Andy Lau is a towering figure in Hong Kong cinema with a career spanning over four decades. He has appeared in more than 160 films, ranging from emotional dramas to thrilling crime stories. These works highlight his versatility and enduring appeal as an actor.
The following list features eight of Andy Lau’s best films, showcasing different dimensions of his acting skills. Each title is accompanied by a brief synopsis that contextualizes his role and the film’s significance.
1. Infernal Affairs (2002)
This film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Asian crime thrillers. Andy Lau stars as Lau Kin-ming, a triad member who secretly infiltrates the police force. The story pits him against a police officer undercover in the triads, creating a tense game of cat and mouse. The film’s influence extended globally, inspiring Martin Scorsese’s remake, The Departed.
2. A Moment of Romance (1990)
This movie cemented Andy Lau’s status as a romantic rebel icon of his generation. He plays Wah Dee, a biker gang member who falls for Jo Jo, a wealthy girl he once took hostage during a botched bank robbery. Their unlikely romance evolves into a tragic, yet unforgettable, love story.
3. A Simple Life (2011)
In this emotionally profound drama, Lau portrays Roger, a successful film producer who cares for his family’s longtime maid, Ah Tao, after she suffers a stroke. The film explores themes of loyalty, aging, and the human bond between employer and caregiver. It won numerous international awards, highlighting Lau’s dramatic depth.
4. Running Out of Time (1999)
Johnnie To’s crime thriller features Andy Lau as Sang, a clever criminal diagnosed with terminal cancer. With only days to live, he engages in a psychological battle with a police negotiator. This intense, puzzle-like game lasts 72 hours, emphasizing strategy and wit over typical action sequences.
5. God of Gamblers (1989)
Although Chow Yun-fat is the star, Andy Lau’s role as "Knife" stands out. Knife is a small-time gambler who befriends a man with amnesia, later revealed as the notorious Gambler God. Together, they navigate a dangerous gambling conspiracy, combining humor and suspense.
6. House of Flying Daggers (2004)
Set in the Tang Dynasty, this wuxia film is renowned for its stunning visuals and intricate choreography. Andy Lau plays Captain Leo, who, alongside a colleague, must capture the rebel group known as the House of Flying Daggers. Their mission becomes complicated by love and betrayal, offering a richly layered narrative.
7. As Tears Go By (1988)
This film introduced director Wong Kar-wai to the world, with Lau playing Wah, a middle-tier gangster in Hong Kong. Amidst his tough lifestyle, he seeks solace and hope through a relationship with his cousin Ngor. The film marked Lau’s emergence as a serious actor beyond his pop icon status.
8. Chasing the Dragon (2017)
Andy Lau revisits a legendary character, Lee Rock, a corrupt police officer in 1960s Hong Kong. The film traces Lee’s rise and fall alongside drug lord Crippled Ho, played by Donnie Yen. It provides a gritty look into the city’s underground world full of corruption and chaos.
Each film demonstrates Andy Lau’s ability to embody diverse characters across genres including romance, crime, drama, and action. His performances have been critically acclaimed and contributed to Hong Kong cinema’s global reputation.
These selected eight films offer a comprehensive introduction to Andy Lau’s body of work. They reflect key moments in his career and showcase why he remains one of the most influential actors in Asian film history.