Drama: 11 Must-Watch Chinese Films According to MyDramaList

Chinese cinema has been gaining international recognition for its powerful, emotional, and visually stunning storytelling. From delicate dramas to sweeping romances and meaningful epics, Chinese films have shown the world the beauty of sensitive and deeply human narratives.

This list highlights some of the highest-rated Chinese films on MyDramaList, featuring stories about love, loss, resilience, friendship, and hope. These films inspire, move, and invite viewers to see life from a new perspective.

If you enjoy movies that combine beauty, emotion, and reflection, get ready to fall in love with these unforgettable stories.

Better Days (2019)

MyDramaList Rating: 9.2

Better Days is one of the most acclaimed Chinese films of recent years. It addresses bullying and school violence with sensitivity and courage. The story follows Chen Nian, a shy student who is constantly bullied, and Xiao Bei, a rebellious street youth. Fate brings them together through a mysterious crime that changes their lives forever.

With powerful performances by Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee, the film blends romance, tension, and social critique. Better Days is not just about youth and injustice; it is about empathy, courage, and the search for dignity in a harsh world.

Lighting Up the Stars (2022)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.8

Lighting Up the Stars is a touching story about redemption and humanity. After his release from prison, Mo San Mei tries to rebuild his life as a funeral director. His world changes when he meets an orphaned girl who transforms his way of seeing life.

Their bond grows gently, showing how even the toughest hearts can be softened by innocence and affection. The film moves viewers without being melodramatic, balancing sadness and hope with grace and warmth.

The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.5

Inspired by the famous Onmyoji novel series, this fantasy epic weaves together mystery, magic, and Chinese mythology. When a demonic serpent awakens and threatens the balance between realms, Yin-Yang masters must uncover a conspiracy within the imperial court.

With breathtaking visuals and spectacular effects, The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity transports viewers into a world of gods, monsters, and moral choices. It is a feast for fans of Eastern fantasy with a philosophical edge.

Big World (2024)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.5

Heartfelt and inspiring, Big World follows Liu Chun He, a young man with cerebral palsy who strives to overcome the limits imposed by his body and society. Determined to help his grandmother achieve her dream of performing on stage, he embarks on a journey filled with perseverance and love.

The film deeply touches audiences by portraying the strength of the human spirit and the power of family love. It celebrates courage and the will to live fully despite life’s greatest challenges.

Wuliang (2020)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.4

Set in a mystical world of martial arts and spirituality, Wuliang tells the story of Feng Ren, a warrior tasked with protecting Po Xiao, a blind boy who holds a powerful secret. After a brutal imperial attack, they become targets of those seeking the most sacred Sutra in the martial world.

The film blends elegant action, a mysterious atmosphere, and a moving master-apprentice relationship. It is a story about duty, faith, and the true meaning of protection.

A Little Red Flower (2020)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.4

A Little Red Flower is a moving story about life, love, and mortality. It follows two people facing terminal illnesses who learn to treasure everyday life and the simple joys that come with it.

With its heartfelt direction and gentle storytelling, this film becomes one of the most beautiful reflections on what it means to be alive. It is impossible to watch without reflecting on your own journey and the relationships that truly matter.

Viva La Vida (2024)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.4

With a unique and emotional premise, Viva La Vida tells the story of a young woman who needs a kidney transplant and decides to marry someone who might be a compatible donor. Along the way, she meets a man with a brain disorder, and between them, an unexpected connection forms.

The film explores love, altruism, and the value of life with rare sincerity. Despite its delicate subject matter, it radiates hope and shows how unlikely encounters can transform destinies.

Us and Them (2018)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.4

Us and Them is a romantic drama about time, fate, and the people who shape us. Two young strangers meet on a train during Lunar New Year and begin a journey of shared dreams, love, and heartbreak.

Switching between past and present, the film shows how love can be real even when it does not last forever. Visually poetic and emotionally honest, it is a story about growing up, changing, and remembering. It resonates deeply with anyone who has loved and lost.

Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.4

Directed by Zhang Yimou, Under the Hawthorn Tree is one of the most tender love stories in Chinese cinema. During the final years of the Cultural Revolution, Jing Qiu, a young student, is sent to a rural village where she meets Lao San, a kind and pure-hearted young man.

Their love is simple and sincere but constantly threatened by the political climate of the time. The film enchants with its purity, natural cinematography, and nostalgic tenderness, standing as a timeless classic of innocent and impossible love.

Cry Me a Sad River (2018)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.3

Based on a popular novel, Cry Me a Sad River tells the story of two childhood friends whose bond is shattered by jealousy, bullying, and tragedy. Yi Yao and Qi Ming grow up as close neighbors, but a school transfer changes their lives forever.

The film paints a sensitive portrait of adolescence and how cruelty and prejudice can leave lasting scars. It is a heartbreaking yet realistic depiction of youth that resonates with anyone who has ever felt isolated or misunderstood.

Red Cliff II (2009)

MyDramaList Rating: 8.3

Concluding the list with a cinematic masterpiece, Red Cliff II continues John Woo’s historical epic that recounts the legendary Battle of Red Cliffs, a defining conflict that shaped the fate of entire empires during the Three Kingdoms era.

With spectacular battles, breathtaking sets, and masterful direction, Red Cliff II stands as a grand tribute to Chinese historical cinema. It is perfect for those who appreciate drama, strategy, and the visual splendor of epic filmmaking.

These films highlight the richness, diversity, and emotional depth of Chinese cinema. Each story, whether realistic or fantastical, reveals a piece of the human soul: love, pain, sacrifice, and the beauty found in small moments.

Blending sensitivity, strength, and artistry, Chinese filmmakers continue to move audiences worldwide with stories that transcend language and culture. If you are looking for inspiration and emotion, this list is the perfect place to begin.

See you in the next article!