Top Picks for AANHPI Movies and Shows to Stream in 2025

We’re thrilled to honor AANHPI Heritage Month, a national celebration in May recognizing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Beyond this annual event, we’re committed to celebrating AANHPI voices within our team and across Ziff Davis.

With AANHPI representation flourishing in global media, we turned to our AANHPI staff members to share their favorite films and series highlighting these voices. Here’s a curated selection of must-watch titles available to stream in the U.S., spanning diverse genres and platforms. Dive in and join us in celebrating AANHPI stories year-round!

When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) Inspired by a real-life couple from South Korea’s Jeju Island, portrayed by K-pop star IU and actor Park Bo-gum, this heartfelt Netflix series weaves a tender love story through life’s trials and transformations.

“This series gently reminds us to cherish family and love.” – Aimee Carr, Ziff Davis Sr. Manager of Client Services

When Life Gives You Tangerines 0See it at Netflix Shaolin Soccer (2001) This nearly 3.5-hour sports action-comedy delivers vibrant special effects and laugh-out-loud fight scenes. Blending kung fu with soccer, Shaolin Soccer is a must-watch for fans of martial arts, sports, or top-tier comedies.

Shaolin Soccer 0See it at Paramount+See it at Prime VideoSee it at Hulu Kung Fu Hustle (2004) A treat for action-comedy lovers, Kung Fu Hustle follows Sing, played by writer-director Stephen Chow, an aspiring gangster entangled with the Axe Gang. His wild antics spark a cascade of entertaining chaos. Stream the English-subtitled version on Amazon Prime.

Kung Fu Hustle 0See it at Prime Video Perfect Days (2023) Directed by Wim Wenders, this moving drama follows Hirayama, a Tokyo toilet cleaner whose simple life brims with hidden beauty. Koji Yakusho’s Cannes Best Actor-winning performance reveals how routine can spark unexpected wonder.

Perfect Days 0See it at Hulu Kim’s Convenience (2016-2022) This charming sitcom follows a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store in Toronto. Featuring Simu Liu (Marvel’s Shang-Chi) in one of his breakout roles, all five seasons are streaming on Netflix. Fun fact: The series is adapted from a play by Ins Choi.

Kim’s Convenience 0See it at Netflix Ne Zha (2019) This thrilling animated adventure follows Ne Zha, a young boy grappling with his immense powers and their potential for good or evil. While its record-breaking sequel hit U.S. theaters, it’s not yet streaming stateside—stay tuned!

Ne Zha 0See it at Peacock Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024) Play Soi Cheung’s neo-noir martial arts epic unfolds in 1980s Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, where a fighter’s defiance of a Triad boss ignites a gripping, action-packed gang war.

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In 0See it at Prime Video Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022) This biographical drama chronicles Nambi Narayanan, an ISRO aerospace engineer facing espionage accusations. The film weaves past and present, exploring his career and the investigation that upended his life.

Rocketry: The Nambi Effect 0See it at Prime VideoSee it at TubiSee it at YouTube TV (Premium) Reply 1988 (2015) The third chapter of the Reply series, this South Korean drama follows five neighboring families in 1980s Seoul. With a stellar cast, including Park Bo-gum, it’s a nostalgic, heartfelt hit.

“One of the best K-dramas out there!” says Dean Kim, Software Architect at Ookla, while Karen Oh from Ziff Davis leadership adds, “It’s my favorite—better than its spin-offs!”

Reply 1988 0See it at Netflix Any Studio Ghibli Film Where to Stream Studio Ghibli movies Studio Ghibli’s breathtaking hand-drawn animation and emotional storytelling, led by Hayao Miyazaki, shine in nearly 25 films available to stream. Check out our team’s top 10 Studio Ghibli picks.

What is the best Studio Ghibli movie of all time? Ponyo Princess Mononoke Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Porco Rosso The Boy and the Heron Grave of the Fireflies Kiki’s Delivery Service Howl\'s Moving Castle My Neighbor Totoro Spirited Away Something else (let us know in the comments!) AnswerSee Results Ziff Davis recruiter Kunie Prak loves these Studio Ghibli gems:

Ponyo Howl\'s Moving Castle From Up on Poppy Hill Kiki\'s Delivery Service When Marnie Was There Studio Ghibli library 0See it at HBO Max Ponyo 1See it at Amazon My Neighbor Totoro 2See it at Amazon Howl\'s Moving Castle 1See it at Amazon Kiki\'s Delivery Service 1See it at Amazon Spirited Away 1See it at Amazon New Release! The Boy and the Heron 2See it at Amazon Rescue: Hi-Surf (2024) “I enjoy the familiar rhythm of procedural shows, but this one stands out by spotlighting Hawaiian Ocean Safety lifeguards, a rare focus that celebrates Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander talent.” – Sarah Wang, Ziff Davis Senior Account Executive

Rescue: Hi-Surf 0See it at Disney+See it at Prime VideoSee it at SlingTV Culinary Class Wars (2024- ) This electrifying Netflix series pits 20 celebrity chefs against 80 undercover cooks in a fierce Korean culinary showdown, blending high-stakes competition with mouthwatering drama.

“Imagine Squid Game’s intensity meets Top Chef’s kitchen battles—Culinary Class Wars is a must-watch.” – Matt Kim, IGN Sr. Features Editor

Culinary Class Wars 0See it at Netflix NCIS: Hawaii (2021-2024) Part of the iconic NCIS franchise, NCIS: Hawaii delivers gripping crime drama with a vibrant, diverse cast led by Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, the first female Special Agent-in-Charge in the series’ history.

“I’m still upset CBS canceled this gem—it showcased Hawaii’s culture and a standout diverse cast.” – SW

NCIS: Hawaii 0See it at Paramount+ Laapataa Ladies (2023) This Hindi comedy-drama, directed by Kiran Rao, blends humor with sharp social commentary, exploring women’s lives in rural India. Laapataa Ladies tackles themes of individuality and marriage with wit and heart, making it a standout in Indian cinema.

“I love its playful take on mistaken identity and the bride’s journey to independence.” – Alekhya Pulavarthy, Ookla Product Manager

Laapataa Ladies 0See it at Netflix Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung (2019) “Rookie Historian is my go-to comfort show, blending historical romance with office comedy and subtle nods to history, like Dutch as the only Western language known due to traders.” – Numi Prsarn, CNET Senior Producer

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung 0See it at Netflix Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) An Oscar-nominated gem by Ang Lee, this film delves into the complex dynamics of a Taiwanese family, where a widowed chef father and his three daughters navigate loneliness and self-discovery. Though not currently streaming, its rich storytelling and stunning culinary scenes make it worth seeking out.