Chinese war movies are more than just action-packed spectacles—they are deeply rooted in the nation’s history, culture, and spirit. These films portray the sacrifices of soldiers, the pain of the people, and the unyielding will to defend the homeland. Spanning different eras—from ancient dynasties to modern conflicts—these stories reveal both the brutality and the nobility of war.
Whether you’re a fan of historical epics or gritty modern realism, Chinese war cinema offers something unique. These films combine emotional storytelling, striking cinematography, and unforgettable Movie Characters to leave a lasting impact. In this list, we explore 34 must-watch war films that are essential for anyone interested in the Film industry and the heart of Chinese storytelling.
1. The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021)
This epic film recounts the heroic deeds of Chinese soldiers during the Korean War, focusing on the harsh winter battle at Lake Changjin. It broke box office records and became a cultural phenomenon.
Directed by Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark, and Dante Lam, the film is visually breathtaking and emotionally charged. It captures the essence of patriotism and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.
2. Assembly (2007)
Directed by Feng Xiaogang, “Assembly” tells the story of a captain seeking recognition for his fallen comrades. Set during the Chinese Civil War, the movie blends realism with emotion.
With intense battle scenes and a compelling personal journey, this film marked a turning point in modern Chinese war cinema. It also brought a new level of depth to the Movie Genre.
3. The Eight Hundred (2020)
This film is based on the true story of 800 Chinese soldiers who defended the Sihang Warehouse in Shanghai during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Shot entirely in IMAX, the movie offers stunning visuals and emotional depth. The ensemble cast and tight narrative make it one of the most critically acclaimed Chinese war films.
4. My Country, My Parents (2021)
This anthology film features four segments directed by famous filmmakers including Wu Jing and Shen Teng. Each story reflects on the relationship between personal sacrifice and national duty.
It’s an emotional tribute to the generations who contributed to the rise of modern China, making it a heartfelt addition to the war film canon.
5. The Founding of a Republic (2009)
A historical epic that dramatizes the events leading up to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. With a star-studded cast, this film mixes political drama with military conflict.
It’s more than a war film—it’s a cinematic representation of political transformation in Chinese history.
6. The Taking of Tiger Mountain (2014)
Directed by Tsui Hark, this film is based on a real PLA operation in the late 1940s. It blends action, history, and a touch of theatrical flair.
The story follows a soldier who infiltrates a bandit gang, making it a gripping undercover war thriller.
7. Red Cliff (2008–2009)
John Woo’s epic two-part saga dramatizes the Battle of Red Cliffs from the Three Kingdoms era. Though set in ancient China, the film’s scale and strategy make it a true war masterpiece.
It showcases brilliant tactics, grand visuals, and legendary warriors, offering a unique blend of history and action.
8. Heroes of the Eastern Skies (1977)
This classic film honors the brave Chinese airmen who fought during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The air battle sequences are particularly well-crafted for its time.
A blend of history and drama, it paved the way for later aerial combat films in China.
9. City of Life and Death (2009)
Directed by Lu Chuan, this haunting black-and-white film depicts the Nanjing Massacre. It’s not an easy watch, but it is essential for understanding the atrocities of war.
The film is both raw and poetic, showing war’s devastating effects on soldiers and civilians alike.
10. The Flowers of War (2011)
Starring Christian Bale, this film also focuses on the Nanjing Massacre. It tells the story of a group of schoolgirls and prostitutes seeking refuge in a church.
The cinematography is striking, and the narrative highlights both the horror of war and the resilience of humanity.
11. Railroad Tigers (2016)
A more light-hearted take on war, this film stars Jackie Chan leading a team of rebels to sabotage Japanese rail lines.
Combining action and comedy, it offers an entertaining yet meaningful look at guerrilla resistance during wartime.
12. My War (2016)
Set during the Korean War, the film follows Chinese volunteers fighting alongside North Korean forces. The focus is on friendship, sacrifice, and national pride.
Though fictionalized, it remains faithful to the emotions and turmoil of real wartime experiences.
13. The Sacrifice (2020)
A visually powerful film set during the Korean War, focusing on a single, dangerous bridge-building mission.
The storytelling is intimate and character-driven, making the viewer feel the personal cost of war.
14. The Founding of a Party (2011)
Another historical epic, this film focuses on the events leading to the birth of the Communist Party of China.
Although politically themed, it contains key moments of military history and strategic planning.
15. Born to Fly (2023)
A recent aviation war drama inspired by real events in the Chinese air force. It combines thrilling aerial sequences with character-driven storytelling.
It’s one of the newest additions to China’s growing military cinema landscape.
16. The Opium War (1997)
A historical film dramatizing the events that led to the First Opium War between China and Britain. The conflict between imperialism and sovereignty is central.
It’s a richly detailed look at the roots of modern Chinese nationalism.
17. The Great Military March Forward (1997)
This film series chronicles the PLA’s major battles in the Chinese Civil War. It’s filled with large-scale battle scenes and significant historical figures.
An educational yet engaging experience for history buffs.
18. On the Mountain of Tai Hang (2005)
The film tells the story of the Eighth Route Army during their resistance against Japanese forces in North China.
With strong performances and authentic period detail, it stands out among war epics.
19. The Long March (2001)
A dramatization of the Red Army’s strategic retreat during the Chinese Civil War. It emphasizes perseverance and revolutionary ideals.
The film captures the grueling terrain and the mental strength of the soldiers.
20. Lovers’ Grief over the Yellow River (1999)
A unique war romance, the film follows an American pilot who crashes in China during WWII and falls in love with a Chinese guerrilla fighter.
Combining action and emotion, it offers a rare cross-cultural perspective.
21. The Bugle from Gutian (2019)
Set in 1929, this film revisits the Gutian Congress, a critical meeting that shaped the leadership of the Red Army. It reflects the political awakening and unity required in times of strife.
The movie presents ideological conflicts and camaraderie in a formative moment of the Communist military struggle.
22. The Hundred Regiments Offensive (2015)
This film reenacts the 1940 military campaign led by the Communist forces against the Japanese. With thousands of soldiers involved, the battle was one of the largest in the Second Sino-Japanese War.
The film captures strategic planning and the scale of the conflict with authentic war scenes and detailed military movements.
23. Youth (2017)
Directed by Feng Xiaogang, “Youth” tells the story of a group of young performers in a military art troupe during the Cultural Revolution who later experience the Sino-Vietnamese War.
More than a war film, it’s a nostalgic look at coming of age, lost innocence, and the impact of national history on individual lives.
24. A Touch of Sin (2013)
Though not a traditional war film, this Jia Zhangke masterpiece reveals the internal conflicts within modern Chinese society. It showcases personal rebellion against systemic violence.
A symbolic war of the people versus corruption, its social critique brings a different kind of battle to the screen.
25. The Left Ear (2015)
While primarily a youth drama, “The Left Ear” indirectly touches on the emotional wounds of historical conflicts through family legacies and unspoken trauma.
It serves as a poignant reminder of how war leaves generational scars even in stories centered on peace.
26. The Climbers (2019)
This biographical action drama about Chinese mountaineers on Mount Everest reflects the spirit of national pride and determination similar to that found in war films.
Though not a battlefield story, the narrative structure and patriotic undertones resonate with war movie fans.
27. 800 Heroes (1976)
This early depiction of the same events shown in “The Eight Hundred” tells the dramatic story of the defense of Sihang Warehouse against Japanese troops.
It’s a stirring and patriotic film that served as a reference point for future war films.
28. Sky Hunter (2017)
China’s first aerial combat movie, starring Li Chen and Fan Bingbing. It follows elite pilots in a series of dangerous rescue and combat missions.
With impressive CGI and emotional backstories, the film is a modern tribute to the air force.
29. Operation Mekong (2016)
Loosely based on a true story, the film follows Chinese narcotics officers as they investigate a deadly ambush in the Golden Triangle. Directed by Dante Lam, it’s filled with high-stakes action.
Although not set during wartime, its tactical team operations and themes of national duty give it a war-film flavor.
30. Operation Red Sea (2018)
One of the most action-packed modern war films in Chinese cinema, this movie is inspired by the evacuation of Chinese citizens during the Yemeni Civil War.
It offers intense, realistic combat sequences and demonstrates the growing global role of the Chinese military.
31. The King of the Children (1987)
Though not a war film in the traditional sense, this drama explores post-revolutionary rural China, where ideological remnants of war linger in the education system.
Directed by Chen Kaige, it’s a subtle, haunting reflection on the psychological aftermath of conflict.
32. Devils on the Doorstep (2000)
This dark comedy set during the Japanese occupation in WWII won the Grand Prix at Cannes. Directed by Jiang Wen, it’s a bold, subversive look at war through the eyes of rural villagers.
It questions morality, heroism, and the absurdity of violence with sharp wit and unforgettable performances.
33. Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale (2011)
Though Taiwanese and not strictly mainland Chinese, this epic war film deserves inclusion for its portrayal of indigenous resistance against Japanese occupation.
The film is visually powerful and rooted in cultural identity, making it a compelling watch for any war cinema enthusiast.
34. The Road Home (1999)
Directed by Zhang Yimou, this film may appear as a simple love story, but it’s layered with themes of loyalty, memory, and the subtle consequences of revolutionary movements.
It stands as a poetic counterpoint to the chaos of war—where love, tradition, and devotion persevere amid the ruins of history.
Conclusion
Chinese war movies offer a diverse spectrum of perspectives—from heroic sacrifices in brutal battles to the lingering echoes of war in daily life. These 34 films are not only milestones in the evolution of Chinese cinema but also reflections of the country’s social, political, and cultural identity.
For fans of Movie Reviews and historical storytelling, this list is an essential guide to understanding how China views its past through the lens of film. Each story brings to life a different chapter of struggle and triumph, showing that war is not just about victory, but about the people who live through it.
