Crazy Rich Asians has proven two things. First, after making a whopping $35.3 million at the box office during its first five days in theaters ($25.2 million from the weekend alone), its success has shown that people don’t want to wait for another 25 years for a major studio film featuring an all-Asian cast. And second, people don’t mind paying to watch Michelle Yeoh incisively cut down anything that stands in the way of what she wants.
For many Asian-American viewers, Crazy Rich Asians is the first time we’ve felt seen on the big screen. To finally see people who look like us portray dynamic characters with depth is such a visceral and fulfilling experience. The summer blockbuster has everyone running to the theaters (and Scarlett Johansson to her agent). If you loved this film and can't wait until the sequel, check out these films and shows with strong Asian-American representation.
1. TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE (2018) — Netflix
We must protect Lana Condor at all costs because she is perfect in To All the Boys, based on Jenny Han’s novel of the same name. Most people would not choose to revisit adolescence again, but this Netflix rom-com will make you nostalgic for high school romances you never even had. A strong Asian-American woman who resists all the misogynistic tropes of traditional rom-coms? We stan forever.
2. THE FEELS (2018) — Netflix
If you can’t get enough of watching Constance Wu fall in love, then get ready for this rom-com about a joint lesbian bachelorette party. For a movie about not having high expectations, it definitely exceeded ours. The film is also a moment for queer Asian representation.
3. SEOUL SEARCHING (2015) — Netflix
Seoul Searching is basically a John Hughes movie that Asian teenagers never had, but don’t worry — there is no Long Duk Dong in this film. It centers around Korean teenagers from all over the world who attend a Korean culture summer camp where they reconnect with their roots. Any Asian person who wasn’t born in their native country can relate to the characters' journeys of discovering more about where they come from.
4. YAPPIE — YouTube
Wong Fu Productions raised an entire generation of Asian-American teenagers who turned to YouTube for representation. This original series tackles themes such as the model minority, fetishization, and what’s considered a “good Asian.”
5. FRESH OFF THE BOAT — Hulu
If Michelle Yeoh in Crazy Rich Asians wasn’t enough scolding from an Asian mother for you, then Constance as an overprotective matriarch in Fresh Off the Boat will seal the deal. Based off Eddie Huang’s memoir of the same title, the show was the first American sitcom to feature an Asian-American family on network primetime in 20 years when it premiered in 2015.
6. WHITE FROG (2012) — Amazon
Every Asian culture has its own taboos that are swept under the rug. White Frog showcases an Asian-American family that must interrogate their family secrets after the death of their son. It also boasts plenty of star power, including Harry Shum Jr. and Tyler Posey. But no matter how much you enjoy seeing some of your favorite actors in White Frog, be prepared to sob.
7. YOUTH & CONSEQUENCES — YouTube Red
YouTuber Anna Akana takes on the role of the high school queen bee in this YouTube original series. Some might view her as just another mean girl, but the complexity of her character Farrah differentiates her from the stereotypical Dragon Lady and Madame Butterfly tropes we’re all too used to seeing.
8. KIM’S CONVENIENCE — Netflix
Kim’s Convenience is a sitcom that follows a Korean-Canadian family as they learn about their identities and cultural differences from running a convenience store. It’s a hilarious and heartfelt homage to all the Asian immigrant families running small businesses. Warning: It will also make you miss your parents if you don’t live with them.
9. FRONT COVER (2015) — Netflix
Rarely do Asian men get to portray the love interest, and rarely are they queer. Front Cover is sexy, heartbreaking, and a guaranteed tear-jerker. AKA, the secret formula to a perfect rom-com. This is also the closest thing we have to a Crazy Rich Gaysians.
10. BETTER LUCK TOMORROW (2002) — HBO, Amazon
The film that propelled the careers of John Cho and Justin Lin, Better Luck Tomorrow captures the desire to defy racial stereotypes that are placed on you. It follows a studious high schooler named Ben who gets involved in petty crime with his new friend Daric, and things quickly escalate.
11. SPA NIGHT (2016) — Amazon
So you’re in the mood to cry, huh? Spa Night portrays the curiosity and heartbreak of discovering one’s sexuality in a culture that won’t acknowledge it. A Korean-American teen who is still in the closet takes a job at a Korean spa to help his struggling family but stumbles into much more than expected.
12. ANDI MACK — Disney Now
There are plenty of reasons to watch this show from Disney Channel: it features a mixed Asian-American family, an openly gay character, and has a huge plot twist in the pilot episode that you won’t anticipate. It’s also created by Terri Minsky, the same creator of Lizzie McGuire. Talk about a series that is truly what dreams are made of.
13. MISS INDIA AMERICA (2015) — Netflix
Hannah Simone and Tiya Sircar shine in this Miss Congeniality meets Legally Blonde meets Bollywood rom-com. Who doesn’t love a movie about pageant queens?
14. SEARCHING (2018) — Playing at Select Theaters
It looks like the “#StarringJohnCho” hashtag has finally paid off. This film has John Cho as the leading man, a father who frantically searches through his 16-year-old daughter's computer for any clues after she goes missing. Along with having an Asian-American actor, it's also a chilling thriller that's sure to make your spine tingle.
15. SET IT UP (2018) — Netflix
Lucy Liu, a pioneer in Asian-American representation, finds love as she stars opposite Taye Diggs in this workplace rom-com. Lucy and Taye's personal assistants, played by Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, orchestrate a romance between their two incredibly demanding bosses. And let's give a round of applause to Lucy's wardrobe in the flick.
16. KILLING EVE — BBC
As much as we love Grey’s Anatomy, it’s time to move on from quoting memorable Meredith and Cristina lines because Sandra Oh has delivered another iconic character. Our favorite surgeon is now a spy hunting down a serial killer in this BBC series, which recently wrapped up its first season. Sandra is the first Asian woman to be nominated for an Emmy in Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama, and if there’s any justice in the world then she will finally get that Emmy she’s deserved for so many years. You might also be up all night bingeing the series because every episode is pretty much excellent.
17. THE INDIAN DETECTIVE — Netflix
This Canadian dramedy follows a Toronto police officer who takes a trip to Mumbai to visit his father, only to find himself in the middle of a murder investigation. Think Paul Blart: Mall Cop, but less white.
18. COLUMBUS (2017) — Hulu
Another complex Asian character that doesn’t perpetuate stereotypes? We almost can't believe. Columbus allows John Cho to shine in his role as Jin, a Korean-American who is stranded amongst the modernist architecture and luscious green backdrop of Columbus, Indiana.
This story has been updated for clarity.
Related: Yellowface, Whitewashing, and the History of White People Playing Asian Characters
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