CNY 2025 movies: What to watch based on your family's preferences

Beyond the usual Chinese New Year traditions of ang baos, family gatherings and festive snacks, there's one more thing that many Singaporeans look forward to every year — the local Chinese New Year movie releases.

Whether you're after a heartwarming family story or an action-packed comedy, the three major films this Chinese New Year 2025 offer something for everyone.

So, if you're wondering which movie to catch during the festive period, here’s a breakdown to help you choose the one for your Chinese New Year movie marathon.

Here's our take on each one — spoiler-free, of course:

1) For those looking for a more progressive film: "Number Two"

If you're a fan of movies that break away from the norm, "Number Two" is a game-changer for local cinema.

The film stars Mark Lee and his returning castmates Jaspers Lai, Kiwebaby Chang, Darius Tan and Gadrick Chin.

This film dives deep into the world of drag culture and familial bonds, offering a fresh perspective that you won’t find in typical local films.

It’s a must-watch if you enjoy films that challenge traditional gender roles, societal expectations and push the boundaries of what’s considered “mainstream” storytelling in Singapore.

"Number Two" is the sequel to "Number One", a 2020 Singaporean comedy-drama that introduced audiences to Chow Chee Beng (Mark Lee), a down-on-his-luck man who unexpectedly finds himself working at a drag club.

Who to watch?

With its mature themes, "Number Two" is rated NC16, which makes it more suitable for older teens and adults.

It’s a rich, layered film best enjoyed with friends or older family members, especially those who appreciate a deeper, more reflective movie experience about the complexities of family and identity.

If you're tired of the same old conventional films and want something that offers both entertainment and introspection, "Number Two" is the one film you won't want to miss.

Here's an in-depth review of the film (with spoilers):

2) For those looking for an easy, family-friendly watch: "Baby Hero"

If you're craving a movie that's pure entertainment, "Baby Hero" delivers just that: a fun, no-strings-attached action-comedy.

The movie’s cast features a fun mix of familiar faces like Wu De Yong, Ya Hui, Wang Wei Liang, Tay Zoen and Joshua Tan.

Unlike the introspective themes of some other local films, this one is unapologetically fun, lighthearted and designed to give you a great time at the movies without needing to think too much.

Set in a village in Thailand, "Baby Hero" follows the story of Sun (Long Lee), a young man caught in a moment of indecision as he’s about to become the village chief.

Things take a turn when his girlfriend, Leena (Hayley Woo), joins a group of Singaporean tourists and a valuable statue becomes the target of a theft.

What follows is a madcap adventure where both the village locals and tourists must work together to prevent disaster and save the day.

Think of the film as an action-packed, comedic thrill ride that’s not meant to be taken too seriously.

One of the other fun aspects of "Baby Hero" is its many side stories.

Each character has their own unique storyline, which adds to the movie's charm but also means the narrative sometimes feels a little disjointed.

It’s like a big adventure with a bunch of subplots happening at once and while that makes the film feel dynamic, it also means that the main storyline can sometimes get a bit lost in the shuffle.

It’s a bit chaotic, but in a way that makes it all the more fun.

Who to watch?

With its easy-to-follow plot and family-friendly humour, "Baby Hero" perfect for families with kids 13 and up, friends looking for a fun movie to watch together, or anyone who just wants a good laugh.

So if you're in the mood for a film that’s all about fun, laughter and a dash of action-packed mayhem, "Baby Hero" is worth a watch.

Here's an in-depth review of the film (with spoilers):

3) For those looking for a thoughtful yet humorous film: "I Want To Be Boss"

Looking for some drama?

I Unlike the other two films, "I Want To Be Boss" isn't a high-energy comedy or a boundary-pushing drama.

Instead, it delves into the complexities of family dynamics, ambition and the growing influence of technology in our lives, all while maintaining a touch of local humour.

The story revolves around Dongnan (Henry Thia), a man in his later years who decides to start a restaurant after retirement.

His decision to purchase an AI robot named Ling Ling (Patricia Mok) to help with the pressures of balancing work and home life is a reflection of how we increasingly turn to technology to solve our problems.

As the movie progresses, Dongnan’s reliance on Ling Ling creates tension in his family and his relationship with his wife (Aileen Tan) becomes strained.

While the film doesn’t offer new insights into AI, it does offer a fresh perspective on how technology intersects with family and human relationships.

Who to watch?

As a Gen Z viewer, I didn’t quite connect with the generational struggles portrayed in "I Want To Be Boss" in the same way an older audience might.

The story of a middle-aged couple juggling work, ambition and family tensions felt more distant to me.

For someone like me who is still navigating how technology fits into my ambitions and relationships, the movie served as a subtle reminder of the potential risks of over-relying on tech.

This film will likely resonate more with older audiences who may be able to relate better to the issues raised, especially when it comes to balancing career and family in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Overall, "I Want To Be Boss" offers a refreshing change from the typical fast-paced, action-heavy Chinese New Year films.

If you’re in the mood for a thoughtful drama with contemporary themes and a touch of local humour, this one’s worth the watch.

Here's an in-depth review of the film (with spoilers):

Top images via Golden Village and Shaw Theatres.