WATCHLIST: 12 films to watch with Asian and Black romance on screen

From heartfelt romances to thrilling action, this list of TV shows and movies highlights Black and Asian love stories that break barriers and warm hearts.
By ● Entertainment ●

Celebrating romance between interracial couples for Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting representations of Black and Asian love in film and television.

These relationships break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and showcase the beauty of interracial romance.

From iconic classics to contemporary favorites, here are twelve must-watch TV shows and films that celebrate Black and Asian relationships.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997)

Starring: Brandy as Cinderella and Paolo Montalban as Prince Christopher

A true fairytale classic, this groundbreaking version of Cinderella featured a multiracial cast and gave us one of the most beloved Black and Asian couples on screen. Brandy and Paolo Montalban’s chemistry as Cinderella and Prince Christopher brought a new level of diversity to a timeless romance, proving that love transcends race and background.

Where to watch: 

U.S. & Canada: Disney+

Romeo Must Die (2000)

Aaliyah as Trish O’Day and Jet Li as Han Sing stand together in front of a chain-link fence, illuminated by warm, colorful lighting. The man, wearing a backward baseball cap, a dark jacket, and a gray shirt, smiles while looking off to the side. The woman, with long dark hair, hoop earrings, and a stylish black jacket with colorful accents, smiles brightly as they stand close together. The background features a lively, blurred crowd, adding to the energetic and urban atmosphere of the scene.

Starring: Aaliyah as Trish O’Day and Jet Li as Han Sing

This action-packed thriller was ahead of its time in portraying a love story between an African American woman and an Asian man. While the film primarily focused on martial arts and revenge, the undeniable chemistry between Aaliyah and Jet Li made it a memorable Black and Asian romance on screen.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S.: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, iTunes, and Google Play
  • Canada: iTunes and Google Play

See also: Rush Hour: Buddy Cops tackle racial bias

Grey’s Anatomy (2005-2014) – when the character left show

A scene set in a hospital features Dr. Cristina Yang (played by Sandra Oh) and Dr. Preston Burke (played by Isaiah Washington), both wearing white lab coats with ID badges. Cristina, with wavy dark hair, appears to be mid-conversation, placing her hand on Burke's chest with an expression of concern or urgency. Burke, wearing glasses with short-cropped hair, looks at her attentively with a serious expression. Both are dressed in scrubs under their lab coats. In the background, a nurse in black scrubs stands observing, with hospital blinds and a wooden door visible, indicating a clinical setting.

Starring: Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang and Isaiah Washington as Preston Burke

One of the most iconic couples in Grey’s Anatomy history, Cristina and Burke’s relationship was intense, passionate, and sometimes heartbreaking. Their romance explored themes of ambition, love, and sacrifice, making it one of the most memorable interracial relationships in television.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S.: Netflix and Hulu
  • Canada: Netflix

Ninja Assassin (2009)

Starring: Naomie Harris as Mika and Rain as Raizo

This action-packed thriller follows Mika, an Interpol agent, and Raizo, a rogue ninja assassin. Their deep trust and emotional connection add depth to the high-stakes action, making it an unforgettable pairing in Black and Asian representation.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S.: Netflix, Max, and Apple TV
  • Canada: Netflix

Chicago Med (2015-2022)

Starring: Yaya DaCosta as April Sexton and Brian Tee as Dr. Ethan Choi

Two medical professionals, Dr. Ethan Choi (wearing maroon scrubs with "Emergency Medicine" embroidered on his uniform) and Dr. April Sexton (wearing teal scrubs and holding a tablet), are standing side-by-side in a hospital setting. Ethan Choi has a serious and focused expression, while April Sexton looks concerned as they both examine the information on the tablet. The background is softly blurred with other medical staff visible, creating an atmosphere of urgency and collaboration typical of a hospital environment.

As medical professionals navigating the challenges of life-and-death situations, April and Ethan’s relationship developed over multiple seasons, showing the complexities of love, career ambitions, and cultural expectations.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S.: Peacock, Hulu
  • Canada: Citytv and Amazon Prime Video

Insecure (2016-2021)

A couple, Molly and Andrew, stands closely together outdoors on a sunny day, with palm trees and a soft blue sky in the background. The man, wearing a sleeveless black shirt and a silver chain necklace, has his arm wrapped around the woman’s shoulder, smiling gently as he gazes into the distance. The woman, wearing a yellow tank top, rests against his chest with a thoughtful expression, her eyes also looking ahead. The scene radiates warmth, intimacy, and a sense of peace.

Starring: Yvonne Orji as Molly and Alexander Hodge as Andrew

Molly and Andrew’s relationship in Insecure was a fan favorite, showcasing both the highs and challenges of interracial dating. Their dynamic explored cultural differences, communication struggles, and personal growth, offering one of the most refreshing and relatable portrayals of Black and Asian love on TV.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S.: Max (formerly HBO Max)
  • Canada: Crave

Set It Up (2018)

A well-dressed couple (Lucy Liu as Kirsten Stevens and Taye Diggs as Rick Otis) is sharing a warm moment in a modern office setting. The man, wearing a dark pinstriped suit with a lavender tie and pocket square, smiles down at the woman. He has a bald head and a beard. The woman, seated, looks up at him with a bright smile, her hand gently resting on his arm. She wears a soft pink, off-shoulder dress with a cut-out detail and pearl earrings. The background features framed sports-themed artwork, a decorative candle holder on a glass table, and a large window revealing a cityscape. The setting is modern and professional, with soft lighting creating a warm and intimate mood.

Starring: Lucy Liu as Kirsten Stevens and Taye Diggs as Rick Otis

This feel-good rom-com features powerhouse actors Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs as a high-powered media mogul and a driven sports editor, respectively. While the film focuses on their assistants playing matchmaker, Liu and Diggs’ characters add a layer of mature and established romance to the story.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S. and Canada: Netflix

New Amsterdam (2018-2022)

Starring: Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe and Daniel Dae Kim as Dr. Cassian Shin

This medical drama gave us a brief but impactful relationship between Dr. Helen Sharpe and Dr. Cassian Shin. Their romance explored the complexities of balancing work and love, while also highlighting two strong, independent professionals finding connection in a fast-paced world.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S.: Netflix and Peacock
  • Canada: Global TV and Netflix

See also: How dating my boyfriend helped me embrace my Japanese heritage

The Sun Is Also a Star (2019)

Starring: Yara Shahidi as Natasha Kingsley and Charles Melton as Daniel Jae Ho Bae

Based on Nicola Yoon’s bestselling novel, this film follows Natasha and Daniel, two young lovers who fall for each other over the course of a single day. Their love story is filled with hope, cultural exploration, and the question of fate, making it a must-watch for fans of heartfelt romance.

Where to watch: 

U.S.: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Max, Google Play and iTunes

Canada: iTunes and Google Play

Grandma’s 80th Surprise (2019)

Starring: Curtis Lum as Curtis and Myrasol Martinez as Ella

Based on a real life love story, this award-winning and audience favourite short film tells the heartfelt story of a Chinese grandson and his Black grandmother as they navigate their family relationships, love, and generational connections.

Where to watch:

Space Force (2020-2022)

A scene from Space Force shows Jimmy O. Yang, portraying Dr. Chan Kaifang, driving a car with a determined expression, gripping the steering wheel tightly. He is wearing glasses and a green jacket with a slightly worn texture. Beside him in the passenger seat, Tawny newsome as Captain Angela with long braids, wearing a leather jacket and large futuristic visor-style sunglasses, crosses her arms in an assertive gesture. She wears a colorful striped sweater beneath her jacket. Both are wearing seat belts. The background outside the car window is blurred, showing trees and a road, indicating they are in motion. The scene has a playful and intense mood, highlighting the characters' expressions and body language.

Starring: Jimmy O. Yang as Dr. Chan and Tawny Newsome as Captain Angela

A fun and lighthearted series, Space Force gave us a refreshing portrayal of an interracial couple balancing military service, science, and humor. Their dynamic added heart and levity to the show.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S. and Canada: Netflix

Lovebirds (2020)

Starring: Issa Rae as Leilani and Kumail Nanjiani as Jibran

This action-packed rom-com follows a couple on the verge of a breakup who get caught up in a murder mystery. With hilarious chemistry and dynamic storytelling, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani bring an exciting and comedic take on interracial relationships.

Where to watch: 

  • U.S. and Canada: Netflix

Why the representation of Black and Asian romance matters

Despite the rich histories of Black and Asian communities, interracial relationships between them have often faced stigma, erasure, and societal bias. The portrayal of Black and Asian love in media not only challenges outdated stereotypes, but also provides a sense of validation and belonging for those who come from mixed identities or have experienced pushback for their interracial relationships.

Representation like this is critical in dismantling harmful narratives and fostering understanding. Seeing these relationships reflected on screen helps audiences recognize that love transcends race and cultural differences, and for many, it can be a way to navigate identity and build meaningful connections in a world that often tries to categorize people into rigid boxes.

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Authors

Dennis Tran is a social impact storyteller, DEIA speaker, and consultant committed to fostering a neuroinclusive and accessible world. As a queer, partially blind, late-identified autistic-ADHDer (AuDHD) Vietnamese American with C-PTSD and glaucoma, Dennis channels his lived experiences to support others navigating similar challenges. Holding a degree in Public Health Policy with a Business Management minor from UC Irvine, Dennis has successfully built a multi-faceted career across sectors, including digital media, technology, healthcare, entertainment, and philanthropy.

Through storytelling, cultural and disability inclusion consultation, and accessibility advising, Dennis empowers neurodivergent and disabled individuals to live fulfilling lives. His advocacy work emphasizes the transformative power of representation and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where individuals don’t have to hide or “overcome” who they are. Dennis is passionate about uplifting the AANHPI community, addressing cultural stigma, and bridging intergenerational gaps.

Dennis has spoken at UCSF, CSUF, Autodesk, Steelcase, and Heap, sharing insights on neurodiversity, anti-ableism, and DEIA best practices. His work is driven by the belief that disability and neurodiversity are not a limitation but a source of resilience and creativity.

 

Malia Marshall Ogawa photo

Malia Marshall Ogawa is an editor, writer, historian, and educator living in Tokyo, Japan. Some of her prime interests include history, food, culture, travel, and identity. When she’s not working, you can find her reading, traveling, spending time with friends, or at the gym.

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