Netflix subscribers have a limited window to view the critically acclaimed thriller, Parasite, directed by Bong Joon Ho. The film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, will be removed from the streaming platform on January 31, 2026. This departure marks a significant moment for fans of international cinema, as Parasite remains one of the standout films of the past decade.
Set against a backdrop of stark social inequality, Parasite follows the Kim family, who grapple with poverty. Their fortunes begin to shift when the son, Ki-woo, secures a tutoring position for the daughter of the affluent Park family, thanks to a friend’s referral. What starts as a seemingly fortuitous opportunity spirals into a web of deception as each member of the Kim family infiltrates the lives of the Parks. This escalating tension leads to unforeseen consequences and reveals hidden motives that are both shocking and compelling.
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Song Kang-ho as Kim Ki-taek, Lee Sun-kyun as Park Dong-ik, Cho Yeo-jeong as Choi Yeon-gyo, Choi Woo-shik as Kim Ki-woo, and Park So-dam as Kim Ki-jung. Their performances have contributed to the film’s status as a modern classic.
Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success
Since its release in 2019, Parasite has garnered exceptional praise, boasting a remarkable 99 percent critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 485 reviews, alongside a 90 percent audience score. The film also achieved significant financial success, grossing over $262 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo.
The film’s accolades extend beyond box office performance. Parasite made history at the 92nd Academy Awards by being the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. It also received top honors at the Grand Bell Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, among other prestigious ceremonies.
As January 31, 2026, approaches, Netflix viewers will want to prioritize watching Parasite before it exits their streaming options. This film not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on social hierarchies and the lengths people will go to improve their circumstances.
With its departure on the horizon, Parasite serves as a reminder of the powerful narratives that international cinema can offer. As fans prepare to bid farewell to this masterpiece, it remains a landmark achievement in filmmaking and storytelling.
