Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Jan 19, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Summer Palace

If you loved Summer Palace, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Summer Palace.

View Review →
#1
Suzhou River

Suzhou River

2000★ 7.2

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer Palace for fans of Drama & Romance. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

After getting out of prison, small-time crook Mardar stumbles upon a woman who looks exactly like his long-lost lover, who he attempted to kidnap 3 years ago....

#2
Dear Comrades!

Dear Comrades!

2020★ 7.2

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer Palace for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

When the communist government raises food prices in 1962, the rebellious workers from the small industrial town of Novocherkassk go on strike. The massacre which then ensues is see...

#3
Serve the People

Serve the People

2022★ 6.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer Palace for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Mu-kwang volunteers to be a kitchen police of Sa-taek, the divisional commander, dreaming of success. One day, Mu-kwang meets Su-ryeon by chance, who is a young and beautiful wife ...

#4
In the Heat of the Sun

In the Heat of the Sun

1995★ 7.8

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer Palace for fans of Drama & Romance. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Beijing, 1970s. The Cultural Revolution has driven most adults to the provinces leaving 14-year-old Monkey and his pals have free reign over the city. They hang around, get up to n...

#5
The Gate of Heavenly Peace

The Gate of Heavenly Peace

1995★ 7.9

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer Palace for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

The Gate of Heavenly Peace is a feature-length documentary about the 1989 protest movement, reflecting the drama, tension, humor, absurdity, heroism, and many tragedies of the six ...

#6
The Transition Period

The Transition Period

2009★ 7.6

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Summer Palace for fans of Documentary. It captures a similar compelling atmosphere.

As Chinese Communist Party secretary, Guo Yongchang was the most powerful man in his county, located in the rural inland province of Henan. Guo invited acclaimed documentary filmm...