After releasing Parasite in 2019, the most recognizable film of his career thus far, Bong Joon-ho became an internationally known filmmaker whose projects have been studied ad nauseum. Though he’s worked on dozens of films working as a screenwriter or a cinematographer, he’s only released seven feature films as a director.
He’s been working since the mid-90s, though, and didn’t release his first feature until 2000. That said, in a few short films Joon-ho established himself as an auteur of the industry. Some might argue his career hit its pinnacle with the release of Parasite, but this list will determine whether that’s up for debate. These are all seven Bong Joon-ho films, ranked.
7 Okja (2017)
Netflix
Following a girl who raises a giant, genetically modified pig, Okja (2017) stars Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, and Ahn Seo-hyun. For being distributed by Netflix, audience members at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival actually booed this entry during its screening for the Palme d’Or. It seems a little harsh, but at the same time, it does come in here at number seven.
From a narrative standpoint, analyzing character development and resonant pacing, there’s nothing wrong with Okja. It just seems to be missing a certain, indescribable ingredient that makes Bong Joon-ho’s films so special.
6 Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000)
Cinema Service
Bong claims this is the only entry of his filmography for which he holds disdain. He says he hates Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), in fact, despite it being the establishment for his unique atmospheres and off-the-wall characters. And with an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s hard to believe he was too disappointed. Audiences were a bit more polarized, but again: this was his freshman film. He was still honing his (strategically) strange style of storytelling.
This is not only among the more underrated Bong Joon-ho films, but it also goes overlooked in terms of South Korean cinema as a whole. Not to mention other parts of the world.
5 Snowpiercer (2013)
CJ Entertainment
Set on an apocalyptic train where its people are divided by social classes, Snowpiercer (2013) is undoubtedly Joon-ho’s most action-packed film to date. It’s also one of the few films he’s made that’s based on other material — in this case, a 1982 graphic novel by Jacques Lob, called Le Transperceneige.
The movie stars Chris Evans as the leader of a revolt whose efforts to fight toward the front of the train propel the plot forward in tandem with its group of oddball rebels. The audience experiences the thrills alongside the characters, like they’re all on a train car that’s gone off the tracks. And this one definitely has.
4 Mother (2009)
While likely not for everyone, Mother (2009) in the end is a beautiful narrative that explores the relationship of a mother and her mentally disabled son. With thrilling moments to support an underlying sense of poignancy, this is perhaps Bong’s most personal achievement from a character perspective.
It’s also a plot of captivating mystery. Following the titular Mother as she sets out to prove her son’s innocence after he’s been accused of murdering a local girl, the film made decent money at the box office, but its critical reception scores were even higher. With a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, Motherremains Joon-ho’s second most lauded film to date. And with very good reason.
3 The Host (2006)
Showbox Entertainment
Joon-ho sort of broke the barriers of a monster film with The Host (2006). While most filmmakers hide the monster for a good duration of a given horror movie — in order to build suspense until its eventual reveal — Bong shows the monster within minutes of the film’s opening.
The Host features all the filmmaking elements that have defined Joon-ho as one of the 21st century’s foremost auteurs. It’s replete with dark moments that are punctuated by humor to a degree that it sustains the pacing through timing alone. But you’ll also be invested in its quirky characters as they grow with stakes of the plot. It’s a brilliant film, and a must-watch for any Bong Joon-ho fan.
2 Parasite (2019)
Although it basically swept the 91st Academy Awards, won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and was revered by critics and filmgoers around the world, Parasite (2019) didn’t quite make the number one spot. But more on that later.
Joon-ho’s most recent film follows the Kim family as they subtly overtake a rich household owned by the Parks. With clear themes of wealth and class inequality, the Kims seek the safety of financial security. The plot is thrilling until the end, with characters and plotlines so absurd you’ll be pining for a rewatch as soon as the credits begin. Many consider the film to be Bong Joon-ho’s best, and while Parasite is indeed fantastic, it wasn’t enough to take the number one spot.
1 Memories of Murder (2003)
Chronicling the true story of South Korea’s first confirmed serial murders, Memories of Murder (2003) put Bong on the map of filmgoers from around the world thanks to its stylized aesthetic, keen-eye for editing, and an adherence to its characters.
With a whopping 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Memories is often regarded as one of the greatest films in South Korean history, and it’s also among the most lucrative. If Bong Joon-ho’s feature film Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000) was a failure in his eyes, the director must have made a lot of changes in these three short years. It’s likely that Memories of Murder will always remain his masterpiece.
