For AANHPI audiences seeking representation, this summer gives a ride you'll relish

'Joy Ride' breaks all the stereotypes of Asian women.

We are in an unprecedented era of AANHPI visibility in Hollywood thanks to the critical and box office success of movies like Crazy Rich Asians and the long-running success of Fresh Off the Boat TV series, both of which opened doors for more entertainment featuring AANHPI actors and themes.

Kung Fu may be ending its run after three seasons and after four years, the students in Never Have I Ever are ending their high school careers, but they will still be available for streaming. 

To help make up the gap with their departure, there are still a lot of movies and series  on the big and little screens and at least one major Broadway production for AANHPi audiences looking for entertainment they can relate to this summer.

I've added a few more to the recommendations from Gold House:

JOY RIDE, Opening weekend at a theater near you.

Created by Adele Lim, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, and Teresa Hsiao, and starring Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu, Joy Ride is smashing boundaries in a genre historically dominated by white, cisgender men. The hilarious and unapologetically explicit story of identity and self-discovery centers on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. Their no-holds-barred, epic experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are. It earns its "R" rating. Find a showing near you here!

WARRIOR, Season 3 - streaming now on Max [trailer]

In Season 3, the action-packed martial arts drama series continues its thrilling saga set in the gritty streets of San Francisco's Chinatown during the late 19th century. As the city teeters on the brink of chaos, the resilient protagonist, Ah Sahm, finds himself embroiled in a dangerous battle for justice, honor, and survival. With stunning fight sequences, complex character dynamics, and a richly layered narrative, Season 3 promises to deliver an adrenaline-fueled journey filled with intrigue, betrayal, and the pursuit of ultimate victory


PAST LIVES - now in theaters [trailer]

With a 97% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score, Celine Song’s writing and directorial debut Past Lives “uses the bonds between its sensitively sketched central characters to support trenchant observations on the human condition.” Past Lives follows Nora (Greta Lee), who immigrated to Canada from South Korea as a child. Two decades later, Nora reunites with her childhood sweetheart Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), who brings up long-buried feelings about their relationship and her Korean American identity.

ELEMENTAL - now in theaters [trailer]

Based on director Peter Sohn’s experience with his first-generation immigrant parents, Elemental is a new Pixar film that transports moviegoers to an extraordinary place called Element City, where different elements live and work. Ember, a quick-witted and fiery woman who’s always stayed close to home in Firetown, finally ventures out of her comfort zone to explore the world beyond and meets Wade, a watery and sensitive man who challenges her beliefs about the possibilities for her life.

NIMONA - streaming on Netflix [trailer]

This animated film, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Noelle Stevenson, follows the adventures of Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young shapeshifter with a knack for mischief. She teams up with the supervillain Lord Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) to wreak havoc on the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics. As Nimona and Boldheart's plans unfold, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom and forces them to question their loyalties.

POLITE SOCIETY - streaming on Peacock and available on VOD [trailer]

A merry mash up of sisterly affection, parental disappointment and bold action, Polite Society follows martial artist-in-training Ria Khan (Priya Kansara) who believes she must save her older sister Lena (Ritu Arya) from her impending marriage. After enlisting the help of her friends, Ria attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.

 AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, streaming on Disney+

A coming-of-age story of a Chinese American teen struggling between two worlds of becoming a "normal" American kid and his rich Chinese heritage. The TV series flits between present day US suburban high school and the world of the legend of the Monkey King. It features a host of familiar Asian American actors including Oscar winners Michelle Yeo and Ke Huy Quan.

 LOVE IN TAIPEI,  streaming on Paramount+ beginning August 10

Love those romcoms! Based on the best-selling book “Loveboat, Taipei” by Abigail Hing Wen, Love in Taipei tells the story of the young American Ever Wong, whose summer takes an unexpected turn when her parents surprise her with a trip to Taipei for a cultural immersion program. Ever is surprised to discover that she hasn’t signed up for homework and history lessons, but instead for a summer-long free-for-all the locals and other students call “Loveboat.” And it quickly lives up to its name. The feature film directed by Arvin Chen (Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?), and stars Ashley Liao, Ross Butler, Nico Hiraga and Chelsea Zhang, premieres later this summer exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada on Thursday, August 10, also coming to the service in the UK, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and South Korea.

' XO, KITTY', currently streaming on Netflix

The fifth installment of the franchise established by To All The Boys I Loved Before e books by author Jenny Han, XO Kitty follows Lara Jean's kid sister as she travels to South Korea hoping to reconect with a long-distance boyfriend and learn more about her mother's past. She finds, however, that a relationship is much more complex when it is your own feelings of love at risk. Ahh, young love!

And, lastly, if you're in the New York City area, besure to catch Here Lies Love ...

'Here Lies Love' with its all-Filipino cast will be coming to Broadway July 20.

HERE LIES LOVE, opening night on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre, New York City on July 20

And for you who love Broadway, Here Lies Love  will debut July 20 on Broadway with advance performances beginning on July 17. The musical featuring an all-Filipino cast, including Lea Salonga and Conrad Ricamora, traces the rise ... and the fall ... of the conjugal dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. The groundbreaking immersive production allows the audience to become of the show, transforming from disco-goers, to adoring Marcos supporters and finally becoming the protestors in the People Power revolution toppling the dictatorship. Music by Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony Award® winner David Byrne and Grammy Award® winner Fatboy Slim.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me at Threads.net/eduardodiok, @DioknoEd on Twitter or at the  blog Views From the Edge.