Best James Hong Movies, Ranked

Every year, we are introduced to the new and bright generation of young actors that make a huge splash in the film industry. From the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Tom Holland, Rachel Zegler, and Lana Condor, young Hollywood stars are shining brighter now than ever before. However, especially for marginalized communities, it is crucial to recognize the illustrious careers of actors who have paved the way for younger generations. James Hong is just one of many actors whose entire filmography and entertainment career have been a trailblazer for Asian representation in today’s film industry.

From action, drama, and horror films to voicing some of the most recognizable characters in animated movie history, Hong has cemented his icon status in film and very recently was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Since his first project 70 years ago in 1952, Hong has continued to add to his film credentials even at 93 years old, appearing in some of the most talked-about movies in recent history. From voice acting in Disney Pixar’s Turning Red and appearing in the action comedy Everything Everywhere All At Once, Hong’s career is thriving. Here is a list of some of Hong’s most notable movies and roles that you might have forgotten in his incredibly long career.

8 Blade Runner

Blade Runner came out in 1982 and became one of the most loved sci-fi movies of all time. This movie follows Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, who is tasked with capturing four escaped Replicants. However, when visiting The Tyrell Corporation, he ends up falling in love with another Replicant. James Hong plays Hannibal Chew who, in this futuristic world, works for the Tyrell Corporation and his specialty is in eyes. Although he does not act in one of the leading roles in this movie, Hong's involvement in such an iconic franchise is definitely a point in our books.

7 Balls of Fury

Ping pong? Comedy? Count us in! The 2007 sports comedy movie Balls of Fury stars the likes of Dan Folger, Christopher Walken, and George Lopez. When Randy Daytona (Folger), a former ping pong prodigy, finds out that he has been recruited as a player in a ping pong death match, he goes to great lengths to get his swing back. Hong plays Master Wong, the man who is helping him.

6 Kung Fu Panda

James Hong has also dipped his feet into some iconic animated films. In 2008, DreamWorks released the movie Kung Fu Panda and started a long-lasting franchise of both movies and shows. In the first film, our main protagonist Po, a young Panda and son of a noodle shop owner, is chosen to become the Dragon Warrior. His father, Mr. Ping, is voiced by the one and only James Hong. Kung Fu Panda continued to be a massive success for DreamWorks as a company and Mr. Ping cements the comfort in a found family, all shown in his relationship with Po. Although they are not related by blood, Ping raises Po like one of his own without question.

5 The Vineyard

The Vineyard has James Hong written all over it. That makes sense, of course, because he directed, wrote, and starred in it! In July 1989, Hong released this insane horror movie that starred Hong himself as Dr. Elson Po alongside Michael Wong and Karen Lorre. This movie follows famous winemaker Elson Po who lures some actors to his island to audition for a movie he claims to be producing. Instead, he has other intentions when he successfully creates an immortality potion.

4 Turning Red

One of Disney Pixar's newest projects, Turning Red has amassed an incredibly dedicated fanbase and was released just in the last few months. From its perspective on growing up, coming of age, and puberty, to some catchy songs and heartfelt moments, Turning Red has surely been one of Disney's best films to date. This movie follows a young Meilin who finds out that she turns into a giant red panda whenever she feels too many emotions. Hong voices Mr. Gao, the family's neighbor initiates the ritual to help her fix her furry little problem. Even today, Hong continues to participate in some groundbreaking cinema for the Asian community and his small role in this animated film is definitely not one to miss.

3 Big Trouble in Little China

Hong's dynamic career as an actor allowed him to perform in a variety of movie genres. Big Trouble in Little China is an action-fantasy-comedy movie that was released in 1986. This film takes place in San Francisco's Chinatown when a member of an ancient Chinese prince and sorcerer kidnaps the girlfriend of a truck driver, played by Kurt Russell. Hong plays David Lo Pan, the main antagonist in this film, and he plays it beautifully. If you are at all a fan of comedic martial arts movies or if you are just looking for a fun laugh and a good time, Big Trouble in Little China will definitely hit the spot.

2 Everything Everywhere All At Once

Everything Everywhere All At Once has been one of the most talked-about movies released this year. This sci-fi action film incorporated many aspects of a great action and science fiction film. There are epic action scenes, parallel universes, incredibly advanced technology, and even extensive exploration of the multiverse. Hong plays Gong Gong, the ill father of Evelyn Quan Wang, the star of the film played by Crazy Rich Asians actress Michelle Yeoh. Hong's charisma as an actor is reinforced in this film by his ability to be heartfelt, funny, sometimes cruel, and even unhinged at times. After its March 2022 release, per Next Best Picture, Everything Everywhere All At Once is already in the Oscar conversation. In fact, Vanity Fair has already reported Yeoh's entry into the Best Actress race.

1 Mulan

Mulan is undoubtedly one of the best Disney movies of all time. Released in 1998, this animated film pushed the boundaries of what Disney defines as a princess. Mulan chooses to disguise herself as a man to take her father's place in the war. This display of courage and rejection of gender stereotypes inspired an entire generation of young children to not let society limit their capabilities. Also, as the first Asian Disney princess, Mulan created a space where more young fans get to see a princess that looks like them on the big screen. A fun tidbit of information that many people might not be aware of: James Hong actually is the voice of Chi-Fu, the advisor of the Emperor. Although he plays a somewhat unfavorable character in the movie, his performance and Mulan in its entirety continue to be a favorite for Disney lovers and fans of all ages.