Youku has a new Hollywood films channel. Finally, a little taste of Netflix here in China!

When I say little, I do mean little — at least for the moment. The channel collects Hollywood films from a variety of genres that can be streamed in China, but the selection is a bit thin at the moment, comprising just over 2,000 titles. Some are free, and some cost a nominal fee. The collection ranges from top-flight hits (Juno, The Karate Kid, Twilight) all the way to films that are doing their best to imitate China’s shanzhai spirit (Titanic II, Allan Quartermain and the Temple of Skulls, Alien vs. Hunter). The latter may not really scream “Hollywood” to Americans, but they are from the US, and they’re certainly Hollywood-inspired, even if they aren’t exactly A-list.

It’s nice to be able to watch Inception at a moment’s notice — probably most Youku users are more excited about that than Alien vs Hunter — but it’s the bad films that make me feel at home. I’ve been something of a bad film connoisseur since I saw the straight-to-VHS slasher Uncle Sam, and I’m probably one of the few people who has gotten some enjoyment out of the latter half of M. Night Shyamalan’s career. But whether you prefer good films or, uh, “alternative” films, there are some options.

The channel is definitely worth checking out, but since I’m sure you’re curious, I’ll settle one mystery for you right here. What did Youku users think about the “sequel” to Titanic, one of the most beloved movies of all time? Titantic II — which has no actual connection to the original Titanic — has been viewed over 15,000 times already and is rated 4.7/10. That’s not exactly a great rating; on the other hand, it’s a higher than the Rotten Tomatoes rating so apparently Chinese viewers are a bit more forgiving than critical Western audiences. Perhaps this and other B-movies will find a second market here in China.

Check out Titanic II below, or click through to browse the Hollywood channel for something slightly less budget.