Vietnamese cinema has been gaining popularity both at home and abroad in recent years. As we look at the landscape of Vietnamese films in 2025, it’s clear that the industry has produced some truly remarkable works that have captured the hearts of audiences. Let’s explore the 10 most-watched Vietnamese movies of all time, based on their box office success and cultural impact.
1. Mai (2024)
At the top of our list is the groundbreaking film “Mai,” directed by Tran Thanh. This movie has become a phenomenon in Vietnamese cinema, breaking all previous box office records. Released during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday of 2024, “Mai” has earned an impressive 524 billion VND, making it the highest-grossing Vietnamese film in history.
The story revolves around Mai, a massage worker in her late 30s, who unexpectedly meets a younger musician named Duong. Their encounter leads to a touching exploration of love, self-doubt, and personal growth. Tran Thanh’s direction has been praised for its gentle approach to dialogue and well-controlled pacing, creating a film that resonates deeply with audiences.
2. Mrs. Nu’s House (2023)
Coming in second is another Tran Thanh project, “Mrs. Nu’s House.” Despite some controversy surrounding its quality, this film managed to rake in 475 billion VND during its Tet 2023 release. The movie tells the story of Mrs. Nu, a crab noodle shop owner who, after experiencing betrayal, becomes overprotective of her youngest daughter.
The film’s success further solidified Tran Thanh’s position as a powerhouse in the Vietnamese film industry, with his projects occupying the top two spots in terms of box office performance.
3. Flip Side 6: The Fateful Ticket (2023)
Ly Hai’s “Flip Side” franchise has been a consistent performer at the box office, with its sixth installment earning 300 billion VND. Released in April 2023, the film follows a group of six friends who buy a lottery ticket together, leading to unexpected twists and turns when one of them dies in an accident.
While the movie received some criticism for its plot holes, it was praised for its impressive action sequences and production values, continuing the franchise’s tradition of high-octane entertainment.
4. Furie (2019)
“Furie,” directed by Le Van Kiet and starring Veronica Ngo, stands out as an action-packed thriller that put Vietnamese cinema on the global map. The film tells the story of a mother who goes on a relentless quest to save her kidnapped daughter.
With its intense action sequences and emotional core, “Furie” not only performed well at the domestic box office but also gained international recognition. It was Vietnam’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2020 Academy Awards, showcasing the growing quality of Vietnamese cinema.
5. Get Pregnant Wife Back (2019)
This romantic comedy, directed by Nhat Trung, became an unexpected hit during the 2019 Tet season. The film explores the complexities of marriage through the story of Trong Thoai and Nha Linh, a couple facing numerous conflicts in their relationship.
The movie’s success can be attributed to its relatable themes, humor, and the star power of its lead actors, Tran Thanh and Lan Ngoc. It struck a chord with audiences looking for light-hearted entertainment during the holiday season.
6. Blood Moon Party (2020)
A remake of the Italian film “Perfect Strangers,” “Blood Moon Party” brought together an all-star cast to tell a story of secrets and relationships. Directed by Quang Dung, the film centers around a group of friends who decide to play a dangerous game of sharing all their text messages and phone calls during a dinner party.
The movie’s success lies in its clever adaptation of the original concept to fit Vietnamese culture and social dynamics. It sparked conversations about privacy, trust, and the role of technology in modern relationships.
7. I’m Not 18 Yet (2017)
This coming-of-age romantic comedy directed by Le Thanh Son was a surprise hit that launched the careers of its young stars, Kieu Minh Tuan and Kaity Nguyen. The film explores the relationship between a high school student and an older man, touching on themes of love, maturity, and self-discovery.
“I’m Not 18 Yet” resonated particularly well with younger audiences, who related to its portrayal of teenage emotions and the challenges of growing up in contemporary Vietnamese society.
8. Blue Eyes (2019)
Adapted from a popular novel by Nguyen Nhat Anh, “Blue Eyes” is a heartwarming tale directed by Victor Vu. The film’s success was not just limited to its box office performance; it also received critical acclaim, winning the Golden Lotus award at the 2021 Vietnam Film Festival.
The movie’s soundtrack became incredibly popular, with songs like “There Was a Boy Who Wrote on a Tree” capturing the public’s imagination. “Blue Eyes” showcases the potential of Vietnamese cinema to create touching, universally appealing stories rooted in local culture.
9. Dad, I’m Sorry (2021)
This comedy-drama, co-directed by Tran Thanh and Vu Ngoc Dang, tells the story of Ba Sang, a man who makes daily sacrifices to support his dysfunctional family. The film’s success extended beyond Vietnam, as it became one of the first Vietnamese movies to break into the top 10 most-watched films in the United States.
“Dad, I’m Sorry” resonated with audiences through its portrayal of family dynamics, generational conflicts, and the challenges of modern life in Vietnam. Its success abroad also highlighted the growing international appeal of Vietnamese cinema.
10. The Rebel (2007)
Rounding out our list is “The Rebel,” a period action film directed by Charlie Nguyen. Set in 1920s Vietnam during French colonial rule, the movie follows a secret agent who falls in love with a rebel leader’s daughter.
“The Rebel” was groundbreaking for its time, featuring high-quality martial arts sequences and production values that were rare in Vietnamese cinema of that era. Its success paved the way for more ambitious projects in the years that followed, making it a significant milestone in the development of the Vietnamese film industry.
Bottom Line
These top 10 most-watched Vietnamese movies of all time represent not just box office success, but also the evolving tastes of audiences and the maturing of the Vietnamese film industry. They serve as a testament to the rich storytelling traditions of Vietnam and the country’s ability to produce world-class entertainment that resonates with viewers both at home and abroad.
As Vietnamese cinema continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more diverse and exciting films in the future, further cementing the country’s place in the global film landscape. Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, comedy, or romance, there’s something for everyone in the world of Vietnamese cinema, and these top 10 films are an excellent place to start your journey into this vibrant and dynamic film culture.