The Best Fantasy Asian Films

Looking to cash in on the popularity of Steven Spielberg's mega-hits E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark, Hong Kong schlockmeister Wong Jing directs this yarn about Andy who, along with buddies Pin-pin and Pancho ventures to Greece to find his long lost friend Shen. They soon discover Shen is being tailed both by the KGB and by Interpol after discovering some rare gems in an archaeological dig. After a unkindly series of events, Andy winds up back in Hong Kong with the stones, which, it turns out, is not gems but rather an alien life form. Meanwhile Karov, an evil magician, is hell bent on getting his hands on the gem/alien no matter what.

Magic Crystal (1986)

A young man goes to Las Vegas with his best friend to prove he can win big bucks. When he loses all of the money, he and his friend get help from a young woman who tells the man the story of some special stones that are part of a legend involving time travel and parallel universes. When the trio get in a car accident, the young gambler is the only survivor. Pursued by a female detective, the two accidentally end up back in time on Christmas Day, where the gambler decides to make the wrong things right, and he also ends up falling in love with the detective.

Second Time Around (2002)

Something bizarre has come over the land. The kingdom is deteriorating. People are beginning to act strange... What's even more strange is that people are beginning to see dragons, which shouldn't enter the world of humans. Due to all these bizarre events, Ged, a wandering wizard, is investigating the cause. During his journey, he meets Prince Arren, a young distraught teenage boy. While Arren may look like a shy young teen, he has a severe dark side, which grants him strength, hatred, ruthlessness and has no mercy, especially when it comes to protecting Teru. For the witch Kumo this is a perfect opportunity. She can use the boy's "fears" against the very one who would help him, Ged.

Tales from Earthsea (2006)

Rai, a frustrated student and part-time labourer, is wandering home after setting up a museum exhibition on the classic novel "The Tale of Genji". There is a blinding flash of light and he finds himself mysteriously time-slipped into the Heian period, the setting for the famous novel. Armed with a pamphlet on the history of the period and a bottle of headache tablets he passes as an onmyoji (magical protector of the capital) and is hired by the emperor’s wife Nyogo Kokiden. Fearless and coldly analytical she plots to have her son take over the Emperor’s position. Rai is expected to help. This light-hearted historical fantasy is a treat for lovers of sumptuous kimono.

The Devil Wears Ju-Ni Hitoe Kimono (2020)

A recording of the 2003 production of the 1987 play. An evil nun known as Bizan wishes to bring back to life the demon monarch Ashura, so that the oni may rule the world. But that’s not an easy task with the Demon Wardens scouring the land and taking care of demons who have taken on human form. Five years ago, Wakuraba Izumo served as a Demon Warden lieutenant alongside his chief, Kuninari and the slightly mental Abe Jaku. Since then he’s retired and has been enjoying success as a lead actor for the Nakamura Kabuki troupe, led by playwright Nanboku Tsuruya IV, while his former colleagues continue to fight the good fight. Meanwhile the police authorities have been struggling to capture the thief known as “The Night Camellia.

Asura (2015)

The world's ten most influential scientists are being mysteriously killed, one by one, spontaneously combusted, microwaved to death, or otherwise. Another scientist, software prodigy Dr. Ken, searches for clues to these bizarre happenings only to see his fiancee apparently return from the dead. As indications point to the end of the world, It appears that Dr. Ken may be the only one who can save humanity.

Armageddon (1997)

Ching-yan lives with his young protege Tim and an inventor referred to only as The Doctor. One day they decide to embark on a quest to the Snowy Mountain in hopes of finding a special block of ice that is said to contain the life essence of immortality. The evil Devil King also wants the ice, but Ching-yan thinks that it contains the secret to meeting a woman who appears in his dreams and attempts to keep it for himself.

Saviour Of The Soul II (1992)

A kind-hearted fisherman, content with simple life, is reluctantly drawn into helping a noble emperor regain his throne from his evil brother.

Moon Warriors (1992)

One hundred seventy years ago, a wise monk made a section of land known as the Villians Valley, a sanctuary. Anyone who came to the valley was considered protected and safe from the law. The proclamation also stated that they should have a chance at repentance. The Master of Eva Palace, who is now master of the martial arts world, holds no regard for the ancient laws and enters the valley in search of the 10 Untouchable Villians because she has a warrant of justice to destroy them. The remaining 8 villians were actually the 10 Untouchable Heroes until they were framed by two of their own members, The Twin Villians, and used as scapegoats.

Handsome Siblings (1992)

Hyun-oh, who has the ability to remember dreams, meets new actress Joo-eun in his dream. The amazing truth that they come across...

Memories (2019)

Dodo is indulged in collecting and wearing beautiful high heels until she encounters an accident and loses her legs.

The Shoe Fairy (2005)

A woman blinds a martial arts master and his pupil vows revenge on her. She is forced to abandon her loved ones without explanation in order to protect them from her ill-intentioned pursuer.

Saviour of the Soul (1991)