Best Movies to Watch for AAPIH Month

Want to get more out of your home Internet?

Check availability 
 

Media can inspire empathy, connection, and understanding around important issues. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we have the incredible opportunity to celebrate the remarkable triumphs for the AAPI community every year. 

We recognize that film and television are powerful mediums as well as the significance of representation of people both on and off screens. For this reason, we would like to take the time to appreciate means of entertainment that have taken great strides to represent AAPI culture and have positively amplified their voices. While these entertainment options may not paint a full picture of AAPI experiences, they certainly help get the conversation started and will hopefully encourage viewers to learn more about their heritage.
 
So, grab your favorite snacks and celebrate AAPIH with Optimum! 
 

10. Hidden Heroes: The Nisei Soldiers of WWII (The HISTORY Channel)

Where to Watch: The History Channel

The unsung story of America's Nisei warriors of WWII, the sons of Japanese immigrants who volunteered by the thousands after Pearl Harbor and served in a segregated regiment to fight in some of the bloodiest battles of WWII. Featuring sit-down interviews, archival imagery, illustration, and narration, the documentary will center around the Nisei soldiers of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the US military, and the Military Intelligence Service, a group of Nisei linguists and translators who are credited with shortening the war and saving millions of lives. VOD: 5/1/23-5/31/23

 

9. The Love Club: Sydney’s Journey

Where to Watch: Hallmark

Former track athlete, Sydney, hasn't closed the chapter on her college ex-boyfriend who broke her heart years ago. Will her new running buddy help her discover it's time to let go of an old flame? Stars Lily Gao, and Jesse Hutch. Airs 5/27.
 

8. Awkwafina is Nora from Queens: S3 

Where to Watch: Comedy Central

Awkwafina stars as Nora Lin in this scripted series based on her real-life beginnings in Flushing, Queens. Raised alongside her cousin by her dad and grandma, Nora leans on her family as she navigates young adulthood in outer borough New York City.
 

7. Sweet Pecan Summer

Where to Watch: Hallmark

Amanda has to work with her ex-boyfriend JP to sell her favorite aunt's pecan farm. Putting aside their differences, old feelings start to rekindle, and they question their life paths. Stars Christine Ko, Wes Brown, and Lauren Tom. Airs 5/24.
 

6. NCIS: Hawai'I

Where to Watch: CBS

Hana hou. (That’s Hawaiian pidgin for one more time, of course). The newest recruit in the unstoppable NCIS universe, NCIS: Hawai`i, storms back ashore. Wherever there are criminal kingpins or maritime pirates or any other military offenses on Oʻahu there’s this collection of indefatigable agents to investigate them, under the command of the first female Special Agent in Charge. Highly trained for the field, they’re ohana — family — and they’re here to keep paradise safe for all.
 

5. Ghosts

Where to Watch: CBS

Last year, Sam and Jay threw caution to the wind when they set about converting a ramshackle country estate into a bed-and-breakfast. Who could know that the conversion would unearth an unusual collection of ghosts in the process — ones that only Samantha can interact with? (And do they have a lot to say…) Last season’s number one and most-buzzed-about new comedy, Ghosts returns to scare up more of what it takes to make a go of a spirited dream.
 

4. The Ghost and Molly McGee 

Where to Watch: Disney XD and Disney Channel

With the Chairman gone for Good, Scratch is ready to kick back, relax, and do whatever he feels like doing. But when he’s declared the new Chairman of the Ghost World, he suddenly finds himself saddled with tons of new duties and responsibilities. Meanwhile, a new family moves across the street from the McGees. The Chens are fun, friendly, and practically perfect for the McGees in every way… except for the inconvenient fact that they’re ghost hunters. Life (and afterlife) just got a lot more complicated for Molly and Scratch! Ends 5/7.
 

3. Right in Front of Me

Where to Watch: Hallmark

Carly has a second chance at romance with her college crush but is unable to impress him until her new friend Nick starts giving her advice. Soon she learns who the right man for her really is. Stars Janel Parrish and Marco Grazzini. Airs 4/29.
 

2. Karate Kid

Where to Watch: AMC

Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), but quickly finds himself the target of a group of bullies who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial art master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate and preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
 

1. Everything Everywhere all at Once

Where to Watch: Showtime

Academy Award® winning Best Picture starring Academy Award® winners Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan & Jamie Lee Curtis. When an interdimensional rupture threatens to unravel reality, the fate of the world is suddenly in the hands of a most unlikely hero: an overwhelmed immigrant mother. As bizarre and bewildering dangers emerge from the many possible universes, she must learn to channel her newfound powers and fight to save her home, her family, and herself.
 

Optimum TV delivers live and On Demand TV with hundreds of channels including live news, local sports and more. It also includes a voice activated remote to easily find your favorite channels, TV shows and more. With Optimum, you have the freedom to choose your Internet speed and add TV with a variety of packages to choose from. Plus, you can enjoy access to the Optimum TV app to watch on any device. Equipment included.

Subscribers can watch or stream all movies now through Optimum TV or Optimum Internet. Learn more about premium channels here.
 


Ready to switch to Optimum?

Check availability 

You May Also Like

What to Watch for the Holidays
Holiday Favorites to Watch on Freeform
A Close Look at the Samsung Frame TV
Check availability

See if Optimum is available for your home.

ORDER ONLINE

ORDER ONLINE

See if Optimum is available for your home:

Find special offers in your area

Already an Optimum customer?

Sign in to add enhanced services to your account now.