
Dr Cha already has enough on her plate trying to reenter the workforce and adjust, let alone dealing with a patriarchal cheating husband, a similarly patriarchal mother-in-law, and a doubting daughter. But with shows like this, even the little victory is enormously fulfilling, and the first few episodes of the show have been incredibly interesting.
The protagonist of this narrative is a housewife named Cha Jeong-suk who once gave up on her career and profession but is now prepared to take control of her life. She will be wearing that white coat once more, which is a significant move for her after over twenty years, so it will be significant.
To protect her career this time, she must, however, remain firm and take all necessary measures. Never undervalue Cha Jeong-suk’s abilities; she is more than capable of handling the most difficult challenges. Visit Netflix right away and binge the first two episodes of Doctor Cha Season 1 to learn what has taken place thus far. Presently available on Netflix is Dr Cha.
4. Jung_E(2023)
The movie, which is set in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth is no longer habitable in the year 221, centres on the self-discovery journey of Jung E, an AI clone of a famed mercenary who fell into a coma after failing a mission. Jung E is played by Kim Hyun-Joo.
A fitting watch in the midst of the current AI revolution, “Jung_E” addresses the long-standing difficulties of human emotions and identity in connection to AI through a humanistic lens.
The movie, which was directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who also made the critically acclaimed “Train to Busan,” reached the top of Netflix’s Top 10 Global Non-English Film Chart in just three days after its January 20 release.
5. Snowpiercer(2022-2023)
The programme takes place in a post-apocalyptic future and is based on the French graphic novel “Le Transperceneige” by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand, and Jean-Marc Rochette, as well as the 2013 film adaption by Bong Joon-ho. The plot of the hit show revolves around the Snowpiercer, an endlessly moving train that travels across the world and inhabits the last remaining human shelter after a catastrophic tragedy turned Earth into an uninhabitable frozen wasteland.
A reimagining of the 2013 film by the same name, “Snowpiercer” is a dystopian thriller series by Graeme Manson and Josh Friedman. Mickey Sumner, Alison Wright, and Daveed Diggs all appear in it. The show centres on a group of survivors on board an opulent train that travels nonstop throughout the world and follows Earth seven years after it originally turned into a vast frozen wasteland.
However, the train passengers segment the service into groups based on class. In retribution, Andre Layton, a former investigator, supports the First Class’s insurrection. Similar to “Black Knight,” “Showpiercer” centres on a small group of post-apocalyptic survivors to examine societal inequality and class prejudice. If you liked the class debates and societal commentary in “Black Knight,” you’ll undoubtedly appreciate “Snowpiercer.”
While investigating social injustice and class conflict, the show also draws attention to the complexity of human nature and societal systems, probing the extent people will go to maintain power or fight for change. Snowpiercer, like Black Knight, is one of those dramas that navigates political intrigue, personal issues, and moral decisions while confronting the constant threat of the harsh climate beyond the train.
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6. DMZ (2022)
Roberto Patino produced the action-adventure sci-fi show “DMZ.” With Rosario Dawson, Hoon Lee, Freddy Miyares, and Jordan Preston Carter among its cast, it is based on a comic book of the same name.
The 2017 film DMZ, The Wild by Kim Jin-man and Cho Sung-hyun is about the restricted demilitarised zone (DMZ), which is still being secretly monitored by North and South Korean soldiers. Despite being a territory of land mines and barbed-wire fences with no human habitation, the DMZ is home to some of the rarest animal and bird species, providing Korea’s splendour of nature in its most unadulterated form. The legendary South Korean actor Lee Min-ho chronicles and narrates his extraordinary experiences while hiking through the world’s largest subtropical primary forest, where nature coexists with the traces of human suffering.
Alma “Zed” Ortega, a medic from Manhattan, unintentionally loses contact with her son, Christian Ortega, during the Second American Civil War. In an effort to find and reconcile with her child, Zed now travels into dangerous areas of Manhattan where gang wars are rife. Zed faces a challenge that is far greater than herself, much as 5-8 in “Black Knight,” and in doing so, becomes a symbol of hope.
7. The Silent Sea(2021)
Though the themes of space terror and extraterrestrial life have persisted for centuries, “The Silent Sea” outperforms all expectations. A team of scientists and military personnel are sent to the moon to retrieve an unidentified resource that is akin to water in a post-apocalyptic future where water and resources have reached the stage of its extinction.
An unexpected revelation that links everything together is used to tell the compelling plot, which also features a number of deft twists and betrayals. Additionally, the show’s seamless and smooth computer graphics make getting lost in the narrative simple.
The eight-episode series topped Netflix’s Top 10 Global non-English TV programme chart within a week of its release in December 2021, according to Netflix, and included South Korea’s A-list actors Bae Doo-na and Ong Yoo.
8. Space Sweepers(2021)
The dystopian society’s lowlife members are made to work as “space sweepers” to collect space junk for a living in the near-future year 2092 when Earth is rendered uninhabitable.
“Space Sweepers,” which follows a band of misfits in outer space, is rife with humour even as it skillfully tackles difficult subjects like the human condition and the climate problem.
It’s the ideal comfort programme for sci-fi aficionados because of the rapport between the characters and the endearing conclusion.
According to Yonhap News Agency in South Korea, the movie, which was released in February 2021, was a huge hit and topped various regional charts on Netflix.
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9. Dr Romantic(2020)
Dr Romantic is a South Korean television series that stars Han Suk-kyu as the titular character, alongside Yoo Yeon-Seok, Seo Hyun-jin in the first season, and Ahn Hyo-shop and Lee Sung-Kyung in the second and third seasons. The first season broadcast on SBS TV every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 from November 7, 2016, until January 16, 2017. The second season ran on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:40 from January 6 to February 25, 2020. The third season debuted on April 28, 2023, and airs on Fridays and Saturdays at 22:00. It’s also available in certain territories on Disney+, Kocowa, Viki and Viu.
The first season was well-received, with ratings exceeding 20%. It also earned positive feedback.
After Dr Romantic’s second season ended in 2020, fans have been waiting with a lot of fervour. Dr Romantic 3 is a pleasant return to Doldam Hospital since it keeps a significant portion of the ensemble cast from its first season, including Ahn Hyo-Seop, Lee Sung-Kyung, and Kim Min-Jae, and is directed by the incomparable Han Suk-Kyu. The show has focused more heavily in the first few episodes on the emergencies and crises that the dependable group of doctors at Doldam are forced to deal with, all while fending off hostile newcomers to their cherished hospital and new trauma care facility. Currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
10. Time To Hunt(2020)
The dystopian future explored in “Time to Hunt” is one where the nation has been devastated by a financial disaster, in contrast to most environmental-related post-apocalyptic futures.
The thrilling movie centres on a gang of pals who, in an environment where everyone is out for themselves and there is extreme poverty, decide to pull off a high-security casino heist.
A thrilling yet enjoyable watch, it has fluid action scenes and a relaxed tempo. The movie “Time to Hunt” will be released in April 2020 and explores topics like friendship, class conflict, and coming-of-age.
11. Daybreak(2019)
The post-apocalyptic teen programme “Daybreak” was created by Brad Peyton and Aron Eli Coleite. Colin Ford, Alyvia Alyn Lind, and Austin Crute appear in the adaptation of Brian Ralph’s comic book of the same name. In California where society has failed and people have turned into zombies, Josh Wheeler lives alone and navigates a perilous environment while searching for Sam Dean, his girlfriend.
Josh meets Wesley, a pacifist samurai, and preteen pyromaniac Angelica along the way. Unintentionally enlisting a group of outcasts, the trio challenges the popular youths in authority. Fans of “Black Knight,” who delighted in Sa-wol’s heedless antiques with his immigrant pals, may like “Daybreak.” Additionally, both shows have storylines that involve overturning the status quo in radically different ways.
12. The Rain (2018-2020)
The Rain has gained immense popularity because of its eye-catching graphics, storyline and interesting genre. The main siblings, Simone and Rasmus Andersen are played by Lucas Lynggaard Tnnesen and Alba August.
Jannik Tai Mosholt, Esben Toft Jacobsen, and Christian Potalivo are the creators of the Danish post-apocalyptic streaming television series The Rain. On May 4, 2018, Netflix announced its debut. In addition to the main cast members Lucas Lynggaard Tnnesen, Alba August, Mikkel Flsgaard, Lukas Lkken and others, the show many other phenomenal side actresses and actors who have recurring roles in the movie. A second season of The Rain was ordered by Netflix on May 30, 2018, and it debuted on May 17, 2019, consisting of 6 episodes. It was announced in June 2019 that the show has been renewed for a third and final season, which debuted on August 6, 2020.
The story takes place in a world where a virus spreads through rain. The Andersen family emerges above ground after escaping the virus in a subterranean bunker and looking for their father, a scientist. A group of survivors pick up the brother and sister along the route and go with them in their search. This show, like ‘Black Knight,’ concentrates on the negative impacts of an environmental crisis that has a profound impact on humanity.
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13. Colony(2016- 2018)
The sci-fi drama series “Colony,” created by Ryan J. Condal and Carlton Cuse, is set in a dystopian future where an authoritarian militarised government rules over the people of Los Angeles as a result of the introduction of an alien race. The Bowman family collaborates with corrupt officials and makes an effort to survive in the new world under this tyrannical system puppeteered by extraterrestrials.
However, as Will Bowman learns that his wife, Katie, has been secretly a part of the resistance, everything changes for them. Characters in ‘Colony’ who are complacent in an oppressive system eventually resist it, much like some of the characters in ‘Black Knight’ like Seol-ha.
Colony delves into issues of survival while also emphasising family dynamics and the extent people would go to protect their loved ones. The show has a similar setting to Black Knight in that it delves into the world’s complexity, revealing secret motives, betrayals, and surprising alliances. The Netflix show, like Black Knight, has a tense tone that delves deep into the struggle for freedom and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
14. Incorporated(2016-2017)
David and Lex Pastor are the authors of the dystopian science-fiction trilogy “Incorporated.” The manager of the biggest company in the world, Ben Larson, played by Sean Teale, is featured in it. Following a succession of social and environmental catastrophes, the majority of conventional government agencies disband, leaving affluent businesses in charge of society. Ben may seem like the model corporate employee, but in reality, Aaron is an underground climate refugee. He sneaks into the Green Zone in search of his former girlfriend, Elena. If you liked 5-8 and his team’s hidden nature in “The Black Knight,” you might also like Aaron. Both programmes also contain criticisms of powerful, influential businesses’ tendency to act in a power-crazed manner.
The series, like Black Knight, digs into issues of corporate dominance, surveillance, class divide, and the implications of an unrestrained capitalist society. It also investigates the disparity between the lifestyles of those at the top and the problems of ordinary residents who live in tightly controlled “green zones” or destitute “red zones.” the fans are no doubt highly impressed by this series and can’t help falling for it.
15. Into The Badlands(2015- 2019)
Alfred Gough and Miles Millar are the minds behind the post-apocalyptic drama series “Into The Badlands.” Daniel Wu, Orla Brady, and Emily Beecham are the main cast members of this martial arts-focused programme. In the year 500, a number of careless conflicts ruined humanity and brought about the demise of world civilization. Now, in a world devoid of guns, brave regent Sunny travels over perilous terrain with M.K., a young man with a secret he must keep.
The story is filled with complex, in-depth lore and rivalry among several cliques. Like “Black Knight,” “Into The Badlands” is action-packed and centres on a renowned warrior. Although the atmospheres of the two series are very different, they contain similar dystopian settings and people.
The fans of Into The Badlands cannot miss watching Black Knight if looking for an impressive alternative.