Return to the 36th Chamber
1980, Chinese. Directed by Lau Kar-leung.
Back for the rest!
The workers of a dye factory have their pay cut by 20% when the factory owner brings in some Manchu thugs to try and increase production. Desperate to reclaim their full wages, the workers hire an actor to impersonate a priest and kung-fu expert from the temple of Shaolin. The factory owner proves the actor a fraud, and punishes all those involved. The young actor feels he has let the workers down, and promises to atone. He sets out for Shaolin, determined to be accepted as a kung-fu pupil at the elite temple.
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Chinese
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.8/10 from 253 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch Return to the 36th Chamber
Return to the 36th Chamber is streaming on Hi-YAH and ARROW in India.
Hi-YAH
ARROW
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTubeAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Part of a series
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin: watch order
Cast & crew
- Lau Kar-leungDirector
- Gordon Liu Chia-huiChou Chun Chi
- Kara Wai Ying-hungHsiao Hung
- Hsiao HoAh Chao
- Wong Ching-HoUncle Li
- Wa LunChou Shih Sheng
- King Lee King-ChuMonk San Te
- Yau Chui-LingWorker
- Chen Szu-ChiaAh Fen
- Sek GongBoss Wang's Thug
- Kwon Yeong-MoonChuan Min
- Yeung Ching-ChingHsiao Ting
- Johnny Wang Lung-WeiBoss Wang Kao Feng
Details
- Released
- 24 August 1980
- Original title
- 少林搭棚大師
- Country
- Hong Kong
- Written by
- Ni Kuang
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
Watch before Return to the 36th Chamber
In release order. The films it follows, and anything it builds on.
After Return to the 36th Chamber
What comes next in the series.
If you liked Return to the 36th Chamber
Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday
2022 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Die Hart
2023 · 5.9/10
SnoozefestRecommended by TMDB viewers
Eenie Meanie
2025 · 6.3/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Cotton Comes to Harlem
1970 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Accident Man
2018 · 6.3/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
London Calling
2025 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Deadpool
2016 · 7.6/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Hand of Death
1976 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back
2017 · 6.0/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Fist of Legend
1994 · 7.5/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Return to the 36th Chamber: quick answers
What should I watch before Return to the 36th Chamber?
Watch The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) first.
What comes after Return to the 36th Chamber?
Next in the series: Disciples of the 36th Chamber (1985).
Is Return to the 36th Chamber worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.8/10 from 253 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Return to the 36th Chamber?
Return to the 36th Chamber runs 101 minutes (1h 41m).
Does Return to the 36th Chamber have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Return to the 36th Chamber. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Return to the 36th Chamber parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Return to the 36th Chamber yet.
Which OTT platform is Return to the 36th Chamber on?
Return to the 36th Chamber is streaming on Hi-YAH and ARROW in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Return to the 36th Chamber?
If you liked Return to the 36th Chamber, try Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday, Die Hart, Eenie Meanie.
Who directed Return to the 36th Chamber?
Return to the 36th Chamber (1980) was directed by Lau Kar-leung and stars Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Kara Wai Ying-hung, Hsiao Ho.