Ma Dong Seok, also known as Don Lee in Hollywood, has carved a niche for himself as South Korea’s “action king.” His formidable presence in both Korean cinema and Hollywood, particularly with his role as Gilgamesh in the MCU’s Eternals, has solidified his status as a global action star. However, his impressive filmography extends far beyond his Hollywood breakthrough.

Below is a curated list of his best films, showcasing his versatility and raw power on screen.
1. Train to Busan

– Cast: Gong Yoo, Choi Woo Shik, Ma Dong Seok
– Director: Yeon Sang Ho
– Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
– Release Date: July 1, 2016
*Train to Busan* is a global sensation, blending the zombie genre with intense action and heartfelt moments. The film follows Seok Woo (Gong Yoo) and his daughter as they try to survive a sudden zombie outbreak on a high-speed train. Ma Dong Seok shines as Sang Hwa, a regular guy with extraordinary courage, who fights off zombies to protect his pregnant wife and fellow passengers. His portrayal of the character’s bravery and ultimate sacrifice left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
2. The Outlaws

– Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Yoon Kye Sang, Jo Jae Yoon
– Director: Kang Yoon Sang
– Runtime: 2 hours 1 minute
– Release Date: October 3, 2017
In *The Outlaws,* Ma Dong Seok takes on the role of Ma Seok Do, a tough-as-nails detective determined to bring order to the chaotic underworld of Seoul’s Garibong district. The film, packed with action and comedy, vividly portrays the gritty reality of gang wars and street violence. Ma’s performance as a no-nonsense cop who mixes humor with hard-hitting justice resonated with audiences, earning him widespread acclaim.
3. The Roundup

– Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Son Suk Ku, Park Ji Hwan
– Director: Lee Sang Yong
– Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes
– Release Date: May 18, 2022
*The Roundup* is the first installment of a popular action franchise where Ma Dong Seok reprises his role as Ma Seok Do. The film follows him as he travels to Vietnam to track down a ruthless murderer targeting tourists. With gripping action sequences and a compelling plot, Ma once again proves his mettle as a lead in this thrilling continuation from *The Outlaws.*
4. The Roundup: No Way Out

– Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Lee Jun Hyuk, Park Ji Hwan
– Director: Lee Sang Yong
– Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
– Release Date: May 31, 2023
In the sequel, *The Roundup: No Way Out,* Ma Seok Do returns to the streets of Korea, now battling a corrupt police faction involved with the Yakuza and a deadly new drug. The film takes the tension up a notch with its intense storyline and relentless action, showcasing Ma Dong Seok’s ability to command the screen with his presence.
5. The Roundup: Punishment

– Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Kim Mu Yeol, Lee Joo Bin, Lee Dong Hwi
– Director: Lee Sang Yong
– Runtime: 1 hour 49 minutes
– Release Date: April 24, 2024
The latest installment, *The Roundup: Punishment,* sees Ma Seok Do diving into the dark world of cybercrime and online gaming syndicates. As he uncovers a network tied to drug trafficking, Ma embarks on a perilous journey to bring down this unexpected alliance. This film continues the franchise’s tradition of blending action, humor, and Ma’s intimidating yet charismatic persona.
6. The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil

– Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Kim Mu Yeol, Lee Eun Saem
– Director: Won Tae Lee
– Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
– Release Date: May 15, 2019
In this intense action-thriller, Ma Dong Seok plays Jang Dong Soo, a fearsome mafia boss who teams up with a police officer to hunt down a notorious serial killer. *The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil* is a perfect showcase of Ma’s ability to portray a tough, unyielding character while navigating a world of crime and justice.
7. Badland Hunters

– Cast: Ma Dong Seok, No Jeong Ee
– Director: Heo Myeong Haeng
– Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
– Release Date: January 26, 2024
Set in a dystopian, earthquake-ravaged Seoul, *Badland Hunters* features Ma Dong Seok as Nam San, a resilient survivor who leads a group of hunters in search of scarce resources. When a young girl goes missing, Nam San embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue her, showcasing his character’s determination and strength in the face of overwhelming odds.
8. Unstoppable

– Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Song Ji Hyo
– Director: Kim Min Ho
– Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
– Release Date: November 22, 2018
In *Unstoppable,* Ma Dong Seok plays Dong Chul, a reformed gangster who now works at a fish market. When his wife is kidnapped, he partners with his best friend and an investigator to track her down. The film is a fast-paced, heart-pounding ride that highlights Ma’s ability to bring raw emotion and relentless energy to his roles.