Best Chinese Movie Spinoff Web Series You Should Be Watching

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Best Chinese Movie Spinoff Web Series You Should Be Watching

The Chinese entertainment industry has exploded in recent years, and alongside blockbuster movies, a thriving web series market has emerged. Leveraging the established popularity of successful films, spinoff web series have become a clever and effective way to expand existing cinematic universes, explore secondary characters, and cater to a dedicated fanbase. These series often offer a deeper dive into the lore, allowing for more nuanced storytelling and character development than can be achieved within the constraints of a single movie. This list highlights some of the most compelling and well-produced Chinese movie spinoff web series currently available, catering to a variety of tastes from historical dramas to fantasy adventures.

1. Candle in the Tomb: The Weasel Grave (鬼吹灯之黄皮子坟) – Spinoff of the Mojin: The Lost Legend Universe

Mojin: The Lost Legend (寻龙诀) was a box office smash, bringing the popular Candle in the Tomb (鬼吹灯) novels to life with stunning visuals and a captivating storyline. Candle in the Tomb: The Weasel Grave serves as a prequel, focusing on a younger Hu Bayi (the protagonist of Mojin), played by Ethan Juan. This series delves into his early adventures in the desolate Mongolian countryside during the Cultural Revolution.

Why Watch It:

• Expands the Lore: While Mojin focuses on a specific tomb raid, The Weasel Grave explores the origins of Hu Bayi’s tomb raiding skills and his initial encounters with the supernatural. It provides crucial backstory, enriching the viewer’s understanding of his character and motivations in the later film.

• Atmospheric Setting: The series excels in creating a palpable sense of isolation and mystery. The vast, windswept landscapes of Mongolia are beautifully captured, adding to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The production design meticulously recreates the era, immersing viewers in the historical context.

• Character Development: We see a more naive and less experienced Hu Bayi, making mistakes and learning the hard way. His relationships with his friends, Wang Kaixuan and Ding Sitian, are explored in detail, providing a foundation for their later camaraderie in Mojin.

• Intriguing Plot: The story revolves around a series of strange events linked to a mysterious weasel grave, leading Hu Bayi and his friends on a perilous journey into the unknown. The plot is filled with suspense, supernatural elements, and historical intrigue.

• High Production Value: Although a web series, The Weasel Grave boasts impressive production values, with convincing special effects and well-choreographed action sequences.

Key Themes: Adventure, Supernatural, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Friendship.

Where to Watch: Viki, YouTube (with subtitles).

2. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (孤单又灿烂的神－鬼怪) – Spinoff Influence from The Swordsman (笑傲江湖)

While not a direct narrative sequel, the Guardian (a Korean drama, but heavily influenced by Wuxia elements and the spirit of Chinese stories like The Swordsman) shares thematic and stylistic similarities with the wuxia world often depicted in films like those based on Jin Yong’s novels. It explores themes of immortality, destiny, and the burden of power, often seen in wuxia narratives.

Why Watch It:

• Thematic Resonance: Guardian explores the concept of a powerful immortal warrior burdened by his past, a common trope in wuxia stories. The loneliness and responsibility associated with immortality are central themes, echoing the struggles of many wuxia heroes.

• Visual Style: The series incorporates elements of fantasy and mythology that are often present in wuxia films. The visual effects, while modern, are used to create a sense of wonder and otherworldliness, reminiscent of the fantastical elements found in wuxia.

• Character Archetypes: The characters in Guardian can be seen as modern interpretations of classic wuxia archetypes. The Goblin (Kim Shin) is a powerful warrior with a tragic past, the Grim Reaper (Wang Yeo) is a stoic and enigmatic figure, and the Goblin’s Bride (Ji Eun-tak) is a strong and independent woman who challenges the status quo.

• Romantic Elements: Like many wuxia stories, Guardian features a central romance that is both passionate and tragic. The relationship between the Goblin and his Bride is filled with obstacles and sacrifices, mirroring the challenges faced by couples in wuxia narratives.

• Philosophical Depth: The series delves into profound questions about life, death, and the meaning of existence, themes that are often explored in wuxia literature and film.

Key Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Immortality, Destiny, Reincarnation, Wuxia influence.

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix (availability varies by region).

3. The Lost Tomb 2 (盗墓笔记2) – A Continuation of the The Lost Tomb Film Series

Building upon the popularity of the The Lost Tomb films (based on the Daomu Biji novels), The Lost Tomb 2 continues the adventures of Wu Xie and his companions as they delve into more treacherous and mysterious tombs. The series often adapts storylines that were either omitted or condensed in the films, offering a more comprehensive narrative for fans of the source material.

Why Watch It:

• Faithful Adaptation: The Lost Tomb 2 generally adheres more closely to the source material than some of the earlier adaptations, pleasing fans who appreciate a more accurate representation of the novels.

• Exploration of Lore: The series delves deeper into the mythology and history of the various tombs and artifacts, providing a richer and more detailed understanding of the world created by the author.

• Character Development: The series allows for greater character development, particularly for supporting characters who may have been sidelined in the films. We see more of their personalities, motivations, and relationships with Wu Xie.

• Intense Action Sequences: Tomb raiding is inherently dangerous, and The Lost Tomb 2 delivers plenty of thrilling action sequences, from navigating treacherous traps to battling supernatural creatures.

• Mystery and Suspense: The series is filled with suspense and mystery, as Wu Xie and his team unravel the secrets of the tombs and uncover hidden conspiracies.

Key Themes: Adventure, Mystery, Supernatural, Tomb Raiding, Friendship.

Where to Watch: Viki, YouTube (with subtitles).

4. Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin (琅琊榜之风起长林) – Spinoff of Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜)

Nirvana in Fire was a critically acclaimed historical drama that captivated audiences with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Nirvana in Fire 2 is not a direct sequel but a spinoff set several decades later, focusing on the next generation of the Xiao family and the political intrigues within the Liang Dynasty.

Why Watch It:

• Continuation of a Legacy: Nirvana in Fire 2 maintains the high production values, intricate plotting, and compelling character development that made the original series so successful. It carries on the legacy of the Xiao family and explores the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and justice.

• New Characters, New Stories: While set in the same world, Nirvana in Fire 2 introduces a new cast of characters and a fresh storyline, allowing viewers to experience the world of Nirvana in Fire from a different perspective.

• Complex Political Intrigue: The series delves into the complex political machinations of the Liang Dynasty, with different factions vying for power and influence. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

• Strong Character Arcs: The characters in Nirvana in Fire 2 undergo significant growth and development throughout the series, facing challenges and making difficult choices that shape their destinies.

• Beautiful Cinematography and Costumes: Like its predecessor, Nirvana in Fire 2 is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography, elaborate costumes, and meticulously designed sets.

Key Themes: Historical Drama, Political Intrigue, Family, Loyalty, Justice, Revenge.

Where to Watch: Viki, YouTube (with subtitles).

5. Psych Hunter (嗜谎者) – Influenced by Detective Dee Films (狄仁杰系列电影)

While not a direct spinoff, Psych Hunter draws inspiration from the detective genre popularized by films like the Detective Dee series. It blends crime-solving with supernatural elements, creating a unique and engaging viewing experience.

Why Watch It:

• Unique Blend of Genres: Psych Hunter combines elements of crime drama, mystery, and the supernatural, creating a unique and engaging viewing experience.

• Intriguing Protagonist: The protagonist possesses the ability to detect lies, which he uses to solve complex cases. His unique skill set adds a layer of intrigue to the investigations.

• Complex Mysteries: The mysteries in Psych Hunter are often intricate and challenging, requiring the protagonist to use his skills and intuition to uncover the truth.

• Atmospheric Setting: The series is set in a dark and atmospheric environment, which adds to the suspense and intrigue of the plot.