The Host

  • 2006
  • R
  • 120m
movieMx RATING
7.0/103K
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: The Host Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Host (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Host features a noteworthy lineup led by Song Kang-ho . Supported by the likes of Byun Hee-bong and Park Hae-il , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Host (2006) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Host stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: The Host

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2006, The Host is a Horror, Drama, Science Fiction film directed by Bong Joon Ho. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Song Kang-ho.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A teenage girl is captured by a giant mutated squid-like creature that appears from Seoul's Han River after toxic waste was dumped in it, prompting her family into a frantic search for her. Director Bong Joon Ho uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Song Kang-ho's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Ending Explained: The Host

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Bong Joon Ho, The Host resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to horror resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Song Kang-ho, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Host reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Host?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Song Kang-ho or the director
  • Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere

Box Office Collection: The Host

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $11.0M
Worldwide Gross $88.5M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

The Host Budget

The estimated production budget for The Host is $11.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: The Host

All Cast & Crew →
Song Kang-ho
Song Kang-hoPark Gang-du
Byun Hee-bong
Byun Hee-bongPark Hie-bong
Park Hae-il
Park Hae-ilPark Nam-il
Bae Doona
Bae DoonaPark Nam-joo
Ko A-sung
Ko A-sungPark Hyun-seo
Oh Dal-su
Oh Dal-suThe Monster (voice)
Yoon Je-moon
Yoon Je-moonHomeless Man
Yim Pil-sung
Yim Pil-sungFat Guevara
Kim Roi-ha
Kim Roi-haYellow Suit at Funeral
Koh Soo-hee
Koh Soo-heeHostage nurse
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Where to Watch The Host Online?

Streaming Hub

The Host Parents Guide & Age Rating

2006 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Host age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Host is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Host is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Host is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for The Host. Rating: 7.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Host worth watching?

The Host is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Host parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Host identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Host?

The total duration of The Host is 120 minutes, which is approximately 2h 0m long.

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Critic Reviews for The Host

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.0
The Host
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-host-1255" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Host</div></div></a>

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