List of Top 10 most famous films in China

“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)

Directed by Ang Lee, this martial arts epic is set in 19th-century Qing Dynasty China and follows the story of a legendary warrior, Li Mu Bai, who seeks to recover a stolen sword, the Green Destiny.

Along the way, he encounters Yu Shu Lien, a skilled female warrior, and they become entangled in a complex web of romance, honour, and betrayal.

“Farewell My Concubine” (1993)

Directed by Chen Kaige, this historical drama is set against the backdrop of China’s turbulent 20th century. It follows the lives of two Peking opera performers, Cheng Dieyi and Duan Xiaolou, whose deep bond is tested by political upheavals, personal sacrifices, and societal changes.

“To Live” (1994)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this drama spans several decades in the lives of a Chinese family as they navigate the tumultuous events of the mid-20th century, including the Japanese invasion, the Chinese Civil War, and the Cultural Revolution.

“Raise the Red Lantern” (1991)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this visually stunning drama is set in 1920s China and follows the story of Songlian, a young woman who becomes the fourth wife of a wealthy man. As she navigates the intricacies of the household and vies for her husband’s favour.

“Hero” (2002)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this wuxia film is set during the Warring States period and follows the story of a nameless warrior who recounts his encounters with three assassins to the King of Qin.

“House of Flying Daggers” (2004)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this romantic wuxia film is set in 859 AD during the declining Tang Dynasty. It follows the story of Jin, a police officer, who is tasked with capturing Mei, a member of the rebel group known as the House of Flying Daggers.

“Not One Less” (1999)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this drama is set in a rural Chinese village and follows the story of Wei Minzhi, a 13-year-old substitute teacher, who is tasked with preventing one of her students from dropping out of school.

“The Road Home” (1999)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, this romantic drama is set in a rural Chinese village and follows the story of Zhao Di, a young woman who reminisces about her parents’ courtship and her mother’s enduring love for her father.

“Aftershock” (2010)

Directed by Feng Xiaogang, this disaster drama is set against the backdrop of the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, one of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history.

The film follows the lives of a family torn apart by the disaster and their struggles to rebuild their lives amidst tragedy and loss.

“Mountains May Depart” (2015)

Directed by Jia Zhangke, this drama spans three decades and follows the lives of three characters – Tao, Jinsheng, and Liangzi – as they navigate the social and economic changes in contemporary China.

Chinese cinema and film industry: Chinese movies and the film industry in China have grown a lot. China is now the biggest movie market in the world. Every year, about 800 new movies come out in China. Chinese movies have changed a lot over time.

They tell different stories and use new ideas. Sometimes, making movies in China is hard because of the rules. But Chinese filmmakers keep trying new things and making great movies. The future of Chinese movies looks bright with many exciting stories and new ideas to come.