Top 15 Greatest Chinese Movies of All Time

Farewell My Concubine is a historical drama film adapted from the novel by Li Bihua, directed by Chen Kaige, and starring Leslie Cheung, Gong Li, and Zhang Fengyi. Released in 1993, it follows the life of Cheng Dieyi, a Peking opera actor, and his complex relationships with his fellow actor Duan Xiaolou and a prostitute named Juxian. The film explores themes of love, obsession, and betrayal, while depicting China's tumultuous history from 1924 to 1977, including wars, revolutions, and reforms. Farewell My Concubine is considered a masterpiece, winning the Palme d'Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival, making it the first and only Chinese film to ever receive this prestigious award.

City of Sadness is a classic of Chinese cinema, directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien in 1989, starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Jack Kao, and Li Tian-lu. The film made history as the first Chinese-language film to win the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1989. In 2011, at the Golden Horse Awards, it was selected as the greatest film in the 100-year history of Chinese cinema.

The story of City of Sadness is set against the backdrop of Taiwan's turbulent history during the years of Japanese occupation and the subsequent rule by the Nationalist government. It focuses on the Lin family, consisting of three brothers, each with different personalities and experiences, as they navigate life in a country in constant upheaval. The film explores the deep-seated tensions between indigenous Taiwanese people and immigrants, highlighting the struggles faced by the local population during a dark period in history.

A Better Tomorrow is a Hong Kong art film released in 1991, directed by Wong Kar-wai. It is regarded as one of the defining classics of Hong Kong cinema. The film ranked fourth in the "100 Greatest Chinese Films of All Time" list, as voted by Taiwanese film critics in 2011.

The film does not follow a conventional plot or include dramatic twists; instead, it heavily relies on the psychological depth of its characters to convey its message. The story revolves around Yuddy, a charming playboy skilled at winning over women. While the storyline is relatively simple and familiar, what sets A Better Tomorrow apart is its unique narrative style. Wong Kar-wai broke away from traditional filmmaking methods, focusing on character psychology and meaningful dialogue, complemented by music, to express his artistic vision. This approach later became a signature style for Wong Kar-wai in his future works.

The character Bao Zheng (Justice Bao), with his dark complexion and crescent-shaped birthmark on his forehead, has become an iconic figure in the memories of many. Justice Bao is a series about the upright and astute judge Bao Zheng, known for solving complex and mysterious cases.

While numerous adaptations of the story have been made, the 1993 version of Justice Bao remains irreplaceable and has left an indelible mark on the childhoods of many. This remains one of the greatest Chinese television series of all time.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a famous television series based on the novel of the same name by Luo Guanzhong. It is considered one of China's four great classical novels and remains a highly influential work in Chinese culture.

The series depicts the turbulent period of Chinese history, focusing on iconic historical figures such as Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Zhuge Liang, as well as the intense battles and political intrigue of the time. This drama has gained immense popularity among audiences in China and throughout Asia.

Similar to Justice Bao (1993), The Return of the Condor Heroes (1995), directed by Lee Tim-Shing, remains an irreplaceable classic for many, despite multiple remakes over the years.

This story follows the passionate yet complex love between Yang Guo (played by Louis Koo), a character torn between good and evil, and his ethereal love interest, Xiaolongnu (played by Michelle Yim), a graceful and mystical figure in white. Their love story has touched audiences deeply, and even after all these years, The Return of the Condor Heroes remains one of the best Chinese dramas ever.

The Smiling, Proud Wanderer is a martial arts film that revolves around the fierce competition between various factions in the Jianghu world, all vying for the legendary martial arts manual, the "Sword Manual of the Lâm Clan".

The story centers on the heroic and clever young swordsman Linghu Chong, the top disciple of the Mount Hua Sect. After suffering the heartbreak of his lover, Xue Linshan, betraying him and being wrongfully expelled from his sect, Linghu Chong embarks on a journey across the land, facing countless challenges. Despite the hardships, he receives teachings from renowned martial artists, ultimately becoming one of the greatest swordsmen in the Central Plains. The film also explores his romantic relationship with the mysterious and beautiful sect leader, Niang Yangyang. Audiences were captivated by the rich themes and thrilling plot of this classic tale.

Water Margin is a television series first aired in 1998 by China Central Television. It is based on the classic novel by Shi Nai'an, one of China's Four Great Classical Novels.

The series tells the story of 108 outlaws from Liangshan Marsh, who, despite their varied backgrounds and paths, unite to resist the corrupt Song Dynasty. The production's grand scale, filmed at the Wuxi Film Studios, effectively brings to life the vivid images of these legendary heroes. Upon its release, the series quickly became a public favorite. The theme song, "Heroic Song" performed by Liu Huan, also became immensely popular.

For anyone growing up in the 80s and 90s, the classic Chinese historical drama My Fair Princess is a nostalgic staple. Adapted from the famous work by female author Quỳnh Dao, the series holds a special place in many hearts.

The show was released in two parts and featured a talented young cast, many of whom became household names after the series aired, including Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Alec Su, Zhao Jie, Fan Bingbing, and Zhang Tielin. The charm of My Fair Princess lies in its lighthearted plot and its deep humanistic values. It celebrates youth, love, and freedom. The drama also catapulted the careers of its leading stars, making Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, and Fan Bingbing some of the most famous actresses in Asia today.

In the Mood for Love is a Hong Kong classic directed by Wong Kar-wai and released in 2000, starring Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. This film is considered one of the greatest works in Asian cinema, with international critics recognizing it as one of the best films of the 21st century.

In the Mood for Love tells the story of a complex relationship between two neighbors, Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung), who discover that their spouses are having an affair. Both are betrayed by their partners, and together they share their pain, longing, and sorrow. As they grow closer, they silently fall for each other but are determined not to repeat the mistakes of their spouses. The film has received high praise for its artistic depth and has won numerous international awards.

Journey to the West is a classic Chinese literary work by Wu Cheng'en. The TV adaptation, released in 1986, remains a beloved series, with its influence still felt today. The series is a significant part of childhood memories for children in Vietnam and many other countries, especially in China.

The story follows the journey of the monk Tang Seng and his disciples—Monkey King, Pigsy, Sandy, and the White Dragon Horse—as they travel west to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures. The show, which aired during summer holidays, captivated audiences with its engaging plot, impressive special effects, and skilled actors such as Liu Xiao Ling Tong as Sun Wukong, Thoi Jing Fu as Zhu Bajie, Liu Da Qiang as Sha Wujing, and various actors playing the role of the monk in different seasons.

Shanghai Bund is regarded as a classic TVB drama, a landmark in the genre of crime and gangster stories, and a renowned piece of Hong Kong cinema. This series played a pivotal role in establishing Chow Yun-Fat as a television and later film superstar in Hong Kong.

Set in Shanghai during the Republic of China period, just before World War II, the story revolves around the complex relationships and rivalries between Xu Wenqiang and Ding Lik in the world of organized crime. The series also explores a tragic love triangle involving Xu, Ding, and Phung Cheng Cheng. Additionally, the theme song for Shanghai Bund, sung by the iconic Cantopop artist, Ye Lai Xi, is considered one of the finest songs in the genre.

Raise the Red Lantern is a Chinese film released in 1991, directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Gong Li in the lead role.

Set in the 1920s, the film follows the life of Songlian, a 19-year-old university student who is forced to abandon her studies to become the fourth wife of a wealthy man. She is subjected to rivalry, jealousy, and oppression from her co-wives and her husband. In the summer of 1921, when Mr. Chen marries a new wife, the emotional toll on Songlian leads her to madness. The film is a powerful artistic commentary on patriarchal dominance and the suffering of women in a feudal society, praised internationally for its artistic merit and awarded numerous accolades.