🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Takashi Yamazaki
- Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 49min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (5.7K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A nerdy teen gets a sassy, shape-shifting right hand and they fight evil alien head-monsters together, all while pondering the deeper meaning of sushi.
🍿 Parasyte: Part 1: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Parasitic Invasion Begins
The world is plagued by gruesome murders attributed to mysterious creatures. High school student Shinichi Izumi narrowly avoids becoming a host when a parasitic creature attempts to invade his brain but ends up inhabiting his right hand instead. He names the parasite Migi, meaning ‘right’.

Shinichi and Migi’s Unlikely Alliance
Shinichi and Migi form an uneasy alliance. Shinichi struggles to adapt to Migi’s presence and the bizarre new reality he’s thrust into. They encounter other parasites who have successfully taken over human hosts, leading to violent and disturbing confrontations.

The Threat Escalates
The parasites begin to organize and infiltrate human society, posing as teachers and officials. Ryoko Tamiya, a parasite who has successfully integrated, becomes a key figure. Shinichi and Migi find themselves increasingly isolated as they try to protect themselves and those around them.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Shin’ichi Izumi (Shôta Sometani): A high school student who becomes host to a parasite in his right hand, forming a symbiotic relationship.
- Ryôko Tamiya (Eri Fukatsu): A parasite who infiltrates human society and becomes a teacher while studying human behavior.
- Satomi Murano (Ai Hashimoto): Shinichi’s close friend and classmate who is caught up in the dangerous events surrounding the parasites.
- Goto (Tadanobu Asano): A powerful and dangerous composite parasite, posing a significant threat to Shinichi and humanity.
- Mickey (Sadao Abe): The parasite residing in Shinichi’s right hand, acting as both a weapon and a complex companion.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Migi: “Humans are parasites too, you know.” – Migi points out humanity’s destructive impact on the planet, questioning who the real parasites are.
- Shinichi Izumi: “I have to protect what’s important to me.” – Shinichi’s resolve to fight the parasites and protect humanity after his life is changed.
- Ryoko Tamiya: “We’re still learning about this world.” – Ryoko states how the parasyte life on Earth is still a mystery, a journey of exploration and discovery.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $9,649,013
💥 Parasyte: Part 1 Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this movie not knowing what to expect and was completely blown away! The concept is so bizarre, but it’s executed brilliantly. The relationship between Shinichi and Migi is hilarious and surprisingly touching. I found myself laughing one minute and on the edge of my seat the next. The special effects are a little dated, but the over-the-top gore is fantastic! Seriously, you have to see this movie to believe it!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of sci-fi horror”
- “Viewers interested in Japanese cinema”
- “Manga and anime enthusiasts”
- “Those who enjoy body horror themes”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Disturbing imagery”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Anime News Network: “Parasyte: Part 1 successfully translates the manga’s body horror and philosophical questions to live-action, although some CGI limitations and a rushed plot may disappoint hardcore fans. However, it’s still a thrilling and thought-provoking watch.
- Asian Movie Pulse: “A compelling adaptation with impressive special effects and strong performances, ‘Parasyte: Part 1’ captures the essence of the source material, delivering a gory and surprisingly emotional experience. Worth a watch even if you’re unfamiliar with the manga.
- Letterboxd: “For a manga adaptation, ‘Parasyte: Part 1’ is surprisingly great. With all its gore and action, it also knows when to put its characters first, but I still recommend the anime for a more fleshed-out experience.
Audience Reactions
The gory special effects and creative monster designs were a huge hit with audiences.: Viewers were impressed by the movie’s ability to balance horror with humor and heart.
Fans of the manga and anime appreciated the film’s faithfulness to the source material.: Many thought that some of the characters and events from the movie were not properly presented.
Overall Consensus: A fun and surprisingly emotional horror film with creative monster designs, even though fans have mixed feelings.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the manga series ‘Parasyte’ by Hitoshi Iwaaki.”
- “Two live-action films were produced, with ‘Parasyte: Part 1’ covering the first part of the story and ‘Parasyte: Part 2’ concluding it.”
- “Director Takashi Yamazaki is known for his visual effects work, which is evident in the creature designs and action sequences.”
- “The movie condenses some plot points and characters from the manga to fit the film’s runtime.”
🖥️ How to Watch Parasyte: Part 1?
As a Japanese film, ‘Parasyte: Part 1’ may be available through various streaming platforms specializing in international cinema. Check services like Crunchyroll or Tubi, which often feature Asian films. For purchase or rental, digital platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Google Play Movies may offer the film. Additionally, physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) could be available through online retailers like Amazon or specialized import stores.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Parasyte: Part 1, you might like these similar films:
- Tokyo Ghoul (2017): Shares the theme of humans coexisting with creatures that need to consume human flesh to survive, set in a modern Japanese city.
- Venom (2018): Features a human host bonding with an alien symbiote, granting them powers and leading to a complex relationship.
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978): Explores the paranoia and horror of alien entities taking over human bodies and society.
- Life (2017): It is a sci-fi horror about a parasitic alien life-form attacking humans on a space station, it creates a suspenseful and claustrophobic atmosphere.
🛒 Parasyte: Part 1 Related Products
- Parasyte: The Maxim – Collection 1 [Blu-ray]: Own the anime series that inspired the movie! This collection features the first half of the series, complete with English dub and subtitles. Experience the full story with enhanced visuals and sound.
- Parasyte Manga Box Set: The complete manga series in a beautifully designed box set. Dive into the original story with stunning artwork and bonus content, perfect for collectors and fans.
- Parasyte: Migi Plush: A cute and cuddly plush of Migi, Shinichi’s parasitic right hand. Perfect for fans of the series who want a unique and quirky collectible.
- Parasyte T-Shirt: A high-quality cotton t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the Parasyte series. Choose from various designs showcasing Shinichi, Migi, and other characters. Available in multiple sizes.
🎧 Soundtrack
Parasyte: Part 1 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
It’s about a high school student, Shinichi Izumi, whose right hand is infected by a parasite. He and the parasite, named Migi, must coexist and fight against other parasites that threaten humanity.
Yes, it’s based on the popular Japanese manga series ‘Parasyte’ (Kiseijuu) by Hitoshi Iwaaki.
Check streaming services like Crunchyroll, Tubi, or digital rental/purchase platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
🔥 Bonus Content
Dystopian Japan Where Humans Have Parasites Living In Their Bodies
Want a quick rundown of the movie’s crazy plot? This recap dives into the dystopian world of Parasyte, where humans and parasites co-exist in the most unsettling way. It’s a great way to refresh your memory or get a quick overview before diving in!
Parasyte: Part Two (2015) Carnage Count
Ever wondered just how much carnage there *really* is in Parasyte: Part Two? This video breaks down all the mayhem with cold, hard stats! It’s a surprisingly entertaining watch if you’re into that kind of thing.
The Brutality Of PARASYTE
Curious about the darker side of Parasyte? This video explores the film’s brutal moments and unsettling themes, offering a deeper dive into what makes it so disturbing. It’s a cool perspective if you’re into horror movies!
✨ Rate
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