Chinese films about folklore

List of the best Chinese films about folklore according to the audience: Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, Forbidden Kingdom, The Yin Yang Master, Namiya, Youth, Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield, 纽约客@上海, S.M.A.R.T. Chase, Triple Threat, The Third Way of Love.

In the top there are new films of 2021, a plot description and trailers for films that have already been released.

Country
Markimdb: 6.7
Genrefantasy, comedy, adventure
CountryChina, Hong Kong
Duration01:50

In a world plagued by demons who cause great human suffering, young demon hunter Xuan Zang risks his all to conquer a water demon, a pig demon and the demon of all demons, Sun Wukong.

Markimdb: 5.2
Genrethriller, fantasy, adventure
CountryRussia, China, Ukraine, Germany, United Kingdom, Czech Republic
Duration02:08

Early 18th century. Cartographer Jonathan Green undertakes a scientific voyage from Europe to the East. Having passed through Transylvania and crossed the Carpathian Mountains, he finds himself in a small village lost in impassible woods. Nothing but chance and heavy fog could bring him to this cursed place. People who live here do not resemble any other people which the traveler saw before that. The villagers, having dug a deep moat to fend themselves from the rest of the world, share a naive belief that they could save themselves from evil, failing to understand that evil has made its nest in their souls and is waiting for an opportunity to gush out upon the world.

Markimdb: 6.4
Genreaction, fantasy
CountryChina

The world is on the verge of a devastating war with monsters who are coming to retrieve the Scaling Stone. Yin Yang Master Qingming's life is in danger and he travels to different worlds to prepare for the upcoming assaults. On his journey, Qingming finds that the key to all the calamities is embracing his hybrid identity of both human and monster.

Markimdb: 4.9
Genrefantasy, drama
CountryChina

Based on Keigo Higashino's international bestseller The Miracles of the Namiya General Store comes director Han Jie's take on the fantastical novel. TFBoys' Karry Wang stars as Xiao Bo, one of three orphans on the run who take refuge in a derelict corner store. Once there, they find a mysterious letter seeking advice, leading to an emotional adventure through time and unexpected connections with their own past.

Markimdb: 7.1
Genredrama, military, history
CountryChina
Duration02:10

A group of performing art troupe members each face their own trials and tribulations in Chengdu; from escaping a family scandal to dealing with unrequited love, each experiences rejection that shapes their lives.

Markimdb: 6.6
Genreaction, detective, history
CountryChina
Duration01:42

An imperial guard searches for the truth behind a conspiracy that framed him and his partners. The proof of his innocence lies with a wanted woman named Bei Zhai... but will she reveal what she knows? In this intense prequel to BROTHERHOOD OF BLADES, the only thing he can truly trust is his sword.

Markimdb: 6.2
Genrecomedy, melodrama, drama
CountryUSA, China

When ambitious New York attorney Sam is sent to Shanghai on assignment, he immediately stumbles into a legal mess that could end his career. With the help of a beautiful relocation specialist, a well-connected old-timer, a clever journalist, and a street-smart legal assistant, Sam might just save his job, find romance, and learn to appreciate the beauty and wonders of Shanghai. Written by Anonymous (IMDB.com).

Markimdb: 4.7
Genreaction, comedy, adventure
CountryChina, USA
Duration02:24

A washed-up private security agent has to escort a valuable Chinese antique out of Shanghai but is ambushed en route.

Markimdb: 5.6
Genreaction, thriller, crime
CountryThailand, China, USA
Duration01:31

A crime syndicate places a hit on a billionaire's daughter, making her the target of an elite assassin squad. A small band of down-and-out mercenaries protects her, fighting tooth and nail to stop the assassins from reaching their target.

Markimdb: 5
Genremelodrama, drama
CountryChina

"The Third Way of Love" tells the sad love story of Lin Qi Zheng, who is from a rich family, and Zhou Yu who is a smart and beautiful lawyer.

Markimdb: 7
Genremelodrama, drama, crime
CountryChina, France, Japan
Duration01:17

Set in China's underworld, this tale of love and betrayal follows a dancer who fired a gun to protect her mobster boyfriend during a fight. On release from prison 5 years later, she sets out to find him.

Markimdb: 6
Genreaction
CountryChina, Hong Kong, USA
Duration01:45

In Beijing, a young martial artist's skill places him in position to experience opportunities and sacrifices.

Markimdb: 6.1
Genreaction, fantasy, melodrama, drama, adventure
CountryTaiwan, Hong Kong, USA, China
Duration02:21

A story of lost love, young love, a legendary sword and one last opportunity at redemption.

Markimdb: 7.2
Genredocumentary
CountryUnited Kingdom, China, USA

Venturing into the wilds of China, "Born in China" captures intimate moments with a panda bear and her growing cub, a young golden monkey who feels displaced by his baby sister, and a mother snow leopard struggling to raise her two cubs.

Markimdb: 6.4
Genreaction, thriller, adventure, crime
CountryHong Kong, China
Duration01:28

During the warlords era in China, a village located in rural area called Pucheng fell into dangerous situation when its government allocated all its military force to the front line, the cruel commandant Cao from the enemy troops arrived the village and killed the innocent, the guardians of Pucheng were desperate to fight against Cao for justice and to protect their homeland.

Markimdb: 3.7
Genrefantastic, action, thriller, adventure
CountryUnited Kingdom, China

Travis and his team travel to China in search of what isn't supposed to exist ... their mission to capture a Cryptid which is wreaking havoc in a remote village and they need to do this before it is killed by Harker, the legendary bounty hunter.

Markimdb: 6.4
Genredrama, crime, detective
CountryChina

Yu, a self-assured factory guard, fancies himself a detective and begins poking his nose into a murder investigation.

Markimdb: 5.7
Genreaction, fantasy, comedy
CountryChina

The four constables Emotionless, Iron Hands , Life Snatcher and ColdBlood are specially skilled in their own individual super powers. When the four constables of the Divine Constabulary investigate a murder in the suburbs, they unexpectedly stumble on clues to the murder of Emotionless's family 15 years ago.

Markimdb: 7.2
Genrefantasy, drama, adventure, cartoon
CountryChina

In the bustling human world, various demons are hidden and live in peace with humans. Luo Xiaohei, the cat demon, begins his journey of wandering because his forest home is destroyed. On his search for a new home he encounters other demons as well as understanding human allies, leaving Hei in the dilemma of which side will be his true attribution.

Markimdb: 7.1
Genreaction, drama
CountryChina, Japan, France
Duration02:13

Four independent stories set in modern China about random acts of violence.

Markimdb: 6.6
Genredrama, adventure
CountryChina, France
Duration02:25

In 1969, a young Beijing student, Chen Zhen, is sent to live among the nomadic herdsmen of Inner Mongolia. Caught between the advance of civilization from the south and the nomads' traditional enemies - the marauding wolves - to the north; humans and animals, residents and invaders alike, struggle to find their true place in the world

Markimdb: 6.4
Genremelodrama
CountryChina
Duration01:38

A car full of irresponsible youths hit a woman on a rainy freeway and think she is trying an insurance scam.

Markimdb: 5.9
Genrethriller, crime, detective
CountryChina
Duration00:55

A man lives in a lovely apartment with his wife and 2 children. He is obsessed with cleanliness, has strange dreams and struggles with a mystery in his past. He goes to a bad part of town hunting for a long lost brother, leaving his wife and children in their car. As he tries to get cooperation from neighbors, the wife finds her children are missing. A stranger wearing a dark motorcycle helmet appears, frightening her. As the story unfolds this stranger follows them becoming more and more threatening.

Markimdb: 7.6
Genreaction, drama, military, history
CountryChina, Hong Kong
Duration02:26

A Westerner finds refuge with a group of women in a church during Japan's rape of Nanking in 1937. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety.

Markimdb: 6.9
Genreaction, comedy, adventure, military, history
CountryChina, Hong Kong
Duration01:32

The story of a farmer forced into conscription, who has been looking to get out of the army ever since. His great chance arrives when he stumbles upon a wounded general from an enemy state, and he kidnaps him, intending to claim credit for the capture, which includes five "mu" of land, and most importantly, honorable discharge from the army.

Markimdb: 6.3
Genreaction, drama, history
CountryHong Kong, China
Duration01:46

    Seven years after the apparent death of Chen Zhen, who was shot after discovering who was responsible for his teacher's death (Huo Yuanjia) in Japanese-occupied Shanghai. A mysterious stranger arrives from overseas and befriends a local mafia boss. That man is a disguised Chen Zhen, who intends to infiltrate the mob when they form an alliance with the Japanese. Disguising himself as a caped fighter by night, Chen intends to take out everyone involved as well as get his hands on an assassination list prepared by the Japanese.

    Markimdb: 6.1
    Genredrama, history
    CountryChina, USA
    Duration02:00

    A story set in 19th century China and centered on the lifelong friendship between two girls who develop their own secret code as a way to contend with the rigid cultural norms imposed on women.

    Markimdb: 6
    Genremelodrama, drama, detective
    CountrySouth Korea, China, Singapore
    Duration01:50

    Dangerous Liaisons is a Chinese film by Hur Jin-ho based on the novel with the same title by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

    Markimdb: 6.4
    Genreaction, drama, biography
    CountryHong Kong, China
    Duration02:11

    In 1868 during the late Qing Dynasty, rampant corruption on the Imperial Court inflicts much suffering in people's lives. For years, the Black Tiger’s fearsome boss Lei Gong has been trying to get rid of the leader of the Northern Sea. One of his latest recruits is Fei, a fearless fighter who takes the Northern Sea leader’s head after a fierce fight. Just as Lei Gong believes he has total control of the port, a new gang called the Orphans rises in power. Led by Fei’s childhood friend Huo, the Orphans are out to eliminate all the criminal power from the port…

    Markimdb: 5.5
    Genredrama, history
    CountryChina

    In the year 198 BC, Cao Cao (Chow Yun Fat), Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, ventured to the east and defeated China's greatest warrior Lu Bu, terrifying every ambitious warlord across the country. Several years later, after taking the Han Emperor under his wing, Cao crowns himself King of Wei. He built a magnificent Bronze Sparrow Island to symbolize his power and rumors spread that he would replace the Emperor. Meanwhile, young lovers Mu Shun (Hiroshi Tamaki) and Ling Ju (Liu Yi-Fei) are taken from a prison camp to a hidden tomb, where they spend five cruel years together, training as assassins for a secret mission. In the year 220 BC astronomical signs predict dramatic change. As a result, Cao's son Cao Pi (Yau Sam-Chi) and Cao's followers urge Cao to become the new Emperor - but unknown opposing forces plot against him.

    Markimdb: 5.3
    Genrefantasy, adventure
    CountryChina, Hong Kong, USA
    Duration01:59

    The story of Chinese legendary anti-hero Zhong Kui, a young man endowed with mysterious powers who is forced into a battle among the realms of Heaven, Earth and Hell in the course of his attempt to save his countrymen and the woman he loves.

    Markimdb: 7.6
    Genredrama
    CountryUSA, China
    Duration02:27

    A headstrong Chinese-American woman returns to China when her beloved grandmother is given a terminal diagnosis. Billi struggles with her family's decision to keep grandma in the dark about her own illness as they all stage an impromptu wedding to see grandma one last time.

    Markimdb: 5.5
    Genreaction, fantasy, comedy, melodrama, adventure
    CountryChina
    Duration01:49

    After being defeated by humans centuries ago, the Winged Tribe has lost their ability to fly. Seeking vengeance, a royal descendant of the tribe has begun searching for the magical Naga Pearls, which he plans to use to destroy the humans. When the legendary pearls fall into - and out of - the hands of Heiyu, a wily human street punk, he must join a team of unlikely heroes as they race to prevent the destruction of their people in this magical fantasy adventure.

    Markimdb: 6.9
    Genrecomedy, drama
    CountryChina
    Duration01:50

    Li Xuelian, a woman from the countryside is falsely accused by her husband of having an affair. To defend herself, Li moves from her small town to the big city until she reached the capital.

    Markimdb: 5.2
    Genrefantasy, melodrama
    CountryChina

    Bai Qian, a goddess and monarch from the Heavenly Realms, is sent to the mortal world to undergo a trial to become a High Goddess. There, she meets Ye Hua, with whom she falls in love and marries. When an old enemy reappears in her life, everything she holds dear is threatened.

    Markimdb: 7.4
    Genremelodrama, drama
    CountryChina, Hong Kong

    30 year-old working woman Li Ansheng’s life in Shanghai is suddenly disrupted by the publication of a novel, entitled “Qiyue and Ansheng”, a chronicle of her friendship with Qi Yue during her youth. Coupled with an accidental encounter with Su Jia Ming, a past love, her long repressed memories are unleashed with the force of a tsunami. The two girls seemed destined to become friends from the moment they entered high school. Though they were inseparable and believed that their bond would last for the rest of their lives, the cruelty of youth eventually led them to separate paths. Even more shocking is the discovery of a long buried secret shared by the women – a secret that serves as an emblem of their youth and the proof of their friendship.

    Markimdb: 6.7
    Genrecomedy, melodrama
    CountryChina
    Duration01:41

    Lu Jin is a handsome, wealthy hotel executive whose drive for perfection is matched only by his taste for fine cuisine. When he checks into the Rosebud, he's dissatisfied with everything he sees and is ready to take action... until flamboyant female sous chef Gu Shengnan creates the perfectionist what may be a perfect meal. Now, these bitter rivals find themselves brought together in the kitchen in this light-hearted romantic comedy, infused with fun and flavors to create a delicious dish that foodies around the world wouldn't dare to miss.

    Markimdb: 5.3
    Genrefantasy
    CountryChina
    Duration01:44

    In the twilight of the Ming Dynasty, the Imperial court is plagued by corruption as tyrants rule over the land. With the Manchurians preying on a weakened empire, war is imminent. To save the victims from their suffering, sorceress Jade Raksha fights the soldiers that oppress people for their own gain. As payback, local government officials decide to pin the murder of Governor Zhuo Zhonglian on Jade, turning her and the members of her cult into wanted fugitives for a crime they didn't commit.

    Markimdb: 5.2
    Genreaction, melodrama, drama
    CountryChina, Hong Kong
    Duration01:48

    In the 19th century, the Prince Regent of the Qing Dynasty orders the mass execution of the entire Meng clan. Before his beheading, the leader vows that his family will avenge this travesty of justice. Awaiting his death, a five-year-old Meng boy named Erkui bravely sings an aria. The power and purity of his voice touches the opera star Master Yu and his seven-year-old pupil Guan Yilong. Master Yu rescues the boy and the two orphans become brothers. Years later, Master Yu wins the coveted golden "The Mightiest Warrior" plaque from the Prince Regent, but subsequently loses it in a duel with his archrival Master Yue. Banished from the stage upon his loss, Master Yu spends his time training the two brothers in the village. When the boys grow into men, they set off for Shanghai to pursue revenge. Once they reach Shanghai, they quickly defeat Master Yue, reclaiming not only the plaque but also taking over the Yue's opera troupe.

    Markimdb: 5.6
    Genrecrime
    CountryChina
    Duration01:33

    Lost in White takes places in the north-east of China, where two bodies have been found under the ice of a frozen lake, their remains made unidentifiable by carnivorous fish, but still bearing the mark of having been dragged with an ice hook. In charge of the investigation is Captain Zhou (Tony Leung Ka Fai), a dedicated cop who's dragging along his teenage daughter Xinyi (Zhou Dongyu). Soon he's joined by Wang Hao (Tong Dawei) a young Shanghai detective who's on a missing person case that has led him to the same village where the murders happened. The two cases prove to be connected: the missing person and the two victims were part of a quartet of businessmen who ten years ago opened a refinery in the region, and disposed of chemical waste in an unethical way that has poisoned the waters and led to malformed babies in the following decade. Is the missing businessman the killer, the next victim or a red herring?

    Markimdb: 5.1
    Genredrama, military, history
    CountryChina

    The Founding of an Army is a 2017 Chinese film commissioned by China's government to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army.

    Markimdb: 5.6
    Genreaction, comedy, adventure, crime
    CountryChina, Hong Kong, Netherlands, USA
    Duration01:33

    A detective from Hong Kong teams up with an American gambler to battle against a notorious Chinese criminal.

    Markimdb: 3.5
    Genrecomedy, melodrama, drama
    CountryChina, Taiwan
    Duration01:56

    Set four years after the first movie, Lin Xiao, Lily, Nan Xiang, and Ruby, confront opportunities and challenges as their school days come to an end.

    Markimdb: 6.5
    Genrecomedy, drama, cartoon, crime
    CountryChina
    Duration01:25

    Three parties pursue the million dollars that driver Xiao Zhang stole to help out his girlfriend.

    Markimdb: 5.7
    Genrefantastic, action
    CountryUSA, China
    Duration02:07

    Ageing assassin, Henry Brogen tries to get out of the business but finds himself in the ultimate battle—fighting his own clone who is 25 years younger than him, and at the peak of his abilities.

    Markimdb: 6.1
    Genreaction, fantasy
    CountryChina

    Keen to bring honor to his clan, young villager Dong Yilong embarks on a perilous journey to compete in a tournament that selects warriors for battle.

    Markimdb: 6
    Genreaction, thriller, crime, detective
    CountryHong Kong, China
    Duration02:07

    The details of undercover police officers are deleted from a police database and a senior officer is left struggling to know who are the undercover officers and who are the criminals.

    Markimdb: 6.2
    Genreaction, drama, family, sport
    CountryUSA, China
    Duration02:20

    12-year-old Dre Parker could have been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying but the cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make him an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is a kung fu master. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.

    Markimdb: 7.2
    Genrefantasy, comedy, melodrama, adventure, family, cartoon
    CountryChina, USA, Hong Kong

    Determined teen Din is longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend when he meets a wish-granting dragon who shows him the magic of possibilities.

    Markimdb: 4.3
    Genrefantastic, action, melodrama
    CountryChina
    Duration02:10

    Set in the future, the city of Shanghai battle to defend itself against an ongoing attack by an alien force that has attacked and laid siege to numerous cities around the globe in it's quest to harvest a hidden energy only found on earth.




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