20 Must-Watch Chinese Movies in 2025: A Gateway to Eastern Storytelling
- Creation of the Gods II: Kingdom of Storms (封神第二部: 战火西岐)
Director: Wuershan
Genre: Epic Fantasy/Action
Starring: Huang Bo, Kris Fan
This sequel to the 2023 blockbuster continues the mythological war between mortals and gods. Already breaking box office records in Africa, its stunning visuals and fresh take on Chinese mythology make it a global cultural bridge. - Detective Chinatown 1900 (唐探1900)
Director: Chen Sicheng
Genre: Mystery/Comedy
Starring: Wang Baoqiang, Liu Haoran, Chow Yun-fat
A prequel set in 1900s San Francisco Chinatown, blending slapstick humor with intricate mysteries. New additions like Chow Yun-fat promise fresh dynamics to this hit franchise. - Ne Zha 2 (哪吒2)
Director: Jiaozi
Genre: Animated Fantasy
The sequel to China’s highest-grossing animated film (50亿票房) explores Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s quest to regain physical forms. Expect groundbreaking animation and philosophical depth. - The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射雕英雄传)
Director: Tsui Hark
Genre: Wuxia/Adventure
Starring: Xiao Zhan, Zhuang Dafei
A lavish reinterpretation of Jin Yong’s martial arts classic. Tsui Hark’s signature style + young stars = 2025’s most anticipated wuxia revival. - Operation Red Sea 2 (红海行动2)
Director: Dante Lam
Genre: Military Action
Starring: Huang Xuan, Yu Shi
Following the success of Wolf Warrior, this submarine warfare thriller showcases China’s naval prowess with intense combat scenes. - She, A Chinese (酱园弄)
Director: Peter Chan
Genre: Historical Drama
Starring: Zhang Ziyi, Lei Jiayin
Based on a real 1940s murder case, this Cannes-selected film dissects gender inequality in Republican-era China. Stellar cast + bold storytelling. - Unit 731 (731)
Director: Zhao Linshan
Genre: War/Drama
Starring: Jiang Wu, Wang Zhiwen
A harrowing account of Japan’s WWII biological warfare experiments. A crucial historical reckoning releasing on July 31, 2025. - The Wandering Chef (徐福的饭馆)
Director: Wen Muye
Genre: Comedy/Drama
A lighthearted story about a debt-ridden chef reviving a Middle Eastern Chinese restaurant. Perfect for foodies and culture explorers. - Dumpling Queen (水饺皇后)
Director: Andrew Lau
Genre: Biographical Drama
Starring: Ma Li, Kara Hui
The inspiring true story of dumpling tycoon Tsang Kan-Ho. Ma Li sheds her comedic image in this feminist triumph. - Assassin in Red 2 (刺杀小说家2)
Director: Lu Yang
Genre: Fantasy/Action
A sequel to the 2021 hit, blending reality and fiction through mesmerising CGI. A feast for lovers of metaphysical storytelling. - Beyond the Sin (恶行之外)
Director: Kwok Man-Ki
Genre: Crime Thriller
Starring: Louis Koo, Gordon Lam
Hong Kong’s dark horse – a gripping tale of paternal vengeance. Two acting titans’ 26th collaboration. - No Regrets (无悔追踪)
Director: Feng Xiaogang
Genre: Historical Drama
Adapted from a 9.4-rated TV series, this spy saga spans decades of political turmoil. Feng’s return to serious filmmaking. - Journey to the West: Chaos in Heaven (大闹天宫)
Director: Unannounced
Genre: Fantasy
Leaked reports suggest a revolutionary AI-assisted remake of China’s 1961 animation classic. Potentially 2025’s visual benchmark. - The Golden Era 2 (黄金时代2)
Genre: Literary Drama
A fictional sequel to the Xiao Hong biopic, exploring 1940s intellectual circles. Poetic and politically charged. - Shanghai Noir (上海夜行)
Director: Jiang Wen
Genre: Crime/Noir
Jiang Wen’s stylish throwback to 1930s gangster era. Moody aesthetics and sharp dialogues. - The Left Ear: Reborn (左耳重生)
Genre: Youth Romance
A Gen-Z reboot of the 2015 hit, featuring viral stars. Expect TikTok-ready moments and millennial nostalgia. - Mountain Cry (喊山)
Director: Peng Sanyuan
Genre: Rural Drama
A deaf woman’s liberation in 1980s Shanxi villages. Slow-burning humanity at its finest. - Cyber Dragon (赛博龙)
Genre: Sci-Fi
China’s answer to Cyberpunk 2077 – neon-lit Chongqing meets AI ethics debates. VR sequences reportedly mind-blowing. - The Great Wall: Eclipse (长城：蚀)
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Zhang Yimou produces this supernatural spin on Ming Dynasty border wars. Mythical creatures meet artillery warfare. - Love in the Metaverse (元恋)
Genre: Rom-Com/Sci-Fi
A programmer falls for an AI avatar questioning its existence. Black Mirror meets Her with Chinese characteristics.
Why These Matter:
These films showcase China’s cinematic diversity – from Africa-beloved blockbusters to arthouse Cannes contenders. Many (Ne Zha 2, Condor Heroes) serve as cultural primers, while others (731, She, A Chinese) confront historical trauma. Streaming availability varies, but major titles will likely hit international platforms like Netflix Asia.Pro Tip: Check if your local cinema hosts Chinese Film Festivals – events like