Movies like Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin (1980)
The best movies like Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin (1980) are M. Butterfly (1993), Written on the Wind (1956) and Chang'an (2023). If Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBlades of the Guardians (2026)8.2/10 from 265 votes
- NewestBlades of the Guardians (2026)Released 2026
- In ChineseChang'an (2023)Also in Chinese
M. Butterfly (1993)
In 1960s China, French diplomat Rene Gallimard falls in love with opera singer Song Liling – but Song is not at all who Gallimard thinks.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWritten on the Wind (1956)
Mitch Wayne is a geologist working for the Hadleys, an oil-rich Texas family. While the patriarch, Jasper, works hard to establish the family business, his irresponsible son, Kyle, is an alcoholic playboy, and his daughter, Marylee, is the town tramp. Mitch harbors a secret love for Kyle's unsatisfied wife, Lucy -- a fact that leaves him exposed when the jealous Marylee accuses him of murder.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChang'an (2023)
A few years after the Anshi Rebellion, Tang dynasty military commander Gao Shi suffers a defeat in a battle threatening Chang'an. Trapped in the besieged city, he recalls his lifelong friendship with the acclaimed poet Li Bai.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLegend of the Demon Cat (2017)
During the Late Tang Dynasty, a manor is invaded by a demon cat and a sense of unrest befalls the capital of Changan. A poet is charged with investigating the case and meets up with a monk. The two work together and pull apart the thread of clues to reveal a history of truths leading to the events.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWhite Snake (2019)
One day a young woman named Blanca is saved by Xuan, a snake catcher from a nearby village. As they set off an a journey to discover her real identity, the pair develop feelings for each other.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTaipei Story (1985)
A young woman urgently seeks to navigate the maze of contemporary Taipei and find a future. She hopes that her boyfriend Lung is the key to the future, but Lung is stuck in a past that combines baseball and traditional loyalty that leads him to squander his nest egg bailing her father out of financial trouble.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNew Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021)
While living as an ordinary deliveryman and motor racing fan, Nezha encounters old nemeses and must rediscover his powers to protect his loved ones.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBroadway Melody of 1940 (1940)
Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. A producer discovers Brett as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who thinks he is one of the people they lent money to, gives him the name of his partner.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlades of the Guardians (2026)
Dao Ma, the "second most wanted fugitive," is entrusted by his benefactor, the chief of Mo family clan, to take on a mysterious escort mission-escorting the "most wanted fugitive" to Chang'an.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisCarmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)
An engaged Philadelphia policeman falls in love with a beautiful woman while dealing with a corrupt superior.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Stage (2025)
During the Republican era, wars and conflicts were frequent. On stage, the "Overlord" sings with resounding passion, while below, the absurd spectacle of life unfolds. They must both secure the opera troupe's livelihood and appease the audience in their seats. Once the curtain rises, how should this play be performed?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhite Vengeance (2011)
White Vengeance tells the story of two brothers contending for supremacy during the fall of the Qin Dynasty, which ruled Imperial China from 221 to 206 BC. As rebels rose, the nation fell into chaos. Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, became leaders of the rebellious army, and also became sworn brothers in battle.Xiang Yu and Liu Bang are close friends who both serve King Huai of Chu. King Huai uses a plot, saying that whoever can subvert the Qin kingdom in Guanzhong would be the Lord Qin, in order to benefit from the competition between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. Xiang Yu is over-confident. He fights against the main force of Qin army, and entrusts Liu Bang with Yu Ji, the woman he loves.Liu Bang expresses his love to Yu Ji and takes the chance to invade Guanzhong first when most of Qin army is outside fighting against Xiang Yu’s army.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Sleeping Dictionary (2003)
In the 1930s, British officer John Truscott journeys to a remote village in colonial Malaysia to educate and Westernize the local Iban population. There, he's introduced to the lovely Selima. In keeping with tradition, Selima is assigned to sleep with Truscott and teach him the native language and customs. But when they fall in love, both colonists and natives object to their plans to marry.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOur Kind of Traitor (2016)
A young Oxford academic and his attorney girlfriend holiday in Morocco. They bump into a Russian millionaire who owns a peninsula and a diamond watch. He wants a game of tennis. What else he wants propels the lovers on a tortuous journey to the City of London and its unholy alliance with Britain's intelligence establishment, to Paris and the Alps.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFarewell My Concubine (1993)
In an epic tale of theater, gender, love and class, two Beijing opera actors navigate political turmoil as their friendship evolves over decades.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLost on Journey (2010)
A boss of a toy corporation, Chenggong Li, tries to head back to Chan Sar to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family. However, plans don't go as smoothly after he crosses paths with a stranger, Geng Niu.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRip Girls (2000)
A teen-age girl and her father come to an island on Hawaii, they find a closer relationship to each other and think about changing the island. During her adventures, Sydney finds friends, a new hobby with her fantastic photography, and the truth about her mother.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEndless Journey of Love (2025)
In 1930s China, village girl Qian Xiao gains the power to control time, making her a target of powerful forces. As she uncovers the metropolis's hidden secrets, she faces peril and the cost of her gift.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe King's Avatar: For the Glory (2019)
In this prequel to the animated series The King's Avatar, Ye Xiu enters into the pro gaming world of Glory, and competes in the first Pro League series tournament.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Pirates of Penzance (1983)
As a young child, Frederic had been apprenticed to a pirate by mistake when he should have been apprenticed to a pilot. Now, having reached his 21st year, Frederic's indentures are at last over and he happily leaves the service of the pirates. When Frederic meets the beautiful Mabel, one of the many daughters (or wards in Chancery) of Major-General Stanley, they fall in love and decide to marry. However, complications arise when the pirates decide to marry the rest of the Major-General's daughters, themselves - and Frederic's birthdate turns out to be not all it seems.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
Like Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin?
The closest matches to Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin are M. Butterfly (1993), Written on the Wind (1956) and Chang'an (2023). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin?
Start with M. Butterfly (1993), the closest match to Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin.
What is the highest-rated movie like Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin?
Blades of the Guardians (2026), rated 8.2/10 by 265 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin?
Blades of the Guardians (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Chinese movies like Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin?
Yes: Chang'an (2023), Legend of the Demon Cat (2017) and White Snake (2019).
How are movies similar to Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.