Top 10 Lee Byung-hun movies and TV shows, ranked

The Man Standing Next | Image Via: Hive Media Corp.
The Man Standing Next | Image Via: Hive Media Corp.

To say that Lee Byung-hun is a talented actor would be an understatement. His fans are not just limited to Korea. With a worldwide fanbase, Lee Byung-hun rules the world of entertainment.

He is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. His intense screen presence is incomparable. From playing the roles of a hardened gangster to a devoted lover, he has the ability to do it all.

He brings forth a separate depth and nuance in his performance. It is not just his effortless look but also his ability to completely embody his role. He makes the viewers believe in each and every emotion that his characters go through.

Lee Byung-hun can convey such deep emotions with just a single look. Gritty thrillers that keep you hooked to sweeping romances, his movies and TV shows are phenomenal.

So, if you are looking for Lee Byung-hun’s best works, then this is the right place for you.


Top 10 Lee Byung-hun movies and TV shows, ranked

10) The Match

The Match | Image Via: By4M Studio
The Match | Image Via: By4M Studio

The movies that tell the stories of proteges and their masters are truly intriguing. This movie is also of a similar plot. However, the movie excelled in its storyline. It brings in fresh perspectives and a talented cast.

Let's talk about the storyline. It is based on two real-life Go players. Here, Lee Byung-hun plays the role of Cho Hun-hyun.

He is training an untrained but talented boy. He wants him to excel in this field. However, things start to take an unexpected turn when tension starts to arise between the two.

Especially because the protege turns against the master. The manner in which Lee Byung-hun delivers the moments of tension through his performance is truly commendable.


9) Our Blues

Our Blues | Image Via: tvN
Our Blues | Image Via: tvN

Yet another intriguing storyline with Lee Byung-hun as the lead. The omnibus format of the storyline of this K-drama makes it further intriguing. The aspects of love and friendship in this K-drama is appreciated by the viewers.

Lee Byung-hun’s character’s past connection with the other characters adds a layer of intrigue to the storyline.

He brings forth immense depth to Our Blues. Lee Byun-hun is known for his versatility as an actor. Here, his performance proves this. His portrayal shows us his ability to embody any character with ease.


8) All In

All In | Image Via: SBS TV
All In | Image Via: SBS TV

This intriguing love story truly leaves a lasting impact. Through this K-drama, we get to see the struggles of two people. They go through immense difficulties in order to be united. In-ha’s life was never easy.

Since he was younger, he and Jung-won were friends. Later, both of them fall in love with Su-yeon. His life takes an unexpected turn.

As Su-yeon was facing troubles after her father’s death, In-ha decides to take matters into his own hands. However, the plan he hatched complicated things. A man dies. As a result, he gets 7 years of jail time.

His friend does not face any trouble because of his family’s connection. Years later, he comes out of jail. He meets Su-yeon once again. He tries to make things work with Su-yeon. However, fate intervenes.

Throughout this K-drama, Su-yeon and In-ha go through numerous tests and trials. Here, Lee Byung-hun plays In-ha's character.

He truly did a commendable job. Especially in depicting the emotional highs and lows of his character. He draws the viewers in with his chemistry with his co-star.


7) Iris: The movie

Iris: The movie | Image Via: Taewon Entertainment
Iris: The movie | Image Via: Taewon Entertainment

This movie is indeed a great option if you are looking for Lee Byung-hun movies. A love triangle never felt this intriguing. Lee Byung-hun’s Kim Hyun-jun leaves a lasting impact on the viewers with his performance.

The aspects of military tension and the fight for safety are intriguing. They are thought-provoking as well. Long after the movie ends, the movie remains in the heart. Falling for the same girl was not the plan of either Hyun-jun or Sa-woo.

They were close friends, yet they are rivals. Not just in the 707th Special Mission Battalion but also in the case of Seung-hee. Lee Byung-hun beautifully conveys the multitude of emotions in a nuanced manner.

He is not just a skilled gent but also a man with an immense burden. There are aspects of espionage and double-crossing that leave the viewers on the edge of their seats.


6) Ashfall

Ashfall | Image Via: Dexter Studios
Ashfall | Image Via: Dexter Studios

It is not an easy task to play the role of a skilled spy. However, Lee Byung-hun excelled in his performance in the movie.

The storyline of this movie goes as such: after a volcano erupts, causing immense tension for both North and South Korea, a team sets out to find the possible future eruptions. They do it in order to prevent further danger.

Here, Lee Byung-hun’s character Joon-pyeong comes in handy. He helps in navigating through the plan. He is a mysterious and unpredictable person. This adds layers to his character.

Lee Byung-hun has brought life to the character. The cunning and quick Joon-pyeong leaves a lasting impact on the viewers.


5) Emergency Declaration

Emergency Declaration | Image Via: Showbox
Emergency Declaration | Image Via: Showbox

It cannot be denied that any movie or TV show with Lee Byung-hun is bound to be an intriguing one. This 2021 disaster movie was nothing different. This movie was not only thrilling but also depicted the talent of the cast.

Each and every character of this Lee Byung-hun movie depicts their talent. However, Lee Byung-hun steals the show. From the beginning of the movie, the plot sets the tone. Especially for the upcoming intense storyline.

In this movie, Lee Byung-hun plays the role of Park Jae-hyuk. Despite having a fear of flying, he makes the decision to fly to Hawaii. He does it for his daughter’s treatment. However, things soon get complicated on the flight.

This movie is truly a testament to Lee Byung-hun’s versatility. Especially as a seasoned actor. No wonder he captures the hearts of the viewers with every role he plays.


4) The Man Standing Next

The Man Standing Next | Image Via: Hive Media Corp.
The Man Standing Next | Image Via: Hive Media Corp.

This movie is undeniably one of the most intriguing movies of Lee Byung-hun. It is a gripping political thriller. Filled with intense action sequences and meticulous planning. This makes the movie intense and thrilling.

From the very first moment, this movie grabs the attention of the viewers. Kim Gyu-pyeong is the Director of KCIA. He is given the task of retrieving a manuscript from Park Yong-gak.

He faces numerous challenges and conspiracies throughout. This adds to the overall interesting aspect of the movie.


3) A Single Rider

A Single Rider | Image Via: Perfect Storm Films
A Single Rider | Image Via: Perfect Storm Films

This movie perfectly captures Lee Byung-hun’s talent as an actor. In this movie, he plays the role of Jae-hoon. Jae-hoon had a successful career. Yet slowly, his life started to deteriorate.

His company goes bankrupt. He has no other choice. He decides to visit his wife and son in Australia. However, he quickly understands that they have moved on with their lives.

He is taken aback by this. So, he decides not to approach them right away. Rather, he starts to observe them. Soon, secrets start to unfold, and he gets involved in a deeper issue.

This movie stands out in depicting a complex storyline in an impactful manner.


2) Squid Game

Squid Game | Image Via: Netflix
Squid Game | Image Via: Netflix

The Front Man truly stole the show in Squid Game, undoubtedly. Though we saw snippets of him in season 1, his main performance is in season 2.

In the first season, he was behind the camera, making sure the players of the game were maintaining discipline and decorum. In season 2 to see him as a player was not just a shock for the viewers, but also intrigued them right from the very start.

Squid Game gained immense popularity since the time it was release. This K-drama shows us the human psyche and thought process in a nuanced manner. Especially when we consider how the players come back once again after they are let go.

In this K-drama, Lee Byung-hun’s acting was truly one of a kind. Especially the manner in which he maintained the facade of his character depicting duality, even the viewers wondered about his loyalty.


1) Mr. Sunshine

Mr. Sunshine | Image Via: tvN
Mr. Sunshine | Image Via: tvN

Mr. Sunshine brings out an intriguing story. Eugene Choi and Ae-shin's story remains memorable even after years. Set in the 1800s, a tumultuous time is depicted through this K-drama.

Eugene was born into slavery in Korea. The viewers can feel his gravitas. The depth resonates through the screen. The viewers are able to see the vulnerability. There are aspects of patriotism, love, and sacrifice.

This resonates in a nuanced manner. This K-drama is equipped with a fascinating ensemble of cast. Each character goes through their own set of struggles. Lee Byung-hun plays the role of Eugene Choi.

He truly did a commendable job. He made this series remarkable. He anchors the storyline with his nuanced portrayal.


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Edited by Zainab Shaikh