The Host
Directed by Bong Joon Ho · 2006 ·
Is The Host worth watching?
Yes. The Host (2006) earns an 81% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics (93%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (73%). See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as 괴물 समुन्द्री शिकारी El Huésped O Hospedeiro グエムル -漢江の怪物- 汉江怪物 駭人怪物 Yaratık
🏆 4 award wins · 1 nomination — Won Best Director, Blue Dragon Film Awards 2006
CJ Entertainment Where to watch
- Prime Video
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Where to watch The Host by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| South Korea | Netflix, Disney+, Wavve, TVING |
| United States | Prime Video |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (93/100).
- General viewers mostly liked it (73%).
- Metascore signals universal acclaim (85/100).
- Celluloid Score 81% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.
Best for
- Viewers who want a well-regarded horror, sci-fi pick
- Critics' darlings — stronger with reviewers than general viewers
Not ideal for
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is The Host worth watching?
Yes — The Host earns an 81% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded horror, sci-fi pick. Read our full review (4/5).
Celluloid verdict
Bong's monster movie is funny, angry, and politically sharp beneath its creature-feature surface.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Critics (93%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (73%).
What is The Host about?
A dysfunctional family battles a mutant creature from the Han River after it abducts a young girl in a satire of government failure.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
The Host (2006) Review: A Monster Movie With a Grudge
★★★★☆
The Host is Bong Joon Ho's anarchic Korean creature feature about a hapless family hunting a river monster, as funny and angry as it is frightening.
Yes. It is one of the best monster movies of the century for viewers who enjoy genre films with satire and heart, though its wild tonal swings will not suit everyone.
The Host stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
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The Host: frequently asked questions
Is The Host worth watching?
Yes. The Host (2006) has a Celluloid Score of 81%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch The Host?
In the United States, The Host streams on Prime Video with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Netflix, Disney+, Wavve, TVING in South Korea. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is The Host?
The Host runs 1 hour 59 minutes (119 minutes).
What is The Host rated?
The Host is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, M in Australia, R in Canada and 12 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in The Host?
The Host is directed by Bong Joon Ho and stars Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il.
What is the Metascore for The Host?
Metacritic's Metascore for The Host is 85 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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