Celebrate Lunar New Year with these flicks.

Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and bonding between families—biological or chosen—and what better way to wind down after a hectic reunion meal of catching up and stuffing ourselves than with some entertainment?

Below, we’ve curated diverse films to watch over the 15-day festival. Whether it follows the archetypal plotline of love and money or takes an interesting direction toward exploring familial ties and the highs and lows of life—you’re sure to find something that suits your mood.

Here’s a list of movies we think you’d enjoy this Chinese New Year:

The Journey (2014)

When Bee returns to Malaysia having spent most of her life in England, it is no wonder that she brings a British (Benji) home and announces him as her fiance. At first, Bee’s cranky and conservative father—Uncle Chuan—is hesitant about the marriage between his daughter and an ang mo who fumbles with chopsticks. But throughout the film, we witness the two warm up to each other through the journey they embark on across Malaysia sending out wedding invitations. Directed by Chiu Keng Guan and written by Ryon Lee, this locally produced comedy-drama takes viewers along for a ride through the country’s picturesque landscapes and lifestyle steeped in tradition.

Fat Choi Spirit (2002)

A quintessential Chinese New Year flick, Fat Choi Spirit tells the story of mahjong king Andy as he balances his mahjong addiction, a spunky on-and-off girlfriend and helping his estranged family through a time of financial difficulty. Madly chaotic and witty, the slapstick comedy is directed by duo Wai Ka-fai and Johnnie To and stars Andy Lau, Louis Koo, Gigi Leung and Cherrie Ying.

The Farewell (2019)

Chinese-born and U.S.-raised Billi—played by Awkwafina—feels conflicted when she returns to Changchun and finds out her family has decided not to tell her that her terminally ill Nai-Nai (grandmother) is given weeks to live. Instead, the family plans a fake wedding as a reason to gather everyone to say their last goodbyes. Humorous and uplifting, this heartfelt semi-autobiographical motion picture is written and directed by Lulu Wang.

Chungking Express (1994)

This cult favourite tells the stories of two lovesick policemen in Hong Kong’s bustling city. In the first half, we meet Cop 223 (Kaneshiro Takeshi) who buys a can of pineapples every day to get over his ex. Later, Cop 663 (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) takes centre stage, forming a unique bond with a quirky waitress (Faye Wong) at the local cafe. A renowned filmmaker and director, Wong Kar-Wai is praised for his romantic and unique style of visual storytelling in this film.

All’s Well, End’s Well (1992)

A romantic Chinese New Year comedy, All’s Well, End’s Well tells the story of the three Shang brothers who live with their father, play pranks and get into hilarious situations. Starring Leslie Cheung, Stephen Chow, Raymond Wong, and Sandra Ng and directed by Clifton Ko, the film received so much success that several sequels followed in the years after with their own iteration.

Turning Red (2022)

Turning into a big red panda whenever any strong emotion arises, the animated Pixar film opens with an introduction to individualistic and high-achieving Mei Lee, who soon discovers an irregular trait that is shared among the women in her Chinese-Canadian family. Directed by Domee Shi, Academy Award winner for her short film Bao, Turning Red is an exciting coming-of-age story that successfully portrays the realities of growing up and teenage awkwardness while delivering an important message about self-acceptance.

Last Train Home (2009)

In this documentary drama, audiences follow the journey of a Chinese married couple—Chen and Zhang, who are garment workers, as they make their annual trip back to their kids in China for the Lunar New Year. Filmmaker Lixin Fan follows this family for three years to create a poignant and eye-opening film that shows the hardships of rising from poverty in China.

Enter the Dragon (1973)

In this classic, Lee plays a Shaolin martial artist who is recruited by British Intelligence to infiltrate a suspected crime empire of drugs and sex trafficking led by Han, whose bodyguard is also responsible for the death of Lee’s sister. To earn his way to the opium lord’s fortress, Lee disguises himself as a contender for a fighting tournament, promising viewers a satisfying number of riveting fight scenes that portray Bruce Lee’s physical prowess in graceful moves. The film is directed by Robert Clouse and co-written by Bruce Lee.