Park Chan-wook Films That Outshine Parasite: A Definitive Ranking

When it comes to Korean filmmakers, Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho stand as towering figures, opening doors for countless viewers eager to explore the depth and artistry of Korean movies. Both directors have delivered unforgettable films for more than twenty years, but the worldwide phenomenon of Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite was something no one could have predicted. The film swept the Oscars and became a cultural touchstone, a level of mainstream success that Park Chan-wook’s movies haven’t quite reached—despite their undeniable quality.

Still, Parasite earned every bit of its acclaim, with its sharp take on social inequality resonating with audiences everywhere. It’s a brilliant, accessible look at class division, but in the grand scheme of Korean cinema, it’s just a starting point. Depending on your taste, Park Chan-wook’s films might leave an even deeper impression. While everyone’s opinion is subjective, here are five Park Chan-wook movies that, in my view, stand above Parasite.

Joint Security Area: A Human Story Across Borders

After two early films that didn’t make much noise, Park Chan-wook made a splash with Joint Security Area, which he considers his true directorial debut. The film doesn’t showcase his trademark stylized violence, but it nails the emotional complexity of life on both sides of the Korean DMZ. The story unfolds like a Rashomon-style mystery after a deadly shooting sparks a tense standoff between North and South Korea.

What starts as a suspenseful investigation transforms into a moving story of brotherhood and loss, highlighting how politics and rigid beliefs can tear people apart. Park’s close-up focus on his characters and the urgency of the situation hit with more force than Parasite’s social commentary, showing just how skilled he is at weaving political themes into personal stories. Tackling such a sensitive topic was bold, and the film’s emotional impact lingers long after the credits roll.

Decision to Leave: Love and Mystery Intertwined

While Park Chan-wook is often celebrated for his visual flair and symbolic storytelling, he’s also a master at exploring romance in unexpected ways. Decision to Leave isn’t your typical love story—it’s a neo- noir mystery wrapped around a tragic relationship. The plot follows a detective who becomes entangled with the widow of a murder victim, diving deep into themes of guilt, longing, and inevitable heartbreak.

The film’s ending is one of the most hauntingly beautiful in recent memory, sticking with you long after you leave the theater. Some viewers might find the heavy symbolism a challenge, but it fits perfectly with the film’s mood. Unlike Parasite’s direct satire, Decision to Leave takes its time, offering a slow-burning look at doomed love. It’s a shame it didn’t get more recognition at the Oscars.

The Handmaiden: Twists, Turns, and Empowerment

The Handmaiden deserved a spot at the Academy Awards years before Parasite made history. It’s easily one of the standout films of the last decade. Park Chan-wook takes the Rashomon-style narrative to new heights here, using a three-act structure packed with jaw-dropping twists. The story starts as a con, with a pickpocket and her partner scheming to swindle a wealthy heiress, but the shifting perspectives keep the audience guessing at every turn.

The chemistry between Sook-hee and Lady Hideko is electric, and Park crafts a tale that’s both sensual and empowering, constantly upending expectations. While tragic endings are a hallmark of his work, The Handmaiden surprises with its poetic resolution, fitting for a film full of surprises.

No Other Choice: Capitalism and Desperation

No Other Choice earns its place on this list not just because it’s recent, but because it’s the closest Park Chan-wook has come to matching Parasite’s critique of capitalism. Both films tackle the dark side of modern society, but Park zeroes in on personal desperation and the dehumanizing effects of corporate culture. The story follows Yoo Man-su, who, after losing his job, goes to extreme lengths to secure his future, using ruthless tactics against his rivals.

The film showcases Park’s strengths—meticulous symbolism, striking visuals, and biting dark humor that heightens the tragedy. It’s a masterwork that deserves as much attention as Parasite, capturing the bleak reality of late-stage capitalism and the looming threat of AI. The ending is Park’s most somber yet, serving as a chilling warning about what happens when people are reduced to numbers.

Oldboy: The Ultimate Revenge Thriller

Oldboy put Korean cinema on the global map and remains the gold standard for revenge thrillers. Its tight pacing and unforgettable action sequences showcase Park Chan-wook’s genius. As the second film in his Vengeance trilogy, it explores the devastating cost of revenge from both the protagonist and antagonist’s perspectives.

Park avoids one-dimensional villains, and even the most twisted characters are given depth and empathy. The film’s shocking twist ending is legendary, and even after all these years, it continues to top lists of the greatest Korean films. It’s a movie best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible.

With such a diverse range of stories, the debate over which film is best comes down to personal taste—whether you’re drawn to Park Chan-wook’s artistry or the social commentary of Parasite.