Have you seen Everything Everywhere All At Once yet? If not, you totally should, but if you have, you’re probably aware of its greatness. It’s a hit both critically and at the box office, and I love to watch veteran actor Michelle Yeoh get her well deserved flowers Apart from that, the movie not only features an Asian principal cast, but also themes that have resonated with Asian American families across the country, showing that films with Asian leads that explore Asian storylines can be hits too.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, or AAPI Month for short, where we get to celebrate Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. While this is a great time to hit up your local movie theater and watch Everything Everywhere All At Once (for the first or fifth time), here are 5 other films with female AAPI leads to keep the celebration going beyond the month of May, and beyond the theaters.
Crazy Rich Asians
Featuring amazing costumes and a compelling love story, Crazy Rich Asians was the first romantic comedy with an all-Asian cast to make it big in the box office. Based on author Kevin Kwan’s book series, it stars Constance Wu and Henry Golding as the leading couple Rachel and Nick, but Gemma Chan plays Nick’s glamorous cousin Astrid while Nick’s stoic and proud mother Eleanor is played by the incomparable, aforementioned Michelle Yeoh..
I personally loved Crazy Rich Asians when I saw it in theaters a few years ago. It’s charming and fun and features one of the most memorable movie weddings ever. Though, my personal favorite moment is that iconic makeover scene set to a Cantonese cover of Madonna’s “Material Girl”. Overall immaculate vibe.
Bend It Like Beckham
It’s never a bad time for an early 2000s’ throwback, and this one’s an absolute classic. Bend It Like Beckham follows Jess Bharma (Parminder Nagra), a British teenager of Indian descent who, despite this not being her parents’ visions for her, dreams of being a soccer star. Familiar faces like Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Keira Knightley costar as Jess’s coach (and romantic interest) and mentor.
Again, the early 2000s’ vibes are immaculate, and Bend It Like Beckham celebrates its 20th anniversary next year! But besides from being a fun watch, the movie poignantly depicts first generation experiences and balancing different cultures. All things considered, this throwback is sure to age well in the years to come.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” Series
Once again, movies with AAPI leads are carrying 2010s’ rom-coms on their backs. Based on the book series of the same name, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before follows Lara Jean and her high school romances, particularly with her love interest, Peter. This was Lana Condor’s breakout role back in 2018, and she’ll be gracing our screens even more since the series’ author Jenny Han is passionate about Asian representation in books and film In fact, she even had to fight for Lara Jean to be Asian in the adaptation. Given Condor’s amazing portrayal of Lara Jean, I know I speak for everyone when I say we’re all glad she won.
The Farewell
Starring Awkafina and written and directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell is “based on a true lie:” A family unites to say goodbye to their dying “Nai-Nai” who only has three weeks left to live. Except, she doesn’t know that she’s dying; she believes the family is gathered together because of a wedding.
The Farewell makes you laugh as much as it makes you cry. It grapples with family, Americanization, returning to your home country and grief all in unforgettable movie with an awesome script and countless moving performances: Akwafina even won an extremely well-deserved Golden Globe Award
Always Be My Maybe
Last but not least, Always Be My Maybe is a Netflix comedy movie starring comedian Ali Wong and actor Randall Park. The film follows Wong and Park as they play two childhood sweethearts who reunite after 15 years of not speaking to each other. Can they maintain the spark even with their completely different new lives? Long story short, it’s complicated.
As you might expect from an Ali Wong-led project, this movie is hilarious and the perfect feel-good movie. Plus, there is a delightful cameo from actor and national treasure Keanu Reeves, who is himself of AAPI heritage. This movie is a gift that keeps on giving!
While we couldn’t include every amazing movie out there with female AAPI leads, this list could definitely serve as some inspiration for your next movie night. As AAPI month comes to a close, now is a good time as ever to stream movies with female AAPI leads, but also a way to keep this energy year-round– because representation in film matters 365 days out of the year.