What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Penthouse
Kim Soon-ok · Series · 2020
If you loved The Penthouse, start with Parasite (Bong Joon Ho, 2019) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Penthouse across media.
What kept you watching The Penthouse was the delicious, dizzying way that unchecked ambition and deep-seated obsession force characters to trade their morality for status.
Books on the same thread
The Haunting of Hill House
Shirley Jackson · Book · 1987
Explores: isolation, sanity, female hysteria.
Much like the psychological unraveling seen in The Penthouse, this story captures the terrifying transformation of the human mind when confined by rigid social expectations and intense, isolating environments.
The Phantom of the Opera
Gaston Leroux · Book · 1977
Shares a thread with The Penthouse: obsession.
If the obsessive pursuit of luxury in The Penthouse hooked you, this classic tale of a disfigured genius and his singular, destructive fixation on a muse will feel familiar.
With a Vengeance
Riley Sager · Book
Explores: Revenge, Deception, Class conflict.
The Penthouse excels at layering betrayal upon luxury, a dynamic mirrored here as a high-stakes murder plot disrupts a character's desperate quest for retribution and personal advancement.
Pieces of Her
Karin Slaughter · Book
Explores: hidden past, maternal secrets, identity crisis.
The Penthouse proves that a hidden past can shatter a polished life, a theme central to this thriller where uncovering a mother's secret history becomes a dangerous, high-stakes game.
Films on the same thread
Parasite
Bong Joon Ho · Film · 2019
Explores: Class Warfare, Social Commentary, Deception.
Fans of The Penthouse who crave biting social commentary will appreciate how this film explores class warfare and the desperate, deceptive measures taken to infiltrate the world of the wealthy.
The Handmaiden
Film · 2016
Explores: Deception, Forbidden Romance, Manipulation.
This film masterfully mirrors the manipulation and power dynamics found in The Penthouse, centering on a deceptive servant whose secret agenda threatens the stability of an elite, secluded household.
Lady Vengeance
Park Chan-wook · Film · 2005
Explores: Wrongful Imprisonment, Female Revenge, Moral Ambiguity.
If the cold, calculated revenge arcs in The Penthouse were your favorite aspect, you will be drawn to this story of a woman meticulously executing her plan for moral justice.
The Housemaid
Paul Feig · Film · 2025
Shares a thread with The Penthouse: Obsession.
This domestic thriller captures the exact blend of class conflict and seductive scandal that made The Penthouse a compulsive watch, as a new job spirals into a game of secrets.
Podcasts on the same thread
K's DRAMA
Podcast
Explores: Korean culture, Television analysis, Entertainment industry.
Since you enjoyed the intricate world-building of The Penthouse, this podcast serves as the perfect deep dive into the industry and cultural phenomena behind your favorite Korean dramas.
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, experimental storytelling, moral ambiguity.
The Penthouse relies on shocking twists and moral ambiguity to keep its audience engaged, a structural approach mirrored in these cinematic, bite-sized stories that prioritize intense, suspenseful human experiences.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Penthouse a story about social climbing?
Yes, The Penthouse follows a woman who risks everything to achieve her goal of moving into a luxury penthouse located in the Gangnam District. Her ambition drives the narrative as she pursues this status.
Does the main character in The Penthouse change throughout the series?
The protagonist of The Penthouse undergoes a significant transformation as she pursues her goal. In the process of trying to move into a luxury penthouse, she gradually finds herself turning into a monster.
What is the primary setting of The Penthouse?
The Penthouse is primarily set in the Gangnam District. The central plot revolves around the protagonist's intense desire to secure a residence within a luxury penthouse located in this specific area.
Is The Penthouse about a woman's ambition?
The Penthouse focuses on a woman who puts everything on the line to reach her goal. Her journey to move into a luxury penthouse in the Gangnam District serves as the foundation for the show's plot.