Top 12+ Must-watch Chinese Movies You Shouldn’t Miss

I am sure, most of you are fond of Chinese movies, the actions coupled with martial arts, the special effects, and the unique characters in the films are eye-catching. This film industry has a rich history and a vast audience across the globe that spans over a century. In the early 20th century, Shanghai became the epicenter of the Chinese film industry.

With the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the film industry of China took a spectacular turn. Referred to as the Hengdian World Studios, it is known for its unique storytelling, the Chinese film industry has gained international recognition.

12+ Iconic Chinese Movies You Should Watch

1: Hero (2002)

This movie is one of my personal favourites. The movie was directed by Zhang Yimou, the martial arts shown in this film are visually stunning with an awesome storyline. The theme of this epic martial arts film is based on sacrifice and honour. Due to its intricate narrative structure and breathtaking cinematography, the film earned numerous awards, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

2: In the Mood for Love (2000)

In the Mood for Love is a critically acclaimed movie that received numerous awards, including Best Actor and Technical Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. This Chinese movie was directed by Wong Kar-wai, and the storyline is based on exploring unfulfilled love and longing.

3: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

The ground-breaking martial arts film, directed by Ang Lee, the movie comprises poetic storytelling with gravity-defying action sequences. The film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon won four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film and Best Cinematography.

4: The Grandmaster (2013)

Based on the life of Ip Man, also known as Yip Man who was a Chinese martial artist, the film The Grandmaster directed by Wong Kar-wai is based on the biography of the legendary martial arts master. Ip Man received multiple awards, including Best Film at the Asian Film Awards.

5: Still Life (2006)

Shot in a small town on the bank of the Yangtze River, Fengjie, the Chinese film Still Life is directed by Jia Zhangke. The theme of the film is based on the controversial construction of the Three Gorges Dam. The true story of this film earned it the winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

6: Farewell My Concubine (1993)

In this historical drama film that is based on the life of two men who work for Peking Opera during an unstable political era, the film is directed by Chen Kaige, and starring Leslie Cheung, Gong Li and Zhang Fengyi. The film received huge appreciation from across the globe, in fact, it also won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

7: The Wandering Earth (2019)

Science fiction movies have always captivated our attention and the film The Wandering Earth is one of those. The CGI effect in this film is absolutely groundbreaking. The Wandering Earth directed by Frant Gwo, is an absolute movie to watch if you are spe

8: Kaili Blues (2015)

It is a beautiful astonishing movie about a preoccupied doctor who works in a small clinic in the rain-drenched city of Kaili. He went on a train journey to find his brother’s abandoned child (nephew). Kaili Blues is directed by Bi Gan, you will love to see the story of a rural doctor on a quest to find his nephew.

9: An Elephant Sitting Still (2018)

The story of this film is all about a man trying to cope with society. An Elephant Sitting Still (2018) is a Chinese drama film written and directed by Hu Bo. Soon after finishing this film, Hu Bo (Hu Qian) committed suicide in October 2017 at the age of 29. Amazingly, the film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and received huge praise.

10: The Summer is Gone (2016)

The best part of this film, The Summer is Gone is, that it won 3 awards for Best Feature Film, the FIPRESCI Prize, and the film also won the Grand Prix award at the 24th Beijing College Student Film Festival. The Summer is Gone is a Chinese drama film written and directed by Zhang Dalei. The appealing storyline and the stunning black-and-white cinematography garnered the Best Feature Film award at the Golden Horse Awards.

11: Dead Pigs (2018)

Dark comedy or black comedy is generally a comedic style that makes fun out of the subjects that are considered Taboo. Dead Pigs is one such Chinese film based on a dark comedy. The film is written and directed by Cathy Yan and the film stars Vivian Wu, Haoyu Yang, Mason Lee, Meng Li, and David Rysdahl. The film won World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble Acting at the Sundance Film Festival.

12: Crosscurrent (2016)

The Chinese film Crosscurrent’s stunning visuals and meditative pace won the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution at the Berlin International Film Festival. The 2016 Chinese drama film was directed by Yang Chao, and starring include Qin Hao, Xin Zhilei, Wu Lipeng, Wang Hongwei, Qin Hao, Xin Zhilei, Wu Lipeng, Wang Hongwei, Jiang Hualin, and Jiang Hualin.

13: Crows and Sparrows (1949)

This is an epic melodrama Chinese film, and the story revolves around a group of tenants who struggle to prevent themselves from being thrown out due to a corrupt party official. The film “Crows and Sparrows” (1949). The film is directed by Zheng Junli, and stars Zhao Dan, Sun Daolin, Li Tianji, Huang Zongying, Shangguan Yunzhu, and Wu Yin.

14: The Blue Kite (1993)

This film received huge criticism from the Chinese government, the govt banned the film upon its completion. Moreover, the director of the film Tian Zhuangzhuang faced 10 year ban on filmmaking. The film received two big awards both in 1993, viz., Best Film at the Hawaii International Film Festival, and the Grand Prix at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

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