Movies like The Great Monk Seo San (1972)
The best movies like The Great Monk Seo San (1972) are My Way (2011), Outlaws - For Greater Glory (2012) and Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023). If The Great Monk Seo San hooked you with its action and war, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedMy Way (2011)7.9/10 from 472 votes
- NewestThe Crossing (2026)Released 2026
- In KoreanMy Way (2011)Also in Korean
My Way (2011)
During the invasion of Normandy the photograph of a slim Korean man in German uniform was found. It transpired that the man had served as a soldier in the Japanese, Russian and German armies. His incredible story inspired director Kang Je-Gyu to create this epic war drama.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisOutlaws - For Greater Glory (2012)
A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929), which was touched off by a rebellion against the Mexican government's attempt to secularize the country.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNoryang: Deadly Sea (2023)
The Imjin War reaches its seventh year in December of 1598. Admiral Yi Sun-shin learns that the Wa invaders in Joseon are preparing for a swift withdrawal following the deathbed orders of their leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Determined to destroy the enemy once and for all, Admiral Yi leads an allied fleet of Joseon and Ming ships to mount a blockade and annihilate the Wa army. However, once Ming commander Chen Lin is bribed into lifting the blockade, Wa lord Shimazu Yoshihiro and his Satsuma army sail to the Wa army's rescue at Noryang Strait.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both war & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisField of Lost Shoes (2015)
A group of teenage cadets sheltered from war at the Virginia Military Institute must confront the horrors of an adult world when they are called upon to defend the Shenandoah Valley.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both war & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisShout at the Devil (1976)
During World War One an English adventurer, an American elephant poacher and the latter's attractive young daughter, set out to destroy a German battle-cruiser which is awaiting repairs in an inlet just off Zanzibar. The story is based on a novel by Wilbur Smith, which in turn is very loosely based on events involving the light cruiser SMS Königsberg, which was sunk after taking refuge in Rufigi delta in 1915.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both war & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like this12.12: The Day (2023)
After the assassination of President Park, martial law has been declared. A coup d'état bursts out by Defense Security Commander Chun Doo-gwang and a private band of officers following him. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin, an obstinate soldier who believes the military should not take political actions, fights against Chun Doo-gwang to stop him. The conflict between the two grows while military leaders are holding their decision and Defense Minister is gone. In the midst of chaos, the spring of Seoul that everyone longed for heads to unexpected direction.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHansan: Rising Dragon (2022)
In 1592, admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the might of the invading Japanese navy and its formidable warships. As the Korean forces fall into crisis, the admiral resorts to using his secret weapon, the dragon head ships known as geobukseon, in order to change the tide of this epic battle at sea.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both war & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisUprising (2024)
In the Joseon Dynasty, two friends who grew up together — one the master and one the servant — reunite post-war as enemies on opposing sides.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Kill Team (2019)
When Andrew Briggman — a young soldier in the US Army during the invasion of Afghanistan — witnesses the murderous behavior of fellow soldiers, under the direction of a malevolent Sergeant, he faces a moral dilemma. His increasingly-violent platoon becomes suspicious that someone in their ranks has turned on them, and Andrew begins to fear for his safety. A fictionalized dramatization based on a true story.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both war & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Swordsman (2020)
After being blinded in a coup against the king, Joseon's greatest swordsman goes into hiding, far removed from his city's anguish. But when traffickers kidnap his daughter, he has no choice but to unsheathe his sword once more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSeal Team Eight: Behind Enemy Lines (2014)
Seal Team Eight must fight their way deep into Africa's Congo, decommission a secret uranium mine, and stop our most dangerous enemy from smuggling weapon's grade yellow-cake out of the country.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & war
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Scarlet and the Black (1983)
Fr. Hugh O'Flaherty is a Vatican official in 1943-45 who has been hiding downed pilots, escaped prisoners of war, and Italian resistance families. His activities become so large that the Nazis decide to assassinate him the next time he leaves the Vatican.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe War Below (2021)
During World War I, a group of British miners are recruited to tunnel underneath no man's land and set bombs from below the German front in hopes of breaking the deadly stalemate of the Battle of Messines.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both war & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBoudica (2023)
Inspired by events in A.D. 60, Boudica follows the eponymous Celtic warrior who rules the Iceni people alongside her husband Prasutagus. When he dies at the hands of Roman soldiers, Boudica’s kingdom is left without a male heir and the Romans seize her land and property. Driven to the edge of madness and determined to avenge her husband’s death, Boudica rallies the various tribes from the region and wages an epic war against the mighty Roman empire.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & war
SnoozefestMovies like thisWaiting for Anya (2020)
During the harrows of WWII, Jo, a young shepherd along with the help of the widow Horcada, helps to smuggle Jewish children across the border from southern France into Spain.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & war
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJacknife (1989)
A conflict develops between a troubled Vietnam veteran and the sister he lives with when she becomes involved romantically with the army buddy who reminds him of the tragic battle they both survived.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & war
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955)
A dramatization of the American general and his court martial for publically complaining about High Command's dismissal and neglect of the aerial fighting forces.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & war
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHell Hath No Fury (2021)
Branded a traitor by her countrymen, French national Marie DuJardin is rescued by American soldiers on one condition: to survive, she must lead them to a cache of gold - before the Nazis return to claim it for themselves.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & war
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSahara (1995)
After the fall of Tobruk in June 1942, U.S. Army sergeant Joe Gunn leads his tank into the Sahara desert, in order to evade advancing Rommel's forces and reach Allied lines. Along the way he picks up few Allied soldiers, but soon they are running out of water. They find water at the ancient well, but the well is a goal of an entire German battalion. Despite the impossible odds, Sergeant Gunn decides to defend the well.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & war
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBehold a Pale Horse (1964)
Manuel Artiguez, a famous bandit during the Spanish civil war, has lived in French exile for 20 years. When his mother is dying he considers visiting her secretly in his Spanish home town. But his biggest enemy, the Spanish police officer Vinolas, prepared a trap at the hospital as a chance to finally catch Artiguez.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & war
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMiz Cracker's Favorite Haunts (2024)
World-renowned Drag Queen Miz Cracker helps a Texas family that’s experiencing strange occurrences after renovating their 1892 home. As a lover of the paranormal, can Miz Cracker solve their ghost problem and help them coexist peacefully with the spirits?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama & history
Gardens of Athos - Transfiguration (1989)
A story of spiritual resistance to physical political persecution. Set after the Russian revolution, when communist zealots hunt down everyone who will not forswear their Orthodox Catholic ways.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Dasavatharam (1976)
The story revolves around the portrayal of the ten different avatars of Lord Vishnu namely Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Balarama and Kalki.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Levitating (2026)
In a town where pleasure equals being possessed by spiritual beings, Bayu aspires to be the shaman of a trance party so he can fundraise enough money to prevent an impending eviction.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Senakulo 2025: 1945 (2025)
The Senakulo 2025: 1945 of St. John Bosco Parish - Tondo embraces the theme of HOPE, resonating with the central message of the universal Church in this Jubilee Year. By intertwining the story of our salvation with one of history’s darkest moments - the Second World War - we aim to lead audiences in reflecting on the call to place their faith and hope in the Lord, even in the face of fear, suffering, and desolation.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Senakulo 2026: Ang Sanhedrin (2026)
The Senakulo 2026: Ang Sanhedrin of St. John Bosco Parish - Tondo unfolds through heated deliberations among council members regarding Christ’s influence, interspersed with poignant flashbacks to His teachings on love, compassion, and justice. As the debate reveals the envy and fear driving the council’s judgment, the film invites the audience to reflect on the pressing realities and issues in today’s society. Ultimately, "Ang Sanhedrin" challenges viewers to find renewed strength in the example of Jesus - inspiring a commitment to the path of love, truth, mercy, and justice in a world often clouded by power and corruption.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
A Rescue from Hades (1982)
Three generations of the Luo family fasted and chanted Buddha's name. However, Mr. Luo died young. Luo's mother complained and began to kill animals and eat meat. When Luo Bu grew up, her family property was wiped out by her uncle. Oppose and remarry someone else. After Luo's mother died, she went to hell. Luo Bu received God's instructions and followed Pratyekabuddha to practice, and his Dharma name was Mulian. However, because he could not bear the suffering of his mother in hell, he broke into the underworld to rescue his mother. After all the hardships, he finally felt the Buddha's will. Let Mother Luo be reincarnated.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
The Crossing (2026)
On a perilous journey north, a Guatemalan farmer risks everything to secure a future for his family, as past and present collide in a story of survival, memory, and sacrifice.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
The soul of thirst (2024)
In the midst of Panama's ongoing water crisis, Luis, a child from a struggling family, seeks hope in the legend of an ancient spirit that can bring nourishment to their community through collective belief.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
BIRD IN THE SKY (2005)
BIRD IN THE SKY is a gritty, poetic tale of a young man’s spiritual struggle on the streets of New York City. Rob has been given a second chance to right the wrongs of his street-wise past; he must perform a miracle to be saved. His fate lies in his love for a young woman, Kay, who is coping with the loss of her child.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Great Monk Seo San?
The closest matches to The Great Monk Seo San are My Way (2011), Outlaws - For Greater Glory (2012) and Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Great Monk Seo San?
Start with My Way (2011), the closest match to The Great Monk Seo San.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Great Monk Seo San?
My Way (2011), rated 7.9/10 by 472 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Great Monk Seo San?
The Crossing (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Korean movies like The Great Monk Seo San?
Yes: My Way (2011), Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023) and 12.12: The Day (2023).
How are movies similar to The Great Monk Seo San chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Great Monk Seo San, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.