🈶 Top 10 Gong’an (Chinese Detective) Movies: Stories, Reviews, and Ratings

Gong’an films combine the wisdom of magistrates, the intrigue of ancient China, and the thrill of mystery-solving. These movies bring legendary figures and cases to life through atmospheric sets, historical detail, and brilliant deduction. Here are ten of the greatest Gong’an detective movies—each with a plot summary, review, and IMDb rating.

1. Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010)

   Director: Tsui Hark
   Starring: Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Li Bingbing

   Plot: Detective Dee, released from prison, is summoned to investigate a series of bizarre spontaneous combustions threatening the new empress’s coronation.

   Review: Lavish, inventive, and brimming with intrigue—an epic blend of wuxia action and Sherlockian deduction.

   IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

2. Judge Dee and the Monastery Murders (2010 TV Movie)

   Director: Philip Martin
   Starring: Burt Kwouk, David Yip

   Plot: Judge Dee investigates a series of mysterious deaths within a Buddhist monastery, navigating secrets, lies, and palace politics.

   Review: Thoughtful, atmospheric, and steeped in tradition—a classic Gong’an case brought to life.

   IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

3. Judge Archer (2012)

   Director: Xu Haofeng
   Starring: Song Yang, Yu Chenghui

   Plot: After a master archer is wronged, he becomes a wandering judge, meting out justice and solving crimes across the land.

   Review: Poetic, martial, and elegantly staged—Judge Archer is a unique vision of justice in old China.

   IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

4. Detective K: Secret of the Virtuous Widow (2011)

   Director: Kim Sok-yun
   Starring: Kim Myung-min, Oh Dal-su

   Plot: A Joseon-era sleuth investigates a conspiracy linked to the deaths of prominent widows—full of twists and comedy.

   Review: Witty, vibrant, and playful—Detective K is a crowd-pleasing mystery with period flavor.

   IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

5. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2011)

   Director: Wayne Wang
   Starring: Li Bingbing, Gianna Jun, Archie Kao

   Plot: In 19th-century China, lifelong friends communicate through secret fan codes as a tragic mystery unfolds, spanning generations.

   Review: Lush, emotionally rich, and full of hidden intrigue—a story of loyalty and secrets.

   IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

6. Black Coal, Thin Ice (2014)

   Director: Diao Yinan
   Starring: Liao Fan, Gwei Lun-Mei

   Plot: A former detective investigates a string of murders in a bleak, wintry city—an atmospheric, neo-noir mystery.

   Review: Dark, stylish, and full of tension—modern Chinese noir at its best.

   IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

7. Murderer (2009)

   Director: Roy Chow
   Starring: Aaron Kwok, Chen Koon Tai

   Plot: A respected detective is accused of murder after a mysterious killing; he must solve the crime to clear his own name.

   Review: Taut, suspenseful, and full of unexpected twists—blending modern and traditional detective storytelling.

   IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

8. Let the Bullets Fly (2010)

   Director: Jiang Wen
   Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Jiang Wen

   Plot: A bandit assumes the identity of a governor, leading to a battle of wits, justice, and deception in warlord-era China.

   Review: Fast-paced, satirical, and wildly entertaining—a fresh take on Chinese detective action.

   IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

9. The Message (2009)

   Director: Chen Kuo-fu, Gao Qunshu
   Starring: Zhou Xun, Li Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming

   Plot: During WWII, a group of suspected spies is locked in a mansion, forced to outwit their captors and expose a traitor among them.

   Review: Tense, cleverly plotted, and full of suspense—a gripping mystery with historical depth.

   IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

10. Caught in the Web (2012)

    Director: Chen Kaige
    Starring: Gao Yuanyuan, Mark Chao

    Plot: An investigative journalist uncovers secrets and scandals in modern-day China, leading to dramatic consequences.

    Review: Timely, thoughtful, and sharp—detective tropes reimagined for the internet age.

    IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Honorable Mentions: Red Cliff, Painted Skin, The Banquet, The Silent War, The Golden Monk