Jackie Chan trades swagger for vulnerability in Unexpected Family, a warm slice-of-life drama where mistaken identity becomes a lifeline. As an elderly man’s memory fades and a stranger slips into the role of “son,” the film finds its power in small moments, quiet grief, and the kind of belonging people build when they need each other most.
Jackie Chan isn’t quite his usual self in Li Taiyan’s quietly charming story about an Unexpected Family coming together. Ren Jiqing (Chan) is losing his memories due to age. He is often unsure who is whom, and seeing him not rise to the occasion, instead playing a befuddled role, is rather amazing. Instead of turning on the charm, he has to dial back the athleticism we know him for.
It’s easy to sympathize with him when Bufan (Peng Yuchang) drifts into town looking for work, only to be mistaken for the old man’s estranged son, Zhuangzhuang. There’s gentle humour woven into this slice-of-life drama, released during Chinese New Year. The festive backdrop contrasts the passage of time as we watch Jiqing slowly deteriorate. It’s heartbreaking, and even when I caught myself thinking, “oh, he knows,” what follows still had me reaching for the tissue box.
The films offered during Chinese New Year 2026 is a mix of fun and action in the only way the leading film likes it. From animated bear sized chaos to desert-scale action, here are the releases worth tracking down.
Chinese New Year 2026 may feel late, but there’s a reason for that. In ancient times, the traditional calendar followed both the sun and the moon. That balance matters, especially when studios deliberately time releases to echo ideas of renewal, repetition, and harmony. This year’s holiday slate leans hard into that symbolism. Whether it’s animated bears stuck in a cycle, desert-bound warriors chasing destiny, or families barely holding it together over banquets, these films feel tailor-made for the season. This list highlights what to find, from international releases to local favourites.
熊出没·年年有熊 (Bears Appear Every Year)
The Boonie Bears are a chaotic duo who’ve become one of mainland China’s most recognisable animated exports, though comparing them to Yogi and Boo Boo only gets you so far. They’re operating in a different tonal universe, one where slapstick escalates quickly and logic is optional. Over the years, they’ve been joined by familiar faces like Vick, once an outright adversary, and Warren the raccoon, expanding their world beyond simple bear-on-human mischief.
It’s almost expected at this point that a new Boonie Bears movie arrives every year, often timed squarely for Chinese New Year. That consistency has turned the series into a holiday fixture. The humour is broad, the pacing relentless, and the appeal is cross-generational. With 年年有熊 literally translating to “Bears Appear Every Year,” there’s a strong suggestion this entry leans into repetition, tradition, and cyclical time. If there’s a Groundhog Day-style loop involved, it would fit neatly with zodiac symbolism and the idea of patterns renewing themselves year after year.
镖人:风起大漠 (Blades of the Guardians)
Styled as a full-throttle wuxia epic, Blades of the Guardians sends Dao Ma (Jing Wu), the “second most wanted fugitive,” on what should be a straightforward escort mission to Chang’an. Naturally, it isn’t. Set against the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, the trailers suggest a Mad Max meets Wild West energy, with bandits, shifting allegiances, and violence erupting from every direction.
The mystery surrounding the mission, and the involvement of the Mo family clan, hint at deeper political and personal stakes. With Jet Li in the cast and international distribution planned via Well Go USA, this one feels positioned to travel well beyond the holiday window.
Hong Kong Chinese New Year 2026 Releases
夜王 (Night King)
Directed by Jack Ng, following the success of A Guilty Conscience, Night King explores Hong Kong’s nightlife through a comic lens. Set around the East Sun Nightclub, the story revolves around Brother Foon, played by Dayo Wong, as he battles a hostile corporate takeover. The threat comes in the form of V-jie, a ruthless CEO portrayed by Sammi Cheng, who also happens to be his ex-wife. Old-school values clash with modern corporate power, but the film frames that tension as comedy first, making it a familiar, crowd-friendly New Year watch with bite beneath the laughs.
双囍 (Double Happiness)
Few films align more neatly with the emotional pressure of Chinese New Year than Double Happiness. The holiday is built around reunion, even when families are fractured, and this film turns that tension into farce. Two incompatible families, two wedding banquets, one hotel, one day. The result is escalating chaos as a soon-to-be-married couple, played by Liu Kuan-ting and Jennifer Yu, try to keep everyone smiling.
Chinese New Year is almost here, and I offer my list on what I expect to be the top three films that’ll be big! And all the movie trailers I could find are also assembled here:
Chinese New Year is coming! And for those folks who want to enjoy part of that day at the movies, five ‘official’ films are being released January 29th! What I offer here are my top three choices. Although I mentioned the sequel for Crazy Alien is coming in my review, it’s not a mandatory must-see.
And what I offer here are nearly every trailer for each of these films to get a sense of what’s going to be presented.
Creation of the Gods II: Demonic Confrontation
This continuation of the epic fight between clans can spell disaster for all of China, if all parties aren’t careful. That’s because, after the ascension of the last ruler of the Shang dynasty, the transition is not quiet. When the fox-spirit Daji has a dastardly role to play, all will not be well.
As part two of a trilogy, what’s expected will be like Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings–to break the narratives down to smaller pieces. Part three is titled Creation Under Heaven. and that’s scheduled for release next year. As for this middle release, Well GO USA has IMAX screenings available at select cities (please visit link) on Jan 29th, and will get a wider release at the end of the month.
Just what viewers can learn from The Tiger’s Apprentice is buried in a fairly standard monomyth. Had there been more emphasis on this aspect of the narrative, this work could have roared.
Now Available to purchase on Amazon USA (DVD)
Raman Hui‘s attempt to adapt the novel, The Tiger’s Apprentice, to become a possible new animated franchise sort of works. When it’s supposed to look at Chinese folk beliefs, what’s shown feels quite light. It lacks that sense of wonder which Light Chaser Animation‘s works excels at. The differences is well explored with the home video release due to the bonus content, and although this film has its heart in the right place, I wished it could’ve done more with why Ming yun (destiny) matters.
Tom Lee (Brandon Soo Hoo) must be ready to become the next guardian and when he’s not even sixteen yet, the force determined to kill him must do so before the coming of every Lunar New Year. Most people know that a select group of animals represent each lunar cycle, and I get the sense that Loo (Michelle Yeoh) is not picky on when to destroy him. I’m also not sure if she’s been trying those few weeks before the end of every twelve months, but if she doesn’t do so quickly, he’ll be strong enough to defeat her! That sense of urgency isn’t conveyed, because during this film, the last time she successfully chased the boy down is during the Year of the Ox.
In part two of our look at the newest Chinese New Year Movies will be a list of animated films that should one day see an American release.
Outside the Rice Bowl of the World, the number of Chinese New Year movies available to view worldwide are based on what is being offered by Cineplex’s SilverCity Riverport operation in Richmond, BC. That’s because in all my years of tracking films from this market always head to this metroplex than any other operation in my neck of the woods.
True to form, just where these motion pictures get played depends on just how big of a Chinese-Canadian or American population exists per region. Others include Seattle, San Francisco, and New York (to name a few). Strangely, YOLO and Article 20 do not make the list. The good news is that the former will eventually see a hopefully fast release, as Variety broke the news about it being acquired by Sony Pictures.
Quite often, Chinese New Year is when new films will be played to audiences worldwide, and what’s offered here are four selections we hope will begin production or play in 2024!
Although Chinese New Year is two months away, the question of what movies will get released is likely to at least include The Journey of Flower. The other three Chinese films include Chang’An, Kung Fu Hustle 2 and Umbrella Girl. While one is technically not even started production, I have hope that some news will be offered. As for the the former getting a wider distribution, it’d make sense to re-release this work during this holiday!
Chang’An was released in China over the Summer. As for why international distributors didn’t want to market it, the reason may well lie in the fact it’s not like a typical movie. Those who managed to see this work said it’s presented as vignettes with the characters reciting poetry. As for whether its like attending one of Shakespeare’s plays, I need to get my hands on a copy!
Even though Light Chaser Animation has been on a huge winning streak ever since White Snake, not every film gets the love it deserves. Tea Pets got tucked away on Tubi under a different title (Toys and Pets), and it’s a wonderful love story cum adventure. As for this studio’s latest, it apparently got a weekend screening at select cities during the month of October; I assume GKIDS holds the rights, and they will eventually deliver this movie to home video.