Few tales within the historical past of the world are as well-known or have been informed as many occasions as the story of Solar Wukong. In actual fact, a brand new adaptation of the story, Black Fantasy: Wukong, is presently taking the world by storm, racking up record-breaking numbers on Steam. The sport is a beautiful retelling of the Chinese language legend, full with a number of the greatest action-RPG gameplay of the 12 months up to now. But when enjoying the sport has left you interested in the opposite methods this specific legend has been informed, there are many motion pictures that match the invoice.
We’ve collected an inventory of a number of the greatest retellings of the Solar Wukong legend, in addition to a number of different motion pictures that make an ideal thematic match for Black Fantasy, so you may keep on this legendary world lengthy after you’ve completed the sport.
For extra motion pictures with legendary fantasy vibes, take a look at our record of films like Elden Ring. And for extra diversifications of Chinese language folklore, take a look at our record of donghua to observe — many are primarily based on Chinese language mythic tales.
Monkey King: Hero is Again
Picture: United Leisure Companions by way of Everett Assortment
What it’s: A crowdfunded animated film that grew to become China’s highest-grossing animated movie of 2015, Hero is Again follows Solar Wukong’s fall from energy and his street journey with a toddler monk obsessive about the monkey king’s well-known feats.
The place to observe it: Free with a library card on Hoopla, free with adverts on Tubi, or for digital rental/buy on Amazon
Picture: Choi Sing Movie Firm
What it’s: The good action-comedy star Stephen Chow will get his flip at Solar Wukong on this free adaptation of Journey to the West. It’s a two-parter – Pandora’s Field and Cinderella, adopted by a a lot delayed Half Three in 2016.
The place to observe it: Netflix, without spending a dime with adverts on Tubi or Plex, or for digital buy on Amazon
Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons
What it’s: Chow wasn’t content material with only one Journey to the West adaptation – after starring in A Chinese language Odyssey, he directed Conquering the Demons and it’s sequel, The Demons Strike Again. As traditional for Chow’s motion pictures, it balances slapstick humor and massive set items for an entertaining time.
The place to observe it: Prime Video, without spending a dime with a library card on Kanopy, free with adverts on Tubi and Pluto TV, or for digital rental/buy on Amazon and Apple
What it’s: Director Soi Cheang’s (SPL 2: A Time for Penalties; Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In) trilogy of Solar Wukong motion pictures. The primary stars Donnie Yen, whereas the latter two star Aaron Kwok. The primary one isn’t Cheang’s greatest work, however they’re excessive finances trendy diversifications of the story and the collection will get higher because it goes alongside.
The place to observe it: Free with a library card on Hoopla, free with adverts on Tubi and Plex, or for digital rental or buy on Apple and Amazon. The Monkey King 2 and three are each on Prime Video.
What it’s: The uncommon “Hollywood wuxia,” Forbidden Kingdom stars Jet Li because the Monkey King and Jackie Chan as Lu Yan. It is usually primarily a couple of child from Boston who’s obsessive about Journey to the West and wuxia, so your mileage could fluctuate.
The place to observe it: Free of charge with adverts on Pluto TV and Freevee, or obtainable to lease on Amazon and Apple
What it’s: Tailored from a distinct Sixteenth-century Chinese language novel, Ne Zha was a smash hit on the Chinese language field workplace and spawned a sequel, Legend of Deification. The film follows a boy with nice powers who’s the scary protector of his neighborhood, and options gorgeous motion sequences.
The place to observe it: Free with a library card on Hoopla, free with adverts on Plex, or for digital rental/buy on Amazon and Apple
What it’s: A extra trendy adaptation of the Nezha story, this one sees the mythic determine reborn as a motorbike-riding insurgent.
The place to observe it: Netflix
What it’s: A 2021 Chinese language fantasy action-adventure a couple of author whose fantasy novel appears to be having a mysterious influence on the true world, and the person who has been despatched to kill him.
The place to observe it: Streaming on iQiyi, free with adverts on FreeVee and Tubi, or obtainable to lease on Google Play and Amazon.
Picture: Toei Animation by way of fancaps.web
What it’s: It’s Dragon Ball, duh. But it surely’s an excuse to say Son Goku relies on Solar Wukong.
The place to observe it: Hulu, Crunchyroll
