Top 10 Chinese films in 2025

3. 'The Shadow's Edge'

A poster for "The Shadow's Edge." [Photo courtesy of iQiyi]

Kung fu megastar Jackie Chan headlined "The Shadow's Edge," a pleasant surprise of 2025 that blends classic action with high-tech crime. Directed by Larry Yang and co-starring Tony Leung and Zhang Zifeng, the film was hailed as Chan's best in years.

The story follows elite thieves who pull off a massive cryptocurrency heist, prompting Macao police to call on a retired officer to train a team tasked with bringing down the mastermind and his gang. As authorities close in, a lethal clash of wits and brutal combat unfolds.

The movie pits traditional surveillance techniques against high-tech methods in a showdown where old-school skills hold their own. A remake of "Eye in the Sky" (2007), this version reworks the premise for the AI era, exploring surveillance versus countersurveillance with today's technology.

Leung's return captured his commanding presence, and his dagger-fighting scenes delivered jaw-dropping intensity. The two leads showcased the enduring charm of older-generation Hong Kong cinema, while younger actors injected vitality, leaving audiences wanting more. Chan has confirmed a sequel is in development and will begin filming at the end of 2026.