Don’t miss these 4 Netflix movies to celebrate Chinese New Year!

Looking to delve deeper into Chinese New Year customs? Get ready to immerse yourself in incredible movies, learning Chinese while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the holiday! These Netflix films offer a wide range, taking you from heartwarming family reunions to energetic dragon dances, from traditional foods to modern celebrations, giving you a full-fledged experience of the magic of Chinese New Year! Follow Po the panda in Kung Fu Panda 2 and be awestruck by the traditional dragon dance. Step into the heartwarming world of “Nice View” and explore the emotions of family and farewell during the holiday. Or, in “Lighting Up the Stars,” uncover the unique reflection on life and death during Chinese New Year. Whether you’re a language learner or a culture enthusiast, these films will open a door to understanding Chinese New Year, letting you learn and be touched by humor and emotions!

Chinese translation: 想深入了解春节习俗吗？准备好沉浸在精彩电影中，一边学中文一边感受浓浓的年味吧！以下几部Netflix影片包罗万象，带你从阖家团圆到热闹舞龙，从传统美食到现代欢庆，全方位体验春节的魅力！跟随熊猫阿宝的脚步，感受传统龙舞的震撼；走进《人生大事》温馨感人的氛围，领略春节期间的亲情与离别；或者在《燃冬》中，探寻春节背后对生命与死亡的独特思考。无论你是语言学习者还是文化爱好者，这些影片都能为你开启一扇了解春节的大门，让你在欢笑与感动中收获满满！ (Ni xiǎng shēn ru lè jiě chūn jié xí sú ma? Zhǔn bèi chén jìn zài jīng cǎi diàn yǐng zhōng, yī biān xué zhōng wén yī biān gǎn shòu nóng nóng de nián wèi ba! Yī xià jǐ bù Netflix diàn yǐng bāo luó wàn xiàng, dài nǐ cóng hé jiā tuán yuán dào rè nào wǔ lóng, cóng chuán tǒng měi shí dào xiàn dài huān qìng, quán fāng wèi tǐ yàn chūn jié de mèi lì! Suí zhōu xióng māo ā bǎo de jiǎo bù, gǎn shòu chuán tǒng lóng wǔ de zhèn hàn; jìn zǒu 《人生大事》 wēn xīn gǎn rén de fēng wèi, lǐng lüè chūn jié qí jiān de qīn qíng yǔ lí bié; huò zhě zài 《燃冬》 zhōng, tàn xún chūn jié bèi hòu duì shēng mìng yǔ sǐ wáng de dú tè sī kǎo. Wúlùn nǐ shì yǔ yán xué xí zhě hái shì wén huà ài hào zhě, zhè xiē diàn yǐng dōu néng wèi nǐ kāi qǐ yī shàn liǎo jiě chūn jié de dà mén, ràng nǐ zài huān xiào yǔ gǎn dòng zhōng shōu huò mǎn mǎn! )

1. Wish Dragon (2021) – Chinese New Year Dragon Dance Fighting

This animated fantasy film blends Chinese mythology with a coming-of-age story about a young boy named Din who encounters a magical wish-granting dragon on Chinese New Year. The film’s vibrant animation and heartwarming message make it a perfect choice for families.

• • Quote: 龙王说，新年许下的愿望最灵验。
  • Pinyin: lóng wáng shuō, xīn nián xǔ xià de yuàn wàng zuì líng yàn.
  • English: The Dragon King said, wishes made on New Year’s are the most powerful.

2. Lighting Up the Stars (2022) – The connection between Chinese New Year holiday and mortality.

This emotional drama follows the journey of Mo Xiaobei, a funeral director who learns the meaning of life and death through his interactions with grieving families during the Spring Festival. The film offers a unique perspective on the holiday and its connection to mortality.

• • Quote: 春节，团圆的日子，也是送别的日子。
  • Pinyin: chūn jié, tuán yuán de rì zi, yě shì sòng bié de rì zi.
  • English: Spring Festival, a time for reunions, but also a time for goodbyes.

3. Nice View (2022) – The community grows closer during the Chinese New Year

This heartwarming drama tells the story of a young man, Keung, who works tirelessly to deliver gifts and bring joy to others on Lunar New Year’s Eve. The film beautifully captures the spirit of the holiday and the importance of community. The entire film revolves around Chinese New Year’s Eve, so the celebration is woven throughout the narrative. Expect festive scenes sprinkled liberally.

• • Quote: 今晚就是除夕了，新年就要到了，希望大家都心想事成！
  • Pinyin: jīn wǎn jiù shì chú xī le, xīn nián jiù yào dào le, xī wàng dà jiā dōu xīn xiǎng shì chéng!
  • English: It’s New Year’s Eve tonight, the new year is about to arrive! I hope everyone’s wishes come true!

4. Kung Fu Panda 2 – Fight the battle with Dragon Dance Costume

Po, the Dragon Warrior panda, faces Lord Shen, a vengeful peacock seeking to conquer China with a powerful weapon. Po struggles with self-doubt and his inner chi, hindering his ability to defend the Valley of Peace and Gongmen City. Seeking guidance, Po reunites with his biological father, who suggests using a hidden jade dragon costume to infiltrate Shen’s palace.

Feeling lost and inadequate, Po reluctantly dons the dragon costume. He clumsily navigates the palace, causing comedic moments despite his disguise. Initially successful, Po draws attention and his true identity is revealed by Shen. A thrilling fight ensues, but Po realizes brute force won’t win. He overcomes his fears and channels his inner peace, showcasing his true strength and potential. Po doesn’t defeat Shen through violence but through understanding and compassion, leading to Shen’s redemption.

• Quote: 新年快乐！恭喜发财！ (Xīn nián kuàilè! Gōngxǐ fā cái!)

• Pinyin: xīn nián kuài lè! gōng xǐ fā cái!

• English: Happy New Year! Wishing you great fortune!

5. Unlock new languages through your movie nights!

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Turn your Netflix cravings into learning opportunities with these simple tips:

• Dive into the real deal: Swap movie dubs for the original language track. Whether it’s Spanish or Chinese, immersing yourself in the natural flow and pronunciation is key.

• Pause and pick up: Heard a sentence that sparks your interest? Rewind and mimic the actor’s voice. Learn the context and how the language comes alive in real-time.

• Supercharge your subtitles: Download the PinyinTube Chrome extension for side-by-side Chinese and English subtitles. Pro tip: upgrade to premium for Pinyin pronunciation and voice recording (there’s even a 50% New Year discount until February 18th!).

Ready to level up your language skills? Grab some popcorn and get ready to learn! This doesn’t require expensive language camps – get immersed from the comfort of your couch. So ditch the dubs, practice those pronunciations, and happy movie-learning!