Chinese romance films have long been a cornerstone of the Asian film industry. Blending poetic storytelling with rich cultural elements, these films present love in ways that resonate deeply with audiences across generations. From historical epics to modern-day city love stories, the genre has evolved tremendously over the decades.
This list of the top 50 Chinese romance movies showcases a wide range of stories that delve into passion, heartbreak, sacrifice, and hope. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to this genre, these carefully curated films are bound to tug at your heartstrings.
Why Chinese Romance Movies Stand Out
What makes Chinese romance movies unique is their focus on emotional nuance. Characters are often caught between tradition and modernity, duty and desire. These inner conflicts create compelling narratives that go beyond surface-level attraction.
In addition, Chinese filmmakers have mastered the use of visual symbolism. Many scenes are steeped in metaphor, allowing audiences to interpret the love stories in deeply personal ways. Explore more on Romance Movie Plots for in-depth story analysis.
Top 50 Chinese Romance Movies
1. In the Mood for Love (2000)
Directed by Wong Kar-wai, this film is a classic tale of unspoken love. With stunning visuals and minimal dialogue, it portrays the aching distance between two neighbors bound by loyalty and longing.
2. Comrades: Almost a Love Story (1996)
This heart-wrenching story follows two mainlanders in Hong Kong. As they struggle to find their place in a fast-paced city, love blooms quietly between them. A must-watch Love Story Movie.
3. Us and Them (2018)
A bittersweet love story told through flashbacks and present-day encounters. It explores how timing can determine the fate of a relationship, making it one of the most relatable modern Chinese romance films.
4. Love in a Puff (2010)
Set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s smoking ban, this romantic comedy features quirky characters and realistic dialogue. A great example of how movie characters can drive a narrative.
5. So Young (2013)
A nostalgic look at college romance, friendships, and the painful transition into adulthood. Directed by actress Zhao Wei, the film resonated with millions of young viewers.
6. The Road Home (1999)
Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film is a beautiful story about first love in a rural village. With its simplistic yet touching narrative, it captures the purity of young romance.
7. The Left Ear (2015)
This coming-of-age story explores love, betrayal, and identity. It follows a shy girl who finds her voice and strength through unexpected love and painful loss.
8. Eternal Moment (2011)
A sequel to a 1998 TV series, this film explores how love changes over time. It’s a deep, reflective look at past relationships and what could have been.
9. Secret (2007)
Directed by and starring Jay Chou, this time-travel romance combines music, mystery, and heartfelt emotion. The piano scenes are especially unforgettable.
10. Love O2O (2016)
A blend of virtual and real-world romance, this film became a cultural phenomenon. It’s a modern love story for the digital age, brimming with charm and chemistry.
11. Fleet of Time (2014)
This nostalgic film captures the joys and pains of growing up and falling in love during youth. It’s a reflective story of friendships, first love, and personal growth.
12. The Stolen Years (2013)
When a woman loses her memory, she reconnects with her ex-husband, only to fall in love with him all over again. A touching tale of second chances and rediscovery.
13. Somewhere Only We Know (2015)
Set in Prague, this film tells the story of a young woman uncovering her grandmother’s secret past while finding her own path to love.
14. My Old Classmate (2014)
A romantic drama that follows a pair of childhood sweethearts through the highs and lows of growing up, studying abroad, and the pain of drifting apart.
15. Love You Forever (2020)
A tragic love story involving time travel, self-sacrifice, and destiny. The film explores how far one would go to protect someone they love.
16. Love Will Tear Us Apart (1999)
Set in the margins of society, this gritty and poetic love story deals with complex relationships, sexual identity, and emotional isolation.
17. The Crossing I & II (2014/2015)
John Woo’s two-part epic tells the intertwining stories of lovers separated by war and fate during the 1949 sinking of the Taiping steamer.
18. Love in the Buff (2012)
A sequel to Love in a Puff, this film explores how relationships evolve post-breakup and the messy road to reconciliation.
19. The First Time (2012)
A sweet teen romance about first love, uncertainty, and self-discovery. It presents love in its rawest and most innocent form.
20. Better Days (2019)
While primarily a social drama, the film’s central relationship is deeply emotional, showing how love can be a refuge in the harshest realities.
21. Beijing Love Story (2014)
This multi-thread narrative follows several couples, each navigating love in a different stage of life, from teenage crushes to midlife crises.
22. Suddenly Seventeen (2016)
A woman gets a second chance to relive her youth and rethink her relationship after magically transforming into her 17-year-old self.
23. Youth (2017)
This coming-of-age film set during China’s Cultural Revolution reflects on the bittersweet experiences of love, loss, and memory.
24. Hear Me (2009)
This silent yet moving love story features a delivery boy who falls for a deaf swimming athlete. It celebrates non-verbal connection and empathy.
25. A City Called Macau (2019)
A high-stakes romance set in the world of gambling and deception. Love, money, and betrayal form the film’s dramatic core.
26. The Ex-File 3: The Return of the Exes (2017)
This romantic comedy explores the complications of reconnecting with an ex and the idea of true love versus comfort.
27. Somewhere Winter (2019)
Inspired by a hit Mandopop song, the film spans generations to tell a story of unspoken love, regrets, and emotional inheritance.
28. The Last Women Standing (2015)
A career woman faces the pressure of love and marriage in her thirties. It’s a realistic portrayal of modern romance in urban China.
29. When Larry Met Mary (2016)
A quirky romantic comedy that follows an idealistic man who pursues the woman of his dreams with unwavering persistence and charm.
30. Summer’s Desire (2016)
A love triangle filled with passion, jealousy, and ambition. This film explores the fine line between love and obsession.
31. 20 Once Again (2015)
A senior woman magically becomes young again and experiences romance anew. A heartwarming story of family and finding love at any age.
32. The Message (2009)
Though more of a spy thriller, this film contains a tense and emotional subplot about forbidden love under life-threatening circumstances.
33. Cry Me a Sad River (2018)
A teen romance tangled in bullying and mental health issues. It’s an emotional ride through adolescence and pain.
34. Always Miss You (2019)
A romantic comedy that centers on a workaholic woman reconnecting with her college crush after years apart. Light, fun, and full of charm.
35. A Love for Dilemma (2021)
Part drama, part romance, this film explores the effects of parental pressure on relationships and the bonds that hold families together.
36. Moonlight (2021)
A modern tale of ambition, passion, and romance. The protagonists chase their dreams while trying to hold on to love.
37. Fall in Love at First Kiss (2019)
A romantic comedy about a clumsy girl and a genius boy, this film is based on the popular manga “Itazura na Kiss.”
38. Love on the Cloud (2014)
A quirky tale about two aspiring creatives navigating love and career in the digital age. A satire on modern romance and technology.
39. Our Shining Days (2017)
A celebration of youth, friendship, and first love. This film follows music students who challenge norms and pursue their dreams.
40. Women Who Flirt (2014)
Starring Zhou Xun, this romantic comedy examines the art of seduction and the complicated games people play in love.
41. Girlfriend Boyfriend (2012)
A moving drama about three close friends entangled in a love triangle that spans decades and political changes.
42. If You Are the One (2008)
A wealthy bachelor searches for a partner via blind dates, only to find love in the most unexpected place. Both funny and touching.
43. Waiting Alone (2004)
An indie-style rom-com about modern relationships, misunderstandings, and how love sometimes sneaks up when least expected.
44. Blue Gate Crossing (2002)
This quiet and beautiful story explores teenage love, sexual identity, and friendship. A trailblazer in Taiwanese LGBTQ+ cinema.
45. Love Is Not Blind (2011)
After a painful breakup, a woman rediscovers herself and what it means to love again. Uplifting and empowering.
46. Always (2011)
Although a Korean film remade in China, the love story between a blind woman and a washed-up boxer translates beautifully to Chinese audiences.
47. Night Peacock (2016)
An artist’s journey through Paris and Chengdu leads to encounters that stir memories, loss, and a deep romantic entanglement.
48. Marriage Cuisine (2014)
Food and love blend in this romantic comedy about a divorced couple who are brought back together through their shared passion for cooking.
49. When We Were Young (2018)
A youthful romance set in the 1990s, filled with nostalgic charm, old-school friendship, and blossoming love.
50. Say Yes (2013)
A feel-good rom-com about an arranged marriage that slowly turns into genuine affection. It’s light, charming, and very entertaining.
The Cultural Influence of Chinese Romance Movies
Many of these films have sparked emotional discussions among viewers. They are not just about romantic love, but also about personal growth, nostalgia, and cultural identity. The themes often touch on Chinese values like family, honor, and societal pressure, making them highly relevant across age groups.
Movies such as In the Mood for Love and Comrades: Almost a Love Story have been critically acclaimed not only in China but around the world. Explore more Romance Movie Reviews to understand their impact.
Final Thoughts
Chinese romance movies offer a diverse range of stories—timeless, poignant, and emotionally rich. Whether you’re drawn to historical epics or modern urban love tales, this list has something for everyone. These films do more than entertain; they invite us to reflect on our own relationships and life choices.
So grab your popcorn, get cozy, and let these cinematic gems sweep you into worlds where love is powerful, unpredictable, and unforgettable. If you’re exploring by movie genre, these romance picks are the ideal starting point.
