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12 Thrilling Movies like Decision to Leave For Fans Of Korean Cinema

May 2, 2023
Movies Like Decision To Leave

Decision to Leave revolves around the life of a young woman who is caught in a web of complex relationships and societal expectations. The storyline is unique and engaging, and the performances of the cast are remarkable. If you’re a fan of this movie then, for your consideration we have curated a list of movies like Decision to Leave that you might like. Check it out!

Decision to Leave touches upon sensitive topics such as gender roles, familial expectations, and mental health issues. One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is the way it sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies. The film portrays the protagonist’s journey to find her true self, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. The script is well-crafted, and the movie’s cinematography is breathtaking, adding a visual depth to the film. Decision to Leave challenged the societal norms and encouraged individuals to follow their hearts. The movie leaves a lasting impact on the viewers, making them reflect on their own lives and the choices they make.

List of Movies Like Decision to Leave

  1. Vertigo
  2. The Handmaiden
  3. Shutter Island
  4. Night In Paradise
  5. Lucid Dream
  6. The Trail
  7. Last Night In Soho
  8. The Hypnotized 
  9. Scarlet Innocence 
  10. Wicker Park
  11. Dead Again
  12. White Night

1. Vertigo (1958)

Vertigo is a Hollywood classic the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. A retired police detective, John “Scottie” Ferguson suffers from acrophobia (fear of heights), he is hired by a friend to investigate his wife’s strange behaviour. As he becomes more entangled in the case, he develops an obsession with the woman, Madeleine. 

The movie is famous for its stunning visuals, suspenseful plot, and haunting score. From personal identity, societal expectations, and mental health, Vertigo is a masterclass in storytelling of love, loss, and obsessio. It’s one of the best movies like Decision to Leave out there!

2. The Handmaiden (2016)

The Korean movie The Handmaiden based on Sarah Waters’ novel, Fingersmith and set in the 1930s. A con artist, Sook-hee is hired to be a handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress, Lady Hideko. The plan is to swindle Lady Hideko out of her fortune, but as Sook-hee becomes closer to her and starts to question her motives.

The Handmaiden showcasesdesire, deceit, and the power dynamics between men and women. Similar to films like Decision to Leave the characters challenge societal norms and encourage individuals to follow their hearts, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. 

3. Shutter Island (2010)

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller film following two US Marshals, Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (played by Mark Ruffalo), who are sent to investigate a disappearance at a remote island asylum for the criminally insane. Teddy is haunted by his own tragic past and suffers from hallucinations and nightmares, which intensify as the investigation progresses. Already watched? Also Read: Movies like Shutter Island

As they delve deeper into the case, they begin to uncover a web of lies and secrets, leading to a shocking conclusion that challenges everything Teddy thought he knew about reality. If you want to see movies like Decision to Leave that explores the nature of reality and the fragility of the human mind, this is the one.

4. Night In Paradise (2020)

Tae-gu, a gangster finds himself in the midst of a power struggle within his organization after the loss of his sister. Night In Paradise looks at him hiding on Jeju Island, where he meets a terminally ill woman named Jae-yeon, and the two form an unlikely bond.

As Tae-gu’s past catches up with him, he must decide whether to continue running or face his enemies head-on. Night In Paradise similar to films like Decision to Leave delves into the complex relationships between individuals in the criminal underworld and offers a gripping look into the lives of those on the fringes of society.

5. Lucid Dream (2017)

The South Korean sci-fi thriller film Lucid Dream directed by Kim Joon-sung revolves around Dae-ho, a journalist who lost his son in a kidnapping case 3 years ago. To find his son, Dae-ho uses lucid dreaming techniques and constructs a dream world that helps him solve the mystery of his son’s disappearance. 

The movie presents the concept of lucid dreaming as a powerful tool that can alter the line between reality and the subconscious world. The lead actor, Ko Soo, delivers a fantastic performance as Dae-ho, and his emotions keep the audience invested in his character’s journey. For films similar to Decision to Leave, you’ll enjoy this one. 

6. The Trail (2013)

The Trail is a gripping tale of survival and redemption. While a solo hiking trip, a woman named Sarah is lost and injured in the remote wilderness. Sarah is forced to confront her deepest fears and tap into her inner strength to stay alive. As she fights for survival, she also reflects on her troubled past and the choices that led her to this point. 

In the moment that changes her entire life, we witness the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the harsh realities of the wilderness. The Trail is a compelling story of resilience and self-discovery similar to films like Decision to Leave and will leave you on the edge of their seats.

Also Read: Shows like Cabinet Of Curiosities

7. Last Night In Soho (2021)

Exploring the past and its effects on the present, Last Night in Soho is about a young aspiring fashion designer, Eloise, who moves to London to pursue her dreams. She rents a room in a house with a mysterious connection to the 1960s, a decade that she is obsessed with. As Eloise starts to experience strange visions of the past, she discovers a dark history that connects her to a young woman named Sandy.

Eloise is soon gets caught up in a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to unravel her life. With excellent performances by Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomasin McKenzie, and Matt Smith, Last Night in Soho, similar to films like Decision to Leave is a gripping and stylish tale to watch.

Anya Taylor-Joy fan? Also Read: Movies like The Menu

8. The Hypnotized (2004)

In the film The Hypnotized, a psychiatrist, Ji-su, who uses hypnosis to treat her patients. However, one day, she meets a mysterious patient, Eun-su, who suffers from intense nightmares that threaten to consume her life. In the process of treating her, Ji-su discovers that Eun-su has a traumatic past that she has repressed, which includes a murder that took place many years ago. 

As Ji-su delves deeper into Eun-su’s past, she becomes increasingly obsessed with the truth. The movie is a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the lengths that people will go to keep their secrets buried. Filled with suspenseful twists and turns, it’s perfect for movies similar to Decision to Leave. 

9. Scarlet Innocence (2014)

Scarlet Innocence focuses on the story of a middle-aged professor, Hak-kyu as he moves to a small village to start a new life after an untold scandal. Here he falls in love with a young woman, Deok-ee, who works at the local library. The two begin a passionate and secretive affair, but their happiness is short-lived when Hak-kyu’s past catches up with him.

The story reminds the viewers of movies like Decision to Leave about the consequences of past mistakes on present relationships. The cinematography and performances of the lead actors, Jung Woo-sung and Esom, are exceptional, making Scarlet Innocence a compelling and heart-wrenching watch.

10. Wicker Park (2004)

Matthew and Lisa are madly in love but one day after their breakup, Lisa disappears. For years, Matthew becomes obsessed with finding her but then he comes to terms with her disappearance and is in a new raltionship. His life turns upside down when he thinks he sees her in a restaurant, and the obsession comes back. 

The movie explores the maddening obsession and tests Matthew’s memory as he tries to uncover the truth. The film features an impressive cast, including Josh Hartnett, Rose Byrne, Diane Kruger, and Matthew Lillard.Witnessing the emotional turmoil of a failed relationship, this is another great option for films like Decision to Leave.

11. Dead Again (1991)

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Dead Again stars Branagh himselh and Emma Thompson as Mike Church and Grace, in dual roles in two different time periods. In the present day, Mike is a private detective hired by a woman who has lost her memory. Through hypnosis, he helps her uncover her past, which involves a murder that happened in the 1940s. 

As the present and past storylines converge, the truth about the murder is finally revealed, with a twist ending that leaves the audience stunned. A highly underrated mystery, Dead Again should defintely be on your list of films like Decision to Leave.

12. White Night (2009)

White Night also known as Baek Ya is a suspenseful aftermath of tragedy invovling a young man named Won-Gyu, played by Lee Yooyoung. He suffers from insomnia after the tragic death of his lover. One night, he witnesses a murder and becomes a key witness in the case but is unable to identify the killer due to his condition.

Detective Dong-soo, played by Go Soo, is assigned to investigate the case and realizes that Won-Gyu’s testimony could be crucial in solving the case. As Dong-soo tries to uncover the truth, he also develops a close relationship with Won-Gyu. The film is a gripping tale of crime and human connections for anyone looking for films similar to Decision to Leave.

Also Read: Movies like American Psycho

Honourable Mentions 

Here are a few movies like Decision to Leave that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Laura 
  2. Taxi Driver
  3. Donnie Darko
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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