Top 10 Bong Joon-Ho Films According To IMDb

Since the release of Parasite, South Korean director, Bong Joon-Ho has risen to stardom, particularly in the western world. However, Parasite and Snowpiercer aren’t the only fantastic films he’s directed and written.

Bong Joon-Ho has been making films since his 1997 debut in which he wrote an episode in the 3 parter, Motel Cactus. Although not mentioned here it is worth a watch and an interesting introduction to his work. Bong Joon-Ho seemed to fly under the radar in the western world, despite being 13th in the top 25 directors of the 21st century and with a multitude of his work being among the highest-grossing films of South Korea. With any luck, the release of Parasite has started a domino effect, bringing out the undeniable talent of foreign film.

10 Antarctic Journey (2005): 6.0

This psychological thriller explores an expedition on their journey to deep Antarctica. However, everything is thrown into chaos when the notebook they follow begins to come true.

Although his lowest-rated film and one Bong Joon-Ho only wrote, it is still a great watch with impressive acting and a fantastic storyline that leaves you on the edge of your seat at all times. The only reason it is lower than his other films is due to its many plot holes and often thin story, it sometimes leaves the viewer being misled and asking questions that will just never get answered.

9 Haemo/Sea Fog (2014): 6.9

Based on the true story of a fishing crew who attempt to smuggle a group of immigrants across the sea, this story is one of heartbreak and tension.

This film is based on a stage play that is based on true events that happened in 2001. Although Bong Joon-Ho didn’t direct this film, rather wrote the screenplay instead, it is worth noting that it was nominated for best screenplay twice. This thriller is most definitely not for the squeamish but remains a memorable watch that is sure to pull on every emotion you have. It is also the second time he uses water as one of the main features for his films, the first being Motel Cactus.

8 Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000): 7.0

A college lecturer begins getting aggravated by the sound of a yapping dog and decides to take drastic action to shut it up.

The first film Bong Joon-Ho directed is rewarded with a 7.0 rating. It’s impressive, to say the least. Ultimately the downfall of this film is purely the fact that it is forgettable. When it’s not being forgotten it is certainly being praised for its outstanding directing and acting as well as its story that is simple to follow. This film is arguably one the best introductions into the Korean film industry that Bong Joon-Ho has to offer thanks to its storyline and comedic stance.

7 Tokyo! (2008): 7.1

Consisting of 3 short stories, in which Bong Joon-Ho wrote and directed the 3rd, Shaking Tokyo, tells the tale of a hermit-like man who hasn’t left his house in over a decade, only communicating with the pizza man once a week. However, when an earthquake renders the new pizza girl unconscious he must act. Ultimately forcing him to leave his home in search of her.

The 3rd instalment of Tokyo! is truly a masterpiece of social disconnection which leaves the audience engaged, and unable to look away. What makes this film truly great is its opening shot. Done all in one take and moving flawlessly through the apartment it sets a high expectation for the rest of the movie, something it definitely fulfils.

6 The Host (2006): 7.1

When a huge monster emerges from Seoul’s Han River it begins its attack. One family does everything they can to save the one they love. It’s also another demonstration of Bong Joon-Ho’s use of water.

Winning 25 awards it’s clear that Bong Joon-Ho was born to direct. This film is funny and fast-paced, ultimately telling the tale of Korea submitting to the western world. South Korea’s past is hauntingly reflected throughout the film which is littered with historical events such as the student demonstrations in the 1980s, the suicides at the Han River and the occupation of the American Military. The Host is an intense and gripping watch filled with a constant sense of urgency and genuine fear.

5 Snowpiercer (2013): 7.1

Set in a dystopian future where everyone outside the Snowpiercer, is dead. As the train travels around the world a new and biased class system begins to emerge.

Just about as on the nose as Parasite, this film is all about a rather comical social commentary. However, it isn’t as much of a commentary as Parasite is, holding a more adventure and journey-like theme to it. Based on a french comic this film is the perfect introduction into Bong Joon-Ho’s work for western audiences as the cast is filled with Chris Evans as the heroic lead and Tilda Swinton in a transformative and hugely entertaining supporting role. Ultimately, Snowpiercer has gained a cult following for its amazing visuals, unique visual style and fantastic fight scenes.

4 Okja (2017): 7.3

A Netflix original in which a young girl does everything she can to save her best friend, a beast named Okja from a powerful company’s evil clutches.

In this eye-opening and bizarre film, Bong Joon-Ho explores social class yet again, filling the film with easy plot points and exciting visuals. Due to it being a Netflix original it is clear that South Korea is making a push for the western audiences, something that has been a success with this film. Acting as a beautiful fairytale for adults this film explores hard-hitting subject matters like cruelty to animals, greed and social class. It is easy to find and 100% worth a watch.

3 Mother (2009): 7.8

In this often ignored film, a mother desperately tries to clear her innocent son’s name after he is framed for the horrific murder of a little girl.

Filled with fantastic acting, great directing and cinematography that is something of wonders, this film is a rewarding and satisfying ride throughout. The acting is what wins it over, especially by Kim Hye-Ja who plays the mother. There is a scene where she is explaining to the victim’s family that her son wasn’t the killer and her eyes are so electrified it makes you shiver. Although some audiences have had an issue with the pacing of the film saying it is drawn out and felt slow it is easily argued that this slow burner of a film is just what Bong Joon-Ho intended. Mother is every bit as good as Memories Of Murder and brings a wonderful credit to his previous work.

2 Memories Of Murder (2003): 8.1

A story of hope where two detectives struggle to solve a case of multiple murders in a small Korean town.

Interestingly enough this film is based on a true story and a real-life case! True to Bong Joon-Ho’s style the cinematography is stunningly haunting filled with shots that would make anyone uneasy. One thing that makes this film deserving of its 8.1 stars is the character development, each scene serves as a stepping stone for the two very different police officers to adapt and evolve into their best. Ultimately, this film is a drama first with beautiful thriller and comedic elements perfectly placed throughout.

1 Parasite (2019): 8.6

A poor family tries to con their way to the top of the social ladder. But everything is thrown into disarray when their deception is threatened by an unknown and unexpected source.

The film that blew foreign film out into the western world for good. Winning 4 Oscars and an unreal 247 awards in total it is easy to see why this is the top. Another film with water and social class at its helm, this film is wonderfully clever and only gets better every time you watch it. The cinematography and use of camera movements and lines to show the power imbalance are mind-blowing. As for the script, it is emotional, fast-paced and oddly funny.

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