Level Up Your Mandarin: The Best Chinese TV Shows to Learn Chinese on Netflix

Netflix is not just for entertainment; it’s a goldmine for language learners, especially those tackling Mandarin Chinese. For years, leveraging Chinese TV shows on Netflix has been instrumental in my Mandarin journey, propelling me from an average intermediate speaker to someone who communicates with confidence. This guide will show you how to effectively use Netflix as a powerful tool to learn Chinese, highlighting the best Chinese TV series and movies to elevate your language skills.

Why Netflix is Your Secret Weapon for Learning Chinese

In a previous post, I explored fantastic apps for learning Chinese that have transformed language acquisition in recent years. However, Netflix, a resource deserving of its own spotlight, was intentionally omitted.

Netflix boasts an extensive library of Mandarin films and TV shows, making it an unparalleled resource for language immersion. From my early days of learning Mandarin, diving into Netflix’s Chinese content dramatically improved my listening comprehension and speaking abilities.

Watching Chinese TV shows to learn Chinese on Netflix allows you to absorb the language in its natural, conversational form—something textbooks simply can’t replicate. Exposure to colloquial Chinese is crucial for accurately grasping Chinese tones and mastering authentic sentence structures.

My method for learning Chinese with Netflix is quite simple: discover engaging content, watch it, and extract useful sentences for later review. (For a deeper dive into sentence mining, check out my blog post on Chinese sentence mining).

Before we explore the top Chinese content on Netflix, let’s cover some essential tips to optimize your learning experience.

Unlocking Chinese Subtitles on Netflix

Netflix understands the needs of language learners and offers Chinese subtitles for all its Chinese content, as well as for numerous international TV shows and movies. You’ll often find options for both Simplified and Traditional Chinese subtitles, depending on the specific title.

To activate subtitles, first confirm their availability for your chosen show. Start the movie or show on Netflix, then click the subtitle icon (resembling a speech bubble) or navigate to the “Audio & Subtitles” menu. If available, select either Simplified Chinese or Traditional Chinese.

For a more streamlined experience, you can set Chinese as your default subtitle language. Go to Account Settings > Profile & Parental Controls > Language. Choose your preferred Chinese script (Simplified or Traditional). This setting prioritizes Chinese subtitles and audio whenever they are available, making your language learning sessions smoother.

If Chinese subtitles are not listed for a particular title, it unfortunately means they are not offered for that content.

Supercharge Your Learning: Look Up Chinese Words Instantly on Netflix

For serious language learners using Netflix, the Language Reactor Google Chrome plugin is indispensable. The free version alone is a game-changer.

When watching Chinese films on Netflix, this plugin lets you simply hover your mouse over unfamiliar words and characters in the subtitles to instantly see their meaning.

When you hover to look up a word, the movie intelligently pauses, giving you time to create a Chinese flashcard for later review. The forward and backward arrows allow you to quickly jump to the next or previous sentence, enhancing your study flow.

Personally, I avoid looking up every unknown word, as this can interrupt the viewing experience. Instead, I focus on saving words, phrases, and sentences that I want to actively use myself. I also look up characters I haven’t seen before and crucial keywords that are essential for grasping the overall meaning of a sentence.

To maximize learning, consider watching an episode or film more than once. A helpful strategy for beginners is to first watch with English subtitles to understand the plot, and then re-watch with Mandarin subtitles. This second viewing allows you to concentrate on language acquisition without struggling to follow the story.

The Netflix Chinese TV shows to learn Chinese that I’ve found most beneficial are categorized below:

Must-Watch Netflix Chinese TV Series for Language Learners

Netflix offers a plethora of Chinese romantic TV series. While some might follow familiar romantic tropes, these shows are surprisingly effective for language learning for a couple of key reasons.

Firstly, the predictable storylines, ironically, boost comprehensibility. For intermediate learners, this predictability makes it easier to follow conversations and anticipate vocabulary. Secondly, they are incredibly addictive. Before you realize it, you’ll have accumulated hours of valuable Mandarin immersion.

I particularly enjoyed The Rational Life. This well-produced series reflects the societal pressures faced by professional women in contemporary China. It centers on a driven career woman in her thirties navigating workplace dynamics and family pressure to marry and have children. The dialogue is modern and relevant, perfect for learners wanting to understand current social issues and professional vocabulary.

For something lighter, Use for My Talent is a charming option. It tells the story of a young cleaning professional who falls for her boss, who suffers from germophobia. Despite their contrasting personalities, their shared experiences blossom into a (somewhat predictable but enjoyable) love story. This series is ideal for lower intermediate learners seeking lighthearted content that is easy to follow and packed with everyday conversational Mandarin.

Top Chinese Language Movies on Netflix for Language Immersion

The Chinese film industry, especially Taiwanese productions, is booming, and Netflix hosts a selection of outstanding films. While I’m more accustomed to Mandarin from mainland China, the Taiwanese accent, though initially challenging, offers valuable exposure to linguistic diversity.

In my experience, Taiwanese film productions often exhibit superior quality and a wider range of genres. They provide a rich cultural perspective and introduce you to different speech patterns within Mandarin.

I highly recommend the critically acclaimed A Sun. This powerful film follows a young man who, after being involved in a violent crime, is released from juvenile detention. It’s a moving family drama with realistic dialogue and nuanced performances, perfect for advanced learners wanting to engage with complex themes and sophisticated language.

For science fiction enthusiasts, On Children is a must-see. Often compared to the Taiwanese Black Mirror, each episode blends futuristic technology with contemporary social issues, presenting allegorical tales of strained relationships between young people and their overbearing parents. This series is excellent for learners interested in modern societal issues and science fiction vocabulary in Mandarin.

If you’re looking for big-budget spectacle, check out The Wandering Earth. Adapted from a novella by Liu Cixin, this sci-fi epic tells the story of humanity’s attempt to save Earth from destruction by moving it out of orbit. While visually stunning, the sci-fi themes mean the dialogue can be technically dense at times, including specialized jargon not typically used in everyday conversation. This is best suited for advanced learners interested in expanding their vocabulary in specific domains.

Chinese Dubbed Movies on Netflix: An Easier Entry Point

Movies originally produced in other languages but dubbed in Mandarin can be more accessible for learners than original Mandarin films. The voice acting in dubs is usually very clear, and the translated scripts often adhere to common vocabulary and expressions. This makes dubbed content a fantastic bridge for learners who find native content initially daunting.

Productions worth exploring in this category include Zero to Hero. This inspiring true story recounts the life of Hong Kong Paralympic sprinter So Wa Wai, who overcame numerous challenges to achieve his dream of becoming a champion athlete.

The film follows his journey from childhood to international acclaim, highlighting his unwavering determination despite physical limitations and societal obstacles. The Mandarin dubbing of this movie enhances its accessibility, offering clear dialogue and relatable language. With heartfelt performances, the story resonates universally as a powerful testament to perseverance and the strength of family support. This movie is excellent for intermediate learners who appreciate inspiring stories and clear Mandarin pronunciation.

The Legend of Bruce Lee is another compelling choice. This 50-episode series dramatizes Bruce Lee’s early years, his ascent to stardom, and his profound impact on martial arts and global cinema.

The series delves into his philosophical views and his battles to break down barriers for Asian representation in Hollywood. Fans of martial arts and biographical dramas will find this series both engaging and motivating. The dubbed Mandarin makes it accessible for a wider range of learners.

Netflix also boasts a rich anime library, originally in Japanese but frequently available with Mandarin dubs. Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is an iconic Studio Ghibli film. It tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who wanders into a mysterious spirit world after her parents are transformed into pigs.

To rescue them and return to her own world, she must work at a bathhouse for supernatural beings, navigating friendships and dangers. Renowned for its breathtaking animation and captivating storytelling, Spirited Away in Mandarin dub is a delightful way for learners to immerse themselves in the language through a beloved classic. The simpler vocabulary often used in animated films can also be beneficial for language acquisition.

Laugh and Learn: Best Netflix Stand-Up with Chinese Subtitles

Netflix features several excellent stand-up comedy specials that can be watched with Chinese subtitles, offering a fun way to combine entertainment with language practice. While Chinese audio is often not available for these, some specials touch on themes relevant to Chinese and East-Asian cultures, providing additional cultural context.

In Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America!, Malaysian comedian Ronny Chieng delivers a sharp and witty perspective on life as an Asian immigrant in America. He humorously critiques consumer culture, racism, and the absurdities of modern life. His clever observations and rapid-fire delivery make this special a standout, offering cultural humor and universal laughs. Watching with Chinese subtitles can help learners understand comedic timing and cultural references, while also expanding vocabulary related to social commentary.

In Ali Wong: Baby Cobra & Hard Knock Wife, American comedian Ali Wong tackles motherhood, gender roles, and career ambitions with raw humor and candid takes on family dynamics. Her unapologetic perspective as an Asian American in Hollywood resonates widely, and her shows have become Netflix hits. Watching Ali Wong with Chinese subtitles can expose learners to contemporary perspectives on Asian-American experiences and modern social issues, delivered through engaging comedic narratives.

Do you use Netflix to learn Mandarin? What shows do you recommend? Share your suggestions in the comments below!

Ready to Speak Mandarin Clearly? Master Your Tones!

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Mischa Wilmers

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