Direction: Johnnie To

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by Johnnie To. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


The Mission

1999 · Movie · 81 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Anthony Wong · Francis Ng · Jackie Lui · Roy Cheung

Synopsis The Mission (1999) follows the story of a powerful Triad leader, Lung, who narrowly escapes an assassination attempt and subsequently hires a group of skilled assassins—Curtis, James, Mike, Roy, and Shin—to ensure his safety. The cohesion of this elite team...

6.9

762 votes

6.9

762 votes

Election 2

2006 · Movie · 95 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Simon Yam · Louis Koo · Nick Cheung · Gordon Lam

Synopsis Election 2 (2006) unfolds in the dynamic landscape of post-1997 Hong Kong, where even the venerable "Wo Shing" Triad Society must yield to the influence of China. The ambitious and resourceful leader, Jimmy (Louis Koo), appears to be the ideal...

6.9

1K votes

6.9

1K votes

Exiled

2006 · Movie · 98 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Anthony Wong · Francis Ng · Simon Yam · Nick Cheung

Synopsis Exiled (2006) follows a pair of contract killers who journey from Macau with the intent to eliminate a former associate attempting to forge a new path. Their plans are complicated when two additional ex-partners intervene, causing a shift in their...

6.7

2K votes

6.7

2K votes

Fulltime Killer

2001 · Movie · 100 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To · Wai Ka-Fai

Cast Andy Lau · Teddy Lin · Takashi Sorimachi · Cherrie Ying

Synopsis Fulltime Killer (2001) follows the story of a seasoned professional assassin known as O, who has long lived in a secluded existence marked by violence and solitude. His world becomes even more desolate after the loss of his beloved, Nancy....

6.6

840 votes

6.6

840 votes

6.6

67 votes

Election

2005 · Movie · 101 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Simon Yam · Tony Leung Ka-Fai · Louis Koo · Gordon Lam

Synopsis Election (2005) unfolds within the Wo Shing, the most respected triad in Hong Kong. The Uncles, the esteemed leaders of the criminal syndicate, are on the verge of selecting a new chief executive. Lok, known for his wisdom and prudence,...

6.6

3K votes

6.6

3K votes

Fat Choi Spirit

2002 · Movie · 96 min. · Hong Kong

6.6

30 votes

6.6

30 votes

Throw Down

2004 · Movie · 95 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Aaron Kwok · Louis Koo · Tony Leung Ka-Fai · Jordan Chan

Synopsis Throw Down (2004) follows the journey of a once-renowned judo champion who has since abandoned the competitive scene to manage a bustling nightclub. His tranquil life takes an unexpected turn when a formidable new contender emerges, alongside the resurgence of...

6.6

122 votes

6.6

122 votes

6.6

47 votes

Life Without Principle

2011 · Movie · 107 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Denise Ho · Lau Ching-Wan · Richie Ren · Myolie Wu

Synopsis Life Without Principle (2011) presents a gripping narrative directed by the renowned Johnnie To, weaving together the lives of three individuals united by their shared fascination with the spoils of a heist. The story revolves around a bank teller who...

6.5

414 votes

6.5

414 votes

Running Out of Time

1999 · Movie · 93 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Andy Lau · Lau Ching-Wan · Yoyo Mung · Waise Lee

Synopsis Running Out of Time (1999) follows the story of a terminally ill man named Wah, who, upon learning he has just four weeks left to live, becomes fearless and driven by a desire for vengeance against those who wronged his...

6.5

610 votes

6.5

610 votes

Mad detective

2007 · Movie · 89 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To · Wai Ka-Fai

Cast Lau Ching-Wan · Andy On · Gordon Lam · Kelly Lin

Synopsis Mad detective (2007) is a thrilling cinematic experience directed by the renowned duo Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai. This film is an exhilarating journey filled with unexpected twists and a deep dive into the complexities of the human mind. The...

6.5

725 votes

6.5

725 votes

All About Ah-Long

1989 · Movie · 105 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Chow Yun-Fat · Sylvia Chang · Ng Man-Tat · Wong Tin-Lam

Synopsis All About Ah-Long (1989) follows the emotional journey of a man whose life is upended when his former girlfriend reappears after a decade-long absence, seeking to reclaim their son. As his world crumbles, he grapples with a heart-wrenching decision: prioritize...

6.5

26 votes

6.5

26 votes

Yesterday Once More

2004 · Movie · 98 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Andy Lau · Sammi Cheng · Jenny Hu · Carl Ng

Synopsis Yesterday Once More (2004) follows the tale of two former thieves, portrayed by Andy and Sammi, whose marriage crumbles when the wife declines to divide their ill-gotten gains equitably from a recent heist. Two years pass, and she accepts a...

6.4

72 votes

6.4

72 votes

Breaking News

2004 · Movie · 89 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To

Cast Richie Ren · Kelly Chen · Nick Cheung · Eddie Cheung

Synopsis Breaking News (2004) follows the chaotic aftermath of a botched police operation during a high-stakes bank robbery. The failed attempt to apprehend the criminals leads to a significant loss of life among law enforcement officers and allows the criminals to...

6.4

1K votes

6.4

1K votes

Running on Karma

2003 · Movie · 93 min. · Hong Kong

6.3

117 votes

6.3

117 votes

The Big Heat

1988 · Movie · 98 min. · Hong Kong

Direction Johnnie To · Tsui Hark · Andrew Kam

Cast Waise Lee · Joey Wong · Matthew Wong · Philip Kwok

Synopsis The Big Heat (1988) follows Inspector Waipong Wong, who is compelled to delay his resignation from the Hong Kong police force to delve into the enigmatic killing of his ex-partner. Alongside his elite squad of three additional officers, they stumble...

6.3

68 votes

6.3

68 votes