This updated guide explains where to find Korean movie rentals in 2025. It covers digital rental and purchase options (Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu), dedicated platforms (Rakuten Viki, KOCOWA), free services (Tubi, AsianCrush), curated channels (Criterion Channel, Mubi), library access via Kanopy, and physical-disc options through local shops, libraries, and Netflix DVD-by-mail. It also highlights local screenings and practical tips on subtitles, region coding, and comparing rental vs. purchase.

H2: Where to start

If you want to rent Korean movies, start by deciding whether you prefer streaming, a physical disc, or borrowing from a library. Streaming and digital rentals are the fastest options. Physical discs (DVD/Blu-ray) and local specialty shops still exist but are less common than they were in the 2000s.

H2: Streaming and digital rentals

Major services sell or rent Korean films digitally: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV/iTunes, Google Play (Google TV), and Vudu. These let you rent a title for a limited viewing window or buy it to keep.

Dedicated streaming platforms focus on Korean and Asian content. Rakuten Viki and KOCOWA host dramas and many films with English subtitles. Free, ad-supported services such as Tubi and AsianCrush also carry a rotating selection of Korean movies. Curated services like Criterion Channel and Mubi occasionally run Korean film lineups, including classics and restored titles.

If you have a Netflix subscription, browse its international catalog - Netflix has invested in Korean content and regularly licenses contemporary films and series in many regions. For library users, Kanopy provides free access to a range of world cinema, including Korean titles, through participating public and university libraries.

H2: Physical discs - local stores, libraries, and mail

Brick-and-mortar video rental stores are rare but not extinct. Independent video shops and Asian supermarkets in larger cities sometimes stock Korean DVDs and Blu-rays. Community cultural centers, Korean churches, or university film departments may also have lending collections.

Public libraries are often the easiest way to borrow Korean DVDs/Blu-rays for free. Libraries may also offer streaming through services like Kanopy or Hoopla.

If you prefer discs by mail, Netflix's DVD-by-mail service still operates in the U.S., and online retailers sell used discs. Be mindful of disc region codes: DVDs use region coding (Region 1 for the U.S. and Canada), while Blu-ray uses region blocks A/B/C - check compatibility with your player.

H2: Local screenings and festivals

Keep an eye on repertory cinemas, university film series, and Asian film festivals. These venues screen contemporary releases and restored classics and can be the best way to see titles not available on mainstream platforms.

H2: Practical tips

  • Check subtitle availability before renting or buying. Not every release includes English subtitles.
  • Compare rental vs. purchase prices across stores and platforms.
  • Use platform-specific catalogs or aggregator sites to locate where a title streams.
  • For collectors, verify disc region and subtitle tracks before ordering internationally.
H2: Bottom line

You have more ways than ever to watch Korean films: mainstream and niche streaming services, library lending, digital rentals, and occasional local screenings. Match the format to your needs - instant streaming for convenience, discs for collectors, and festivals for rare or restored works.

FAQs about Korean Movie Rental

Can I stream most Korean movies online?
Many recent Korean films are available on major platforms and dedicated services like Rakuten Viki and KOCOWA, but availability varies by title and region. Use streaming catalogs or aggregator tools to check where a specific film streams.
Are DVDs and Blu-rays region-locked?
Yes. DVDs use regional codes (Region 1 for the U.S./Canada). Blu-ray discs use region blocks A/B/C. Confirm your player's compatibility before buying discs from overseas sellers.
Does my public library carry Korean movies?
Many public libraries lend Korean DVDs or provide access to streaming services such as Kanopy and Hoopla that include Korean titles. Check your local library catalog or ask a librarian.
What if I can’t find a title on streaming services?
Look for physical copies at specialty shops or libraries, check festival or repertory cinema schedules, or search secondhand retailers and DVD-by-mail services for hard-to-find titles.
Are there free ways to watch Korean films legally?
Yes. Free, ad-supported platforms like Tubi and AsianCrush offer a rotating selection of Korean films. Library streaming services such as Kanopy also provide free access via library membership.