Top 10 highest-grossing Vietnamese films of all time

Dreamy Eyes (original title: Mắt Biếc) is a Vietnamese film directed by Victor Vũ, adapted from the novel of the same name by author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh. The film premiered in theaters on December 20, 2019, and is currently available for exclusive streaming on the high-quality platform Galaxy Play. This is the second collaboration between Victor Vũ and Nguyễn Nhật Ánh after the success of the 2015 film Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass.

Dreamy Eyes became a box-office phenomenon at the end of 2019, earning approximately 50 billion VND just three days after its release. By December 28, 2019, the film had grossed 100 billion VND, and by January 22, 2020, it surpassed Em Chưa 18 with 172 billion VND in earnings. Despite the C16 rating (restricted to audiences 16 and older), the film attracted a wide range of viewers. The film's average cinema attendance was 50% for morning showings and 90% for evening screenings.

Plot:

The story follows the romantic journey of Ngạn and Hà Lan, childhood friends who grow apart as they grow older. Dreamy Eyes evokes a deep sense of sadness about their love story. The trailer also showcases stunning countryside scenes, reminiscent of Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass, alongside the vibrant urban landscapes of Saigon.

Details:

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Romance, Drama
Director: Victor Vũ
Main Cast: Trần Nghĩa, Trúc Anh, Trần Phong, Đỗ Khánh Vân, Nguyễn Lâm Thảo Tâm
Duration: 117 minutes
Age Rating: 13+
Release Date: December 20, 2019 (Vietnam)
Total Box Office: 180 billion VND

Jailbait (original title: Em Chưa 18) is a Vietnamese romantic comedy directed by Lê Thanh Sơn, produced by Charlie Nguyễn and Chánh Phương Film Studio in 2017. The film stars Kiều Minh Tuấn, Kaity Nguyễn, Will 365, Quang Minh, and Huy Khánh. It was released nationwide on April 28, 2017, and is currently available exclusively on the streaming platform Galaxy Play.

Plot:

Hoàng, a Yoga instructor and a womanizer, unexpectedly ends up having a night with Linh Đan, a girl who is not yet 18. She records their encounter and forces him to be her boyfriend. Linh Đan, having been betrayed by her previous boyfriend, plans to use Hoàng to make him jealous. She threatens to expose the video unless he complies. Meanwhile, Hoàng teaches Yoga to Uyên Thi, a female actress, and uncovers Linh Đan’s scheme. Despite his reluctance, Hoàng finds himself becoming deeply involved with Linh Đan, who later reveals she isn’t pregnant after all. In a surprising turn, Hoàng realizes his true feelings for Linh Đan and rushes to the end-of-year school ball, where they both win King and Queen. The film ends with Hoàng and Linh Đan openly expressing their love for each other.

Details:

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Lê Thanh Sơn
Main Cast: Kiều Minh Tuấn, Kaity Nguyễn, Will 365, Châu Bùi, Quang Minh, Nguyễn Chánh Tín, Huy Khánh, Kathy Uyên, Don Nguyễn
Duration: 95 minutes
Age Rating: 18+
Release Date: April 28, 2017 (Vietnam)
Total Box Office: 171 billion VND

The Royal Bride (original title: Gái già lắm chiêu 3) is the third installment in the Gái già lắm chiêu franchise, directed by Nam Cito and Bảo Nhân. Filmed in 2019, it was released on January 25, 2020, in Vietnamese theaters and is now streaming exclusively on Galaxy Play. The film stars Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, Lê Khanh, Hồng Vân, Jun Vũ, Lê Xuân Tiền, and Bình An. Starting March 20, 2020, it was also released in Australia under the English title, The Royal Bride.

Plot:
Following the events of the second film, the relationship between Ms. Q (Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc) and Jack (Lê Xuân Tiền) deepens. Khôi Nguyên invites Quyên to attend his grandmother's birthday celebration in Huế. While the city appears peaceful, it hides many secrets. Here, Quyên faces opposition from Jack's mother, Thái Tuyết Mai (Lê Khanh), a former movie star who now lives in seclusion. However, Quyên receives support from Nguyên's grandmother (Hồng Vân) as she embarks on the intricate world of royal ceremonies.

Details:

IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Directors: Nam Cito, Bảo Nhân, and Nhật Anh
Main Cast: Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, Lê Khanh, Hồng Vân, Lê Xuân Tiền, Jun Vũ, Bình An, Nguyễn Nhật Anh
Duration: 120 minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Release Date: January 25, 2020
Total Box Office: 165 billion VND

The Face 4: The Guest House is the fourth installment in the Lật Mặt series, directed by Lý Hải, but with an entirely new story. The film follows a group of friends who are wedding photographers, including Thông (Huy Khánh), Phương (Mạc Văn Khoa), Bình (Hoàng Mèo), Vy (Katleen Phan Võ), and Vy's boyfriend, Huân (Jay Quân).

Plot:
The story brings together a mix of comedy and horror, reminiscent of Thai-style horror films. While the concept is fresh, there are some limitations in execution. A significant improvement, however, is the reduction of absurd humor, offering a more comfortable viewing experience. Each installment of the Lật Mặt series tells a completely new story, with the title and number being the only consistent elements. This approach has helped the series maintain audience trust after the success of its first installment. In this film, the group of friends—four men and one woman, Vy—decides to visit Vy's rural home to shoot a wedding album for a client while also relaxing. As with many horror films, the setting is a secluded house in the woods, accessible only by passing through a graveyard, making it an ideal location for a spooky story. Once they arrive, the group senses an eerie and cold atmosphere, and strange happenings begin to unfold. Vy's mother and younger brother exhibit odd behaviors, adding to the mystery of the house.

Details:

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Director: Lý Hải
Main Cast: Lý Hải, Huy Khánh, Hoàng Mèo, Mạc Văn Khoa
Duration: 100 minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Release Date: April 12, 2019
Total Box Office: 117.5 billion VND

Released on the first day of Tết 2018, The Super Star and the Simpleton is a comedic take on the lives of celebrities, blending humor with deep, relatable themes. The film features Trường Giang, Sam, Đức Thịnh, Thanh Thúy, along with rising stars Mai Tài Phến and Trương Mỹ Nhân.

Plot:

The story follows twin brothers Thế Sơn (played by Trường Giang)—a famous celebrity living a glamorous life admired by many—and Thế Tùng (also played by Trường Giang), who works as a pig farmer in the countryside. While Thế Sơn's schedule is packed with endless engagements, leaving him little time for anything else, including romance, he grows weary of his life and seeks help from his brother Thế Tùng to create a secret plan. With the help of Tony Dũng (Đức Thịnh), Sơn's manager, Tùng undergoes a transformation to become a double for his brother, taking on additional work. This leads to humorous situations as well as emotional conflicts between the two brothers.

Details:

IMDb Rating: 4.9/10
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Đức Thịnh
Main Cast: Trường Giang, Đức Thịnh, Thanh Thúy, Sam
Duration: 90 minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Release Date: February 16, 2018
Total Box Office: 109 billion VND

One of the first films to start the trend of adapting foreign scripts into Vietnamese films, I Am Your Grandmother became a massive success, earning 102 billion VND and setting the record as the highest-grossing Vietnamese film in cinema history. This film is a Vietnamese remake of the 2014 South Korean box office hit, Miss Granny, with the permission of the original creators.

Plot:

The story revolves around a grandmother who, after dedicating her life to her son, finds herself living without joy in her old age. A magical event allows her to revert to her twenties, giving her a second chance to fulfill her dreams. However, this transformation leads to a series of humorous events. The film marked a breakthrough for Miu Lê in the Vietnamese film industry, featuring classic songs like 'Diễm Xưa,' '60 Years of Life,' and 'Còn Tuổi Nào Cho Em.' If you haven't watched it yet, take some time to enjoy this heartwarming and fun film.

Details:

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Phan Gia Nhật Linh
Main Cast: Miu Lê, Ngô Kiến Huy, Hứa Vĩ Văn, NSND Thanh Nam, NSND Minh Đức, Hari Won
Duration: 127 minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Release Date: December 11, 2015
Total Box Office: 102 billion VND

Let It Be Tomorrow 2 (also known as Let the Plans Be) is a spin-off/sequel to the 2010 Vietnamese romantic comedy Let It Be Tomorrow, with both films directed by Charlie Nguyễn. The second installment was co-produced by CJ Entertainment, Chanh Phuong Film, EarlyRisers Media Group, and Galaxy Studio, and released on December 12, 2014, distributed by CJ CGV Vietnam.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Thái Hòa, Diễm My 9x, Quang Sự, Huy Khánh, Linh Sơn, Thu Trang, Hoàng Phúc, and Yaya Trương Nhi, the film follows the life of Phạm Hương Hội, four years later, as he faces a difficult choice between love and wealth.

Plot:

Let It Be Tomorrow 2 (Let the Plans Be) continues the story from the popular 2010 film. Both films received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, yet the box office for Let It Be Tomorrow 2 was impressive, grossing over 100 billion VND.

The story picks up with Phạm Hương Hội (Thái Hòa) who has become a successful businessman. After spending four years in the United States, Hội returns to Vietnam to invest in business, only to be robbed at the airport, where he is rescued by an artist named Nam. This heroic rescue leads Hội to fall madly in love with Nam, but Nam secretly loves Thư Lê instead.

As Hội’s business struggles, a fortune teller tells him he must choose between love and money. Hội moves in with Nam to uncover his flaws in hopes of overcoming his feelings for him. From here, a series of humorous and emotional events unfold. Will Hội be able to forget Nam, or will he fall deeper in love? Will Nam and Thư Lê end up together?

Details:

IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Charlie Nguyễn
Main Cast: Thái Hòa, Diễm My 9x, Quang Sự, Huy Khánh, Linh Sơn, Thu Trang, Hoàng Phúc, Yaya Trương Nhi
Duration: 95 minutes
Age Rating: 18+
Release Date: December 12, 2014
Total Box Office: 101.3 billion VND

The Father is a Vietnamese comedy-drama film produced by Trấn Thành Town, HKFilm, and Galaxy Studio, based on the 2020 online film of the same name by Trấn Thành. In the film, Trấn Thành plays multiple roles: co-director with Vũ Ngọc Đãng, screenwriter, and the lead role of Ba Sang, a delivery man living in a working-class neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City. The film also stars Ngọc Giàu, Tuấn Trần, Ngân Chi, Lê Giang, Hoàng Mèo, Lan Phương, La Thành, Lê Trang, Quốc Khánh, A Quay, and Bảo Phúc.

The Father was originally scheduled for a theatrical release on the first day of the Lunar New Year, February 12, 2021, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film had a soft release on March 5, 2021, ahead of its official release a week later. Despite mixed reviews, The Father set numerous box office records and has grossed over 200 billion VND, surpassing the previous record held by Hai Phượng to become the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time.

Plot:

The Father follows Ba Sang (Trấn Thành), a single father raising his two children, including his over-20-year-old son Quắn (Tuấn Trần). While Ba Sang is frugal, his son is extravagant, willing to buy a pair of pants worth over 10 million VND. Ba Sang’s interference in the neighborhood’s affairs leads to conflict with his son, who resents his father for accumulating debt and failing to earn money.

Details:

Director: Vũ Ngọc Đãng
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Social Psychology
Producers: Trấn Thành; Vũ Khắc Tuận; Lê Minh Đức
Cast: Trấn Thành, Ngọc Giàu, Tuấn Trần, Ngân Chi, Lê Giang, Hoàng Mèo, Lan Phương, La Thành...
Release: March 12, 2021
Age Rating: PG
Total Box Office: 233 billion VND (as of March 17, 2021)

Furie is another action-packed thriller from Vietnam. This film tells the story of a mother on a mission to rescue her daughter from human traffickers. Starring the talented actress and director Ngô Thanh Vân, Furie quickly became a sensation after its release, drawing significant attention from audiences and the media.

Not only did Furie become the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time, but it also set a record for the highest opening weekend box office with 50 billion VND, a record that stood until 2021, when it was surpassed by The Father. The film was selected as Vietnam's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards, though it ultimately did not make the final shortlist.

Plot:

Furie has often been compared to the film Taken starring Liam Neeson due to its similar storyline. The film follows Hai Phượng, a former gangster turned debt collector, whose life revolves around her beloved daughter, Mai. One day, Mai is abducted right in front of Hai Phượng. The kidnappers, however, are not ordinary criminals but part of an international human trafficking syndicate, led by Thanh 'Wolf.' Hai Phượng will stop at nothing, even if it means risking her life and shedding blood, to get her daughter back.

Details:

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 (3,353 reviews)
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: Lê Văn Kiệt
Main Cast: Ngô Thanh Vân, Mai Cát Vy, Phan Thanh Nhiên, Phạm Anh Khoa, Trần Thanh Hoa
Duration: 1 hour 38 minutes
Age Rating: 18+
Release Date: February 22, 2019 (Vietnam)
Total Box Office: 200 billion VND

Finding Mr. Right Again is a Vietnamese romantic comedy directed and written by Nhất Trung, released during the 2019 Lunar New Year. The film was a major box-office success and received positive reviews from critics.

Although released during the festive period, Finding Mr. Right Again has a more heartfelt and emotional storyline. At first glance, this might seem like a risky move for the filmmakers, but it’s precisely this daring approach that made the film feel fresh. The story goes beyond a typical love affair and weaves in family relationships, while lighthearted comedic moments bring a joyful and bright tone that perfectly fits the Tết holiday atmosphere.

Plot:

The film follows the love story of Trọng Thoại (played by Trấn Thành), a mechanic, and Nhã Linh (Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc), a beautiful and talented woman. The plot takes a turn when Quý Khánh (Anh Tú), an old friend of both, reappears and stirs up confusion in Nhã Linh’s heart. One day, Nhã Linh reveals that she is pregnant and decides to distance herself from Trọng Thoại. However, she is unaware of who the father is. Despite this, Trọng Thoại remains determined and resolute in his love for her, vowing to win back his pregnant ex-girlfriend.

Details:

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Nhất Trung
Main Cast: Trấn Thành, Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, Bùi Anh Tú, NSƯT Hữu Châu, Mạc Văn Khoa, Khả Như
Duration: 100 minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Release Date: February 5, 2019 (Vietnam)
Total Box Office: 191.8 billion VND