Classic Hong Kong movies to watch on Netflix and Disney+

A Better Tomorrow is a classic action film that follows the story of two brothers on opposite sides of the law. Directed by John Woo, this seminal heroic bloodshed movie is known for its over-the-top action scenes and of course, the iconic scene of Chow Yun-fat burning a USD100 bill to light up his cigarette.

Available on Netflix

A timeless classic, the 1987 production An Autumn’s Tale has impacted Hong Kong cinema with its ahead-of-its-time storyline, which sheds light on the transnational relationships that were gaining popularity in the 80s; socio-economic strife as an immigrant; and the adaptation skills as a minority. Speaking to a lot of emigrated Hongkongers, it depicts the struggles and successes that Cherie Chung (Jennifer Lee) faces as she begins her new life in New York and her encounter with neighbour and love-interest Sampan (Chow Yun-fat) as she discovers herself and her new-found identity. An Autumn’s Tale has received four Hong Kong Film Festival Awards (including ranking 49th in 100 Chinese Motion Pictures) and a Golden Horse Award.

Available on Netflix

Anita made its mark in the local box office in 2021 as a biographical musical drama film chronicling Anita Mui’s legendary rise to superstardom. As one of the region’s most iconic female artists, the late Anita Mui – aka 'Madonna of the East' – is an award-winning Hong Kong singer and actress who has changed the Cantopop music scene forever. The movie gives fans a glimpse into her lesser-known personal life, including her camaraderie with Hong Kong superstar Leslie Cheung, and her romantic relationships, and features numerous iconic songs to give audiences a fresh take on the movie. As an extension to the movie, there is also a special director's cut featuring extra footage.

Available on Disney+

The Hong Kong film industry is known for producing action movies, especially in the subset of the crime genre, but where Cold War sets itself apart are the added elements of mystery and underlying political perspective. The movie begins with a missing police vehicle that leads to the biggest conspiracy ever seen in Hong Kong as two Deputy Commissioners of Police fight for control over the investigation. Unique in comparison to the usual police flicks where the focus is placed on the front-line police fighting the crime, Cold War gives you ‘behind-the-scenes’ views of the police management and other government departments. The star-studded cast includes Aaron Kwok, Chow Yun-fat, and Tong Leung Ka-Fai (who won his fourth Hong Kong Film Award for best actor for his outstanding performance). Rumour has it that Cold War III is in the works, so there’s no better time than now to catch the first two instalments.

Available on Netflix and Disney+

God of Gamblers is one of the most influential films in Hong Kong since the late 80s. Recognised as one of the Best 100 Chinese Motion Pictures of all time by the Hong Kong Film Awards Association and bringing in significant box office results ($37 million), the unprecedented interest in God of Gamblers sparked a whole new genre of films about gambling. The movie is based on Ko Chun (Chow Yun-fat), who is faced with different challengers who will stop at nothing for his title as the God of Gamblers. In an accident, he loses his memory but gains an apprentice, the mediocre gambler Knife (Andy Lau) who idolises him. As he tries to recall his past and pass on his forgotten skills to his new prodigy, he is met with his biggest gamble yet. 

Available on Netflix and Disney+

A pivotal film series for Hong Kong cinema, Infernal Affairs has numerous prestigious accolades strapped under its belt, including Hong Kong Film Award for best film, actor (Tony Leung Chiu Wai), supporting actor (Anthony Wong), director, screenplay, and editing. Starring movie legends Andy Lau, Tony Leung, and Anthony Wong, the story follows a police and triad undercover who blend themselves into their societal roles while working for the opposite team. The moles play a game of cat and mouse as they try to reveal the other without disclosing their position. This epic crime-action movie is cleverly crafted with well-developed characters and gripping dialogue, so much so that it had caught the eyes of Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who did a US remake, The Departed, starring the likes of Matt Damon, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Jack Nicholson.

Available on Netflix and Disney+

Hong Kong's comedy legend needs no further introduction. Both Netflix and Disney+ have a whole archive of Stephen Chow movies for you to binge one by one. From classics like Fight Back to School, A Chinese Odyssey, Flirting Scholar, and Kung Fu Hustle, to slightly lesser-known but equally hilarious titles such as Look Out, Officer! and The Mad Monk, you'll be thoroughly entertained the whole week just watching these.

Available on Netflix and Disney+

Starring Hong Kong movie icon Anthony Wong, Still Human tells a heartwarming tale of a disabled man being cared for by a Filipino domestic worker. The story follows the two characters as they confront their lives with dreams unfulfilled while learning to lean on one another. Having been nominated for eight awards in the 38th Hong Kong Film Awards and taking two wins, this is a must-watch.

Available on Disney+

Adapted from Hong Kong’s most well known and longest-running comic, Young and Dangerous is a six-part anti-hero film (with three prequels and three spin-offs) that makes viewers root for the bad boys. The storyline revolves around triad leader Chan Ho Nam and his gang of delinquents Hung Hing, depicting life on the dark side as they brave the police and rival gangs while weaving in drama, humanity, strife, love, loyalty and tragedy all in one. The impact of Young and Dangerous goes far beyond cinematic experiences as it has also shaped Hong Kong culture with its influence - from hairstyles to language to its forever classic theme tune that's now an epic karaoke belt-out. 

Available on Netflix