“I haven’t watched a New Year film in about a decade,” said Zhong Xing Ai, a Hong Kong resident.
Hong Kong Chinese New Year (CNY) films seem less appealing than the classic old films from over a decade ago. This view is widely held among people. According to HK01, data provided by the Hong Kong Box Office Limited shows that the 2025 New Year box office dropped 37.1 percent from 2024, and whether 2026 can turn things around, Hong Kong audiences are now focusing on several upcoming films.
What’s New this CNY?
As the Year of the Horse approaches, Hong Kong cinemas are packed with multiple local productions for the Lunar New Year season, including the comedy Night King, family dramedy The Snowball on a Sunny Day.
1. Night King
Get ready for laughs with Night King, the hilarious Hong Kong CNY comedy hitting theatres on Feb. 17. It’s set in 2012 East Tsim Sha Tsui. Club boss Foon (Dayo Wong) fights his tough ex-wife, new CEO Madame V (Sammi Cheng). She wants big changes to the club, and a sneaky plan to close their bright neon spot. With their cool hostesses, they team up for wild fun and smart tricks.
2. The Snowball on a Sunny Day
Enjoy a cosy laugh with The Snowball on a Sunny Day, a sweet CNY comedy out on Feb. 13. The story follows a family’s hilarious misadventures after Grandma believes she won the big lottery prize, so the family packs up for a huge mansion. Turns out, it’s one giant mistake! See their silly mess, family squabbles, and touching times as they figure out true happiness.
3. Double Happiness
Grab some family fun with Double Happiness, a lively comedy out on Feb. 15. Two cousins get hitched on the same day, sparking double the wedding chaos and mix-ups. From funny family clashes to sweet surprises, it’s all about love, luck, and happy endings.
4. Blades of Guardians
If you’re tired of Hong Kong-style family comedies, this time, the mainland hit Blades of Guardians arrives in Hong Kong cinemas on Feb. 17. Its epic scale and intense action scenes might just give you a refreshing change of pace.
Four legend martial actors unite to spark memory. Directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, and Jet Li, it’s a wuxia feast. In the desert, escort master Dao Ma takes a tough job guarding cargo from the West to Chang’an. Officials, bandits, and traders all swarm to snatch it with non-stop epic fights.
Classic Memories or Left Behind by Trends?
Classic CNY films from past years are also returning to theatres, sparking nostalgia and joyful rewatches. Some classics are truly unforgettable.
Xing Yi, who works in Hong Kong, said, “Every Spring Festival, I watch the same CNY film – always the same one every year.”
Classic CNY films often feature quick Cantonese jokes, messy family gatherings, big star lineups and happy endings. They mix silly fun with warm feelings to show everyday local life. This makes them perfect for holiday fun with loved ones.
But some people feel these CNY films are a bit outdated.
Theng Min Xuan, a third-year university student said, “Back in the day, everyone thought Stephen Chow’s movies were super funny. But now people just don’t get the jokes. A lot of it was picking on women, and once you notice that, it’s not funny anymore.”
Some online comments said, “Those carefree, laugh-out-loud days with no creative limits are gone. Movies reflect whatever vibe society has right now.”
It seems like Hong Kongers still miss those early fun-filled CNY film days when comedy was taking off. But quality ones that fit today’s values are just something we hope for.
In this gap between old hits and new ones, let’s check out 2026 CNY films first. Which films will be your must-watch this new year? If you’re interested in the CNY films, click the website now to buy your tickets and enjoy the films with your family!