Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite has once again made cinematic history—this time topping The New York Times’ list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century.

The influential American newspaper released the list on June 27, spotlighting standout films released since January 1, 2000. Leading the pack is Parasite, the groundbreaking 2019 film that shattered language barriers and swept four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Describing it as “a tale of haves and have-nots, and a ferocious rebuke to the devastations of neoliberalism,” the Times praised Bong’s genre-bending storytelling. The review hailed the film for its seamless shifts between dark comedy, sharp social satire, and explosive tragedy—calling it “a pleasurably kinked and unsettling shocker.”

Other Korean masterpieces also made the cut. Park Chan-wook’s cult classic Oldboy (2003) landed at 43rd, while Bong’s haunting crime drama Memories of Murder (2003) came in at 99th.

David Lynch’s surreal mystery Mulholland Drive (2001) and Paul Thomas Anderson’s gritty epic There Will Be Blood (2007) ranked second and third respectively.

Another notable inclusion was Past Lives (2023) by Korean Canadian director Celine Song, which earned the 86th spot—reflecting the rising global influence of Korean voices in cinema.

The list was curated with input from 500 leading figures in the film world, including directors, actors, producers, and critics. With Parasite at the top, the ranking underscores not only the film’s artistic brilliance but also the growing recognition of Asian cinema on the world stage.

BOB Post