Top 10 Best Youth Movies in Chinese Cinema

"Send My Regards to Youth" is the directorial debut of Zhao Wei, adapted from the novel "Do You Like America?" by Tan Di Ao. The film became a massive hit, not only in Chinese cinema but also across Asia, generating significant box-office success for Zhao Wei.

The movie is praised for its compelling storyline, impressive special effects, and excellent acting performances. It follows the life of Zheng Wei (played by Yang Zi Shan), capturing the delightful romantic tales and pure, innocent memories of her university days. The story, while filled with youthful dreams, ends on a tragic and heartbreaking note, leaving viewers with deep reflections on youth and life. Yet, the beautiful memories of those days remain etched forever.

DETAILS:

Director: Zhao Wei

Cast: Yang Zi Shan, Han Kang, Zheng Kai, Zhao You Ding

Release Year: 2013

Tiny Times is the most popular series by author Guo Jingming about the youth experience. Youth is not just about dreams of love or the excitement of young age; it's also about the passion and desire to overcome oneself in pursuit of the best that life has to offer. The story revolves around four close friends: Lin Xiao, Gu Li, Tang Wanru, and Nan Cheng, each with a different personality but united by a common goal: to chase their dreams in the glamorous city of Shanghai. They dare to change, challenge, and relentlessly strive with the passion and enthusiasm of youth.

The film is not only full of humorous and energetic situations but also paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life, the ambition, and the deep disappointments that young people face on their journey to achieving their dreams. The movie features a stellar cast including Yang Mi, Kai Kang, Guo Taiqi, and Chen Xue Dong, making it a must-watch.

DETAILS:

Director: Guo Jingming

Cast: Yang Mi, Kai Kang, Guo Taiqi, Chen Xue Dong

Release Year: 2013

The Best of Us, also known as With You in English, is a 2016 Chinese coming-of-age film adapted from the novel of the same name by Ba Yue Chang An. The film tells a beautiful story of high school life, focusing on the lives of Jing Jing, Yu Huai, and their friends. It captures the vibrant and youthful emotions of students during their high school years.

The film has been highly praised for its exploration of various aspects of youthful life, and it is considered one of the best works in the Chinese school drama genre. Additionally, the seamless performances by Liu Hao Nian (Yu Huai) and Dam Tong Yun (Jing Jing) have left a lasting impression on audiences. Thanks to the film's success, the careers of its actors have been significantly boosted.

DETAILS:

Screenplay: Li Jia

Director: Liu Sheng

Cast: Liu Hao Nian, Dam Tong Yun, Wang Li Han, Dong Ting

Release Year: 2016

My Youth is an adaptation of the novel 'Youth of Him and Me' by author Jiu Yue Hi. From the moment the posters and trailers were released, the film gained a lot of anticipation. A major reason for this was the immense confidence the audience had in the lead actors, Yi Yang Qianxi and Zhou Dongyu.

My Youth stands out from other school dramas due to its raw and dark portrayal of bullying and school violence—critical issues that plague the education system. The film is regarded as a success in Chinese cinema, receiving high praise for its deep characterization and the poignant messages it conveys through a very relevant and contemporary story.

DETAILS:

Director: Zang Guo Qiang

Cast: Zhou Dongyu, Yi Yang Qianxi

Release Year: 2019

A Simple and Beautiful Time of Our Lives is a popular Chinese school drama adapted from the novel of the same name by author Qian Qian. The film quickly became a sensation across Chinese and Vietnamese online forums when it aired in late 2017.

The story revolves around a childhood friendship that blossoms into love, focusing on the characters of the clumsy Chen Xiao Xi (played by Shen Yue) and the proud Jiang Chen (played by Hu Yi Tian). Xiao Xi develops a crush on her classmate and neighbor Jiang Chen, and despite his initial rejection, she doesn’t give up. Her playful and naive attempts to win his heart eventually capture his attention.

DETAILS:

Director: Yang Long

Cast: Hu Yi Tian, Shen Yue

Release Year: 2017

Love at First Sight is a romantic school drama featuring popular actor Yang Yang and actress Zheng Shuang. The film is adapted from the novel of the same name by Gu Man and directed by Lin Guofan. The story centers on the love journey between Xiao Nai and Bei Wei Wei, from their online gaming connection to a real-life relationship. Their love grows slowly but deeply, with no major ups and downs, just steady, heartfelt moments. Their love is gentle, like tea—subtle yet deeply touching.

The characters' story begins with them as gamers in an online world, with no connection at first. However, when Xiao Nai notices Bei Wei Wei at an internet café, he becomes interested in her. Their sweet and tender relationship makes audiences envious of their affection for one another. While Xiao Nai quietly cares for her, Bei Wei Wei supports him and his career, earning admiration from him and his friends.

DETAILS:

Director: Lin Guofan

Cast: Yang Yang, Zheng Shuang, Mao Xiu Dong

Release Year: 2016

The Warmth of Our Youth is a 2019 Chinese web drama based on the novel of the same name by Zhao Qian Qian. Directed by Xu Dong Ning, the series stars young actors Xing Fei, Lin Yi, Tang Xiao Tian, Zheng Ying Chen, and Chu Jun Wei. The drama brings a fresh perspective to the youth genre, focusing on the everyday life of students and avoiding the typical bold, intense scenes. The story revolves around the final-year accounting student, Si Duo Ma, and the top student, Gu Wei Shi. Whenever Si Duo Ma faces the toughest moments in her life, Gu Wei Shi is always there to support her with gentle care. Over time, their relationship deepens, and Si Duo Ma finds herself falling for him.

DETAILS:

Director: Xu Dong Ning

Cast: Xing Fei, Lin Yi, Tang Xiao Tian, Zheng Ying Chen, Chu Jun Wei

Release Year: 2019

Directed by Chu Dan, the series Fifteen Years Waiting for Migratory Birds is based on the novel by Yang Feng and consists of 24 episodes. The series has moved countless viewers to tears with the turbulent lives and love stories of the characters, Bui Shang Xian (played by Zhang Ruo Jun) and Le Li (played by Sun Di). Le Li has always loved Bui Shang Xian, but she kept her feelings hidden in her diaries. Eventually, Bui Shang Xian falls for Le Li's cousin, Ma Yi Shen. Because of Yi Shen, Shang Xian ends up taking the fall for him, but in the end, it is Le Li who stays by his side.

Le Li's wish for 15 years has been to stop loving Bui Shang Xian, but that wish was never realized. To Bui Shang Xian, Le Li was like a close friend, always there for him, comforting him. After 15 years, Shang Xian realizes that Le Li is the one person he cannot live without. Sadly, by then, Le Li's love for him has faded, and he can only hold onto the pain of knowing that in the next life, he would love her first.

DETAILS:

Director: Chu Dan

Cast: Zhang Ruo Jun, Sun Di, Deng Lun, Zhang Xue Ning

Release Year: 2016

"The Fleeting Years" is a film adaptation of the novel by Jiu Ye Hui, widely regarded as the most popular youth film of 2014. The story centers on five main characters: Phuong Hoi, a simple and stubborn girl; Tran Tam, carefree and childish; Kieu Nhan, calm and composed; Lam Gia Mat, feminine; and Trieu Diep, rough and unrefined. Each character represents a unique personality.

They all experience innocent, pure school relationships filled with occasional love-hate moments but without any ulterior motives. It’s a story of youthful emotions, the first stirrings of love, and the bittersweet regrets we all carry. Though they ultimately part ways, the film conveys a powerful message that no matter how inevitable the separation, we all long to return to those fleeting moments of youth.

DETAILS:

Director: Zhang Yi Bai

Cast: Zhang Zi Xuan, Peng Yu Yan, Zheng Kai, Ge Ni

Release Year: 2014

"The Girl We Chased Together That Year" is often regarded as the film that sparked a wave of youth-themed movies, winning multiple awards and achieving impressive box office earnings. Adapted from the novel by Jiu Ba Dao, who also directed the film, the story follows the life of Shen Jia Ni (played by Chen Yan Xi), a talented and beautiful student pursued by many boys, including the standout character, Ke Jing Dang (played by Kai Zheng Dong).

This film resonates deeply with young audiences, many of whom see reflections of their own youth in the story. From difficult exams to the first stirrings of love, mixed with moments of anger, happiness, and longing, it captures the essence of growing up. Although the characters ultimately part ways, the emotions and memories of youth linger, leaving the audience nostalgic for their own youthful days and longing to relive that chapter of life again.

DETAILS:

Director: Jiu Ba Dao

Cast: Chen Yan Xi, Kai Zheng Dong

Release Year: 2011