Sometimes, I randomly think about the words South Korean director Bong Joon Ho said when accepting his historic award at the 2020 Golden Globes: “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
That quote genuinely changed how I view international cinema. It made me realize how many incredible movies I had been overlooking simply because they required subtitles. There was never a real reason to avoid them; I just didn’t want to read subtitles for an entire movie or watch dubbed versions where the dialogue and lip movements didn’t always match.
Once I gave subtitled films a chance, I discovered a new world of storytelling—a world of masterpieces. Not only did I find some of the best movies I’ve ever seen, but I also gained an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
With that in mind, here are five must-watch Bong Joon Ho films that prove subtitles are absolutely worth it.
1. Parasite (2019)
The first recommendation is Parasite, one of Bong Joon Ho’s most acclaimed films. The story follows the struggling, low-income Kim family as they gradually infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Park family by creating false identities to secure jobs in their household.
What begins as a clever scheme soon takes a shocking turn when they uncover a secret. As tensions rise between the two families, the film spirals into a gripping mix of suspense, dark comedy, and unexpected violence.
If you love unexpected twists and suspenseful storytelling, this movie is worth adding to your watchlist.
2. Memories of Murder (2003)
This next movie has one of the most chilling real-life connections. Years after its release, the real-life serial killer who inspired the story was identified, and it was later revealed that he had watched the film.
Memories of Murder follows two detectives with drastically different investigative styles as they work to solve a series of seemingly connected murders. The killer appears to target women wearing red and often strikes on rainy nights, but even with these clues, the case remains frustratingly elusive. As the investigation drags on, the mounting pressure to catch the culprit pushes both detectives toward their breaking points, causing them to question and abandon their own ethical boundaries.
If you enjoy slow-burning crime thrillers, psychological tension, and mysteries based on true events, Memories of Murder is a must-watch.
3. The Host (2006)
If you’re looking for a monster movie with more substance than jump scares, The Host is an excellent choice.
The film begins after careless American military personnel dump chemicals into South Korea’s Han River, leading to the emergence of a terrifying creature years later. When the creature abducts a young girl, her family embarks on a desperate mission to rescue her while the government struggles to contain the crisis.
4. Mother (2009)
This next film is a psychological thriller that follows a widowed mother who resides with her mentally challenged son in a small South Korean town, where she scrapes out a living selling medicinal herbs. Their lives are turned upside down after a young girl’s murder, and her son becomes the prime suspect in the case. Betrayed by the legal system, the mother takes the law into her own hands to clear her son’s name.
As she digs deeper into the mystery, she confronts unsettling secrets and difficult questions about how far a parent will go to protect their child.
5. Okja (2017)
For ten years, a young girl named Mija has been the caretaker and closest companion to Okja, a massive animal and an even bigger friend. Their peaceful life in the mountains of South Korea is disrupted when the powerful Mirando Corporation takes Okja for itself and transports her to New York, where an image-obsessed, self-promoting CEO has big plans for Mija’s dearest friend. With no particular plan but single-minded in intent, Mija sets out on a rescue mission.
If you enjoy heartfelt stories with memorable characters and meaningful themes, Okja is a must-watch.
Don’t miss out on amazing stories simply because they’re in another language. These Bong Joon Ho films prove that subtitles are a small price to pay for some of the most compelling and unforgettable movies you’ll ever watch.
Featured image via “Bong Joon Ho Mother Close Up” by rasdourian / CC BY 2.0
