If you’re a fan of Hong Kong cinema, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of Stephen Chow. This actor, director, and producer has been a dominant force in Asian cinema since the 1990s, known for his unique brand of outlandish humor, rubber-faced expressions, and martial arts prowess. Over his illustrious career, Chow has starred in and directed some of the most successful and beloved films to come out of Hong Kong.
In this post, we’ll be counting down the 20 best Stephen Chow movies of all time. From his early roles as a supporting actor to his later blockbusters as a leading man and director, we’ll cover the highlights of Chow’s filmography. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to his work, this list will showcase the must-see Stephen Chow films that have made him a global icon. Let’s dive in!
20. Forbidden City Cop (1996)
Kicking off our list is the wacky period comedy Forbidden City Cop. Chow stars as Ling Ling Fat, an oddball imperial agent in the Forbidden City who becomes embroiled in a plot involving a missing jade antique. His character is an inventor of bizarre gadgets, which come in handy as he investigates the mystery.
Forbidden City Cop is classic Stephen Chow, blending anachronistic humor with kung fu action. Chow’s performance as the bumbling but brilliant Ling Ling Fat is the highlight, as he delivers his signature brand of slapstick physical comedy and witty wordplay. It’s a fun, light-hearted romp that showcases Chow’s skills as a comedic leading man.
19. Love on Delivery (1994)
In the romantic action comedy Love on Delivery, Chow plays Ho Kam-An, a meek delivery boy who takes up martial arts to impress the girl of his dreams (played by Christy Chung). He becomes the student of a conman sifu who teaches him a phony style of kung fu, leading to plenty of humorous situations as Ho tries to apply his skills in real fights.
Love on Delivery is one of Chow’s funniest films, with rapid-fire gags and over-the-top action. Chow’s character arc from pushover to confident fighter is well-developed, and his chemistry with Christy Chung is endearing. The final showdown where Ho takes on a hulking kickboxer is an all-time classic fight scene, striking a perfect balance between humor and impressive stunt work. For fans of Chow’s particular brand of comedy, Love on Delivery is a must-see.
18. Hail the Judge (1994)
Hail the Judge is a period martial arts comedy that stars Chow as “Judge Bao” Pao Ting Tian, a Robin Hood-esque figure who fights corruption with his kung fu skills and clever schemes. When he discovers a dastardly plot by an evil eunuch, Pao must use all his wits and fighting abilities to bring the conspirators to justice.
Chow is in top form here, portraying the righteous Judge Bao with a mix of dramatic gravitas and comedic flair. The intricate plot is filled with twists and turns, and the martial arts action is top-notch. Hail the Judge strikes a nice balance between laughs and thrills, and features some of Chow’s best fight scenes of the 90s. It’s an underrated gem in his filmography.
17. The God of Cookery (1996)
Chow co-directed and starred in this culinary comedy, playing a pompous celebrity chef known as the “God of Cookery.” After losing his title and reputation, he must start over from the bottom and learn the true meaning of cooking from a humble street vendor (played by Karen Mok).
The God of Cookery satirizes the world of celebrity chefs and cooking competitions, with Chow’s character starting out as an unlikeable blowhard before his humbling fall from grace. The film’s depiction of the Hong Kong food scene is mouthwatering, and Chow brings his signature manic energy to the kitchen. It’s a funny and heartfelt underdog story that also works as a love letter to the art of Chinese cuisine.
16. From Beijing with Love (1994)
This James Bond spoof stars Chow as Ling Ling Chat, a bumbling secret agent who must track down a stolen dinosaur skull. His mission takes him from Beijing to Hong Kong, where he teams up with a beautiful fellow agent (Anita Yuen) to battle a nefarious crime lord.
From Beijing with Love is an affectionate parody of the 007 films, with Chow’s Ling Ling Chat as a clueless but well-meaning riff on the suave superspy. The film is packed with inventive gadgets, thrilling action set-pieces, and of course, Chow’s signature humor. He has a ball playing the inept agent, and his chemistry with Anita Yuen is delightful. For fans of spy movie spoofs, this is one of Chow’s most entertaining.
15. Sixty Million Dollar Man (1995)
Chow directs and stars in this sci-fi action comedy, playing Sing, a struggling actor who gains superhuman powers after a freak accident. With his newfound abilities, Sing becomes a vigilante crime-fighter, taking on a powerful Triad boss and his gang.
Sixty Million Dollar Man is a loving homage to American superhero films, with Chow’s character a clear riff on the Six Million Dollar Man. The film’s special effects are impressive for the time, and Chow makes for a likable and funny superhero. It’s a high-concept premise that allows Chow to showcase his skills as both a physical comedian and an action star.
14. Justice, My Foot! (1992)
Chow co-stars with Anita Mui in this period legal comedy. He plays “Counselor Pao” Lung Sai-Yuk, a clever lawyer who uses his wits and kung fu skills to defend the innocent and take down the corrupt. When he takes on the case of a woman accused of killing her abusive husband, Pao must navigate a treacherous web of conspiracies.
Justice, My Foot! is a fast-paced and funny film that blends courtroom drama with martial arts action. Chow and Mui have great chemistry as the bantering husband-and-wife legal team, and the script is filled with clever twists and turns. It’s a great showcase for Chow’s verbal dexterity and physical comedy skills.
13. Royal Tramp (1992)
Based on a popular wuxia novel, Royal Tramp stars Chow as Wei Siu-Bo, a quick-witted con artist who becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the emperor. Using his skills at disguise and deception, Wei must navigate the dangerous world of the imperial court while romancing a beautiful princess (Sharla Cheung).
Royal Tramp is a fun, swashbuckling adventure that allows Chow to play a charming rogue. The film is packed with intrigue, romance, and martial arts action, with Chow shining in the lead role. His character’s schemes and disguises are a delight to watch, and he brings a sense of mischievous fun to the proceedings. It’s one of Chow’s most purely entertaining films.
12. The Mad Monk (1993)
Chow directs and stars in this supernatural action comedy, playing a Taoist monk with mystical powers. When his master is killed by a demonic cult, the monk must use his abilities to protect a young boy from becoming their next victim.
The Mad Monk showcases Chow’s skills as both a comedian and a martial artist, with plenty of impressive fight scenes and special effects. Chow’s character is a memorable creation, a mischievous and eccentric monk who uses unorthodox methods to battle the forces of evil. It’s a wild, imaginative film that ranks among Chow’s most visually stunning.
11. King of Beggars (1992)
In this martial arts comedy, Chow plays So Chan, a spoiled rich playboy who loses everything and becomes a beggar. Taken in by the “King of Beggars” (Ng Man-Tat), So learns the secret kung fu techniques of the beggars and uses his new skills to fight injustice.
King of Beggars is a classic rags-to-riches story with a martial arts twist. Chow undergoes a satisfying character arc from arrogant jerk to humble hero, and his chemistry with Ng Man-Tat is fantastic. The film features some impressive fight scenes and memorable training sequences, as well as Chow’s trademark humor. It’s a crowd-pleasing martial arts film with plenty of heart.
10. A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella (1995)
The sequel to A Chinese Odyssey Part One, this comedic fantasy continues the story of Joker (Chow), a reincarnated Monkey King. In this installment, Joker must navigate his relationships with two women (Athena Chu and Karen Mok) while fulfilling his destiny.
Like its predecessor, A Chinese Odyssey Part Two is a genre-bending delight, mixing romance, comedy, action and fantasy. Chow is in top form as the conflicted Joker, bringing both laughs and pathos to the role. The film’s special effects and action scenes are top-notch, and the love triangle at the center of the story is surprisingly poignant. It’s a satisfying conclusion to the A Chinese Odyssey saga.
9. Fight Back to School (1991)
One of Chow’s breakout hits, Fight Back to School stars Chow as Star Chow, a cop who goes undercover as a high school student to investigate a murder. Posing as a teenager, Star must navigate the social hierarchy of high school while tracking down the killer.
Fight Back to School is a hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy that plays to Chow’s strengths as a physical comedian. Watching his adult character try to fit in with a bunch of teenagers is a riot, and the film mines a lot of humor from the absurd premise. But it’s also a satisfying mystery, with a genuinely surprising twist. Fight Back to School was a huge hit that spawned two sequels and cemented Chow’s status as a leading man.
8. The Tricky Master (1999)
Chow co-directed and starred in this kung fu comedy, playing Tang Fei, a skilled martial artist who uses his abilities to pull off elaborate cons. When a beautiful woman (Gigi Leung) asks for his help in getting revenge on a gangster, Tang assembles his old crew for one last job.
The Tricky Master is a funny and stylish caper movie, with Chow’s character using his martial arts skills to execute clever heists and scams. The film is full of memorable set-pieces and action scenes, including a thrilling climax set in a movie studio. Chow is his usual charming self as the roguish hero, and he has great chemistry with his co-stars. It’s one of his most purely enjoyable films as a director.
7. All for the Winner (1990)
All for the Winner was the film that first paired Chow with his frequent co-star Ng Man-Tat and established the manic, slapstick-heavy style that would become Chow’s signature. He plays Sing, a country bumpkin with the ability to see through objects. When his uncle (Ng) discovers his powers, he uses them to cheat at gambling, leading to comic complications.
Chow is hilarious as the naive but good-hearted Sing, and his chemistry with Ng is fantastic. The gambling scenes are inventive and funny, and the film moves at a breakneck pace. All for the Winner was a huge hit that spawned a sequel and set the template for the “Mo Lei Tau” (nonsensical) style of comedy that Chow would perfect over the next decade.
6. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
One of Chow’s most successful films internationally, Kung Fu Hustle is a loving homage to classic martial arts movies. Set in 1940s Shanghai, the film follows Sing (Chow), a wannabe gangster who aspires to join the notorious Axe Gang. But when he inadvertently starts a war between the gang and the residents of a poor housing complex, Sing discovers that the tenants are secretly kung fu masters.
Kung Fu Hustle is a dazzling martial arts epic, with jaw-dropping fight scenes and stunning visual effects. But it’s also a hilarious comedy, with Chow’s hapless character at the center of the action. The film is a celebration of the kung fu genre, filled with loving references to classic films and larger-than-life characters. It’s one of Chow’s most ambitious and satisfying films as a director.
5. The King of Comedy (1999)
Chow co-directed and starred in this showbiz satire, playing Wan Tin-Sau, a struggling actor who will do anything to make it big. He meets a young woman named Piu Piu (Cecilia Cheung) who wants to be an actress, and together they navigate the cutthroat world of Hong Kong entertainment.
The King of Comedy is a more down-to-earth film than most of Chow’s work, with a bittersweet tone that reflects the harsh realities of show business. Chow is great as the desperate but determined Wan, and his scenes with Cecilia Cheung are both funny and touching. The film is a rare dramatic turn for Chow, and he proves that he’s just as adept at more serious material as he is at broad comedy.
4. Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013)
Chow co-directed and co-wrote this action-fantasy-comedy based on the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” The film serves as a prequel to the story, following the early adventures of the monk Tang Sanzang (Wen Zhang) as he battles demons with the help of the demon hunter Miss Duan (Shu Qi).
Journey to the West is a visually stunning film, with incredible action scenes and dazzling special effects. But it’s also a very funny and heartfelt movie, with a compelling story of faith, love and heroism. Chow’s comedic sensibilities are on full display, but he also brings a sense of sincerity and emotional depth to the material. It’s one of his most ambitious and satisfying films as a director.
3. The Mermaid (2016)
Chow’s highest-grossing film to date, The Mermaid is an eco-fable disguised as a romantic comedy. It tells the story of a mermaid (Jelly Lin) who is sent to assassinate a wealthy developer (Deng Chao) whose projects are destroying the ocean. But when she falls in love with him, she must choose between her mission and her heart.
The Mermaid is a charming and inventive film, blending Chow’s signature humor with a timely message about environmental conservation. The special effects are top-notch, bringing the underwater world to vivid life, and the romance between the leads is genuinely sweet. It’s a more mature and thoughtful film than most of Chow’s work, but still retains his trademark wit and creativity.
2. A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora’s Box (1995)
The first part of Chow’s epic fantasy-comedy, A Chinese Odyssey Part One is loosely based on the classic novel “Journey to the West.” Chow plays Joker, a reincarnated Monkey King who has forgotten his true identity. When he falls in love with a beautiful immortal (Athena Chu), he becomes embroiled in a conflict between gods and demons.
A Chinese Odyssey is a wild, genre-defying film that showcases Chow’s incredible range as an actor and filmmaker. It’s a romantic comedy, an action movie, a fantasy epic, and a philosophical meditation all rolled into one. Chow is brilliant as the conflicted Joker, bringing both laughs and pathos to the role, and the supporting cast is fantastic. The film’s special effects and martial arts scenes are jaw-dropping, and the story is surprisingly moving. It’s a true masterpiece of Hong Kong cinema.
1. Shaolin Soccer (2001)
And here we are, at the number one spot: Shaolin Soccer, the film that launched Stephen Chow to international superstardom and remains his most beloved work. Chow stars as Sing, a Shaolin monk who believes that kungfu can be used to improve soccer skills. He assembles a ragtag team of former Shaolin brothers to compete in a high-stakes soccer tournament, using their martial arts abilities to devastating effect on the field.
Shaolin Soccer is a perfect distillation of everything that makes Stephen Chow great. It’s a sports movie, a kung fu film, and a comedy all rolled into one, with Chow’s signature mix of slapstick humor, witty wordplay, and jaw-dropping action. The soccer scenes are incredible, with the characters using superhuman kung fu moves to execute impossible kicks and saves. But the film also has a lot of heart, with a underdog story and a sweet romance between Sing and the team’s female coach (Vicki Zhao).
And there you have it – the 20 best Stephen Chow movies of all time. From his early days as a supporting player to his later triumphs as a director and leading man, these films showcase the incredible range and talent of one of Hong Kong’s most iconic filmmakers.
What makes Chow’s movies so special is the way they blend genres and tones, mixing broad slapstick comedy with genuine emotion and thrilling action. They’re films that are unafraid to be silly and over-the-top, but also have a lot of heart and creativity. And at the center of it all is Chow himself, a performer with an incredible gift for physical comedy, wordplay, and sheer charisma.
