The 20 best movies with Asian-American leads

Released in 2018 and based on the bestselling novel, Crazy Rich Asians was the first American film to feature an entirely Asian cast since 1993’s The Joy Luck Club. The story follows Rachel, a New Yorker who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend Nick’s family. There, she discovers that his family is wildly rich and that he is one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. The film was a box office hit and a huge landmark for Asian-American representation in Hollywood. 

Based on the novel of the same name, 1993’s The Joy Luck Club was incredibly groundbreaking upon its release. The story follows four Chinese women and their mothers as they explore cultural conflicts within their past, allowing them to better understand the relationships they share. It was one of the first American films to portray Asians in an authentic and non-stereotypical manner, paving the way for movies like Crazy Rich Asians and others.  

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks the first film in the MCU to feature an Asian hero in the lead. Simu Liu plays Shaun, who leads a quiet life as a valet after leaving his father’s shadowy martial arts organisation. Years later, he must confront his past when he is attacked by them. The film features exquisite fantasy worldbuilding and visuals, as well as action-packed kung fu and martial arts sequences. The film also stars Awkwafina, Tony Leung, and Michelle Yeoh.

Mulan is among the most popular animated Disney films of all time and remains a classic to this day. The story follows the titular Mulan, whose frail father is forced to join the Chinese Army in the battle against the Huns. To save his life, she disguises herself as a man and takes his place. Full of catchy songs, memorable characters, and stunning animation, Mulan is a riveting adventure and features one of Disney’s best heroines for young girls to look up to. 

A remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy, 2025’s The Wedding Banquet puts a modern spin on a classic tale. Hoping to stay in the U.S. and growing impatient with his boyfriend, Chris, Min makes a deal with their lesbian friend, Angela. In exchange for a green-card marriage with her, he agrees to pay for her IVF treatments. However, things get complicated when Min’s grandmother plans an extravagant wedding for them. The film stars Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran.

Tigertail is a multigenerational drama from Netflix. The story follows a Taiwanese factory worker who leaves his country to move to America in search of opportunity. There, he enters a loveless marriage and a monotonous job. As an older man nearing retirement, he tries to build the life he once dreamed for himself. The narrative switches between past and present and melancholically observes the choices made versus those that weren’t. Tzi Ma and Joan Chen star. 

Always Be My Maybe is a hilarious and heartfelt Netflix rom-com starring Randall Park and Ali Wong. It follows childhood best friends Marcus and Sasha, who reunite after fifteen years. Everybody assumed they would end up together, and the spark between them is clearly still there. Park and Wong share wonderful chemistry, making this an example of a great modern rom-com. It also features a hilarious turn from Keanu Reeves, who plays a very dramatized version of himself.  

Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red is the perfect metaphor for all the chaos and emotion associated with puberty. Thirteen-year-old Mei Mei tries to please her strict mother while also embracing the changes of adolescence. To make matters more complicated, she turns into a giant red panda any time she gets overly excited. This colourful and comedic romp is highly relatable for young people, making for the perfect coming-of-age (or rage) story. 

KPop Demon Hunters is the Netflix phenomenon that has taken over the world, dominating streaming charts in both film and music. Huntrix, made up of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, is the world’s biggest K-pop girl group. They are also demon hunters who protect the world from evil, and must balance both lives. This energetic and whimsically animated film features a sublime original soundtrack that has broken worldwide records, with hits like "Golden" and "Soda Pop."

Starring Joel Kim Booster and Bowen Yang, Fire Island is a modern and queer retelling of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice (with a lot more sex and skin). It follows a group of queer friends who visit the Fire Island Pines for an annual vacation, which becomes jeopardized after an unexpected turn of events. Full of laughs and heart, Fire Island has the potential to become an LGBTQ+ classic, unabashedly celebrating love and acceptance through its romantic story. 

Based on the novel by The Summer I Turned Pretty author Jenny Han, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is perfect for lovers of teen romance. It follows Lara Jean, a teenage girl who writes private letters to all of her past loves, meant only for her eyes. Her life is thrown into havoc when her little sister sends out all the letters. Lana Condor is wonderfully charming as Lara Jean, and her chemistry with Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky makes the film work.

Didi is a coming-of-age film that follows thirteen-year-old Taiwanese-American Chris in 2008 during the last month of summer before high school begins. Chris struggles to grapple with his identity, the awkwardness of adolescence, and family relationships, particularly with his mother. Based on director Sean Wang’s own experience, Didi perfectly captures all the cringe that comes with growing up, and sentimentally recaptures the innocent era of MySpace and YouTube.

Searching is a tech-driven thriller that is filmed entirely through computer screens, webcams, and apps. John Cho plays David, who files a police complaint when his teenage daughter goes missing. Desperate for answers, he searches through his daughter’s laptop to try and find clues. Searching uses a winning combination of storytelling and editing to create a gripping mystery that will have viewers on the edge of their seats, and certainly not expecting the twists that occur. 

The Farewell is a family dramedy starring Awkwafina in her Golden Globe-winning lead performance. The story follows a Chinese family who learn that their grandmother has only a short while left to live. They decide to keep her in the dark and schedule a family wedding so everybody can be together before she passes. The Farewell is a poignant yet very funny film about grief and the way culture can intertwine with it, showcasing an extremely realistic family dynamic. 

Everything Everywhere All At Once is the movie that took the Oscars by storm in 2023, winning Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director and many more. The wacky and mind-bending comedy follows Chinese immigrant and mother Evelyn, who is tasked with saving the world by connecting with other versions of herself in parallel universes. Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan both took home Oscars for their performances, and it remains one of the most original movies ever made.

Minari is a sweeping and intimate film about the American dream from the perspective of immigrants. It follows Jacob Yi, who moves from Korea to America with his wife and children. There, they try to make a new life and home for themselves, but face challenges along the way. Minari is quite simple in terms of plot, but the film beautifully explores themes surrounding heritage, hardship, family, as well as what really makes a home. Steven Yeun leads the excellent cast.

The Half of It is a Netflix romantic drama that features meaningful representation for Asian-Americans and the LGBTQ+ community. It follows Ellie, an introverted and studious high schooler, who agrees to help jock Paul write a love letter to his crush, Aster, in exchange for money. However, Ellie doesn’t expect to form a friendship with Paul or fall in love with Aster, too. The Half of It is a sweet and tender story that avoids the conventions of typical romance movies.

Joy Ride is a raunchy comedy led by a hilarious ensemble of Asian-American actors. The film follows four Asian-American friends who travel to China in search of one of their birth mothers. The film stars Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola, and Sabrina Wu, and explores the bonds of friendship and self-discovery. It makes for a totally wild road trip film that is definitely NSFŴ, but surprisingly has a lot of heart, as well as a memorable K-pop sequence. 

Before Materialists, director-writer Celine Song broke out with her Oscar-nominated romantic drama Past Lives. The story follows Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood best friends who lose contact after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Decades later, the pair reunite in New York City, where Nora is now married, and spend a fateful week together. Past Lives examines ideas of relationships and love, and how we may not always end up with our soulmate.

Randall Park makes the switch from actor to director with Shortcomings, an indie romantic comedy. The film follows Ben, a struggling filmmaker who lives in California with his girlfriend. When she moves to New York for an internship, he questions his romantic future and begins to discover that what he really wants might be different from what he has. Audiences will enjoy this deconstruction of the classic rom-com, as well as Ben’s film obsession and lifestyle.