From gripping thrillers to thought-provoking social critiques, Bong Joon-ho has solidified himself as one of the most unique and influential directors of our time. Let's rank all his films from great to absolute masterpiece!
Bong Joon-ho’s filmography is filled with genre-bending narratives, dark humor, and deep social commentary. His works challenge conventions, blending thriller, drama, sci-fi, and satire in a way that captivates audiences worldwide. Below, we rank every one of his films based on their storytelling, impact, and rewatchability.
Table of Contents
10. Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000)
Bong Joon-ho’s debut film is a dark comedy that explores urban frustration, class struggle, and absurdity.
Plot: A frustrated professor, annoyed by a neighbor’s barking dog, makes a series of questionable decisions that spiral out of control.
Verdict: While not as polished as his later works, it lays the groundwork for his signature themes of satire and moral ambiguity.
⭐ Ranking: 7/10 – A quirky start for a legendary director.9. Influenza (2004, Short Film)
A lesser-known short film, Influenza is an experimental thriller told entirely through CCTV footage.
Plot: An unemployed man slowly descends into crime, starting from petty theft to violent robbery.
Verdict: An interesting experiment in visual storytelling, but not a major film in Bong’s career.
⭐ Ranking: 7.5/10 – A fascinating early look at crime and surveillance.8. Tokyo! (2008, *Shaking Tokyo*)
Bong Joon-ho directed Shaking Tokyo, one segment of the Tokyo! anthology, a visually stunning short about isolation and connection.
Plot: A recluse (hikikomori) falls in love with a pizza delivery girl during an earthquake, forcing him to reconsider his life choices.
Verdict: While beautifully shot, it’s too short to have a huge impact compared to his feature-length films.
⭐ Ranking: 7.5/10 – A poetic, visually stunning short.7. Okja (2017)
A bold mix of adventure, satire, and eco-thriller, Okja showcases Bong Joon-ho’s talent for blending emotion and social commentary.
Plot: A young girl fights to rescue her genetically modified super-pig Okja from a greedy multinational corporation.
Verdict: While tonally uneven, it delivers a powerful message about corporate greed and animal rights.
⭐ Ranking: 8/10 – A visually stunning and emotional ride.6. Snowpiercer (2013)
A thrilling, high-concept dystopian sci-fi film that serves as a brutal allegory for class warfare.
Plot: Humanity’s last survivors live on a train circling the frozen Earth, divided by extreme social hierarchy. The oppressed in the back cars start a revolution.
Verdict: The social critique is blunt, but the stunning visuals and gripping action make it unforgettable.
⭐ Ranking: 8.5/10 – A must-watch dystopian thriller.5. Mother (2009)
A deeply emotional psychological thriller with one of Bong’s most haunting female protagonists.
Plot: A devoted mother goes to extreme lengths to prove her mentally challenged son’s innocence after he is accused of murder.
Verdict: Suspenseful, heartbreaking, and morally complex, this is an underrated masterpiece.
⭐ Ranking: 9/10 – A gripping and emotionally devastating thriller.4. The Host (2006)
A blockbuster monster movie with brains, combining action, comedy, and political satire.
Plot: A monstrous creature emerges from the Han River and kidnaps a young girl, forcing her dysfunctional family to fight for her survival.
Verdict: A perfect mix of thrills, humor, and emotion, *The Host* remains one of the best modern monster films.
⭐ Ranking: 9.5/10 – A genre-bending masterpiece.3. Memories of Murder (2003)
A masterpiece of crime thriller, based on Korea’s first real-life serial killer case.
Plot: Two detectives with opposing methods struggle to catch a serial killer, but their failure consumes them as time passes.
Verdict: Darkly humorous, suspenseful, and emotionally devastating, this film is one of the greatest crime thrillers ever made.
⭐ Ranking: 10/10 – A flawless thriller with an unforgettable ending.2. Parasite (2019)
The first non-English film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, *Parasite* is a stunning social satire.
Plot: A poor family infiltrates a wealthy household by posing as unrelated professionals, leading to a shocking series of events.
Verdict: Wickedly funny, deeply tragic, and masterfully crafted, *Parasite* redefined global cinema.
⭐ Ranking: 10/10 – A modern masterpiece.1. The Best Bong Joon-ho Film: Memories of Murder (2003)
While *Parasite* gained worldwide recognition, *Memories of Murder* remains Bong’s most haunting, emotionally powerful, and technically brilliant film.
Legacy: This film helped establish Korean cinema as a global powerhouse, influencing countless thrillers worldwide.
⭐ Ranking: 10/10 – The definitive Bong Joon-ho masterpiece.Bong Joon-ho is a genre-defying director who masterfully blends thriller, comedy, drama, and social critique in his films. His works challenge conventional storytelling and offer audiences unforgettable cinematic experiences.
From the psychological depth of Mother to the sharp social satire of Parasite and the haunting tension of Memories of Murder, each film showcases his unique vision and storytelling prowess.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just starting to explore his works, Bong Joon-ho’s films offer a mix of entertainment, suspense, and thought-provoking themes that leave a lasting impact.
Which Bong Joon-ho film is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! 🎬✨
Bong Joon-ho, Korean movies, best Bong Joon-ho films, Parasite movie, Memories of Murder, The Host, Snowpiercer, Korean cinema, top Korean directors, international films
