The Detective Chinatown franchise has gained huge popularity in China and the U.S., with Detective Chinatown 3 becoming the highest-grossing non-American R-rated film of all time. Each film in the franchise has its own merits and shortcomings, but they all share similar plot structures and aesthetics. Detective Chinatown 3, despite being the highest-grossing film, is considered the worst overall movie in the franchise due to its disappointing plot and lack of character development. Detective Chinatown 2 is praised for its engaging plot and the development of the relationship between Tang and Qin. The first film, Detective Chinatown, is regarded as the best in terms of story, character development, and overall entertainment value.

The Detective Chinatown franchise contains three films, each of them carrying its own distinct merits and shortcomings. Detective Chinatown is a Chinese comedy-mystery franchise following the escapades of Qin Feng and his "uncle," Tang Ren. The films...