17+ Best Chinese Movies (List)

Chinese cinema has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century.

Over the years, it has produced numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films that have captivated audiences around the world.

From epic historical dramas to thought-provoking art-house films, Chinese movies offer a diverse range of genres and storytelling techniques.

Best Chinese Movies

Here are some of the best Chinese movies spanning various genres and eras:

“In the Mood for Love” (2000)

Directed by Wong Kar-wai

A poignant romantic drama about two neighbors who form a strong bond after suspecting their spouses of infidelity.

“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)

Directed by Ang Lee

A visually stunning martial arts epic centered around a stolen sword and a mysterious warrior.

“Farewell My Concubine” (1993)

Directed by Chen Kaige

A sweeping historical drama that explores the relationship between two male Peking opera actors over several decades.

“Hero” (2002)

Directed by Zhang Yimou

A visually arresting martial arts film about a nameless warrior who recounts his battles with three assassins.

“Raise the Red Lantern” (1991)

Directed by Zhang Yimou

A young woman becomes one of the concubines of a wealthy man during the Warlord Era.

“To Live” (1994)

Directed by Zhang Yimou

A family’s life from the 1940s to the 1970s, reflecting the profound changes in Chinese society.

“Chungking Express” (1994)

Directed by Wong Kar-wai

Two melancholy Hong Kong policemen fall in love: one with a mysterious female underworld figure, the other with a beautiful and ethereal server at a fast-food restaurant.

“The Grandmaster” (2013)

Directed by Wong Kar-wai

The story of martial arts grandmaster Ip Man, the man who trained Bruce Lee.

“House of Flying Daggers” (2004)

Directed by Zhang Yimou

A romantic police captain breaks a beautiful member of a rebel group out of prison to help her rejoin her fellows.

“Red Sorghum” (1987)

Directed by Zhang Yimou

A woman’s life in a rural village in China during the Japanese invasion.

“A Touch of Sin” (2013)

Directed by Jia Zhangke

Four independent stories set in modern China about random acts of violence.

“The Assassin” (2015)

Directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien

A female assassin during the Tang Dynasty begins to question her loyalties when she is tasked with killing a man from her past.

“Infernal Affairs” (2002)

Directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak

A story about a police officer and a mole in the police force trying to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang in South Boston.

“Kung Fu Hustle” (2004)

Directed by Stephen Chow

In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious “Axe Gang” while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.

“The Farewell” (2019)

Directed by Lulu Wang

A Chinese-American woman returns to China with her family under the guise of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to their beloved matriarch, the only person that doesn’t know she only has a short time left to live.

“Yellow Earth” (1984)

Directed by Chen Kaige

A soldier travels to a remote village to collect folk songs for the Communist Party.

“Lust, Caution” (2007)

Directed by Ang Lee

During World War II, a secret agent must seduce, then assassinate an official who works for the Japanese puppet government in Shanghai.

“Dong” (2006)

Directed by Jia Zhangke

A documentary on painter Liu Xiaodong, who goes to the Three Gorges region to paint workers.

These films offer a diverse array of storytelling, from the visually stunning wuxia genre to intimate dramas and historical epics, showcasing the breadth and depth of Chinese cinema.

Below we look deeper into some of the best Chinese movies that have made a significant impact on the global film industry.

Table of Contents

The Golden Era of Chinese Cinema

During the 1930s and 1940s, Chinese cinema experienced its golden era, with the production of several influential films.

These movies not only entertained audiences but also reflected the social and political climate of the time.

One such film is “Spring in a Small Town” (1948), directed by Fei Mu. It is considered a masterpiece of Chinese cinema and is often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made.

The movie tells the story of a woman caught in a love triangle during the aftermath of World War II.

Another notable film from this era is “The Goddess” (1934), directed by Wu Yonggang.

It follows the life of a young woman who turns to prostitution to support her son.

The film is known for its powerful portrayal of female oppression and remains a significant work in Chinese cinematic history.

Revolutionary Films

Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Chinese cinema underwent a significant transformation.

The government encouraged the production of films that promoted socialist values and supported the Communist Party’s ideology.

This period saw the rise of revolutionary films that aimed to inspire and educate the masses.

One of the most influential revolutionary films is “The Red Detachment of Women” (1961), directed by Xie Jin.

It tells the story of a group of women who escape from a cruel landlord and join the Red Army to fight against oppression.

The film became a cultural phenomenon and was praised for its strong female characters and revolutionary spirit.

Another notable revolutionary film is “Farewell My Concubine” (1993), directed by Chen Kaige.

Set against the backdrop of China’s political upheavals, the film follows the lives of two Peking opera performers and explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and identity.

“Farewell My Concubine” received critical acclaim internationally and won the Palme d’Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival.

Wuxia Films

Wuxia films are a popular genre in Chinese cinema that combines martial arts with elements of fantasy and adventure.

These movies often feature heroic characters with extraordinary abilities and are set in ancient China.

“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000), directed by Ang Lee, is one of the most successful wuxia films of all time.

It tells the story of a stolen sword and the quest to retrieve it, intertwining themes of love, honor, and destiny.

The film received widespread critical acclaim and won four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film.

Another notable wuxia film is “Hero” (2002), directed by Zhang Yimou.

Set during the Warring States period, the film follows a nameless warrior who is summoned by the King of Qin to assassinate three rival warlords.

“Hero” is known for its visually stunning cinematography and intricate fight sequences.

Contemporary Chinese Cinema

In recent years, Chinese cinema has seen a surge in popularity both domestically and internationally.

Filmmakers are exploring a wide range of themes and genres, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking techniques.

“A Touch of Sin” (2013), directed by Jia Zhangke, is a critically acclaimed film that examines the impact of China’s rapid economic growth on its society.

The movie tells four interconnected stories of individuals who resort to violence as a response to social injustice. “A Touch of Sin” won the Best Screenplay award at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Another notable contemporary Chinese film is “An Elephant Sitting Still” (2018), directed by Hu Bo.

The movie follows the lives of four individuals who are connected by a rumor about an elephant sitting still in a city.

Despite its lengthy runtime, the film captivates viewers with its raw and introspective storytelling.

FAQs – Best Chinese Movies

1. What are some must-watch Chinese movies?

Some must-watch Chinese movies include “Spring in a Small Town,” “The Goddess,” “The Red Detachment of Women,” “Farewell My Concubine,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Hero,” “A Touch of Sin,” and “An Elephant Sitting Still.”

2. Are Chinese movies popular internationally?

Yes, Chinese movies have gained popularity internationally in recent years.

Films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hero” have achieved significant success and recognition at international film festivals and box offices.

3. What is the significance of revolutionary films in Chinese cinema?

Revolutionary films played a crucial role in shaping Chinese cinema during the mid-20th century.

They promoted socialist values and supported the Communist Party’s ideology, aiming to inspire and educate the masses.

4. What are wuxia films?

Wuxia films are a popular genre in Chinese cinema that combines martial arts with elements of fantasy and adventure.

These movies often feature heroic characters with extraordinary abilities and are set in ancient China.

5. Which contemporary Chinese films have gained critical acclaim?

Contemporary Chinese films like “A Touch of Sin” and “An Elephant Sitting Still” have gained critical acclaim for their unique storytelling and exploration of social issues.

6. Have Chinese movies won international awards?

Yes, Chinese movies have won numerous international awards. Films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Farewell My Concubine” have received accolades at prestigious events like the Academy Awards and Cannes Film Festival.

7. Are there any Chinese movies that explore historical events?

Yes, Chinese cinema has produced several movies that explore historical events.

Films like “Spring in a Small Town” and “Farewell My Concubine” delve into significant periods of Chinese history and provide insights into the cultural and social context of those times.

Yes, many Chinese movies tackle social issues. “A Touch of Sin” is a prime example, as it examines the impact of China’s economic growth on society.

These films often provide a critical commentary on various aspects of Chinese life.

9. Are there any Chinese movies that have achieved commercial success?

Yes, several Chinese movies have achieved commercial success both domestically and internationally.

Films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hero” have performed exceptionally well at the box office.

10. How has Chinese cinema evolved over the years?

Chinese cinema has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the changing social and political climate.

From the golden era of Chinese cinema to the revolutionary films of the mid-20th century and the contemporary works, Chinese movies have adapted to new storytelling techniques and explored a wide range of themes.

Summary – Best Chinese Movies

Chinese cinema has a rich and diverse history, with films that have left a lasting impact on the global film industry.

From the golden era of Chinese cinema to the revolutionary films of the mid-20th century, and the contemporary works that push the boundaries of storytelling, Chinese movies offer a unique cinematic experience.

Whether it’s the epic historical dramas, thought-provoking art-house films, or visually stunning wuxia movies, Chinese cinema continues to captivate audiences around the world.

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