Since China’s free democracy in the late 1970s and its openness to international markets, commercial considerations have influenced cinema. The largest film studios and movie production facilities in the world, respectively, are the Oriental Movie Metropolis and Hengdian World Studios. In 2010, China’s film industry ranked third in the world for the volume of feature films produced annually. With the growth of the Chinese film industry, regional films are starting to have the same impact on box office receipts as major Hollywood blockbusters.
In 2012, the country moved up to the second-largest market in the world by box office receipts. In 2016, China’s box office took in a total of 45.71 billion RMB ($6.58 billion USD). And China overtook the United States in 2020 to claim the top spot in the global film market. The country, which has always been the second-largest movie market, made $3.1 billion at the box office in 2020, according to Comscore (SCOR), which is nearly $1 billion more than what the United States made the year before.
What qualities, then, do Chinese movies possess? According to the GHJ, “the Chinese audience does not necessarily favor action and visual effect films” in comparison to the worldwide public. According to the business consultancy group, “it is not surprising that they provide higher ratings when the bulk of the audience is already attached to the concept and the story.” The majority of viewers, however, seek out engaging movies that present them with something fresh and original. There are many excellent Chinese movies, but these are the best of the 21st century, according to our ranking.
Blind Massage (2014)
One of Lou Ye’s best pieces is usually mentioned as being Blind Massage. It is a drama that focuses on the blind employees of a Nanjing massage parlor. This Chinese movie has a plot that is simple and basic, but it stands out for its depth and coherence.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
The movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is considered to be one of director Ang Lee’s best. It is an amazing action movie that will take you on a thrilling and romantic experience. When watching this movie, you might also notice that certain sequences were purposefully shot in a symbolic way that is worth seeing several times. Wang Dulu’s 1941–1942 serialized Chinese book of the same name served as the inspiration for the film. With over 40 accolades and ten Academy Award nominations, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a smash hit with audiences and critics in 2001. At the time, this was unprecedented for a non-English language film. According to Deadline, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon writer/producer Jason Ning is working on a potential television series.
Election (2005)
Election, as its name implies, is mainly a story about two gang leaders vying for dominance of Hong Kong’s Triad culture. Instead of being a typical crime movie, the movie depicts Hong Kong’s moment of change. Election’s leading actors are Leung Ka-Fai, Suet Lam, and Louis Koo.
Hero (2002)
Hero is a martial arts film that found popularity at the box office after it was released. The historical setting of the film makes reference to the Warring States Period, when China was divided into seven states. In 227–221 BC, just as the Qin empire was preparing to combine the other six states, assassins from the other six nations were sent to kill the ruler of Qin. One of the most famous incidents had Jing Ke attempting to assassinate the King of Qin. Hero is a unique film that is well worth seeing, and Tan Dun’s musical score and Christopher Doyle’s photography have both received accolades.
In the Mood for Love (2000)
The majority of people concur that In the Mood for Love is a classic work of art. It portrays the story of Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, a man and a woman whose wives are having an affair and who progressively become very close to one another. The story seems straightforward, but director Wong Kar-Wai elevates it to a unique work of art. The background music, cinematography, and storyline all perfectly complement one other to hypnotize you with the movie.
Infernal Affairs (2002)
If you enjoy watching them, Infernal Affairs is a crime thriller you shouldn’t miss. It was directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak and tells the story of a police department mole and an undercover mafia officer. In a race against time, both of their objectives are to expose the mole that is hidden among them. This movie will have you gasping for breath thanks to the all-star cast, which also features Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, and Eric Tsang.
Kaili Blues (2016)
Kaili Blues is the kind of movie that makes you think and rethink constantly. It tells the story of a doctor (Yongzhong Chen) who is looking for his nephew in the countryside and encounters people from both his past and future. After watching this movie, you will be astounded by the amazing debut of director Bi Gan.
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Fans of martial arts movies will like Kung Fu Hustle’s new perspective. In addition to including several senior actors well-known for 1970s Hong Kong action cinema, it is entertaining due to references to a range of movies, animated cartoons, wuxia novels, and other sources. Stephen Chow, who also plays the lead role in the film, does a fantastic job directing it. Yuen Wah, Danny Chan, and Yuen Qiu complete the main cast.
Monster Hunt (2015)
Monster Hunt, a Chinese-Hong Kong 3D fantasy action comedy adventure film, marks Raman Hui’s feature film directing debut. In the film, Song Tianyin, a timid village mayor, conceives the Monster Queen’s kid and befriends would-be monster hunter Huo Xiaolan. They embark on a mission to rescue the infant from bad men in both the human and monster worlds. Monster Hunt 2 became accessible in China in 2018.
Night and Fog (2009)
Ann Hui’s drama from Hong Kong, Night and Fog, is based on a murder that happened in Tin Shui Wai in 2004. The movie uses flashbacks to convey the story of a man who kills his wife and children. The recent surge of immigrants in Hong Kong is one of the socioeconomic problems that the movie spotlights.
Spring Fever (2010)
Spring Fever, directed by Lou Ye, is the story of three young people (Qin Hao, Chen Sicheng, and Wu Wei) who fight with their romantic aspirations. This movie, as opposed to Ye’s earlier ones, is cozy and thoughtful. The movie is a must-see because it was also awarded Best Screenplay at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
Still Life (2006)
At the 2006 Venice Film Festival, the drama Still Life had its global premiere and won the Golden Lion for Best Film. It depicts the story of two people who meet while seeking their brides in a small town. This Jia Zhangke movie, like many others, is majestic but progresses at a slow, steady tempo. Additionally, you will be moved by the movie since it is so brilliantly shot.
The Assassin (2015)
The events of The Assassin take place in China’s 9th century during the last years of the Tang Dynasty. This movie depicts the story of a lady assassin who is assigned a risky assignment to kill a significant character, with an all-star ensemble that includes renowned Chinese performers like Shu Qi, Chang Chen, Zhou Yun, and Satoshi Tsumabuki and a brilliant director in Hou Hsiao-hsien. The Assassin is a masterwork with stunning graphics, even though it isn’t the action-packed movie you were hoping it would be.
The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021)
A Chinese military film called The Combat at Lake Changjin shows how Chinese forces overcame challenging weather conditions to triumph in the battle at Lake Changjin, also known as the battle of Chosin Reservoir. It highlights the confrontation between China and the United States that took place between November 27 and December 24, 1950. The Battle at Lake Changjin is the most expensive film ever produced in China, with a $200 million budget. The film’s worldwide box office revenue was $913 million. According to Insider, the movie performed so well its first weekend that it outperformed the Venom sequel. With those numbers, it shouldn’t be shocking that the sequel, The Battle at Lake Changjin II, came out on February 1st, 2022.
The Grandmaster (2013)
The Grandmaster, a martial arts drama movie, is directed by Wong Kar-Wai. Ip Man, a well-known Wing Chun grandmaster who is lifted in the movie, is the subject of the movie’s narrative. The movie also has stunning cinematography by Wong Kar-Wei, and at the 86th Academy Awards, it was nominated for both Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography.
The Mermaid
The Mermaid was based on the Hans Christian Andersen story The Little Mermaid, in which a mermaid falls in love with a human, but director Stephen Chow wanted to make it more up to date. The film tells the story of Mermaid Shan, who is charged with killing Xuan in order to stop his research from endangering the whole mermaid race. However, they do develop a romantic relationship, which puts them in the sights of a dangerous and clandestine group.
