Bong Joon-ho’s latest film, Mickey 17, has officially landed on Rotten Tomatoes with a solid critics’ score, marking a strong return for the Academy Award-winning director. The sci-fi black comedy, starring Robert Pattinson, is an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7 and explores the existential dilemmas of a regenerating expendable worker sent on a mission to colonize an icy planet.
While Mickey 17 doesn’t quite reach the near-perfect 99% score of Bong’s Oscar-winning Parasite, its debut rating suggests another engaging, thought-provoking entry in the director’s diverse filmography.
Mickey 17’s Rotten Tomatoes Score: A Strong Start
With just a few weeks left before its March 7 release, Mickey 17 has received an 84% critics’ approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 25 reviews. This positions the film favorably among Bong Joon-ho’s past works, continuing his streak of films landing on the positive side of the rating scale.
Here’s how Mickey 17 stacks up against Bong Joon-ho’s previous films:
| Title | Critics’ Score | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Dogs Never Bite | 88% | 76% |
| Memories of Murder | 95% | 92% |
| The Host | 93% | 72% |
| Tokyo! | 76% | 72% |
| Mother | 96% | 89% |
| Snowpiercer | 94% | 72% |
| Okja | 87% | 81% |
| Parasite | 99% | 96% |
| Mickey 17 | 84% | N/A |
While Mickey 17’s 84% score is lower than some of Bong’s biggest successes, it still signals a well-received film that aligns with his consistent critical acclaim.
What the Critics’ Score Means for Mickey 17
A Strong Comeback After Six Years
Since making his debut with Barking Dogs Never Bite, Bong Joon-ho has built a stellar track record across multiple genres—sci-fi (Snowpiercer), mystery (Memories of Murder), dark comedy (Parasite), and more.
His ability to blend social commentary with gripping narratives has made him one of the most exciting directors in modern cinema. Mickey 17 seems to continue this trend of innovation, despite its lower score compared to Parasite.
Potential Audience Reception Challenges
Historically, audiences have rated Bong’s films lower than critics. The audience score for Mickey 17 is still unavailable, but if past trends hold, it may fall below 84%, potentially affecting its word-of-mouth success.
Films like Snowpiercer and The Host have had audience scores 20+ points lower than critics’ ratings. If Mickey 17 follows suit, it may struggle to reach the universal acclaim of Parasite.
Our Take on Mickey 17’s Rotten Tomatoes Debut
Robert Pattinson & Bong Joon-ho: A Winning Combo
While Mickey 17 may not yet be hailed as another Parasite, it still demonstrates that Bong Joon-ho remains one of the most inventive filmmakers today.
Early reviews praise Pattinson’s performance, as well as the film’s philosophical themes, dark humor, and stunning visuals.
With its blend of sci-fi, existential dilemmas, and Bong’s signature storytelling, Mickey 17 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing films of 2024.
