Deliberating the most worthy Best Picture winner among the Academy Awards' acclaimed group is often considered a challenging, if not foolish, endeavor, as these films represent the pinnacles of cinematic achievement. In the 21st century, the Academy Awards have recognized an array of exceptional films, ranging from grand epics such as "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" and "Oppenheimer" to intimate independent features like "The Hurt Locker" and "Moonlight." However, if one film were to be selected as the most definitive Oscar player, and perhaps the most significant film of the century so far, that honor would unequivocally belong to "Parasite." This groundbreaking work holds the distinction of being the first, and as of January 2026, the only foreign-language movie to win the prestigious top prize, marking a historical milestone for the Oscars and global cinema.

Beyond its historical significance, Bong Joon Ho's masterful black comedy and thriller stands as a testament to the medium's capacity for perfection. The film's impact on both the Academy Awards and the broader film community has been profound. For those yet to experience its intricate and propulsive narrative for the first time, it was available for streaming on Netflix until February 1. Regardless of its streaming status, the 2019 film, which garnered an additional three Oscars alongside Best Picture, is destined to occupy a permanent place within the film canon, appearing on countless film ballots for generations to come. Having first achieved international acclaim by winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, "Parasite" evolved into an unexpected cultural phenomenon upon its global release in the fall of 2019. It achieved remarkable financial success for an international film and served as a crucial gateway for audiences eager to broaden their cinematic horizons. As its director, Bong Joon Ho, eloquently stated in his Golden Globe acceptance speech, "Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."

"Parasite" represents the culmination of Bong Joon Ho's distinguished career as a filmmaker, primarily rooted in South Korea, where he consistently crafted dark comedies infused with sharp social commentary on the nation's class divide and economic struggles. While already revered by dedicated cinephiles, "Parasite" propelled Bong into mainstream recognition, transforming him into a director with a personality engaging enough to be featured on late-night talk shows. The film's release drew a clear line in the sand for the online cinephile community, as its immense popularity seemingly inspired a new wave of vocal movie enthusiasts, with the film frequently charting as the most popular movie on Letterboxd. Bong was instrumental in elevating awareness of foreign cinema, making it appealing to mainstream audiences and dismantling the misconception that films with subtitles are inherently "artsy" or inaccessible. Furthermore, "Parasite" played a pivotal role in breaking the "glass ceiling" for the Oscars' recognition of cinematic achievements beyond the United States, establishing an expectation for multiple international films to receive nominations and awards.

In numerous respects, "Parasite" offers the ultimate cinematic experience—a rare and compelling synthesis of a highbrow auteur's meticulous artistic vision and a crowd-pleasing burst of pure entertainment. It is remarkable that a film with such profound thematic depth and biting social commentary can also be so riveting as genre entertainment. However, Bong Joon Ho, who previously employed the frameworks of a detective drama in "Memories of Murder" and a monster movie in "The Host" to explore the raw undercurrents of the human and societal condition, possesses a unique touch; his popular sentiments never undermine the film's unflinching narrative. The film propelled the medium forward with its awe-inspiring production design, masterful tonal modulation, and expert pacing, while simultaneously capturing a sense of classic Hollywood wonder in its craftsmanship and execution. It is designed to inspire a love for the art of filmmaking, exuding the vibrant energy reminiscent of classics like "Casablanca" or "Singin' in the Rain."

The film's most celebrated attribute, its sharp tonal shifts, has become a calling card for both Bong Joon Ho and South Korean cinema. This element significantly enhanced the viewing experience for both film scholars and everyday audiences, who were enthralled by a roller-coaster narrative that begins as a satire targeting the oblivious upper-class and seamlessly transitions into a nerve-wracking Hitchcockian thriller permeated by dread and angst. Amidst all the auteurist flourishes and urgent social commentary are fully realized characters on both sides of the class divide. While it is easy to mock the privileged Park family, each member's life is imbued with a pathos that reflects the malaise of living within a metaphorical Gilded Cage. Conversely, the impoverished and desperate-for-work Kim family sees their underdog status constantly challenged by a relentless, almost fiendish pursuit of the fundamental assets that society often takes for granted. Whether enjoyed for leisure or dissected as a complex text on the perils of capitalism, family dynamics, and national identity, "Parasite" consistently proves to be a worthwhile film for revisiting. Bong Joon Ho's marvelous creation, meticulously crafted down to every last frame, was so undeniably brilliant that it practically demanded Oscar recognition when the credits rolled. The film was released on May 30, 2019, has a runtime of 133 minutes, and was directed by Bong Joon Ho, with writing credits also going to Han Jin-won. Producers include Jang Young-hwan, Kwak Sin-ae, and Moon Yang-kwon. Key cast members include Song Kang-ho as Kim Ki-taek and Lee Sun-kyun as Park Dong-ik.