Long before Bong Joon-ho made history with Parasite—winning Best Director and Best Picture at the Academy Awards and grossing over $250 million worldwide—he was already crafting masterpieces. One of his earliest and most influential works, Memories of Murder, is currently streaming on Paramount+ in the United States, but time is running out. The film will be removed from the platform on June 1, 2026.
Released in 2003, Memories of Murder is a psychological thriller that redefined the crime genre. It was Bong's first collaboration with actor Song Kang-ho, who would later star in The Host, Snowpiercer, and Parasite. The film is based on the true story of South Korea's first documented serial killer, who terrorized the country for years before being caught nearly three decades later.
The impact of Memories of Murder extends far beyond Korean cinema. It directly inspired David Fincher's Zodiac and the first season of HBO's True Detective—both considered landmarks in the serial killer genre. The film's blend of crime, social satire, and dark comedy set a new standard for storytelling, earning it a 95% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus reads: "Memories of Murder blends the familiar crime genre with social satire and comedy, capturing the all-too human desperation of its key characters."
At the box office, Memories of Murder grossed over $12 million, a remarkable feat for a Korean film at the time. Its legacy has only grown, with many now calling it one of the best films of the 21st century. For fans of crime thrillers, this is a must-watch before it leaves streaming. If you're looking for more gripping crime stories, check out our list of The 20 Best Horror Thrillers of All Time, Ranked.
Bong Joon-ho is currently working on his first animated feature film, Ally, expected in 2027. But for now, the director's early masterpiece is the talk of the streaming world. With its departure from Paramount+ imminent, now is the perfect time to experience the film that changed the game for crime thrillers worldwide.
Don't wait—stream Memories of Murder on Paramount+ before June 1. And if you're a fan of the genre, you might also enjoy Netflix's 'Nemesis' Is the Crime Thriller That Blends 'The Departed' and 'The Dark Knight'.
