Chungking Express (1994)

Kernel Score: 91% · 2,129 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance

Released: 1994-07-14

Runtime: 103 minutes

Is Chungking Express worth watching?

Must-watch. Two short stories of lonely Hong Kong cops and the women they meet, shot with restless energy and soulful music. It's a dreamy, quirky romance that feels fresh decades later.

Watch it if you

  • love stylish, dreamy romance
  • like offbeat love stories
  • enjoy 90s Hong Kong cinema

Skip it if you

  • need a clear plot
  • dislike subtitles

Best for: Late night alone

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Chungking Express

  • Stream: HBO Max
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

Two melancholic Hong Kong policemen fall in love: one with a mysterious underworld figure, the other with a beautiful and ethereal server at a late-night restaurant.

Chungking Express parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Chungking Express is a PG-13 romantic drama about two lonely Hong Kong policemen finding unexpected connections, with mature themes but little graphic content.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Includes minor references to drug smuggling and police work but limited direct violence.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Drug-smuggling subplot is present as background crime element.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Chungking Express

If you liked Chungking Express, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Fallen Angels (1995) — 86%: Same director's companion piece with the same restless mood.
  • In the Mood for Love (2000) — 91%: Same director's quiet, aching romance.
  • Happy Together (1997) — 87%: Same director's intense look at love and distance.
  • Days of Being Wild (1990) — 83%: Same director's early moody love story.
  • 2046 (2004) — 82%: Same director's dreamy follow-up about love and memory.
  • The Killer (1989) — 87%: Stylish Hong Kong action with a romantic streak.

Director

Wong Kar-Wai

Cast

  • Brigitte Lin as Woman in Blonde Wig
  • Takeshi Kaneshiro as He Zhiwu / Cop 223
  • Tony Leung Chiu-wai as Cop 663
  • Faye Wong as Faye
  • Valerie Chow as Air Hostess
  • Piggy Chan Kam-Chuen as Owner of Eatery
  • Kwan Lee-Na as May
  • Leung San as K Store Clerk
  • Zhiming Huang as Man
  • Liang Zhen as The 2nd May

Chungking Express FAQ

Is Chungking Express worth watching?

Must-watch. Two short stories of lonely Hong Kong cops and the women they meet, shot with restless energy and soulful music. It's a dreamy, quirky romance that feels fresh decades later.

Where can I watch Chungking Express?

In the US you can stream Chungking Express on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Chungking Express OK for kids?

Chungking Express is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Chungking Express is a PG-13 romantic drama about two lonely Hong Kong policemen finding unexpected connections, with mature themes but little graphic content.

What movies are like Chungking Express?

If you liked Chungking Express, try Fallen Angels, In the Mood for Love, Happy Together and Days of Being Wild.