When you think of Asian movies, what comes to mind first? Perhaps the intense drama of Oldboy by Park Chan-wook? Or the timeless beauty of Tokyo Story by Yasujirô Ozu? Maybe it’s the unforgettable romance of Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love? Unlike Hollywood, Asian cinema holds a distinct charm—one that offers a unique perspective on human experiences. These films dive deep into complex emotions, cultural nuances, and societal issues, exploring themes like family dynamics, mental health, personal struggles, and social inequality.
Whether it’s the gripping action of samurai epics, the thrill of martial arts, the heart of romance, or the creativity of animation, Asian movies deliver stories that resonate on a deeply emotional level. So, where can you watch these masterpieces? I’ve handpicked 10 of the best free Asian movie streaming sites, you can dive into the world of captivating films without spending a dime.
Available Countries | Unavailable Countries | Genres | English Subtitles | Ad-supported | |
Viki | Worldwide | China, South Korea, North Korea, Russia, Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions) | Chinese, Korean, Japanese movies | Yes | Yes |
Viu | 25 markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East (e.g., Singapore, Thailand, Egypt, Qatar) | United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, etc. | Asian movies, Chinese dramas, Korean dramas, Thai dramas, Filipino dramas, Japanese dramas, short-form dramas | Yes | Yes |
iQIYI International | Worldwide (including Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia) | Mainland China, United States | Asian movies, dramas, variety shows, anime | Yes | Yes |
WeTV | Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam | Mainland China | Asian movies, dramas | Yes | Yes |
Tubi | United States only | / | Asian movies | Yes | Yes |
Solar Movie | Worldwide | / | All kinds of content | Yes | Yes |
Asian Crush | Worldwide | / | Asian movies and dramas | Yes | Yes |
Hulu | United States only | / | Asian content | Yes | Yes |
Dailymotion | Worldwide | Mainland china | Korean content | Yes | Yes |
YouTube | Worldwide | Mainland China, North Korea, etc. | Asian content | Yes | Yes |
Viki
Subtitles: 200+ languages available.
Availability: Web, Android, iOS, Smart TVs.
The first free Asian movie streaming site I’d like to recommend is Viki. Viki is a top choice for streaming Asian movies and dramas, offering a vast selection of content from popular countries like Korea, China, and Japan. With over 200 language subtitles, it ensures accessibility to a global audience. The platform benefits from a dedicated community of volunteers who contribute to the extensive library of fan-generated subtitles.
In addition to movies, Viki also offers the latest drama releases from diverse Asian regions, such as Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. The platform even syndicates its shows with major streaming partners like Hulu, Netflix, and Yahoo!, making it easier for fans to enjoy their favorite content across platforms.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that Viki’s content library can vary depending on your location. For instance, if you’re accessing Viki from the United States, you’ll likely have access to a broader range of titles compared to users in Australia or Singapore due to regional licensing agreements (Need to change your location? Try Bear VPN).
Viu
Subtitles: English, Chinese (Traditional), Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia, Burmese, Mandarin, Arabic.
Availability: Web, Android, iOS, Smart TVs.
Viu is a Hong Kong-based streaming service that offers a wide variety of Asian movies and TV shows with English subtitles. Available in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Viu is known for its fast access to the latest drama releases, often just hours after airing in Asia.
While many movies and shows require a subscription to the premium plan, there are still plenty of free titles available to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese, Korean, Thai, or Japanese dramas, Viu provides a rich selection that caters to all tastes. With multiple subtitle options—including English, Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, and Arabic—Viu ensures accessibility for viewers from different regions.
For those looking for up-to-date, high-quality content, Viu is a solid choice, offering both free and premium options to suit your needs.
iQIYI International
Subtitles: 12 languages, including Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish.
Availability: Web, Android, iOS.
iQIYI International is undoubtedly one of the top free Asian movie streaming sites, boasting a massive library with over 2,000 films. The platform’s content spans across a wide variety of genres, including more than 1,700 dramas, anime series, and variety shows. Whether you’re in the mood for a South Korean blockbuster, a Chinese drama, or a Japanese anime, iQIYI has something for everyone.
With subtitles available in 12 languages, including English, Chinese, Malay, and Spanish, iQIYI ensures that users from all over the world can easily enjoy its vast content library. Available on web, Android, and iOS, iQIYI offers a seamless viewing experience across devices, making it a go-to platform for Asian entertainment.
WeTV
Subtitles: Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, Malay, Thai, Indonesian.
Availability: Web, Android, iOS.
If you’re a fan of Chinese and Korean movies, WeTV is an excellent choice. This streaming platform offers a diverse selection of popular films and dramas from both China and Korea. Whether you’re into the latest Chinese blockbusters or Korean series, WeTV has you covered with a broad range of genres, from action to romance and beyond.
In addition to movies, WeTV provides access to trending variety shows and the latest releases, keeping you up to date with what’s hot in Asian entertainment. With subtitles in multiple languages—including Chinese, English, Malay, Thai, and Indonesian—WeTV ensures that viewers across Asia and beyond can enjoy its content with ease.
Available on web, Android, and iOS, WeTV offers a seamless viewing experience on both mobile devices and larger screens, making it a great option for anyone looking to dive into Chinese and Korean content.
Tubi
Subtitles: English.
Availability: Web, Android, iOS.
Tubi is a popular American streaming service that offers a wide range of content, including a selection of Asian movies alongside American films and TV shows. While Tubi is primarily known for its extensive library of free-to-watch content, it also features a growing collection of Asian cinema, from popular films to classic titles.
The platform’s content is entirely free, with no subscription required, making it a great option for those looking for entertainment without the cost. However, the key limitation is that Tubi is only available to viewers in the United States.
Despite this, Tubi’s catalog includes a variety of genres, from classic films to the latest TV shows and documentaries. It’s a convenient option for anyone looking for a diverse viewing experience, all with English subtitles for easy understanding.
SolarMovie
Subtitles: English.
Availability: Web.
If you’re on the hunt for a free streaming platform with a wide variety of Asian movies, SolarMovie is a great choice. This site offers a huge collection of films and TV shows from Korea, Japan, India, Hong Kong, France, the United Kingdom, and more. Whether you’re into drama, action, or comedy, SolarMovie covers multiple genres and caters to a diverse audience.
The best part? It’s completely free to use. However, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. The site has frequent ads, which can be a bit annoying, and the video playback can sometimes be laggy, especially with high-quality streams. If you’re seeking smoother streaming and a more comprehensive selection of Asian content, platforms like Viki may offer a better experience, especially for those who prioritize fast streaming speeds and high-quality content.
Asian Crush
Subtitles: English.
Availability: Web.
As the name suggests, Asian Crush is a dedicated streaming platform for Asian dramas and movies, offering a vast library of content from across the continent. Whether you’re into romantic comedies, thrillers, action-packed adventures, or heartwarming dramas, Asian Crush has a wide variety of genres to explore.
One of the highlights of Asian Crush is its accessibility—many of the movies and TV shows are available without requiring a sign-up, making it quick and easy to dive into your favorite content. The site offers a rich selection of both popular and lesser-known titles from countries like Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, and more.
With English subtitles available for most titles, Asian Crush ensures that international viewers can enjoy the vast and diverse world of Asian cinema and TV. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan of Asian content, Asian Crush is a solid option to satisfy your entertainment cravings.
Hulu
Subtitles: English.
Availability: Web, Android, iOS, Smart TVs.
Hulu is a popular American streaming service that offers a diverse selection of content, including a growing library of Asian movies and TV shows. Although it’s primarily known for its American TV shows and original content, Hulu also provides access to a variety of films and series from across Asia, including popular titles from Korea, Japan, China, and more.
Whether you’re looking for the latest K-dramas, classic Asian cinema, or exclusive films, Hulu has something for every fan of Asian entertainment. The platform offers English subtitles for most of its international content, ensuring that viewers around the world can enjoy these shows and movies with ease.
While Hulu’s focus is on its US audience, it has increasingly expanded its global content, making it a valuable option for those looking to stream both American and Asian content under one roof.
Dailymotion
Subtitles: English.
Availability: Web, Android, iOS.
Dailymotion is a popular video streaming platform where users can upload, share, and watch content. While it’s primarily known for a wide variety of videos across genres, it also offers a selection of Korean movies and dramas. If you’re a fan of Korean entertainment, you can easily find a good mix of classic and contemporary films, as well as popular K-dramas.
The video quality on Dailymotion is generally excellent, with smooth playback, making it a great option for watching Korean content. Simply search for “Korean movies” in the search bar, and you’ll discover a number of titles available for streaming. Although the selection may not be as extensive as some dedicated streaming services, Dailymotion is still a solid choice for quick and free access to a variety of Korean films and shows.
While it lacks the comprehensive library of platforms like Viki or WeTV, Dailymotion’s ease of use and free access make it a convenient option for casual viewers looking for Korean content.
YouTube
Subtitles: English (available on many titles).
Availability: Web, Android, iOS, Smart TVs.
YouTube is one of the largest video-sharing platforms in the world, and it’s also a great source for streaming Asian movies and TV shows. On YouTube, you can find a wide variety of content from countries like Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, and beyond. Whether you’re into full-length films, popular K-dramas, or short-form videos, YouTube offers a rich selection of Asian entertainment.
One of the key advantages of YouTube is that many TV networks and production companies have official channels where they upload free content. These channels often include movies, dramas, and variety shows, providing legal and easy access to popular Asian media. While not every video is available with English subtitles, many major titles do provide them, making it accessible to a global audience.
While YouTube doesn’t have the same curated experience as dedicated streaming platforms, its extensive library and ease of use make it a convenient and free option for discovering new Asian films and shows.
10 Most watched Asian Movies
Asian cinema has long captivated global audiences with its unique storytelling, rich culture, and powerful performances. Below are 10 of the most watched and influential Asian movies, each showcasing the diverse landscapes of filmmaking across the continent.
1. Burning (2018) — South Korea/Japan
A slow-burning mystery thriller by director Lee Chang-dong, Burning explores themes of jealousy, class disparity, and existential longing. Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, this film garnered worldwide acclaim for its subtle yet impactful storytelling.
2. Tampopo (1985) — Japan
Directed by Juzo Itami, Tampopo is a delightful and quirky culinary comedy that blends humor and gastronomy. Often regarded as one of Japan’s best, it’s a satire that celebrates food and culture, along with a memorable, unconventional narrative.
3. Chungking Express (1994) — Hong Kong
Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express is a masterpiece of mood and atmosphere. This stylish and poignant film weaves together two love stories, capturing the fleeting nature of human connections in the bustling streets of Hong Kong.
4. Late Spring (1949) — Japan
Directed by Yasujirô Ozu, Late Spring is a deeply moving exploration of family, duty, and the passage of time. With its poignant portrayal of a father’s struggle to let go of his daughter, this film is a cornerstone of Japanese cinema.
5. Yi Yi (2000) — Taiwan
Directed by Edward Yang, Yi Yi is a modern classic that weaves together the lives of a middle-class Taiwanese family. With its subtle portrayal of everyday life, it explores themes of loss, love, and self-discovery, earning widespread critical acclaim.
6. High and Low (1963) — Japan
A gripping crime thriller directed by Akira Kurosawa’s contemporary, High and Low delves into social inequality and the tension between upper-class privilege and working-class struggles. It remains one of Japan’s greatest crime films, blending suspense with social commentary.
7. In the Mood for Love (2000) — Hong Kong
Another gem from Wong Kar-wai, In the Mood for Love is a visually stunning and emotionally intimate exploration of love, longing, and loss. The film’s meticulous cinematography and haunting score make it one of the most beautiful romantic films ever made.
8. Oldboy (2003) — South Korea
Directed by Park Chan-wook, Oldboy is a dark and gripping revenge thriller that blends action with psychological complexity. Known for its shocking twists and intense action sequences, this film has become a cult classic and a key entry in South Korea’s cinematic renaissance.
9. Memories of Murder (2003) — South Korea
Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder is a masterful true-crime drama based on real-life events. Set during the investigation of Korea’s first serial killings, the film explores both the systemic failures of the police and the emotional toll on those involved.
10. Parasite (2019) — South Korea
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite made history with its historic win at the Academy Awards, becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. A sharp and biting social commentary on class divisions, it’s a brilliant blend of dark comedy, thriller, and tragedy that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
Finding and enjoying Asian movies online is now easier than ever, and the best part? You don’t have to pay a dime! Whether you love K-dramas, Chinese thrillers, Japanese classics, or Bollywood hits, there’s a free streaming site for you.
Platforms like Viki, iQIYI, and YouTube offer a huge selection of movies and shows from across Asia, with many offering English subtitles. Though each site has its own pros and cons, all of them make it simple to watch your favorite content without any subscription fees. Plus, with plenty of genres to choose from, there’s always something new to discover!
So whether you’re a seasoned fan of Asian cinema or just getting started, these free sites are a great way to dive into the diverse world of Asian entertainment—on your terms, at no cost!
FAQ
1. What is the best streaming service for Asian movies?
The best streaming service for Asian movies depends on your location and preferences, but Viki and iQIYI are two of the top contenders. Viki offers a vast selection of Asian content from countries like Korea, Japan, China, and Thailand, along with English subtitles for most shows and movies. iQIYI, on the other hand, provides an extensive library of Asian movies, dramas, and variety shows, including content from South Korea, China, and Japan. If you’re looking for a global platform, YouTube also has numerous channels offering free Asian movies, though the selection may not be as comprehensive as specialized streaming services.
2. What is the best app to watch Asian dramas?
For watching Asian dramas, Viki is widely considered one of the best apps. It has an impressive catalog of dramas from Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, and more, along with English subtitles. WeTV is also a great option, especially for Chinese and Korean dramas, with a user-friendly interface and subtitle support. iQIYI offers a wide variety of Asian dramas, including exclusive content. If you’re on the go, Viu is another popular app that provides a strong lineup of K-dramas, Thai dramas, and Chinese series.
3. Where to watch Kdrama free online?
You can watch K-dramas for free on several streaming platforms. Viki is a top choice, offering a large selection of Korean dramas with English subtitles, although some content may require a premium plan. YouTube also has numerous free K-dramas, especially from official channels, though the selection may vary. Tubi offers some free K-dramas as well, though it’s only available in the United States. iQIYI and WeTV also provide free K-drama options, though they may include ads.
4. How can I watch Asian movies and TV shows with English subtitles?
To watch Asian movies and TV shows with English subtitles, there are several excellent free and paid options. Viki is one of the best platforms for Asian content, offering subtitles in over 200 languages, including English. WeTV and iQIYI also provide many Asian movies and TV shows with English subtitles. If you’re on a budget, YouTube is another good option, as many Asian films and shows uploaded by official channels come with English subtitles. Just look out for channels that specifically offer content with subtitle support.