Memories of Murder

Play trailer

2:01

Memories of Murder

2003

2h 9m

Mystery & Thriller

Crime

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

80 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

In 1986, Park (Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-ha) were two simple-minded detectives assigned to a double murder investigation in a South Korean province. But when the murderer strikes several more times with the same pattern, the detectives realize that they are chasing the country's first documented serial killer. Relying on only their basic skills and tools, Park and Cho attempt to piece together the clues and solve the case in this thriller based on true events.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Memories of Murder blends the familiar crime genre with social satire and comedy, capturing the all-too human desperation of its key characters.

Read Critics Reviews

Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

03/29/2025

5/5

One of the great police procedurals, beloved by the A-list (Tarantino is a fan), this epic crime drama from the Parasite director Bong Joon-ho pulses with horrible authenticity.

Go to Full Review

Kristy Puchko

Pajiba

12/03/2020

Memories of Murder is precisely what you'd expect from Bong.

Go to Full Review

Barry Hertz

Globe and Mail

10/24/2020

3.5/5

Tracing a long, frustrating, and at times darkly funny investigation into the crimes of a rural South Korean serial killer, Memories of Murder is a thrilling and stomach-churning ride.

Go to Full Review

Emma Vine

Loud and Clear Reviews

03/28/2025

5/5

With its impeccable direction and cinematography, hard-hitting themes, and the devastating true crime story that is recounted throughout the movie’s runtime, it’s no surprise that Bong Joon-ho’s 2000s masterpiece continues to wow audiences.

Go to Full Review

Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

07/13/2023

3.5/4

Dark, with a black wit to match...

Go to Full Review

Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

03/06/2023

Bong Joon-ho’s second film gave him noted recognition around the world with this brilliant crime drama...

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Kyle M

@RT77296778 2h

Arguably Bong Joon Ho’s most definitive magnum opus in this exceptionally performed crime thriller nearly replicated Hitchcockian-type suspense with gripping humanity at its core towards a chilling conclusion that intentionally haunts. (B+)

See more

Helene S

@helene___ 2d

absolute dogshit. i hate all of this director's movies, but this is by far the worst. sooo boring. i couldnt care less. was forced to sit through it and goddamn life is too short for this.

See more

Nicolas T

@Nikeo Mar 3

One of my favorite movies, I never tire to rewatch it. The rythm, the acting, the story, the images, nothing to throw away. Serious plot and story, yet with a lot of funny moments, even if it's culturally very Korean it transcends and relates to everyone (with a half functioning brain).

See more

crap R

@trimpingao Feb 28

i am the memories murderer

See more

MBI M

@MNZGamerX Feb 16

A gripping crime drama that begins with two bamboozling detectives trying to solve the murder of women in a rural locality and who are joined in the investigation by another far more intense and insightful detective from Seoul and it soon becomes clear a serial killer is on the loose and killing women in the most horrific ways imaginable and the inability to catch the killer has a adverse psychological effect on everyone concerned ending in tragedy and a reflection on the banality of evil ...

See more

Charis T.

@charis33 Jan 12

Mind blowing simple as that

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Bong Joon Ho

Director

Song Kang-ho

Det. Park Doo-man

Kim Sang-kyung

Det. Seo Tae-yoon

Kim Roe ha

Det. Cho Yong-koo

Song Jae-ho

Sgt. Shin Dong-chul

Byun Hee-bong

Sgt. Koo Hee-bong

Mother

96%

89%

Mother

Watchlist

Nameless Gangster

100%

75%

Nameless Gangster

Watchlist

Breaking News

79%

65%

Breaking News

Watchlist

The Zodiac

24%

38%

The Zodiac

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Tahar Rahim’s Five Favorite Films

Steven Yeun’s Five Favorite Films

Guillermo del Toro on Bong Joon Ho's 'Memories of Murder'

3:31

Memories of Murder: Trailer 1

2:01

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

In 1986, Park (Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-ha) were two simple-minded detectives assigned to a double murder investigation in a South Korean province. But when the murderer strikes several more times with the same pattern, the detectives realize that they are chasing the country's first documented serial killer. Relying on only their basic skills and tools, Park and Cho attempt to piece together the clues and solve the case in this thriller based on true events.

Director: Bong Joon Ho
Producer: Cha Seung-jae, Jong-yun No, Kim Moo-ryung
Screenwriter: Shim Sung-bo
Production Co: CJ Entertainment, Muhan Investment, Sidus
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language: Korean
Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 2003, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 24, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $14.1K
Runtime: 2h 9m

Most Popular at Home Now