Joan Chen
ActingAbout Joan Chen
Joan Chong Chen (born April 26, 1961) is a Chinese American actress, film director, screenwriter and film producer. She became famous in China for her performance in the 1979 film Little Flower and came to international attention for her performance in the 1987 Academy Award-winning film The Last Emperor. She is also known for her roles in Twin Peaks, Red Rose White Rose, Saving Face and The Home Song Stories, and for directing the feature film Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.
Joan Chen Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Joan Chen reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Joan Chen's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 50% of Joan Chen's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Twin Peaks, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Joan Chen Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Joan Chen's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Joan Chen has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | No Other Love | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2026 | Montreal, My Beautiful | Feng Xia | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | Oh. What. Fun. | Jeanne Wang-Wasserman | Average | Similar → |
| 2025 | The Wedding Banquet | May Chen | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Dìdi (弟弟) | Chungsing Wang | Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | Under the Light | He Xiuli | Average | Similar → |
| 2023 | Hachiko | Li Jiazhen | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Ava | Toni | Average | Similar → |
| 2020 | Tigertail | Yuan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Sheep Without a Shepherd | La Wen | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Critical Lifeline | Xin Zhou | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Cairo Declaration | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | For Love or Money | Xu's mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces | Josie Packard | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | White Frog | Irene Young | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | 笑傲江湖 | Yue Lingshan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | 笑傲江湖 | Dongfang Bubai | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Double Xposure | Dr. Hao | Flop | Similar → |
| 2012 | Hemingway & Gellhorn | Madame Chiang Kai Shek | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | 1911 | Longyu | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Color Me Love | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Love in Disguise | Joan | Flop | Similar → |
| 2010 | To Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen's Journey | Herself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Mao’s Last Dancer | Niang | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | 24 City | Xiao Hua | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | The Leap Years | Li-Ann (age 48) | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Lust, Caution | Mrs. Yee | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Sun Also Rises | Dr. Lin | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Home Song Stories | Rose Hong / Hong Meigui | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Sunflower | Zhang Xiuqing | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Saving Face | Ma | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Jasmine Women | Elder Mo | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | What's Cooking? | Trinh Nguyen | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Purple Storm | Shirley Kwan | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | In a Class of His Own | Linda Ching | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Precious Find | Camilla Jones | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Wild Side | Virginia Chow | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Judge Dredd | Dr. Ilsa Hayden | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | The Hunted | Kirina | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Red Rose White Rose | Wang Jiaohui | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Heaven & Earth | Mama | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Temptation of a Monk | Princess Hong-e - Scarlet / Qing-shou - Violet | Flop | Similar → |
| 1991 | Wedlock | Noelle | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Twin Peaks | Jocelyn Packard | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Blood of Heroes | Kidda | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Dim Sum Take-Out | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Last Emperor | Wan Jung | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart | Young M.J. Player | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Little Flower | 赵小花 | Hit | Similar → |
Joan Chen - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Joan Chen?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Joan Chen is "Twin Peaks" with a rating of 8.5/10.
How many movies has Joan Chen acted in?
Joan Chen has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Joan Chen?
Other notable films include "To Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen's Journey", "Hachiko", and "The Last Emperor".