Hellbound – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hellbound

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2021

28%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Supernatural monsters drag sinners to hell in this brutally violent Korean thriller about religious fanaticism—critics loved it, but it's nightmare fuel.

6.6/10

97%

→

Hellbound

show

TV-MA, 2021

28%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Supernatural monsters drag sinners to hell in this brutally violent Korean thriller about religious fanaticism—critics loved it, but it's nightmare fuel.

6.6

97%

Jump to

Also rated on

6.6/10

97%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Hellbound is the kind of show that gets film critics excited and regular viewers traumatized. Yes, it's original. Yes, the social commentary on religious extremism and mob justice is sharp. Yes, Korean thrillers are having a moment.

But let's be clear: this is brutal, graphic, relentlessly bleak horror. People get dragged to hell by CGI monsters and burned alive on camera. Infants are in peril. The entire vibe is nihilistic dread. The 28-point gap between critic scores (97%) and audience scores (69%) tells you everything—this is more punishing than entertaining.

If you're an adult who loves dark Korean horror and can stomach intense violence in service of social commentary, this might be your thing. But it's absolutely not for teens, not for family viewing, and honestly not for anyone looking for an enjoyable night of TV. This is homework-level viewing that happens to be well-made.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults (18+) who can handle extreme horror. The Common Sense Media rating of 16+ is honestly generous—the graphic violence, body horror, and nihilistic themes make this a rough watch even for mature teens. Not family viewing under any circumstances.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Extremely dark Korean horror-thriller about supernatural beings brutally dragging people to hell. Features graphic violence, body horror, people being burned alive by monsters, cult fanaticism, mob violence, and a deeply nihilistic tone. Zero kindness modeling—mostly fear, religious extremism, and societal breakdown. Not emotionally healthy viewing.

Imaginative

Genuinely original premise that blends supernatural horror with social commentary about religious extremism and mob justice. The worldbuilding around the 'decrees' and the cult that forms is creative and thought-provoking. Visually striking creature design. Critics praised it (97% RT) for its fresh take on apocalyptic horror and Korean thriller conventions.

Safe

Intensely unsafe for young viewers. Graphic violence including people being beaten to death by monsters, bodies exploding and burning, infants in peril, suicide, mob beatings, and disturbing body horror throughout. Common Sense Media rates it 16+ for good reason. The horror is visceral, not implied. Nightmare fuel that would traumatize younger viewers.

Enriching

Offers substantive commentary on religious fanaticism, mob mentality, social media's role in spreading extremism, and how fear can corrupt society. Raises genuine ethical questions about justice, fate, and human nature. However, the relentless bleakness and graphic violence overshadow the intellectual merit. More punishing than enlightening for most viewers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

97% on Rotten Tomatoes—critics praised its originality and sharp social commentary on extremism
Genuinely fresh premise that blends horror with pointed critique of mob mentality and religious cults
Strong performances and striking visuals that showcase Korean thriller excellence
Raises real questions about justice, fate, and how fear can corrupt entire societies

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic violence throughout—people burned alive by monsters, bodies exploding, mob beatings, suicide
Disturbing scenes involving infants and children in peril
Relentlessly bleak and nihilistic tone with minimal relief or hope
The 28-point gap between critic and audience scores tells you this is divisive—many found it too punishing
This is Korean horror at its most brutal, not a thriller you casually watch on a Tuesday

Conversation Starters

"How do you think fear can make people accept extreme beliefs or join dangerous movements?"
"The show explores how social media spreads extremism—do you see parallels to real-world events?"
"What would happen to society if people actually knew the exact time of their death?"
"Is the violence in this serving the story, or is it just shock value?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic