The 10 Best Chow Yun Fat Movies of All Time: From Comedy to Action

From comedy to action, here are some of the best Chow Yun Fat movies of all time.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - China has produced many great actors who are famous around the world, and Chow Yun Fat is one of the best among them. He started his career in Hong Kong cinema and became well known for his strong screen presence and calm acting style. Over the years, Chow Yun Fat showed that he can play many kinds of roles, from light comedy to deep drama and intense action. His movies are popular not only in Asia but also in Hollywood, making him an international star.

Here are the 10 best Chow Yun Fat movies you should watch. These films show his talent in action, drama, and comedy. Let's dive in!

A Better Tomorrow (1986)

Where to Watch: fuboTV, Criterion Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Kanopy, Plex

Directed by John Woo, this crime drama made Chow Yun Fat a major star. He plays Mark, a stylish and loyal gangster caught between friendship and crime. The story focuses on two brothers on opposite sides of the law and their struggle with loyalty and honor. Chow Yun Fat’s calm attitude and emotional depth helped shape the heroic action style that later influenced many action movies.

God of Gamblers (1989)

Where to Watch: Apple TV

In this popular film, Chow Yun Fat plays Ko Chun, a legendary gambler with amazing skills. After an accident, he loses his memory and behaves like a child, which creates many funny moments. As the story continues, he slowly returns to the gambling world to face dangerous enemies. The movie mixes comedy, drama, and suspense, and it became one of his most famous roles.

The Killer (1989)

Where to Watch: fuboTV, Criterion Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Kanopy, Plex

Another classic by director John Woo, this action film shows Chow Yun Fat as a professional hitman named Ah Jong. After accidentally blinding a singer during a job, he feels guilty and tries to help her. The story follows his final mission while being chased by the police and other killers. The movie is known for its emotional story and intense action scenes.

An Autumn’s Tale (1987)

Where to Watch: Criterion Channel

This romantic drama shows a softer side of Chow Yun Fat. He plays Boat Head, a simple man living in New York who helps a young woman adjust to life in a new country. The film focuses on friendship, love, and personal growth. His natural and warm performance made the love story feel real and touching, different from his usual action roles.

Hard Boiled (1992)

Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Kanopy, Plex

In this action-packed film, Chow Yun Fat plays Inspector Tequila, a tough but caring police officer. He teams up with an undercover agent to stop a violent crime group. Directed by John Woo, the movie is famous for its long action scenes and dramatic shootouts. Chow Yun Fat balances strong action with emotional moments, making the character memorable.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Directed by Ang Lee, this martial arts epic introduced Chow Yun Fat to many international viewers. He plays Li Mu Bai, a skilled warrior seeking peace after a life of fighting. The story combines love, honor, and destiny with beautiful action scenes. Co-starring Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, the film won many awards and became a global success.

A Better Tomorrow II (1987)

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Criterion Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Kanopy, Plex

This sequel continues the story of loyalty and brotherhood from the first film. Chow Yun Fat returns as Mark, even though his character faced serious consequences before. The movie expands the crime world and adds more action and emotional conflict. Directed by John Woo, it keeps the stylish action and dramatic storytelling that fans loved in the original film.

Once a Thief (1991)

Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Kanopy, Plex

In this crime action film, Chow Yun Fat plays a charming thief raised by a crime boss. Along with two partners, he plans dangerous heists while dealing with personal problems. Directed by John Woo, the movie mixes romance, humor, and action. Chow Yun Fat’s relaxed and confident performance adds charm to the fast-moving story.

Prison on Fire (1987)

Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Plex

This prison drama shows Chow Yun Fat in a serious and emotional role. He plays a tough but fair inmate who helps a younger prisoner survive harsh prison life. The story focuses on friendship, injustice, and violence behind bars. His performance adds depth to the film and shows his ability to handle strong dramatic roles outside action movies.

City on Fire (1987)

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Kanopy, Plex

In this intense crime film, Chow Yun Fat plays an undercover police officer inside a dangerous gang. As he gets closer to the criminals, he struggles with loyalty and duty. The movie is known for its dark tone and strong performances. It later influenced many crime films and showed Chow Yun Fat’s talent in serious police roles.