Family gatherings during Chinese New Year are probably the most joyous time of the year for those who celebrate the Spring Festival. Family members share a big meal or nian ye fan, handing out red envelopes and wishing each other good luck. After all of these have been done, how about the whole family enjoying watching a film or TV show that suits the atmosphere?

Please allow us to recommend something for you to watch on Netflix during your family gathering. All our recommendations are made for a general audience, only have happy endings, and thus will never ruin your festive happy time!

‘Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight’ follows Po, the dragon warrior, as he helps a British knight locate legendary weapons before they fall into the hands of the bad guys. Netflix

Wish Dragon
Despite obviously inspired by Disney’s Aladdin, Wish Dragon is differentiated with a Chinese social background and Asian values. Set in modern-day Shanghai, this enchanting tale follows a college student named Din on a journey to reconnect with a long-lost friend. With the help of a wish-granting dragon named Long, Din embarks on a heartfelt adventure filled with laughter, mischief, and the magic of friendship. Produced by Jackie Chan, the story blends mythical creatures with touching life lessons, making it a perfect watch for all ages. Featuring the voices of Jimmy Wong, Constance Wu, John Cho, Jimmy O. Yang, and more, the film showcases Din and his fiery companion as they tackle big dreams with limited resources and only three wishes to change his fate. Together, they prove that friendship and determination can create endless possibilities.

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
What can go wrong with Kung Fu Panda? Not much! Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight brings the West to the East and at the same time combines RPG elements with a long, fantasy adventure.

Viewers follow Po, the dragon warrior, as he is helping a British knight locate the legendary weapons before they fall into the bad guys’ hands – or should we say “paws”? Funny jokes and extraordinary animated slapsticks – plus a must-watch episode dedicated to the Spring Festival.

Long Long Time Ago series
If reminiscing the past is the core of your CNY family gathering, this film series from Singapore must be on screen when you are enjoying the happy family feast. It presents the story of a Singaporean family as they live through various times in the country’s history. With legendary comedic stars such as Aileen Tan, Mark Lee, and Wang Lei, the films will bring you back so many memories that many people in Southeast Asia can relate to.

Ah Girls Go Army I&II
It is another Singaporean comedic film franchise that makes you laugh, cry, laugh and cry again, and finally fills your soul with patriotism. The two-film series is set in a hypothetical future where Singapore faces a manpower shortage in National Service due to a declining birth rate; the film explores the journey of the first batch of female Singapore Armed Forces recruits. The story follows 14 Gen-Z women from diverse socio-economic backgrounds as they embark on basic military training. Pushed to their physical and emotional limits, the recruits navigate the challenges of military life while grappling with personal struggles.

The Story of Pearl Girl
Zhao Lusi, portraying the lead character Pearl Girl, delivers a performance that, while charming, may feel slightly out of place. Despite being in her mid-20s, she convincingly embodies a much younger, innocent, and overly optimistic persona, even while playing a character who is still a slave. This stretch of believability aligns with the show’s overall fantastical tone but might require older viewers to suspend their expectations of realism. This series offers an easy-to-watch storyline that pulls at the heartstrings in classic K-drama fashion. Viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, alternating between moments of light-hearted happiness and bouts of melodrama. While some parts may feel overly simplistic or childish, the series manages to maintain the audience’s attention throughout.