10 Best Hong Kong Movies That You Need Watching Update 03/2024

Best Hong Kong Movies

Hong Kong’s film industry has had a significant impact on contemporary cinema, whether it’s in the form of drama or action. Here are a few films you may not be familiar with.

If you pay attention to a film, you’ll notice how Hong Kong cinema has had an impact on the world of cinema.

Hong Kong’s film industry has had a significant impact on contemporary cinema, whether it’s in the form of drama or action. The Hong Kong film industry has evolved to be one of the largest in the world with minimal aid from the government (as other film industries have enjoyed). It has a filmography that includes some well-known films and some lesser-known masterpieces.

As a result, we dug deep into the Hong Kong film canon to compile a list of the ten best films you haven’t seen but should.

1. A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)

A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)

A Chinese Ghost Story is a good illustration of how Hong Kong cinema likes to stretch the boundaries of classic genres. After being summoned to spend the night in a haunted temple, a debt collector finds himself terrorized by an assortment of malevolent ghosts. It’s not surprising that Hong Kong filmmakers have turned debt collection into a terrifying thriller.

2. Shaolin Soccer (2001)

Shaolin Soccer is a sports comedy directed by Stephen Chor that combines martial arts with soccer. The plot of the movie revolves around a group of Shaolin monks who decided to join a soccer team and put their martial arts training to good use. It’s an odd plot twist, but it worked and was a lot of fun to see.

3. Bullet In The Head (1990)

Bullet In The Head (1990)

Face/Off, from 1997, and Mission: Impossible 2, from 2000, are two of director John Woo’s more recent action pictures. With Bullet In The Head (1990), his best film in Hong Kong, he improved on his directing skills before moving to Hollywood. From start to finish, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat as it follows three buddies who fled Hong Kong to start a life of crime in Saigon.

4. God Of Gamblers (1989)

This Hong Kong film threw the dice and landed on sevens when it came to gambling movies. Master gambler who has lost his memory meets street hustler with a supernatural gambling gift in God of Gamblers, which combines action and humour in its storyline. Yes, there are elements of science fiction in this film about gambling.

5. Project A (1983)

Project A (1983)

Jackie Chan was a Hong Kong movie star long before he became one of Hollywood’s hottest action actors in the 1990s and 2000s.

In Project A, Chan stars as Sergeant Lung, a Hong Kong Navy officer who must assist in the fight against pirates in the early 1980s. Fun and action-packed, even if it’s a little unconventional.

6. A Moment Of Romance (1990)

There is a wide range of Hong Kong film genres, and not all of them are dominated by action and comedy. A Moment of Romance is a wonderful illustration of how well Hong Kong films can perform drama. As a getaway driver who becomes embroiled in a hostage situation following an attempted bank-robbery, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything quite like this in my life.

7. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Kung Fu Hustle, directed by Stephen Chow, depicts the story of a Shanghai gangster who wants to join a notorious gang in the 1940s and is one of the best modern-day Kung Fu films of the 2000s. Kung Fu Hustle is an excellent Western action picture that should be seen by all who enjoy the genre.

8. Hard Boiled (1992)

Another early John Woo masterpiece is on display in this high-octane action flick. When a fierce Hong Kong cop goes undercover to take down a mob lord and his deadly henchmen, Hard Boiled is the film to watch out for. As long as you can read subtitles, Hard Boiled is a worthwhile picture for action aficionados who enjoy the “one-man-army” action hero film genre.

9. Police Story (1985)

Police Story (1985)

It’s impossible to argue with the assertion that this was the film that catapulted Jackie Chan into action hero status when you watch Police Story.

Chan stars as a Hong Kong police officer who is framed for the death of a corrupt officer in the mid-80s film. It’s fast-paced and exciting, and it’s up there with the best American cop movies of the 1980s.

10. Chungking Express (1994)

In the eyes of many, this picture is one of the best, if not the best, movies to come out of Hong Kong. Chungking Express embodies the best of Hong Kong filmmaking, with a tale that enthralls you from beginning to end and a cast of actors who bring their A-game to every scene. Chungking Express is a wonderful film that you must see in order to appreciate.