To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage month we've put together a list of great films you can stream instantly! From classic martial arts movies to heartwarming family dramas, these AAPI films are a way to explore the Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora.
Stream for Free (with Subscription)
- Parasite (2019) - Hulu
This 2020 Best Picture Oscar winner takes a close look at class conflict, social inequality, and wealth disparity.
- Better Luck Tomorrow (2002) - STARZ
A fast-paced film about a group of overachieving East Asian high-school students who become bored with their middle-class lives and use their intellect and reputations to dabble in petty crime and other extracurricular criminal activities.
- Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000) - Peacock (free with ads)
This Chinese period-drama has intrigue, romance, beautifully choreographed martial arts fight scenes and more.
- Turning Red (2022) - Disney+
An animated film about the coming of age of a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl, who turns into a giant red panda when she experiences any strong emotion.
- Seven Samurai (1954) - HBOMax
A village hires seven samurai to combat bandits who will return after the harvest to steal their crops. This epic Japanese period film is a classic film by director Akira Kurosawa and is widely considered the origin of the “assembling a team of misfits to be heroes” trope that many action films rely on.
- Joy Luck Club (1993) - Amazon Prime
No list about AAPI films can be complete without mentioning the Joy Luck Club. This film highlights the struggle of the cultural divide that occurs between first-generation Chinese immigrant mothers and their second-generation American daughters.
- The Farewell (2019) - Showtime
When a Chinese family discovers that the matriarch has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, they come up with an elaborate to ploy to keep her spirits up and distract her from the truth of her disease. When the westernized-granddaughter Billi arrives against the family’s wishes, she discovers that sometimes that sometimes your parents are right after all.
- Always Be My Maybe (2019) - Netflix
A classic friends-to-lovers romantic comedy is a lighthearted and fun filled film that will put a smile on your face. With fun original songs and cameos from Hollywood A-listers it's an easy watch for a relaxing night in.
Available for rent or purchase
- Whale Rider (2002) - Amazon Prime, Apple TV
A young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize. This contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph is heartwarming and beautifully told.
- The Namesake (2006) - Amazon Prime, Apple TV
A coming of age story about a young American-born Gogol, the son of Indian immigrants, who wants to fit in among his fellow New Yorkers, despite his family's unwillingness to let go of their traditional ways. The movie examines the dynamics of inter-cultural relationships, the experience of “otherness” and the importance of understanding where we come from.