Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon Ho's genre-defying masterpiece pits a desperate family against the ultra-wealthy in a darkly comic, razor-sharp thriller about class, deception, and survival.
Parasite - Movie Information
- Original Title: 기생충
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Bong Joon Ho
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Thriller, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: English, German, Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 30, 2019 (South Korea - 15), November 1, 2019 (United States - R), November 1, 2019 (Canada - 18A), February 7, 2020 (United Kingdom - 15), October 17, 2019 (Germany - 16), June 5, 2019 (France - TP), January 31, 2020 (India - A), June 17, 2019 (Australia - MA 15+), November 7, 2019 (Brazil - 16), December 25, 2019 (Mexico - B-15), November 7, 2019 (Italy - 14+), October 25, 2019 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: ชนชั้นปรสิต (TH), 上流寄生族 (CN), 기생충 (KR), Parazit (TR), 寄生上流 (TW), Gisaengchung (CL), 上流寄生族 (HK), Մակաբույծ (AM)
- Production Companies: Barunson E&A
- Production Countries: South Korea
Parasite - Plot
All unemployed, Ki-taek's family takes peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks for their livelihood until they get entangled in an unexpected incident.
Parasite - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see how Bong Joon Ho sets the stage for his award-winning thriller:
Act like you own the place.
Where to Watch Parasite
Looking for where to watch Parasite?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Parasite - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bong Joon Ho
Main Cast
- Song Kang-ho
- Lee Sun-kyun
- Cho Yeo-jeong
- Choi Woo-shik
- Park So-dam
- Lee Jung-eun
- Jang Hye-jin
- Park Myung-hoon
- Jung Zi-so
- Jung Hyeon-jun
Writers
- Bong Joon Ho
- Han Jin-won
Producers
- Jang Young-hwan
- Kwak Sin-ae
- Moon Yang-kwon
- Bong Joon Ho
Parasite - FAQs
What is the ending of Parasite explained?
The climax erupts at Da-song's birthday party when the hidden basement dweller Geun-se attacks, leading to multiple deaths. Ki-taek kills Mr. Park and vanishes into the bunker. The film ends with Ki-woo imagining buying the house one day to free his father — a dream the film frames as tragically out of reach.
Is Parasite based on a true story?
Parasite is not based on a true story. Director Bong Joon Ho conceived the original screenplay with co-writer Han Jin-won. However, the film draws on very real social tensions in South Korea, particularly the stark wealth gap between the ultra-rich and the working poor, giving it a grounded, documentary-like authenticity.
Where can you stream or watch Parasite?
Parasite is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It can also be rented on FlixFling and streamed for free on Kanopy. Availability may vary by region — check JustWatch for the most current options in your area.
Did Parasite win any major awards?
Parasite made history at the 2020 Academy Awards, winning four Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (Bong Joon Ho), Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. It was the first non-English-language film ever to win Best Picture, and also claimed the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
Who are the main actors in Parasite?
Parasite stars Song Kang-ho as the scheming patriarch Kim Ki-taek, alongside Lee Sun-kyun as the wealthy Mr. Park, Cho Yeo-jeong as his naive wife Yeon-kyo, Choi Woo-shik as son Ki-woo, Park So-dam as daughter Ki-jung, and Lee Jung-eun as the Parks' long-serving housekeeper Moon-gwang.
What is Parasite about?
Parasite follows the Kim family — all unemployed — who gradually infiltrate the household of the affluent Parks by posing as unrelated, highly qualified workers. What begins as a darkly comic con spirals into a tense, violent thriller exploring class inequality, desperation, and the invisible walls separating the rich from the poor.
What is the age rating for Parasite?
Parasite is rated R in the United States, reflecting its intense violence, disturbing thematic content, and brief strong language. It carries a 15 certificate in South Korea and the United Kingdom, a 16 rating in Germany and Spain, and an MA 15+ classification in Australia. It is not suitable for younger audiences.
How long is Parasite and what genre is it?
Parasite runs for 2 hours and 13 minutes (133 minutes). Bong Joon Ho deliberately defies easy categorization — the film blends dark comedy, psychological thriller, and social drama, shifting tone dramatically across its runtime. This genre fluidity is widely considered one of its most remarkable and unsettling achievements.
More About Parasite
Explore further details, ratings, and production information from these authoritative sources.