Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Parasite’ Crowned Best Film of the 21st Century by The New York Times

Bong Jun-ho’s groundbreaking film Parasite (2019) has been named the best film of the 21st century by The New York Times, affirming its status as a cinematic masterpiece with enduring global impact.

Released on June 27 (local time), the Times’ curated list of the “100 Best Films of the 21st Century” placed Parasite at the top, lauding it as “a gripping rebuke of neoliberalism” that blends broad comedy with razor-sharp social satire. The review notes the film’s unforgettable genre-bending story that “delivers both exhilarating satisfaction and deeply uncomfortable shocks.”

The article praised Bong’s cinematic evolution, highlighting how Parasite transformed him from an arthouse favorite to a global filmmaking icon. “By the time Parasite concluded its U.S. theatrical run, Bong had gone from being a celebrated name among arthouse fans to holding multiple Oscar trophies — and the world had gained a new superstar,” it said.

In addition to Parasite, Bong’s 2003 thriller Memories of Murder also made the list, securing the 99th spot. The Times called it a “Korean police procedural that breaks Hollywood conventions,” applauding its balance of dark absurdity and tragic insight.

Fellow Korean auteur Park Chan-wook was also recognized, with his cult classic Oldboy (2003) ranked at No. 43. The publication praised its intense violence and iconic fight scenes, calling it “a hammer blow of a film” with an ending that “lingers long after the credits roll.”

Rounding out the top five films were:

• 2nd: Mulholland Drive (David Lynch, 2001)
• 3rd: There Will Be Blood (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2007)
• 4th: In the Mood for Love (Wong Kar-wai, 2001)
• 5th: Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, 2016)

The New York Times compiled the list by surveying over 500 filmmakers, actors, and industry insiders, including directors Pedro Almodóvar, Sofia Coppola, Barry Jenkins, and Guillermo del Toro, as well as actors Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and John Turturro.

With Parasite leading the pack, Korean cinema continues to make an indelible mark on the global stage, proving that storytelling knows no borders — especially when told through the lens of a visionary like Bong Joon-ho.