The Lunar New Year is a time for family gatherings, and what better way to celebrate than by enjoying 8 heartwarming films with your loved ones? We’ve curated a list of must-watch movies to make your holiday season even more special.
1 Must-Watch American and European Films for the Lunar New Year
Ocean’s Eight – Ocean’s 8 (2018)
Ocean’s Eight – Ocean’s 8 (2018)
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Release Date: 06/25/2018
Genre: Action, Comedy
Runtime: 110 minutes
Country: United States
Director: Gary Ross
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Platform: Netflix
The film centers around Debbie Ocean (played by Sandra Bullock), a woman scorned by her ex-husband, who lands her in prison. However, Debbie is a determined and intelligent individual. Upon her release, she assembles a team of women with unique skills to pull off the heist of the century.
Anne With an E – Anne with an E (2019)
Anne With an E – Anne with an E (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Release Date: 03/19/2017
Genre: Drama, Family
Runtime: 27 episodes
Country: Canada
Director: Niki Caro
Starring: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, Dalila Bela, Lucas Jade Zumann
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Anne With an E is a TV series inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel “Anne of Green Gables.” The show showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Avonlea village, where Anne resides, and offers valuable life lessons through its heartwarming stories.
About Time – About Time (2013)
About Time – About Time (2013)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: 09/04/2013
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Runtime: 123 minutes
Country: United Kingdom
Director: Richard Curtis
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Platform: VieON
About Time is a unique time-travel comedy-drama. The story follows Tim Lake, a man with the ability to travel back in time. After discovering his power, he uses it to improve his sister’s life and help others.
Grown Ups – Grown Ups (2010)
Grown Ups – Grown Ups (2010)
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Release Date: 06/25/2010
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 102 minutes
Country: United States
Director: Dennis Dugan
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Platform: TV360
Grown Ups is a comedy about five childhood friends, Lenny (Adam Sandler), Eric (Kevin James), Kurt (Chris Rock), Marcus (David Spade), and Rob (Rob Schneider). As high school basketball stars, they reunite after their coach’s death, leading to hilarious and heartwarming moments.
Notting Hill – Notting Hill (1999)
Notting Hill – Notting Hill (1999)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Release Date: 05/21/1999
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Runtime: 124 minutes
Country: United Kingdom
Director: Roger Michell
Starring: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville, Emma Chambers, Rhys Ifans, Tim McInnerny, Gina McKee
Notable Awards: Most Popular Film at the 2000 British Academy Film Awards, “Best Film” at the 2000 Empire Awards
Streaming Platform: DANET
Written by the renowned Richard Curtis, Notting Hill tells the story of a blossoming romance between Anna Scott, a famous Hollywood actress, and William Thacker, a bookshop owner in Notting Hill, regardless of their social differences.
2 Top Korean and Japanese Films for the Lunar New Year
Hospital Playlist – Hospital Playlist (2020)
Hospital Playlist – Hospital Playlist (2020)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Release Date: 03/12/2020
Genre: Medical, Comedy-Drama, Romance
Runtime: 27 episodes
Country: South Korea
Director: Shin Won-ho
Starring: Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, Jeon Mi-do
Notable Awards: Asian Artist Awards, Asia Contents Awards, 22nd Mnet Asian Music Awards, etc.
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Hospital Playlist offers a realistic and heartwarming portrayal of the lives of five doctors and their patients, providing valuable insights into life and humanity.
Reply 1988 – Reply 1988 (2015)
Reply 1988 – Reply 1988 (2015)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
Release Date: 11/06/2015
Genre: Family, Comedy, Romance
Runtime: 10 episodes
Country: South Korea
Director: Shin Won-ho
Starring: Lee Hye-ri, Park Bo-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, Lee Dong-hwi
Notable Awards: Asian Artist Awards, Asia Contents Awards, 22nd Mnet Asian Music Awards, etc.
Streaming Platform: VieON
Set in the peaceful neighborhood of Ssangmun Dong, Seoul, in 1988, Reply 1988 tells heartwarming stories of family, friendship, and young love, capturing the essence of everyday life.
Little Forest – Little Forest (2014, 2015)
Little Forest – Little Forest (2014, 2015)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Release Date: Summer-Autumn (2014), Winter-Spring (2015)
Genre: Family, Drama
Runtime: Summer-Autumn: 111 minutes, Winter-Spring: 120 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Junichi Mori
Starring: Ai Hashimoto, Takahiro Miura, Mayu Matsuoka, Youichi Nukumizu, Karen Kirishima
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Platform: Pending
Adapted from Igarashi Daisuke’s manga, Little Forest follows Ichiko, a young woman who returns to her rural hometown after living in the city. Through the changing seasons, she experiences various emotions and learns valuable life lessons.
We hope this curated list of 8 captivating films will make your Lunar New Year celebrations even more enjoyable. Happy watching!





































