If you are looking for some great Chinese movies to watch on Netflix, you are in luck. Netflix has a rich collection of Chinese films across various genres, from action and martial arts to romance and comedy. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the fascinating Chinese culture, learn some Mandarin, or simply enjoy some quality entertainment, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top 10 best Chinese movies on Netflix that you can watch right now.
1. The Wandering Earth (2019)
This sci-fi blockbuster is one of the highest-grossing films in China's history. It tells the story of a group of heroes who try to save the Earth from a dying sun by moving it to a new star system. The film is based on a novel by Liu Cixin, the author of The Three-Body Problem, and features stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences.
The film depicts a future where the sun is dying and humanity has to move the Earth to a new star system using giant thrusters. Along the way, they face various dangers and challenges, such as a collision with Jupiter and a rogue AI.
The film is directed by Frant Gwo and stars Wu Jing, Qu Chuxiao, Li Guangjie, Ng Man-tat, Zhao Jinmai, and Qu Jingjing. The film was released in China on February 5, 2019, and became one of the highest-grossing films in Chinese history. It was also acquired by Netflix for international streaming. The film has received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its visual effects, action sequences, and patriotic themes.
2. Ip Man (2008)
This biographical drama stars Donnie Yen as Ip Man, the legendary martial arts master who trained Bruce Lee. The film follows his life in Foshan during the Japanese invasion of China in the 1930s, where he defends his hometown and his honor against the brutal oppressors. The film showcases Ip Man's skill and philosophy of Wing Chun, a style of kung fu that emphasizes speed and precision.
The film shows how Ip, who was a wealthy and respected martial artist, lost his home and fortune and had to work in a coal mine to support his family. It also portrays his courage and patriotism as he challenged the Japanese army and their martial arts champion, General Miura, in a fight to the death. The film was praised for its realistic and thrilling action scenes, choreographed by Sammo Hung, and its portrayal of the Chinese spirit and culture.
Ip Man was a box office success and won several awards, including Best Film and Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards. It also spawned a series of sequels and spin-offs that continued to explore IP's legacy and influence on martial arts.
3. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
This comedy action film is a homage to the classic kung fu movies of the 1970s. Directed by and starring Stephen Chow, the film follows a wannabe gangster who gets involved in a turf war between the notorious Axe Gang and a humble housing complex. The film is full of hilarious gags, colorful characters, and spectacular fight scenes that blend martial arts with special effects.
Kung Fu Hustle is set in 1940s Shanghai, where the ruthless Axe Gang dominates the city. Sing, a wannabe gangster, tries to join the gang by extorting money from the residents of a poor slum called Pigsty Alley. However, he soon discovers that some of the slum dwellers are actually powerful kung fu masters who defend their turf from the gang's attacks. Sing also realizes that he has a hidden potential for kung fu that he must unlock to fulfill his destiny. The film combines martial arts, special effects, and cartoonish humor to create a unique and entertaining spectacle.
4. Ash Is Purest White (2018)
Ash Is Purest White is a Chinese drama film directed by Jia Zhangke, who also wrote the screenplay. The film tells the story of Qiao, a woman who loves Bin, a gangster in a declining coal mining town. When Bin is attacked by rival gang members, Qiao uses his illegal gun to scare them away but gets arrested and sentenced to five years in prison. She remains loyal to Bin, but he does not visit her or contact her during her imprisonment. After she is released, she tries to find him and rekindle their relationship, but he has moved on with another woman and abandoned his gangster lifestyle.
Qiao travels across China, encountering various people and challenges along the way, and eventually reunites with Bin, who needs her help after falling ill. The film spans from 2001 to 2017 and explores the themes of love, betrayal, change, and survival in the context of China's social and economic transformation. The film was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its performances, cinematography, and direction.
5. The Yin Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020)
This fantasy film is based on a popular online game and a novel by Jieyu Shiji. It revolves around Qing Ming, a young yin-yang master who travels to the capital to attend a ceremony to seal away a powerful demon. There, he meets his fellow masters, including his old friend Bo Ya, and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the world. The film boasts stunning costumes, sets, and CGI effects.
The film is directed by Guo Jingming and stars Chen Kun, Zhou Xun, William Chan, Qu Chuxiao, Wang Likun and Shen Yue. The film was released on December 25, 2020, in China and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some praised the film's visual effects, action scenes, and performances, while others criticized the film's plot, pacing, and editing. The film was also involved in a plagiarism controversy, as some scenes were accused of copying from other films such as Doctor Strange and The Avengers.
6. Manhunt (2017)
This action thriller is directed by John Woo, the master of Hong Kong cinema. It follows Du Qiu, a lawyer who is framed for murder and goes on the run from the police and a team of assassins. Along the way, he teams up with Yamura, a detective who is determined to clear his name. The film is a remake of a 1976 Japanese film of the same name and features Woo's signature style of gunfights, chases, and explosions, as well as dialogue in Mandarin, Japanese, and English.
Du Qiu works for a pharmaceutical company in Osaka, Japan. He is framed for the murder of a female colleague and becomes a fugitive. He teams up with Yamura, a Japanese detective who believes in his innocence, to uncover a conspiracy involving genetic engineering and superhuman soldiers. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and was released on Netflix in 2018.
7. Love O2O (2016)
This romantic comedy is based on a novel by Gu Man and follows two college students who fall in love through an online role-playing game. Xiao Nai is a handsome and smart campus idol who is also a master gamer. Bei Wei Wei is a beautiful and talented computer science major who is also a top player in the game. When they meet in real life, they realize that they are perfect for each other.
They meet in an online role-playing game called A Chinese Ghost Story, where they get married as Yixiao Naihe and Luwei Weiwei. They face many challenges and misunderstandings in both the virtual and real worlds, but they overcome them with their intelligence, skills, and trust. The series is one of the most popular Chinese dramas, with over 25 billion views online.
8. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is a classic kung fu film directed by Lau Kar-Leung and produced by Shaw Brothers. It stars Gordon Liu as San Te, a young man who joins the Shaolin Temple to learn martial arts after his family and friends are killed by the Manchu government. The film shows his training in 35 chambers, each one teaching a different aspect of kung fu, such as weapons, fists, feet, and palms. He eventually created the 36th chamber, which is open to ordinary people who want to learn kung fu and fight against the oppressors.
The film is based on a legendary figure of San Te, who was a disciple of the general Chi Shan. The film won the Best Martial Arts Award at the 24th Asian Film Festival and was a box office hit in Hong Kong. It is widely regarded as one of the best kung fu films ever made and influenced many other filmmakers and artists.
9. Upcoming Summer (2021)
This comedy-drama follows four friends who reunite after 10 years to fulfill their promise of traveling together. Along their journey, they rediscover their friendship, their dreams, and their love lives. The film is directed by Han Yan, who also directed Go Away Mr. Tumor and Animal World, and features a star-studded cast including Deng Chao, Bai Baihe, Yang Yang, and Hao Lei.
Chen Chen (played by Zhang Zifeng) failed the gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) while Zheng Yu Xing (played by Leo Wu) had to return to school because he missed the exams. The two ended up meeting because of a lie Chen Chen said and had to come up with a way to quell the doubts of their teachers and parents. Having met in their youth, they hold hands as they face different problems growing up and forge a deep friendship. The movie explores themes such as music, romance, youth, lying, coming of age, friendship, family secrets, character development, and acceptance. The movie is available on Netflix and has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
10. Wish Dragon (2021)
This animated film is a co-production between China and the US and features the voices of Jackie Chan, Constance Wu, John Cho, and Jimmy Wong. It tells the story of Din, a working-class college student who finds a magical teapot that contains a wish-granting dragon named Long. Together, they embark on an adventure to find Din's long-lost childhood friend, Li Na. The film is a heartwarming and humorous tale of friendship, family, and culture.
Long agrees to help Din with his three wishes, but they encounter many obstacles and adventures along the way. The film is directed by Chris Appelhans and features the voices of Jimmy Wong, John Cho, Constance Wu, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and others. The film was released in China by Sony Pictures Releasing and in other countries by Netflix. The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised its animation, humor, and heart.
Wrapping Up
As Chinese cinema continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the availability of these top 10 best Chinese movies on Netflix provides a convenient gateway to explore the country's diverse cinematic landscape. From martial arts epics to intimate family dramas, each film on this list offers a unique perspective on Chinese culture, history, and the human experience. So, grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chinese cinema available at your fingertips on Netflix.
See more: Top 10 Best Chinese Movies Of All Time On Netflix