Top 10 Most Searched Movies in Vietnam in 2017

Eternal Love (Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) is a film adaptation based on the novel of the same name by Tang Qi. It tells the story of Bai Qian and her turbulent love affair with Ye Hua, the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm, who is 90,000 years younger than her, along with the trials she faces to ascend to the position of a supreme god. The TV series version was a huge success, starring veteran actors Zhao Youting and Yang Mi. However, the film version, starring Yang Yang and Liu Yifei, also caused quite a stir and received mixed reviews.

Details (Film Version):

• Format: Feature Film
• Genre: Romance, Fantasy
• Directors: Zhao Xiaoding, Anthony LaMolinara
• Cast: Yang Yang, Liu Yifei,...
• Country: China

Though it premiered in November 2016, The Legend of the Blue Sea remains one of the most searched films in Vietnam this year, thanks to its unique plot and star-studded cast from South Korean cinema. The show draws inspiration from a classic Korean folktale about the first mermaid, as told by the Joseon scholar Yoo Mong In. The Legend of the Blue Sea follows the love story across multiple lifetimes between Kim Dam Ryung (Lee Min Ho), a young nobleman, and the mermaid Sae Hwa (Jun Ji-hyun). Details:

• Format: TV Series
• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
• Director: Jin Hyuk
• Cast: Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Min-ho
• Country: South Korea

It’s no surprise that I’m Not 18 Yet ranks among the most searched keywords in Vietnam this year. The film broke all records for Vietnamese movie box office earnings, even surpassing Hollywood competitors to become the highest-grossing film of the year in the country. The total revenue reached 169 billion VND by May 29, outdoing even Kong: Skull Island (168.9 billion VND) and Fast & Furious 8 (157.4 billion VND). This film marked a turning point in the career of actor Kiều Minh Tuấn, who was traditionally known for supporting roles, as well as the breakthrough of rising star Kaity Nguyễn. The story follows the complicated and humorous romance between Linh Đan, a girl not yet 18, and Hoàng, a wealthy playboy with a handsome face and a reputation to match. Details:

• Format: Feature Film
• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• Director: Lê Thanh Sơn
• Cast: Kaity Nguyễn, Kiều Minh Tuấn, Will, Châu Bùi,...
• Country: Vietnam

Strong Woman Do Bong-soon is a South Korean TV drama that aired starting February 24, 2017. With its unique premise and the delightful chemistry between the lead actors, the show became a sensation across many Asian countries, including Vietnam. The story follows Do Bong-soon, a young woman born with supernatural strength, capable of lifting, carrying, and breaking objects that are impossible for ordinary people to move. However, she wishes to be seen as gentle and graceful in the eyes of the man she secretly likes, In Guk-doo. In contrast, there’s Min-hyuk, a quirky, independent, and humorous young man who is also secretly in love with Bong-soon. The mix of hilarious situations, stunning action sequences, and the trio’s search to uncover Bong-soon’s mysterious powers made this drama a hit.

Details:

• Format: TV Series
• Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Action
• Director: Lee Hyung-min
• Cast: Park Bo-young, Park Hyung-sik, Ji Soo,...
• Country: South Korea

Family Is Number One is a popular South Korean sitcom that revolves around humorous yet touching situations within a multigenerational family. In 2017, the show gained renewed attention on social media, especially due to funny clips featuring the character Heri, which quickly went viral. Additionally, Family Is Number One ranked 8th on the list of the most searched films of the year, thanks to the Vietnamese version, which presented a fresh, relatable, and equally hilarious take on the original. Initially met with some criticism due to comparisons with the original, the Vietnamese version gradually gained a large following thanks to its unique charm and the stellar performances of its cast.

Details (Vietnamese Version):

• Format: Sitcom
• Genre: Comedy, Family, Drama
• Directors: Nguyễn Hồng Chi, Nhật Trung
• Cast: Việt Anh, Phi Phụng, Thu Trang, Tiến Luật, Quang Tuấn, Sam, Gin Tuấn Kiệt, Phát La, Anh Tú, Diệu Nhi,...
• Country: Vietnam

Don’t Kiss Me, Devil tells the story of a girl named An So Ha, who, after losing her mother in an accident, is taken in by a wealthy family. The plot follows the classic Cinderella theme—rich guy, poor girl, and a love triangle with a predictable twist. While the story may seem reminiscent of past Taiwanese idol dramas, this web drama gained unexpected success, with billions of online views during the Lunar New Year period. The show’s success is largely attributed to the fresh appeal of its young cast. In Vietnam, Don’t Kiss Me, Devil also became a sensation, ranking 9th among the most searched films of the year on Google Trends.

Details:

• Format: Web Drama
• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Idol
• Cast: Lý Hoành Nghị, Hình Phi, Trương Quý Mẫn, Phù Long Phi,...
• Country: China

The Queen’s Avatar is adapted from the novel Royal Consort: Waiting for Your Divorce. It tells the story of the intelligent and strong-willed Khúc Đàn Nhi, who, after a strange accident, travels back in time to become a young lady in a prominent family. There, she meets the handsome Prince Mặc Liên Thành, and the two navigate various challenges—doubts, trust issues, and eventually falling in love. The show mixes humor with sweetness, offering a refreshing blend of romance and historical intrigue. Despite minimal promotion, it has become one of the most talked-about web dramas in China since its release in July.

Details:

• Format: Web Drama
• Genre: Historical Romance
• Cast: Lương Khiết, Huỳnh Chiêu Lâm, Tôn Nghệ Trữ, Tân Thụy Kì,...
• Country: China

Story of Sorrowful Love is a historical Chinese drama based on the novel Empress’s Special Agent No. 11 by author Xiao Xiang Dong Ni. Premiering on June 5, 2017, the series consists of 67 episodes. It quickly became a sensation, reaching 1 billion views online within just 36 hours of airing and accumulating nearly 43 billion views across major Chinese streaming platforms (Mango TV, Letv, Sohu, IQiYi, Youku). The series captivated audiences not only in China but also throughout Asia, including Vietnam, where it surpassed many blockbuster films to become the most searched TV series of the year.

Details:

• Format: TV Series
• Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
• Directors: Ngô Cẩm Nguyên, Trương Kiền Văn, Trần Quốc Hoa
• Cast: Triệu Lệ Dĩnh, Lâm Canh Tân, Đậu Kiêu, Lý Thấm
• Country: China

Living with My Mother-in-Law is a Vietnamese television drama adapted from a popular Chinese novel of the same name, produced by Vietnam Television and directed by the talented NSƯT Vũ Trường Khoa. The series consists of 34 episodes, with the first episode airing on April 5, 2017. It centers around the tensions and conflicts between a mother-in-law, Mrs. Phương, and her daughter-in-law, Vân, as they navigate living together under one roof. From the very first episodes, the show became a nationwide sensation, sparking discussions on social media. The witty dialogue and the strong personalities of the characters quickly became viral topics, with viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode. The show captured the attention of both housewives and younger audiences, who actively engaged in predicting plot twists. It's no surprise that Living with My Mother-in-Law became the second most searched TV show in Vietnam that year.

Details:

• Format: TV Series
• Genre: Drama, Family, Romance
• Director: Vũ Trường Khoa
• Cast: NSND Lan Hương, Bảo Thanh, Anh Dũng, Việt Anh
• Country: Vietnam

Adapted from the Israeli series of the same name, The Judge has captured the attention of audiences just like Living with My Mother-in-Law. Premiering on March 23, 2017, The Judge consists of 47 episodes and revolves around the character Phan Quân, a powerful crime lord disguised as a successful businessman and the chairman of the Phan Thi Group. Phan Quân is a shrewd and calculating mastermind, respected for his loyalty and strong sense of family, which earned him the title of the 'judge' of the underground world. Despite his immense power, Phan Quân constantly faces familial tensions, particularly with his reckless son, Phan Hải. The show’s unexpected twists, thrilling action scenes, and memorable dialogue made The Judge a hot topic across social media for a long period. Much like Living with My Mother-in-Law, audiences eagerly speculated on the next episode's events. Thanks to its massive popularity, the show ranked in the top 3 of the most searched TV shows on Google Trends that year.

Details:

• Format: TV Series
• Genre: Crime, Psychological, Thriller
• Director: Nguyễn Mai Hiền, Nguyễn Khải Anh, Nguyễn Danh Dũng
• Cast: Hoàng Dũng, Việt Anh, Hồng Đăng
• Country: Vietnam