SINGAPORE — We might all be divided when it comes to Star Wars or the Marvel/DC cinematic universe, but one thing everyone can agree on is the unparalleled value of a good classic Stephen Chow comedy.

His sense of comedic timing transcends generations, his often bawdy humour can be enjoyed by all. That’s why he usually pops up every Chinese New Year — everyone in the family can appreciate a little Stephen Chow.

So forget those nosy aunties asking why you aren’t married yet, or that uncle who still thinks your a Primary school kid; we can’t think of a better way to pass the weekend than to laugh all the CNY stress away with Mr Chow.

ALL’S WELL, ENDS WELL ’97. It ain’t Chinese New Year until you’ve watched any one of the many instalments of this Chinese New Year franchise. In this one, Stephen Chow plays Kung, the youngest son in a family of three boys. His two brothers end up tricking him into believing that he has won the lottery. Being the greedy guy that he is, he falls for the scam and spends all the money he never won in the first place, incurring the wrath of a gangster in the process. To salvage the situation, he does what very few will think of doing — pretend to be mentally handicapped. It’s not the most logical plot, but it sure is very entertaining.

GOD OF COOKERY. What’s Chinese New Year without a movie about food? This culinary extravaganza may be 21 years old, the overwrought descriptions of Chinese food and the over-the-top antics of Stephen Chow are timeless. He plays a downtrodden celebrity chef who must find his way back into the spotlight after being betrayed. Assisting him is Karen Mok in her ugliest role ever as a disfigured street hawker.

FIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL. The original movie was so popular, Stephen Chow was nominated for a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor. Star Chow (played by the man himself, duh), a disgraced police officer, finds himself back at school playing an undercover student to recover a missing gun. Of course, the situation is complicated by his bumbling partner.

KUNG FU HUSTLE. While Shaolin Soccer was the film that propelled Chow onto the international stage, Kung Fu Hustle was that one that won him critical praise, along with five Golden Horse Awards. He plays Sing, a petty thief who aspires to higher criminal fame — he wants to join the famous Deadly Axe gang. While trying to prove his worth to the gang leader, he ends up starting a turf war between the gang and the rather formidable inhabitants of the slum they’re trying to take over. There can only be one winner.

ALL FOR THE WINNER. Before you begin your mahjong and blackjack games for the season, you might want to get inspired with this flick. Chow plays Chow Sing Cho, a simple Mainlander who possesses an uncanny knack for gambling, thanks to his abilities, such as like seeing through cards and changing what’s in his hand. When his uncle learns of his talent, they make their rounds of the casinos, but as you can expect, not everyone is going to be happy. Two sequels were made — God of Gamblers II and III — which shouldn’t be confused with the more serious Chow Yun-Fat classic.

KING OF BEGGARS. So Chan is a wealthy kid in the Qing Dynasty who cheats in a contest in order to win a fair courtesan’s hand in marriage. When he gets found out, his riches are seized and he is condemned to a life on the street. So Chan ultimately becomes a leader of a beggar sect to lead the charge against the man who put him in this predicament. If you want some nifty kung fu moves — Stephen Chow-style, of course — this tale of the ultimate triumph of good over evil is the one for you.

A CHINESE ODYSSEY: PANDORA’S BOX. Based very loosely on The Journey To The West, Chow plays Monkey who wants to betray the one he has been tasked to protect — his master, the Longevity Monk. Fast forward several years to the present-day, and Monkey has been reincarnated as Joker who heads up a group of outlaws. Things come to a head when his present self discovers a time portal called Pandora’s Box, and catches a glimpse of his past. He realises he must find a way to change the course of events to fulfil his true destiny of accompanying his master to the West. This also spawned a sequel, called A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella.

KING OF COMEDY. Despite its title, there’s a tad more drama in this movie than your average Chow offerings. This movie highlights the difficulties of a young actor trying to break into the industry. Chow plays Wan Tin-Sau, a struggling actor who is difficult to work with, given his methodical devotion to the craft. But along the way, he has to deal with the conundrum: Does he stay true to his ideals or does he sell out? (Also, keep an eye out for the Jackie Chan cameo.)

A version of this story first appeared in Stuff Singapore.