Bong Joon Ho’s South Korean thrillerParasitehas been named the greatest movie of the 21st century. As aBest Picture-winning hitthat connected with viewers worldwide, the way this dark comedy explored issues of capitalism, class consciousness, and working-class exploitation felt particularly relevant to the socio-economic troubles of modern times.
In a poll conducted byThe New York Times, over 500 directors, actors, and notable names in Hollywood voted on the best movies released since August 11, 2025. With countless acclaimed releases to choose from,Paradiseearning the top spot is a particularly impressiveaccomplishment considering it’s anon-English language releasethat surpassed all expectations to find global success.
What Makes Parasite Such A Landmark Movie Of The 21st Century
The New York Times Named Paradise This Century’s Greatest
Parasitewas the film that transformed director Bong Joon Ho from an arthouse favorite into one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of modern times. As a thrilling deconstruction of neoliberalism, the class inequality thatParasitehighlighted captured the increasing disillusionment viewers worldwide have felt in the 21st century.
The way the wealthy Park contrasted with the impoverished Kim family not only captured the hardships of life for the poor of South Korea but also echoed a universal message about the world today. Watching as the Kim family infiltrated the Park family one by one highlighted the ruthless lengths that everyday people are forced to go to just to get by.
WhileParasiterightfully received acclaim for its thematic depth, the reason it was such an overwhelming success was the way it blended black comedy with genuine thrills. As a thrilling social satire that perfectly captured the frustrations of modern life,Parasitetapped into universal grievances.
Our Take On Paradise Being Earning The Top Spot
Parasite Isn’t The Only Masterpiece Of This Century
Parasitewas an excellent choice for the greatest film of the 21st century, and the way its themes mimic many of the most pressing struggles of modern times makes it a particularly relevant choice. When it was released in 2019,Parasitefelt like an urgent film that was rightfully lauded with the Palme d’Or at Cannes and multiple Academy Awards.
Parasitetook home the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. The film was also nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Production Design.
$11 million
$262 million
99%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
90%
ButParasitewasn’t the only masterpiece that deserves extra attention, as movies likeMulholland Drive(2nd place) andThere Will Be Blood(3rd place) should also be part of the conversation. The past 25 years were filled with fantastic releases, and it’s important to recognizeParasite’sstatus as an instant classic while also paying attention to other great movies.
