 |
| What to Watch This Chinese New Year: TGV Cinemas’ Top 5 Movie Picks (Photo: Instagram/TGV) |
Chinese New Year 2026 isn’t just about reunion dinners and endless snacks — it’s also prime time for cinema escapes. Between house visits, red packet rounds and late-night catch-ups, sneaking into a dark cinema with a big bucket of popcorn feels almost ceremonial.
This festive season, TGV Cinemas is stacking its schedule with a lively mix of action spectacles, family-friendly adventures and stories that hit closer to home.
Whether you’re going with the whole family or carving out some solo downtime, these five movies are shaping up to be the talk of the holiday.
 |
Blades of the Guardians (镖人: 风起大漠)
If you like your festive viewing bold, intense and visually grand, Blades of the Guardians ticks all the boxes.
Set in the harsh Western Desert, the film follows legendary escort Dao Ma as he protects a mysterious young man whose true identity could shift the balance of power.
What begins as a simple mission quickly spirals into relentless ambushes, political intrigue and moral dilemmas.
Gritty action sequences, strong character conflicts and a cinematic scale that feels closer to an epic drama than a typical holiday release. Online chatter praises the film’s atmosphere and action choreography, with many calling it a refreshing, darker choice for Chinese New Year viewers who want something less traditional.
Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe (熊猫计划之部落奇遇记)
This one leans fully into festive warmth. Jackie Chan returns with a film designed for all ages, blending light-hearted action, slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments.
When a panda becomes the target of an international gang, Jackie’s character is pulled into a wild journey that leads him to a hidden tribe and unexpected friendships.
Classic Jackie Chan humour, easy laughs, mild action and plenty of family-friendly charm.. many netizens are excited for the nostalgia factor, saying it feels like a throwback to Jackie Chan’s lighter adventure films that parents and kids can enjoy together.
Night King (夜王)
Night King offers a more urban, character-driven story set against Hong Kong’s fading nightlife scene. At its centre is Club EJ, a once-legendary venue now threatened by corporate takeover.
The tension ramps up when the club’s manager is forced to work with his ex-wife, now the no-nonsense CEO determined to modernise or shut it down.
Expect sharp dialogue, layered relationships and a mix of humour and emotional conflict. Viewers are intrigued by the premise, with some calling it unexpectedly relatable and others praising its take on changing times and personal pride.
Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po (阿炳 vs 梁婆婆)
This film brings together two familiar personalities in a story that balances comedy with heart.
Now older and dealing with family responsibilities, Ah Beng clashes with Liang Po Po, whose stubborn traditional values create endless misunderstandings. Set by the seaside, the story gently explores generational gaps, identity and family bonds.
Playful humour, nostalgic vibes and emotional beats that sneak up on you. Reactions highlight its strong local flavour, with many saying it feels tailor-made for Chinese New Year viewing with relatives of all ages.
I’m Not Gangster (寄生下流)
Starting from an almost absurd premise, I’m Not Gangster follows Ah Loong, a quiet convenience store worker who accidentally rises to the top of a crime syndicate.
His unconventional leadership brings success, admiration and attention — but also spirals into obsession and danger as power reshapes his identity.
Expect dark humour, tension and a character-focused story about ambition and consequences. Netizens are split in a good way — some are drawn to its originality, while others are curious to see how far the story pushes its moral questions.
Such a wide mix of genres and tones, TGV Cinemas’ Chinese New Year line-up feels designed to spark debate and rewatch discussions long after the credits roll.
So, which one is going straight to the top of your watchlist? Are you team family comedy, dark drama, or full-on action?