JPV852
8/10Really good Hong Kong crime-thriller from John Woo that features decent fight scenes and a great performance by Chow Yun-Fat in a supporting role. I'll be watching the sequel sometime next week. **3.75/5**
Reviewed on November 28, 2025
A Better Tomorrow(1986)
英雄本色
Brothers by blood. Enemies by chance. Killers by nature.
7.4(635)1h 35m1986-08-02
ActionCrimeDrama
A Better Tomorrow Synopsis
A reforming ex-gangster tries to reconcile with his estranged policeman brother, but the ties to his former gang are difficult to break.
A Better Tomorrow (1986) is a action, crime and drama film directed by John Woo, released on August 2, 1986 with a runtime of 1h 35m. It stars Ti Lung, Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung and Emily Chu Bo-Yee. Viewers rate it 7.4 out of 10 across 635 ratings.
- Director:
- John Woo
- Writers:
- 薛群, John Woo, Chan Hing-Kai
- Producers:
- 温嘉文
- Cinematographer:
- Horace Wong Wing-Hang
- Composer:
- Joseph Koo
- Production:
- Cinema City Company Limited, Film Workshop
- Budget:
- $1,402,445
- Revenue:
- $4,459,629
- Status:
- Released
A Better Tomorrow (1986) Trailer
Watch the official trailer for A Better Tomorrow before you stream it.
A Better Tomorrow Videos & Clips
Official trailers, teasers, clips and featurettes for A Better Tomorrow.
Official Trailer [Subtitled]
Trailer
Original Trailer [Subtitled]
Trailer
In UK cinemas from June 26 [Subtitled]
Trailer
4K Restoration Official Trailer
Trailer
A BETTER TOMORROW (1986) Trailer for John Woo's groundbreaking classic with Chow Yun-Fat
Trailer
A Better Tomorrow Cast & Crew
Main cast
Ti Lung
as Sung Chi Ho
Chow Yun-Fat
as Mark Lee
Leslie Cheung
as Sung Chi Kit
Emily Chu Bo-Yee
as Jackie
Waise Lee Chi-Hung
as Shing
Tien Feng
as Mr. Sung
John Woo
as Inspector Wu
Sek Yin-Tsi
as Mr. Yiu
Kenneth Tsang
as Kin
Wang Hsieh
as Boss Wang
Leung Ming
as Uncle Chan
Chan Chi-Fai
as Boss Wang's Nephew
Key crew
Directed by John Woo, written by 薛群, John Woo and Chan Hing-Kai, produced by 温嘉文.
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A Better Tomorrow Reviews & Ratings
Average viewer score of 7.4/10 from 635 ratings.
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A Better Tomorrow – Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch A Better Tomorrow online?
+
A Better Tomorrow (1986) is available to stream on fuboTV and Criterion Channel, and to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability is checked against JustWatch data and can change by region.
Who stars in A Better Tomorrow?
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The main cast of A Better Tomorrow (1986) includes Ti Lung, Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung, Emily Chu Bo-Yee and Waise Lee Chi-Hung. The film was directed by John Woo. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
When was A Better Tomorrow released?
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A Better Tomorrow was released on August 2, 1986 and runs for 1h 35m.
Is A Better Tomorrow worth watching?
+
A Better Tomorrow (1986) holds an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from 635 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy action, crime and drama films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.
Is there a trailer for A Better Tomorrow?
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Yes. The official A Better Tomorrow trailer is embedded in the trailer section of this page and plays instantly, no download or sign-up required.