10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Parasite (2019)

Description: 'Oldboy' shares with 'Parasite' a dark, twisted narrative that delves into the human psyche. Both films are masterclasses in tension and suspense, with shocking reveals that change the entire context of the story. The themes of revenge and moral ambiguity are prevalent in both films. The cinematography in 'Oldboy' is as striking and memorable as in 'Parasite'.

Fact: 'Oldboy' won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. The famous hallway fight scene was shot in one take. The film is part of Park Chan-wook's 'Vengeance Trilogy'.

Description: 'The Host' and 'Parasite' both blend genres seamlessly, with 'The Host' combining horror, comedy, and family drama, much like 'Parasite' mixes thriller, comedy, and social commentary. Both films are directed by Bong Joon-ho and feature his signature style of balancing humor with darker themes. The family dynamics in both films are central to the narrative.

Fact: 'The Host' was inspired by a real-life incident where a Korean mortician was ordered to dump formaldehyde down the drain. The creature in the film was created using a combination of CGI and practical effects. The film was a box office hit in South Korea and gained international acclaim.

Description: 'Mother' and 'Parasite' both explore the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their families, often blurring the lines between right and wrong. Both films are tense, psychological dramas with moments of dark humor. The cinematography in both films is carefully composed to enhance the emotional impact of the story.

Fact: 'Mother' was South Korea's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 82nd Academy Awards. The film stars Kim Hye-ja in a career-defining role as the titular mother. Director Bong Joon-ho has cited 'Mother' as one of his most personal films.

Description: 'I Saw the Devil' and 'Parasite' both delve into the darker aspects of human nature, with 'I Saw the Devil' focusing on revenge and 'Parasite' on class struggle. Both films are intense and visceral, with moments of shocking violence. The cinematography in both films is striking, with a focus on creating a mood that lingers.

Fact: 'I Saw the Devil' was initially banned in several countries due to its extreme violence. The film stars Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik, two of South Korea's most acclaimed actors. Director Kim Jee-woon is known for his genre-blending films.

Description: Like 'Parasite', 'Snowpiercer' explores themes of class struggle and social inequality, albeit in a dystopian setting. Both films use a confined space (a train in 'Snowpiercer', a house in 'Parasite') to highlight the stark contrasts between the rich and the poor. The visual storytelling in both films is meticulous, with each frame packed with symbolism. Interestingly, 'Snowpiercer' was also directed by Bong Joon-ho, the same director as 'Parasite', which explains the similar thematic depth and visual style.

Fact: 'Snowpiercer' is based on a French graphic novel called 'Le Transperceneige'. The film features an international cast including Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, and Song Kang-ho. The train set was built on a soundstage in Prague and was over 500 feet long.

Description: 'The Handmaiden' and 'Parasite' both feature intricate plots with multiple twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Both films also explore themes of deception, class, and power dynamics. The visual aesthetics in 'The Handmaiden' are as meticulously crafted as in 'Parasite', with each frame serving a purpose in the storytelling.

Fact: 'The Handmaiden' is based on the novel 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters, but the setting is changed from Victorian England to 1930s Korea under Japanese rule. The film won the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Director Park Chan-wook is known for his visually stunning and thematically complex films.

Description: 'The Wailing' and 'Parasite' both use genre elements to explore deeper societal and psychological themes. While 'The Wailing' is a horror film and 'Parasite' a thriller, both films are layered with symbolism and social commentary. The tension in both films builds gradually, leading to shocking climaxes.

Fact: 'The Wailing' was inspired by a real-life event where a mysterious illness affected a small village. The film's title in Korean, 'Goksung', refers to the sound of wailing or crying. Director Na Hong-jin spent years researching shamanism for the film.

Description: 'Train to Busan' and 'Parasite' both use confined spaces (a train and a house, respectively) to heighten tension and explore human behavior under pressure. Both films also critique societal structures, with 'Train to Busan' focusing on how class and privilege affect survival in a zombie apocalypse. The emotional depth and character development in both films are exceptional.

Fact: 'Train to Busan' was the first Korean zombie film to achieve international success. The film was shot almost entirely on a moving train. A sequel, 'Peninsula', was released in

Description: 'Burning' shares with 'Parasite' a slow-burning tension and a critique of social inequality in South Korea. Both films delve into the psychological complexities of their characters, with 'Burning' focusing on the mysterious disappearance of a young woman and the class tensions between the three main characters. The cinematography in both films is stunning, with a focus on creating a mood that lingers long after the film ends.

Fact: 'Burning' is based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. The film was South Korea's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards. Steven Yeun, who plays Ben in the film, is the first Asian-American actor to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category.

Description: 'Shoplifters' and 'Parasite' both explore the lives of marginalized families who resort to unconventional means to survive. While 'Parasite' uses dark humor and thriller elements, 'Shoplifters' takes a more tender, humanistic approach. Both films, however, are deeply critical of societal structures that perpetuate poverty and inequality. The family dynamics in both films are complex and heart-wrenching.

Fact: 'Shoplifters' won the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. The film was inspired by real-life reports of families who shoplifted to survive. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda is known for his focus on family and social issues in his films.