The 2018 American romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians featured an all-Asian cast, and is definitely one of the biggest and the best romantic comedy films that have emerged in the 2010s. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians follows a love tale between Nick Young (Henry Golding) and Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), who together flew to his hometown in Singapore in oder to meet his family. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Nick comes from a super wealthy family. And because it’s an Asian household, it takes flower-blooming events, crazy exes, and jumping through many hoops before she finally gets accepted.
Crazy Rich Asians won hearts of audiences with its quirky choice of soundtrack, incorporation of Asian sentiments, great cast, and top-notch plot. It was both a critical and commercial commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing romantic comedy of the 2010s. Per Constance Wu, via Cinema Blend, the sequel is gearing up for production. While we can’t wait to witness the all-Asian perfection again, here are five other movies like Crazy Rich Asians you can watch in the meantime.
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5 Always Be My Maybe
Netflix
Netflix’s 2019 release with Ali Wong and Randall Park in the leading roles, Always Be My Maybe is your jam if you are also a fan of childhood romances and raunchy comedies. The film stars Wong and Park as Sasha and Marcus, respectively, childhood best friends who abruptly part ways after a sudden teenage fling. The laugh out loud gags add a comic nature to the film, with the friends to lovers troupe leading the way. On top of that, the cultural specificity in the movie — the food, the depiction of Asian-American experiences — is top-notch. In addition to the brilliant story writing, the hilarious and unexpected cameo by Keanu Reeves was a cherry on top. Directed by Nahnatchka Khan (Fresh Off The Boat) and written by Wong, Park, and Michael Golamco, Always Be My Maybe also stars James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang, Karan Soni, Daniel Dae Kim, and others.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
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4 The Joy Luck Club
Hollywood Pictures
The 1993 film centers around four Chinese women living in San Francisco, who regularly meet to eat, play mahjong (tile-based Chinese game), and share stories while discovering generational gaps and universal truths. Based on the novel of the same name by Amy Tan, the movie seeks an understanding of two generations who are trying to keep their secrets intact amidst discovering the bond they share with each other. The Joy Luck Club dives deeper into the connection between Chinese and American cultures and slowly delves into broader spectrums, making it a must-watch. Wayne Wang (Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart) directs the film, meanwhile, Tan along with Ronald Bass wrote the screenplay. The primary cast lineup includes Tsai Chin, Kieu Chinh, Lisa Lu, and France Nuyen.
3 The Half of It
A gem from 2020, The Half of It is a Netflix coming-of-age comedy-drama that explores the life of Ellie, an intelligent, straight-A Chinese-American student who decides to help the school jock, Paul, woo a girl, with whom she is secretly in love. However, in between trying to approach their one-true love, Ellie and Paul connect and find the true nature of love. Cited a charmer, The Half Of It excavates the surface and discusses more than love or a love triangle. The film focuses on the typical life of an Asian-American teen, queerness, bullying, and immigrant treatment. Complimenting with its funny side, the movie surely is one of the best queer movies you cannot miss. Written and directed by Alice Wu, the film stars Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, Collin Chou, Catherine Curtain, and more.
2 The Farewell
A24
The Farewell is a 2019 American comedy-drama that centers around a Chinese-American family who plan a get-together after learning that their grandmother has only a few days left to live. Adapted from a brief experience of Lulu Wang’s life, who also directs and writes, the film will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Portrayed in Chinese and English, The Farewell is a witty, emotional, and subtle tale proving why Asian cinemas are beginning to appear as the face of brilliant storytelling. With its complex and perfect balance of warmth and comedy, the film is a true treasure and scored two nominations at the 77th Golden Globe Awards. The Farewell stars Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, and Zhao Shu-zhen. Awkwafina, who also stars in Crazy Rich Asians, also won a Golden Globe for Best Actress Musical or Comedy for her performance.
1 To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centinio) and Lara Jean (Lana Condor) created a frenzy among rom-com fans after they made their debut as the iconic onscreen pair with To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before in 2018. The success of the film turned it into a franchise with two sequels releasing in 2020 and 2021. Lara Jean is a Korean-American high school student, who writes heartfelt and soul-bearing letters when she develops a serious crush. She wrote five letters, but never intended on sending them. However, after her sister sends the letters to their rightful receivers, Lara Jean enters a new phase where she must explore her relationships, find true love, and mend relationships with friends and family. Based on the novel by Jenny Han, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before was positively received, both critically and commercially. The teen romantic-comedy was also praised for its relatable characters and swoon worthy troupes, which later went on to become a trend among many couples.
