After America, China is said to be the second biggest in the film market even though it already has more movie screens than the US after years of rapid expansion in cinema networks. Chinese cinema comprises the Taiwanese Cinema, Hong Kong Cinema, and cinema in Mainland China. The majority of movies from mainland China are currently produced in Mandarin. Even then, the Chinese movie market has been one of the most unpredictable ones where even some of the most significant budget films flopped at the box office. The top ten Chinese movies drop hard at the box office when they could have been successful.
1. The Trough
The Trough is a 2018 crime thriller film by Nick Cheung, formerly known as Taste of Crime. Nic Cheung also stars as the protagonist, an undercover cop. The movie by Cheung got critically panned for producing a hagiography film about himself at the expense of the plot. The film had a budget of 130 million yuan, but could only make 34 million yuan at the box office.
2. Sword Rain
The 2010 wuxia movie also called Reign of Assassins is directed by Su Chao-pin, set during the Ming Dynasty. The story is about Zeng Jing, who is an assassin trying to start a new life after being counseled by a monk. While she saves her husband and herself from robbers, she attracts the attention of her former assassin group. It was regarded as one of the best martial arts films by fans. The movie invested eighty-five million when they could only gather eight million at the box office.
3. The Blade
The 1995 martial arts film Blade was produced, co-written, and directed by Tsui Hark. The film is known for its unique style, impressive close-ups, dramatics, and frenetic camera use during the fight sequences. This film is a masterpiece but was one of the least appreciated films by Tsui Hark. When the movie got released the audience was already tired of this genre.
4. The Demon Sect Leader Of Heaven And Slaying The Dragon
Released in 1993, The Demon Sect Leader of Heaven and Dragon Slayer is an action film directed by Wang Jing. He had initially planned to make two parts: The Demon Lord and Sacred Fire Order. They had invested around 50 million into the movie, but the movie couldn't even generate 10 million. The sequel plan with the same actors got shelved later on. The film has been more popular as a commercial film. In 2022 the sequel was announced but with a different cast.
5. Guardians Of The Tomb
Guardians of the Tomb is a 2018 Chinese-American science fiction, horror, and thriller film by Kimble Rendall. The film tells about a team of scientists who, in an ancient labyrinth, lose a colleague while on a quest for the most significant discovery of the century. Despite special effects and great protagonists, the film was panned for having a cliche plot. The production cost of the film was 120 million yuan but it could only make 49 million yuan.
6. Ashes Of Time
Ashes of Time is a 1994 film love story with martial films directed by Wong Kar-wai. The film is based and inspired by The Legend of the Condor Heroes novel by Jin Young. The story was based on a modern dystopian impression. It received limited box office success and led critics to cite it as one of the most under-appreciated works by Wong Kar-Wai.
7. Green Snake
Green Snake is a 1993 fantasy film by Tsui Hark and is an adaptation of the novel by Lilian Lee. It is based on Chinese folklore Madame White Snake and tells the story of Green Snake from the perspective of Xiaoqing, who plays a supporting role behind the White Snake. The Indian actresses Sridevi and Nagma also apperaed in pivotal roles from their side.
8. Asura
Asura is a 2018 Chinese epic fantasy film based on Tibetan mythology by stunt coordinator Peng Zhang. The film is a Chinese version of Lord of the Rings with a budget of 750 million yuan, being the most expensive Chinese film ever made. The producer of the film was pulled out from cinemas by the producer after a disastrous opening weekend. The film tells the story of a shepherd on a quest to save Asura, which is the dimension of pure desire.
9. Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan is a 2018 Chinese historical and fantasy film directed by Hasi Chaolu. It has Willaim Chan Wai Ting, who plays the lead role of Genghis Khan. He is a Mongol conqueror who is trying to save his fiancee, who was kidnapped by the tribal chief on their wedding night. The film got criticized for poor editing and stock characterization. The film had invested 100 million yuan but could only make 38 million yuan.
10. A Better Tomorrow
A Better Tomorrow is a 2018 Chinese action film by Ding Sheng. It is a remake of the 1986 film and got panned as a poor adaptation that copied the original plot and relationship between the lead characters. The story is about a former smuggler, who tries to change his life by starting over and is trying to correct his relationship with his brother, a police officer. They had a production budget of 100 million yuan but could only make 63 million at the box office.
