Movies Like Palace of Ambition

If you liked Palace of Ambition (1957), a drama and history movie directed by Jeong Chang-hwa, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Assassination (2015)
★ 7.3/10Also action and drama
In Japanese-occupied Korea, three freedom fighters are assigned a mission to assassinate a genocidal military leader and his top collaborator. But the plan goes completely awry amidst double-crossings…
2
The Fatal Encounter (2014)
★ 7.1/10Also action and drama
Late 18th-century Joseon dynasty. The King is beleaguered and surrounded by traitors of the ruling elite. They plan to assassinate and replace him with a puppet. But the King has some aces up his sleeve that may help…
3
Masquerade (2012)
★ 7.7/10Also drama and history
Though it places his own life in danger, a look-alike commoner secretly takes the place of a poisoned king to save his country from falling into chaos.
4
My Way (2011)
★ 7.9/10Also drama and action
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…
5
Firebrand (2024)
★ 6.3/10Also drama and history
Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, is named regent while the tyrant battles abroad. When the king returns, increasingly ill and paranoid, Katherine finds herself fighting for her own survival.
6
12.12: The Day (2023)
★ 7.6/10Also drama and action
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…
7
Remember (2022)
★ 7.5/10Also action and drama
Pil-ju, an Alzheimer's patient in his 80s, who lost all his family during the Japanese colonial era, and devotes his lifelong revenge before his memories disappear, and a young man in his 20s who helps him.
8
Mary (2024)
★ 6.3/10Also drama and history
A miraculous conception. A merciless king. A murderous pursuit. Mary's journey to give birth to Jesus unfolds in this biblical coming-of-age epic.
9
War of the Arrows (2011)
★ 7.2/10Also drama and action
After the death of their father, two siblings are raised by their father's best friend. However, when one gets kidnapped just before her wedding, the other rises against the Manchus.
10
The Face Reader (2013)
★ 7/10Also drama and history
An exceptionally talented face reader becomes entangled in a bloody power struggle between a child king and his uncle who plans to usurp the throne.
11
The Devil's Double (2011)
★ 6.7/10Also drama and action
A chilling vision of the House of Saddam Hussein comes to life through the eyes of the man who was forced to become the double of Hussein's sadistic son.
12
Memories of the Sword (2015)
★ 6.6/10Also drama and history
While in medieval Korea, a young girl sets out to revenge the betrayal and the death of her mother. But therefore she must face one of the most powerful men and warriors of the Goryeo Dynasty.
13
King and the Clown (2005)
★ 7/10Also drama and history
Two clowns living in Korea's Chosun Dynasty get arrested for staging a play that satirizes the king. They are dragged to the palace and threatened with execution but are given a chance to save their lives if they can…
14
The Swordsman (2020)
★ 7.5/10Also action and drama
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…
15
Uprising (2024)
★ 7/10Also action and drama
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.
16
Operation Chromite (2016)
★ 5.8/10Also history and drama
A squad of soldiers fight in the Korean War's crucial Battle of Incheon.
17
Harbin (2024)
★ 7.3/10Also action and history
In 1909, several years after Korea is forced into becoming a Japanese colony, freedom fighters plot the daring assassination of Japan's prime minister during their quest for independence.
18
The Treacherous (2015)
★ 6.1/10Also drama and history
The story of Joseon's tyrant king Yeonsan who exploits the populace for his own carnal pleasures, his seemingly loyal retainer who controls him and all court dealings, and a woman who seeks vengeance.
19
A Bittersweet Life (2005)
★ 7.4/10Also action and drama
Kim Sun-woo is an enforcer and manager for a hotel owned by a cold, calculative crime boss, Kang who assigns Sun-woo to a simple errand while he is away on a business trip; to shadow his young mistress, Hee-soo, for…
20
Battle of Jangsari (2019)
★ 6.7/10Also drama and history
Korean War, September 1950. In order to fight the enemy forces based in the South of the peninsula, General MacArthur orders the start of the Incheon Landing Operation, deploying diversionary attacks in other…