Kpop MVs inspired by movies are a visual feast, combining the vibrancy of pop music with the storytelling flair of cinematic masterpieces. It’s no secret that music videos are often mini-movies, blending storytelling with incredible visuals. But did you know which are that some of your favourite K-pop music videos are inspired by classic films? Whether it’s a nod to a cult movie or a reimagined iconic scene, these MVs have taken inspiration from cinematic masterpieces, turning them into visual spectacles that leave us in awe.
Today, we’re diving into 9 Kpop MVs inspired by movies that will have you appreciating the art of music videos on a whole new level.
Kpop MVs Inspired By Movies
Jennie Mantra
You might be humming Jennie’s catchy new single Mantra for its powerful hook, but have you caught the movie reference? The MV opens with a little girl singing along in the backseat of a car—ring any bells? It’s a direct homage to the iconic scene in Rush Hour (1998), where Julia Hsu’s Soo-yung belts out Mariah Carey’s Fantasy in the back of a car, right before things go sideways. In Jennie’s MV, the girl’s innocence contrasts with the sassy, confident vibe Jennie brings, setting the stage for a powerful story. It’s a nod that perfectly aligns with the daring, larger-than-life energy of Rush Hour.
J-Hope More
When J-Hope dropped More, it was a moment. The MV’s dark, gritty vibe feels like a trip into his subconscious, but if you look closer, it’s got major Fight Club energy. With its hospital and office setting, the video captures that same chaotic internal battle Brad Pitt’s and Edward Norton’s characters experience in the cult classic. The eerie visuals, combined with the theme of inner personas, bring back memories of Fight Club’s anti-hero narrative—reminding us that sometimes, we’re fighting the most with ourselves.
Red Velvet Cosmic
If you’ve seen Red Velvet’s Cosmic MV, you know it’s all about eerie beauty and unsettling charm. The floral aesthetics and cult-like rituals of the video are a not-so-subtle reference to Midsommar (2019), a horror film that hides terror behind bright, pastoral landscapes. Just like the movie, Red Velvet’s visuals in the MV are deceptively beautiful, slowly building tension. Watching them run through fields in folk-inspired outfits while maintaining that unsettling energy is pure art. You won’t see a sunflower the same way after this one.
Taeyeon What Do I Call You
Love and memory intertwine in Taeyeon’s What Do I Call You, a melancholic tune about trying to move on from a relationship. The MV pays homage to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), a film that explores the erasure of memories after a breakup. Taeyeon wanders through various emotional stages, much like the characters in the film. The visual parallels—think of the surreal imagery and that bittersweet vibe—make it feel like the perfect soundtrack to a Korean remake of this heart-wrenching movie.
SHINee Married to the Music
SHINee always delivers on innovative concepts, and Married to the Music is no exception. The MV takes major cues from Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), blending quirky horror with campy fun. The eerie, over-the-top costume party, the missing body parts, and the general madness in the air scream Rocky Horror. It’s a weird, wonderful homage to a cult classic that SHINee pulls off with their own unique flair, making us want to rewatch both the MV and the original film.
Dreamcatcher BEcause
Dreamcatcher never shies away from horror, and their MV for BEcause gives a chilling nod to Us (2019). Much like the doppelgangers in Us, Dreamcatcher presents dual versions of themselves, with contrasting outfits that distinguish the “real” from the “copies.” The eerie amusement park and hotel settings mirror the unsettling atmosphere of Us, while the colour symbolism—red for doppelgangers and blue for the originals—further ties it to Jordan Peele’s horror masterpiece. It’s a visual feast with layers of meaning that will keep you up at night.
WINNER Hold
In the lighthearted MV for Hold, WINNER plays the protective brothers to Lee Su-hyun (AKMU), but there’s a fun twist. If you’re paying close attention, you’ll catch a nod to Parasite (2019) when Song Mino dresses up as the iconic housekeeper Moon Gwang. It’s a brief but hilarious reference that blends seamlessly with the MV’s quirky storyline. WINNER manages to bring a comedic take to a scene inspired by one of the most intense moments in the Oscar-winning film, and we’re here for it.
EXO Lightsaber
This one’s a no-brainer. EXO’s Lightsaber was made in collaboration with Star Wars, and it shows. From the glowing neon signs to the literal lightsabers, this MV is packed with Star Wars imagery. The boys channel their inner Jedi, moving through futuristic sets that look straight out of the galaxy far, far away. For EXO-Ls and Star Wars fans alike, it’s a dream come true to see these two worlds collide so seamlessly.
BIBI Animal Farm
BIBI brings out the femme fatale energy in Animal Farm, which is heavily inspired by Kill Bill (2003). The MV is set in a dystopian future, with BIBI playing a vengeful underworld leader. There’s no mistaking the Kill Bill-esque fight scenes and stylish action sequences. The MV culminates in an intense showdown, but not before BIBI’s character exacts her revenge—just like The Bride in Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film.
These music videos show how beautifully K-pop can borrow from cinema, blending genres and narratives to create something fresh and exciting. The next time you’re watching a K-pop MV, look a little closer—you might just spot a nod to one of your favourite films.
Have any other cinematic-inspired K-pop MVs in mind? Let us know in the comments!
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