The Best Stephen Chow Movies

Set in 1940s Shanghai, this action-comedy film revolves around a wannabe gangster who becomes a kung fu prodigy to protect the residents of a tenement from a ruthless gang. With numerous award nominations and wins, including the prestigious Golden Horse Awards, it remains one of the highest-grossing films in Hong Kong history. Chow showcases his mastery of blending martial arts, slapstick humor, and endearing storytelling, solidifying his reputation as a top entertainer.

This movie combines the worlds of ancient Chinese martial arts and modern soccer, as a former Shaolin monk forms a soccer team with his brothers to promote kung fu. Released to critical acclaim, it became the highest-grossing film in Hong Kong at the time and inspired a new wave of sports comedies. It features Chow as a writer, director, and lead actor, delivering his unique brand of humor and heart through a story of redemption and camaraderie.

An adaptation of a famous Chinese novel, the film follows a wealthy scholar who disguises himself as a poor man to win the heart of a beautiful, talented maid. Despite its risque content, it was a massive box office success and became a classic in Hong Kong cinema. Chow's brilliant comedic timing and ability to make even the most absurd situations believable turn this period romance into an amusing and unforgettable classic.

In this second installment of the fantastical two-part series, the protagonist must traverse time to save both his love interest and the Monkey King. It is among the most beloved classics of Hong Kong cinema due to its unique blending of time-travel, fantasy, comedy, and romance. Chow's portrayal of the complex, heroic Joker/Longevity Monk character showcases his mastery of physical comedy and his ability to play multiple roles simultaneously.

This fantasy film adapts the famous novel "Journey to the West," and features a hodgepodge of time-traveling antics, comedy, romance, and adventure. Garnering critical acclaim for its unique genre-melding approach, it became one of the foundational comedies in Hong Kong cinema. Chow shines as the mischievous Monkey King, masterfully handling the physical and comedic demands of the role.

This comedy revolves around an undercover cop who goes back to high school to find and retrieve a stolen pistol. It became one of the highest-grossing films of all time in Hong Kong and spawned two sequels. Chow's natural comedic delivery and outrageous physique make for a delightful, memorable performance in this hilarious action flick.