20 Must-See Chinese Movies in 2024: A Global Viewer’s Guide
- Creation of the Gods II: Kingdom of Storms (封神第二部：幽冥之战)
Director: Wuershan
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Starring: Kris Fan, Huang Bo
The sequel to 2023’s mythological blockbuster expands its cosmic battle between gods and mortals. With upgraded visual effects and deeper character arcs, it reimagines classical lore for modern audiences. A cornerstone of China’s fantasy genre revival . - 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 critiques gender inequality in Republican-era Shanghai. Zhang Ziyi delivers a career-defining performance as a woman fighting societal oppression . - The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射雕英雄传：侠之大者)
Director: Tsui Hark
Genre: Wuxia/Adventure
Starring: Xiao Zhan, Zhuang Dafei
Tsui Hark revitalizes Jin Yong’s martial arts epic with young stars and kinetic action choreography. A visually stunning gateway to Chinese chivalry culture . - Project X (未知岛)
Director: Ning Hao
Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller
A tech billionaire’s AI experiment spirals into chaos on a remote island. Combines Black Mirror-style suspense with critiques of corporate greed. - Decoded (解密)
Director: Chen Sicheng
Genre: Spy Thriller
Adapted from Mai Jia’s bestselling novel, this cerebral cat-and-mouse game follows codebreakers in Cold War-era China. A thinking viewer’s alternative to Bond films . - White Snake: Floating Life (白蛇：浮生)
Director: Amp Wong
Genre: Animated Romance
The third installment in China’s beloved White Snake series blends traditional ink-painting aesthetics with a poignant reincarnation love story. Releasing for Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day) . - Peacekeeping Force (维和防暴队)
Director: Li Dachao
Genre: Action/Drama
Starring: Huang Jingyu, Wang Yibo
Inspired by China’s UN peacekeeping missions, this explosive thriller highlights international cooperation against terrorism in fictional Waria . - The Great Actress (风华绝代)
Director: Ann Hui
Genre: Biographical Drama
Chronicles the turbulent life of 1930s screen icon Ruan Lingyu. A meta-narrative exploring celebrity culture’s timeless struggles. - Journey to the West: Chaos in Heaven (大闹天宫)
Director: Unannounced
Genre: Animated Fantasy
A high-tech remake of China’s 1961 animation classic, rumored to use AI-assisted art design. A nostalgic yet innovative treat . - No More Bets 2 (孤注一掷2)
Director: Shen Ao
Genre: Crime Thriller
This sequel to 2023’s hit about overseas scam networks dives deeper into cybercrime’s dark underworld. Timely and terrifyingly realistic. - The Wonder (异人之下)
Director: Wuershan
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Based on a popular web novel, this action-packed tale of superpowered youths has been dubbed “China’s answer to X-Men” . - Love Never Ends (穿过月亮的旅行)
Director: Zhang Ji
Genre: Romantic Drama
A time-travel love story spanning 50 years, featuring viral stars Zhang Zifeng and Hu Xianxu. Perfect for fans of emotional sci-fi. - Gold or Shame (金手指)
Director: Felix Chong
Genre: Financial Crime
Starring: Tony Leung, Andy Lau
Hong Kong’s powerhouse duo reunite for this exposé of 1980s stock market corruption. Stylish and socially incisive. - The Volunteers: To the War (志愿军：雄兵出击2)
Director: Chen Kaige
Genre: War Epic
Part two of the Korean War trilogy showcases large-scale battlefield sequences and nuanced soldier portraits. Releases for National Day . - Painted Skin: Resurrection (画皮3)
Director: Wuershan
Genre: Fantasy/Horror
The latest in China’s iconic demon romance series introduces LGBTQ+ themes through a mesmerizing fox spirit tale. - Lighting Up the Stars 2 (人生大事2)
Director: Liu Jiangjiang
Genre: Family Drama
A heartwarming sequel about funeral directors bonding with orphaned children. Tackles death with humor and grace. - Shining for One Thing (一闪一闪亮星星)
Director: Chen Xiaoming
Genre: Youth Fantasy
A viral time-loop romance originally adapted from a web drama. Expect nostalgic 2000s aesthetics and tear-jerking twists. - Peking Express (北京进行时)
Director: Gao Qunshu
Genre: Urban Comedy
A ride-sharing driver navigates Beijing’s cultural clashes in this ensemble piece. Think Crazy Rich Asians meets Taxi Driver. - The Last Frenzy (末路狂花钱)
Director: Da Peng
Genre: Black Comedy
A dying man’s chaotic spending spree reveals societal obsessions with wealth. Dark humor with philosophical depth. - Dwelling by the West Lake (西湖边的小屋)
Director: Gu Xiaogang
Genre: Arthouse Drama
This Venice Biennale contender poetically explores Hangzhou’s urbanization through three generations of a tea-growing family.
Why These Films Matter:
From fantasy spectacles (Creation of the Gods II) to socially conscious dramas (She, A Chinese), these movies demonstrate China’s cinematic range. Many (Condor Heroes, White Snake) serve as cultural primers, while others (Decoded, Gold or Shame) offer gripping genre entertainment. Most will stream globally on platforms like Netflix and iQIYI, with select titles screening at international film festivals .