The red envelopes have been given, the dumplings have been devoured, and the Year of the Horse is officially upon us. As we step into a new lunar cycle, we’re not just looking for any movie to put on in the background; we’re looking for stories that resonate with the themes of the holiday: family, fortune, perseverance, and a little bit of luck. For too long, the mainstream cinematic landscape has offered a narrow view of the world, but as we celebrate today, we’re reminded that the most powerful stories are the ones where we see ourselves—in all our complex, messy, and magnificent glory.
Whether you’re gathered with family or enjoying a quiet day off, we’ve curated a list of essential viewing that honors the depth and diversity of the diaspora. These aren’t just movies about the culture; they are movies from the culture, stories where identity isn’t a stereotype but the very fabric of the adventure. So, grab some snacks and settle in for our countdown of the best films to watch this Lunar New Year.
8. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
Streaming on: Peacock
Let’s start with something universally loved. You might not immediately associate the world’s most lovable yellow henchmen with the Lunar New Year, but hear us out. This prequel follows a 12-year-old Gru as he dreams of becoming the world’s greatest supervillain. It’s a story about ambition, finding your crew, and the chaotic, adorable journey to achieving your dreams. It’s the perfect pick to keep the younger (and young at heart) members of the family glued to the screen while you steal another dumpling.
7. The Wandering Earth (2019)
Streaming on: Netflix
A blockbuster that signaled a new era for Chinese science fiction, The Wandering Earth is an epic on a truly global scale. With the sun dying, humanity must literally move the Earth out of its orbit to find a new home. It’s a testament to collective survival and pushing boundaries against impossible odds—a fitting metaphor for the hopeful energy of a new year. Plus, its stunning visual effects rival any Hollywood production, proving that great sci-fi is a universal language.
6. True Legend (2010)
Streaming on: Prime Video
For those who crave the high-flying, gravity-defying grace of classic wuxia, True Legend is a must-watch. Set in 1861, it tells the story of General Su Qi’er, a man betrayed by his brother who must descend into a life of misery before rising again to master a new form of martial arts. It’s a visceral and emotionally charged tale of revenge, redemption, and the unbreakable human spirit, featuring fight choreography that will leave you breathless.
5. The Grandmaster (2013)
Streaming on: The Roku Channel & Tubi
Before Ip Man became a household name in the West, Wong Kar-wai offered us The Grandmaster, a visually poetic and deeply philosophical take on the life of the man who trained Bruce Lee. Starring Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi, this isn’t just a martial arts film; it’s a meditation on legacy, honor, and the passage of time. Every frame is a painting, and the story serves as a beautiful tribute to the masters who paved the way for martial arts cinema as we know it.
4. Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Rent on: Prime Video ($3.99)
You can never go wrong with the Dragon Warrior. In this third installment, Po finally reunites with his biological father and travels to a secret panda village. It’s a film that directly tackles themes of family, belonging, and discovering who you are by understanding where you come from. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and visually gorgeous—a reminder that our greatest strength often comes from the love and support of our community.
3. Turning Red (2022)
Streaming on: Disney+
Pixar gifted us with an instant classic that perfectly captures the chaos of adolescence through a specific cultural lens. Set in Toronto in the early 2000s, Turning Red follows 13-year-old Mei Lee, who transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited. It’s a brilliant, colorful metaphor for growing up and the often-tumultuous relationship between mothers and daughters. For anyone who has ever felt caught between honoring their family and finding their own path, this film is a giant, fuzzy hug.
2. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Streaming on: Disney+/Hulu
What happens when you mix Looney Tunes physics with Shaw Brothers kung fu? You get Stephen Chow’s masterpiece, Kung Fu Hustle. Set in 1940s Shanghai, this film is an explosion of slapstick comedy, incredible martial arts, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. It’s a chaotic, hilarious, and endlessly rewatchable celebration of the underdog, reminding us that heroes can come from the most unexpected places—a perfect sentiment as we head into a new year.
1. Ne Zha 2 (2025)
Streaming on: HBO Max
Topping our list is the monumental sequel to the highest-grossing animated film of all time in China. Ne Zha 2 continues the story of the boy-god and his friend Aobing, whose very souls are on the brink of destruction. The film dives deep into themes of fate, sacrifice, and rebuilding oneself against all odds. It’s a visual spectacle that represents the pinnacle of modern Chinese animation, proving that mythology can be reimagined for a new generation in breathtaking ways.
And the Film That Defines the Holiday…
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Streaming on: Rakuten Viki | Rent on: Prime Video ($3.99)
We couldn’t end this list without acknowledging the film that perfectly encapsulates the modern immigrant experience and the multitudes we contain. Everything Everywhere All at Once is more than just a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone. It follows Evelyn Wang, a middle-aged Chinese immigrant who discovers she must connect with the lives she could have led in the multiverse to save the one she has. It’s a chaotic, hilarious, and profoundly moving story about generational trauma, love, and the quiet revolution of choosing kindness in a world that feels like it’s falling apart. It’s the ultimate Lunar New Year film because it reminds us that our greatest legacy is not our success, but our love.
What will you be watching to kick off the Year of the Horse?
This list is just the beginning. Cinema is finally opening its doors to stories that have always deserved to be told, allowing more of us to see our own families, struggles, and joys reflected on screen. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering a new favorite, we want to hear from you.
Drop a comment below and tell us: which movie is on your must-watch list for today, and why?
