Top 14 Must-See Chinese Crime Dramas

The Odd Detective is a Chinese crime drama film directed by Tu Gang, released in 2016. It features an impressive cast including Huang Xian, Cao Han, and Wang Zitu. Set in a fictional town in 1949, the story revolves around the life of Jia Lu, a detective who has just returned from abroad. Known for his extraordinary reasoning skills and sharp intellect, Jia Lu quickly rises to fame. However, he is assigned to work under a former rival, yet is partnered with the beautiful military doctor, Xiao Hu. With his brilliance and deductive powers, Jia Lu solves several major cases and clears up misunderstandings. Huang Xian delivers a brilliant performance as the lead, embodying the role of the genius detective with exceptional authenticity, making it seem like he's not acting at all.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Action, Drama
Director: Tu Gang
Stars: Huang Xian, Cao Han, Wang Zitu

If you're a fan of thrilling crime dramas, you definitely shouldn't miss out on Skybreaker. Directed by the talented Ngô Phẩm Nho, this action-packed film has earned critical acclaim and features big names like Tạ Đình Phong, Lưu Thanh Vân, and Phạm Hiểu Huyên. The plot centers around Ma Jin (Tạ Đình Phong), a brilliant detective who faces envy and resentment from many, leading to a near-fatal assassination attempt by the elusive assassin, General Chess. After recovering from his injuries, Ma Jin teams up with criminal psychologist Xa Jiawei to investigate a series of brutal murders by the notorious assassin. With stunning performances, complex investigations, and intense mind games, this gripping drama will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2016
Genre: Crime, Drama, Action
Director: Ngô Phẩm Nho
Stars: Tạ Đình Phong, Lưu Thanh Vân, Cao Vỹ Quang
IMDb Rating: 6.8

Blood-Soaked Exam is a film adaptation of the bestselling novel by the renowned author, Luo Mei, known for his outstanding psychological crime thrillers. This gripping tale captured the attention of audiences due to the immense popularity of the original book. Released in 2015, the movie follows Phương Mộc, a brilliant student specializing in criminal psychology. Alongside police officer Thái Vĩ, he investigates a series of brutal murders, only to find himself entangled in a twisted psychological game set by a psychopath. The murders grow increasingly difficult to solve, with each victim's name becoming a source of fear not only for Phương Mộc but also for those around him. While the battle between the genius criminal and the legendary detective is a familiar trope in crime thrillers, Chinese filmmakers bring it to life with an inevitable tragic twist. The identity of the killer behind these seemingly unrelated murders is chilling, cold-blooded, and brilliant—matching, or even surpassing, Phương Mộc's own intellect.

Battle of Wits is a renowned Chinese crime thriller directed by Liu Jianhui, featuring a talented cast including Trinh Ban Hui, Bai Wei Tu, and Thai Ki Tue. The story follows lawyer assistant Liang Wenjie, a gifted individual whose exceptional abilities assist a special task force in solving complex, heart-pounding criminal cases. In addition to the thrilling cases, the film weaves in a poignant love story, bringing a depth of emotional resonance to the narrative. With a well-structured, tense, and gripping plot, combining crime-solving and legal elements, the film captivates viewers with the fierce battle for truth and justice. Despite being primarily a crime drama, it also delves into emotional moments that deeply move the audience. The film received widespread acclaim for its compelling storyline and emotional depth.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2015
Genre: Crime, Romance
Director: Liu Jianhui
Stars: Zhang Dieu Dong, Bai Tu Wei, Trinh Ban Hui
IMDb Rating: 7.6

Female Special Agent X is a film produced by Vi Ci Jia Film and Television, directed by Vu Men. The story centers around three main female characters: Chung Li, Đàm Duệ Linh, and La Dật Phi. Combining modern Eastern influences with the iconic spy theme from the famous original ‘Charlie's Angels,’ this film presents a fresh and engaging take on the genre. Before becoming fearless agents who risk their lives on dangerous missions, these women were just ordinary individuals living their daily struggles. After being carefully selected, they undergo an intense and rigorous training program, which forges them into highly skilled operatives with unyielding spirits. However, beneath the tough exterior of these 'warriors' lies a vulnerable side when they return to their personal lives. Despite their tough exterior in high-stakes missions, these women are still humans who experience love and weakness, needing a shoulder to lean on. The question remains—will they sacrifice their personal desires and ambitions for these life-threatening assignments, or will they abandon their dreams to follow the rhythm of their hearts?

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Romance, Drama, Action
Director: Vu Men
Stars: La Zhen, Tang Yan, Zhang Xilam

Special Forces Soldier is a 2013 Chinese military film directed by Liu Ming, featuring a strong cast including Trình Tố, Dương Thư, and Lưu Hiểu Khiết. The story centers on the journey of Tiểu Trang, a former soldier who is now an assistant director. His vibrant youth was spent within the walls of a military camp, where he relentlessly worked to achieve excellence as a soldier. Through intense training and real combat experiences, he transformed from a rookie into a fearless warrior. Alongside his comrades, he faced blood, tears, and even death, bound by an unbreakable bond of brotherhood. These six men pledged to live and die together, their fates intertwined, united in their devotion to their country and their loved ones. The film also highlights the unwavering loyalty of Chinese soldiers to their nation.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2013

Genre: Military, Action

Director: Liu Ming

Stars: Trình Tố, Dương Thư, Lưu Hiểu Khiết

IMDb Rating: 7.6

Police and crime have long been a staple in Hong Kong cinema, with notable filmmakers like Johnnie To standing out in this genre. A director and producer known for his talent, To is responsible for many films that have not only dominated the box office but also earned recognition at film festivals. The Blind Detective is one such film. Premiering at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, The Blind Detective is more than just a typical action crime movie; it mixes suspenseful twists, humor, and mystery, featuring the reunion of the popular duo, Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng.

The plot follows the main character, Cheung Sir, portrayed by Andy Lau, a detective with an exceptional knack for solving crimes who becomes blind after a traumatic incident, forcing him into early retirement. To make a living, Cheung Sir takes on unsolvable cases for a reward. When his skills catch the attention of police officer Ha Jia Dong (played by Sammi Cheng), she recruits him to help find her missing friend, who disappeared ten years ago. As they investigate, Cheung Sir uncovers a connection between her friend's disappearance and a serial killer, and together, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2013

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Action

Director: Johnnie To

Stars: Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng, Guo Tao

IMDb Rating: 6.4

Counterattack was released in 2012, featuring a star-studded cast including Jay Chou and Nicholas Tse. The film's title, 'Counterattack,' was carefully chosen by director Lin Chaoxian, who explained: 'In my opinion, life is full of adversities that we cannot escape from. Every time we face such difficulties, it's like entering a battle.' And 'Counterattack' is indeed a battle of this kind.

The story centers around Van Phi, an international police officer, and Van Duong, a dangerous criminal. During a mission, Van Phi is betrayed by his own team and severely injured, with a bullet lodged in his head. He is given only two weeks to live. In the short time he has left, Van Phi decides to search for his missing father and brother. To his surprise, his long-lost brother turns out to be none other than Van Duong. The two brothers are reunited under dangerous circumstances as they both have a common enemy: Sean, the very comrade who betrayed Van Phi. As they join forces to take on this ruthless foe, they find themselves in a life-or-death battle. With Jay Chou (as Van Phi) and Nicholas Tse (as Van Duong) leading the cast, Counterattack promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with intense suspense and thrilling moments.

Release Year: 2012

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Action

Director: Lin Chaoxian

Stars: Jay Chou, Nicholas Tse, Bai Bing

IMDb Rating: 5.9

Witness Protection takes full advantage of TVB's strength in blending crime with family drama. This series became the network's most successful show, topping the ratings in 2012. It is a gripping crime drama with a delicate romance, filled with unexpected twists, thrilling chases, intense courtroom debates, and the hidden power of criminal syndicates.

At the heart of the story is a relationship between a dedicated cop and a witness who happens to be the daughter of a prominent business tycoon. The plot begins with the mysterious disappearance of the cop's lover, leading him to pour all his time and energy into solving the case. Meanwhile, Kiều Tử Lâm, a talented cello player suffering from chronic depression, becomes a key witness in a murder case that forces the officer, Hứa Vỹ Sâm, to protect her at all costs. As the case unfolds, the tension between police and criminals escalates, with dangerous criminals targeting both the lawman and the vulnerable witness.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2012

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Action

Director: Lưu Gia Hào

Stars: Huỳnh Tông Trạch, Chu Gia Hân, Chu Tuệ Mẫn

Anti-Terror Squad is a police procedural drama produced by Mediacorp in 2011, created in collaboration with the Singapore Police Force. The show stars prominent actors like Trịnh Bân Huy, Lý Mỹ Linh, and Hoàng Tuấn Hùng.

The story unfolds during the World Security Summit, as the Singapore Police Force tackles a series of high-stakes criminal activities including illegal immigration, hostage situations, rape, theft, and drug trafficking. The series was well-received for its realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by police officers and their families, offering a more grounded look at the justice system. Unlike previous shows from Mediacorp that focused primarily on action or comedy, this series highlighted the intense realities of law enforcement. Due to its success, Mediacorp continued its collaboration with the Singapore Police Force, leading to further seasons, with the fourth installment airing in 2016.

Release Year: 2011 - Present

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Action

Director: Tạ Mẫn Dương

Stars: Trịnh Bân Huy, Hoàng Tuấn Hùng, Lý Mỹ Linh

IMDb Rating: 6.8

Dawn of the Final Battle is a psychological war crime drama directed by Lưu Giang, featuring veteran actors such as Lưu Thi Thi, Vương Thiên Nguyên, Trương Hy Lâm, and Tào Bính Côn.

The story is set in 1946 when Trình Tường becomes the director of the police department, facing multiple challenges from all sides. With enemies both within and outside his ranks, Trình Tường and his colleagues struggle under immense pressure. The series delves into his quest for justice, navigating the complexities of his role as he seeks to address social problems while fighting for what's right. How will the director confront the looming threats to the peace of society?

Release Year: 2011 - Present

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Action

Director: Tạ Mẫn Dương

Stars: Trịnh Bân Huy, Hoàng Tuấn Hùng, Lý Mỹ Linh

Forensic Evidence is a highly popular police procedural drama produced by TVB, first aired in 2006. This marked the beginning of the long-running series.

The first season, featuring stars like Âu Dương Chấn Hoa, Lâm Văn Long, Mông Gia Tuệ, and Chung Gia Hân, follows the investigative journey of three units: Forensic Science, Forensic Pathology, and the Major Crime Unit. Led by experts Cao Ngạn Bác, Cổ Trạch Thâm, and Lương Tiểu Nhu, the team uncovers a range of heinous crimes that elicit emotions from anger to heartbreak in viewers. The script of season one is considered the best in the series, filled with shocking murders and intricate cover-ups. Notable cases include serial killers, mass executions, and murders inspired by novels. What sets this series apart is its brilliant detective work and the strong collaboration between the three units as they work together to expose the truth in each episode.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2006 - Present

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: Trần Chí Giang

Stars: Âu Dương Chấn Hoa, Trịnh Tuấn Hoằng, Mông Gia Tuệ, Trần Vĩnh Liêm

IMDb Rating: 7.5

The Wind and Thunder of the City is a gripping trilogy directed by the dynamic duo Mạch Triệu Huy and Trang Văn Cường, which made a huge impact on Chinese cinema. The stellar cast of Lưu Thanh Vân, Cổ Thiên Lạc, and Ngô Ngạn Tổ helped propel the success of this series.

The Wind and Thunder of the City revolves around a heartbreaking tale of three police officers – Dương, Tuấn, and Tường. The story begins when they overhear a conversation in La Diệu Minh's office that reveals a secret involving the stock shares of Phong Hoa Corporation. Dương, who is battling cancer and facing financial struggles, convinces his teammates to erase the information and allow him to invest in the company's stocks. However, the tragic consequences that follow leave the viewers shocked and saddened. The price they pay is far too great. The next two installments continue to explore themes of stock markets and real estate, delving deeper into the characters' emotions rather than relying on action-packed fight scenes. The series masterfully weaves in schemes, secrets, and intense intellectual battles between the police and criminals.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2009 - 2018

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Action

Directors: Mạch Triệu Huy, Trang Văn Cường

Stars: Lưu Thanh Vân, Cổ Thiên Lạc, Lý Tử Hùng, Vương Mẫn Đức

IMDb Rating: 7.1

Soul's Tranquilizer became a sensation on social media upon its release, directed by Châu Quán Châu and adapted from the novel of the same name by Priest.

The series revolves around the Special Investigation Division (SID) located at No. 4 Quang Minh Street, Long Thành city. This team is tasked with protecting citizens, maintaining peace, and solving strange cases involving the mysterious Earth Spirit beings. The story begins when a bizarre incident occurs at Long Thành University. The head of SID, Triệu Vân Lan, and his team investigate the case and meet Thẩm Nguy, a professor from the university's biology department. Thẩm later becomes Triệu Vân Lan's neighbor, and the SID uncovers that Thẩm is connected to not only the strange event at the university but also other mysterious happenings that follow. Suspicion arises, but Triệu Vân Lan is unaware that Thẩm Nguy's true identity is that of the Black Robe emissary, a long-time collaborator of the SID. Together, they embark on a journey to find the Four Sacred Relics as a shadowy enemy threatens to rekindle an ancient war. Triệu Vân Lan and Thẩm Nguy's path intertwines as they traverse different lives, representing the eternal chess match between the human world, the realm of the dead, and the immortal planes.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2018

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Mystery

Director: Tạ Mẫn Dương

Stars: Chu Nhất Long, Bạch Vũ

IMDb Rating: 7.7