Chinese fantasy movies provide a world unto themselves—full of age-old mythology, defying-gravity martial arts, mighty immortals, and awe-inspiring. No matter if you enjoy sword-wielding heroes, heavenly creatures, or mythical battles of light vs. darkness, Chinese cinema has something that will leave you enchanted.
From hidden gems to blockbuster behemoths, here are 10 Chinese fantasy movies that you must include on your watchlist. Let’s get started.
10. League of Gods (2016)
With a cast featuring Jet Li and Fan Bingbing, League of Gods is a frenetic, CGI-filled fantasy that hurls everything at the screen—gods, monsters, flying swords, and fire-breathing dragons. Based on an ancient legend, the film has a rebellion against a despot. It has a bad IMDb score, but it grossed $92 million worldwide—and it’s a wild ride for anyone who enjoys big, bold fantasy.
9. L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties (2016)
All visuals in this film. In a world where elemental warriors fight for dominion, it’s full of over-the-top CGI and a plot about the perpetual conflict between light and dark. With pop star Kris Wu and Lin Yun headlining, this digitally animated blockbuster took in $55 million and created a fan base among fans of stylized fantasy.
8. The Storm Warriors (2009)
This dark fantasy sequel to The Storm Riders features martial arts legends Wind and Cloud again in action against fresh foes, both supernatural and human. The Pang Brothers craft a gothic, stylized world of swordsmanship, betrayal, and fate. It’s an old-school wuxia experience amplified to eleven with computer style.
7. The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020)
Two fierce spiritual warriors have to save the world from a demon snake resurrected from Hell. Visually stunning and mythical, this fantasy adventure of balance, magic, and ancient secrets features Mark Chao and Allen Deng. It grossed $189 million at the box office and is a must-watch for fantasy enthusiasts immersed in Chinese mythology.
6. Jiang Ziya (2020)
This animated epic chronicles the redemption story of Jiang Ziya, a fallen hero who is torn between devotion to the heavens and morality. In stunning animation and complex storytelling, Jiang Ziya resonated with viewers, earning $240 million and solidifying itself as China’s most commercially successful animated film.
5. A Writer’s Odyssey (2021)
In this visually imaginative film, a father goes on a surreal journey through the pages of a novel to save his missing daughter. Starring Lei Jiayin and Yang Mi, it blurs the line between fiction and reality in ways you’ve never seen before. It’s part action-thriller, part fantasy mind-bender—and a visual treat from start to finish.
4. New Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021)
Forget everything you think you know about Nezha. This takes reinventions of the mythical hero in a steampunk-influenced, futuristic city. Our hero? A bad-boy delivery worker who discovers he’s the reincarnation of a fire god. With over-the-top action and high-gloss animation, this movie grossed $102 million and gave new life to an age-old myth.
3. The Thousand Faces of Dunjia (2017)
A strange mix of ancient martial arts and extraterrestrial invaders, this movie is as quirky as it is fun. Directed by the great Yuen Woo-ping, it’s about a secret group of mystical warriors attempting to defend Earth against supernatural threats. It’s odd, action-packed, and full of personality.
2. Zu Warriors: The Legend of Zu (2001)
This 2000s cult classic, directed by Tsui Hark, drops audiences into a world of high fantasy where immortal warriors fight evil on floating mountain peaks. Featuring gravity-defying action sequences and a dreamlike visual style, it’s a must-watch for anyone hungry for fantasy on an interstellar scale.
1. Time Raiders (2016)
Ancient grave sites, fatal traps, and otherworldly riddles—Time Raiders is half treasure hunt, half ghost story, and all thrill ride. Jing Boran and Lu Han star in this box office blockbuster adaptation of a hit novel series. Bringing $141 million in box office gold, this film serves up thrills and suspense in equal doses.
Whether you’re a newcomer to Chinese cinema or a long-time fan of fantastical epics, these films offer a fresh take on the genre—and more than a few unforgettable moments. So next time you’re in the mood for something magical, skip the usual and explore these cinematic legends instead.