Romantic films have captured hearts across China—and box office records too. From sweeping love stories to modern romantic comedies, Chinese romance movies​ have reached new financial heights in recent years. Many of these films found massive domestic audiences and sometimes even crossed into international markets. In this article, we explore the top 10 highest‑grossing Chinese romance movies, based on available box office data, and examine what made them resonate so strongly with viewers.

The Mermaid: Romance Meets Fantasy

At number one is The Mermaid, a romantic fantasy comedy directed by Stephen Chow. The story follows a playboy businessman who falls in love with a mermaid sent to assassinate him. The film combines environmental themes, slapstick humor, and heartfelt emotion. It earned over US $553 million worldwide, breaking Chinese box office records at its release in 2016. It remains one of the few Chinese romance movies to cross half a billion globally.

A Little Red Flower: Love Against Loss

A Little Red Flower is a deeply emotional love story about two young people facing illness and mortality. It became the highest‑grossing Chinese romantic drama of 2020, with more than US $200 million in domestic earnings. Its realistic portrayal of grief, family bonds, and love in crises made it a standout among Chinese romance movies.

Embrace Again: Love in Challenging Times

Released at the end of 2021, Embrace Again features a touching ensemble romance set during pandemic lockdown. With strong star power and emotional storytelling, it earned over ¥570 million RMB in its opening week alone, surpassing $85 million USD early in its run. The film was praised for its warmth, realism, and social relevance, making it one of the most successful romance titles of its year.

My Love: First Love Across Time

My Love, the 2021 remake of the South Korean film On Your Wedding Day, charts a fifteen‑year romance from teenage awkwardness to adult maturity. It became the top Chinese rom‑com of the year, earning about US $116 million worldwide, or roughly ¥424 million RMB in China. The blend of nostalgia and youthful longing resonated with audiences.

Finding Mr. Right: Overseas Romance and Self‑Discovery

Finding Mr. Right, released in 2013, became a breakout hit exploring cross‑cultural romance. A young woman gives birth in Seattle while reconnecting with a compassionate driver in China. With a modest budget of about US $5 million, it grossed over US $84 million at the box office. The film captured the dream of balancing cultural roots and personal authenticity.

Love O2O: Digital Romance Goes Mainstream

Love O2O, from 2016, tells the story of online gamers who fall in love both virtually and in real life. It reflects modern digital dating culture and student life. The film grossed nearly US $40 million in China. Though lower in revenue than other titles here, its cultural impact among younger audiences made it a defining example of digital‑age romance.

Beijing Love Story: Multiple Couples, One City

Adapted from a beloved TV series, Beijing Love Story (2014) weaves the stories of five couples in Beijing across different age groups. The film earned approximately ¥400 million RMB (around US $60–65 million) in its debut weeks and became a major romantic box office hit. Its emotional range and urban setting spoke to many viewers.

The Road Home: A Rural Love Timeless

Directed by Zhang Yimou, The Road Home (1999) portrays the simple love story of a rural Chinese village. Though released decades ago before the modern box office era, it remains widely watched and revered. It appears in rankings of most beloved Chinese romance films.

The Left Ear: Youth, Loss, and Identity

The Left Ear (2015) is a coming‑of‑age romance about a shy girl finding her voice amid love and betrayal. It explores themes of identity and emotional awakening. Though not among the highest earners, it is listed among notable Chinese romance films and won praise for its depth and modern realism.

Eternal Moment: Love Across Time

Eternal Moment (2011) revisits themes of past love and regret. A sequel to a popular TV series, the film reflects on choices and second chances. It is frequently included in curated lists of major romantic films in China, recognized for emotional resonance and narrative maturity.

Romance That Sold Big: What Trends Connect Them?

Crossover of Genres and Universal Themes

Many of these films mix romance with comedy (The Mermaid, My Love), drama (A Little Red Flower, Embrace Again), or fantasy (The Mermaid). That hybrid style appeals to both fans of romance and those seeking broader emotional experiences.

Human Stories at Emotional Core

Even when budgets vary widely, films like A Little Red Flower and Embrace Again found success through honest emotion. Audiences responded strongly to stories about loss, caregiving, and rediscovery.

Cultural Relevance and Timing

Films launched during Chinese holidays or festivals often saw amplified box office returns. The Mermaid debuted during Chinese New Year and broke opening records. Timing, marketing, and national moods played key roles in performance.

Modern Love in a Digital Era

Stories like Love O2O and Finding Mr. Right reflect contemporary relationship dynamics: online romance, travel, and cross‑cultural identity. These resonate strongly with younger urban audiences and diaspora viewers.

Nostalgia and Rural Romance

Films such as The Road Home evoke a simpler time. This rural nostalgia contrasts with fast urban life, offering audiences emotional grounding. Their appeal may not equal massive box office totals today, but they remain influential in Chinese romance movie history.

Final Thoughts

These top Chinese romance movies together showcase how love stories can reach massive audiences when they strike the right blend of emotion, originality, and cultural relevance. Films like The Mermaid and A Little Red Flower shattered records and bridged genres. Others like Finding Mr. Right or Love O2O charted new territory in modern digital romance. Classics such as Beijing Love Story and The Road Home demonstrate how universal love can be mapped across time and place.

While box office totals vary—some films crossing hundreds of millions, others thriving on emotional weight—the unifying thread is that these Chinese romance movies connect deeply with hearts. They explore longing and humor, home and growth, endings and new beginnings. They remind us that regardless of era or budget, love stories told sincerely will find their audience.

These films help define the landscape of Chinese cinema and highlight the evolving tastes of audiences. As the industry continues to grow, future Chinese romance movies may rise even higher—but these ten have already shown that love can indeed be a blockbuster.