1. Bao Thanh Thiên
"Bao Thanh Thiên" (1993) is a Taiwanese drama based on the life of Bao Zheng, a famous and upright official from ancient China. The series follows the adventures of Bao Gong (Bao Zheng) and his trusted team, including characters like Triển Chiêu, Công Tôn Sách, Mã Hán, Trương Long, and Triệu Hổ, as they solve intricate cases and bring justice to the innocent. Over time, the character’s wisdom and integrity shine through, making the show one of the most beloved Asian crime dramas. It was widely popular and remains unforgettable to this day, with fans revisiting it multiple times.
Based on a real historical figure, Bao Thanh Thiên immerses viewers in thrilling, suspenseful mysteries solved with brilliance by the Song Dynasty official Bao Chửng. This captivating series, consisting of 41 cases, includes everything from chilling mysteries (like the Blood Cloud Case and The Mermaid) to deeply emotional and tragic tales (such as The Butterfly Lovers and Twin Brothers).
The theme song, "Mộng Uyên Ương Hồ Điệp," was a massive hit in its time. Although there have been other adaptations like The Youth of Bao Thanh Thiên and The Wisdom of Bao Thanh Thiên, it’s the 1993 version that resonates most strongly with audiences. It’s hard to imagine anyone else portraying Bao Chửng as brilliantly as the legendary actor Kim Siêu Quần, who brought the character to life with a perfect mix of severity and compassion.
Watch the movie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh8VqvsqaGk

2. Princess Returning Pearl
Do you remember the "storm" that hit Vietnam in 1998-1999? That was the year Princess Returning Pearl (Hoàn Châu Cách Cách) made its debut. This drama took the nation by storm, dominating television, newspapers, music tapes, and even everyday items like backpacks, notebooks, rulers, and pens. The series became so popular that even adults were captivated by it. Based on a famous legend written by the renowned scriptwriter Quỳnh Dao, it tells the story of Emperor Qianlong, who, during a secret journey, adopts a girl from the common people as his daughter.
From the very first episode, Princess Returning Pearl caused a sensation across Asia, including Vietnam, turning previously unknown actresses like Triệu Vy, Lâm Tâm Như, and Phạm Băng Băng into household names loved by youth. Viewers were enchanted by the mischievous and brave Tiểu Yến Tử, the gentle and graceful Tử Vi, the loyal Ngũ A Ca, and the charming Nhĩ Khang.
The witty and humorous lines of Tiểu Yến Tử were especially memorable, even sparking popular phrases like "Cách cách cát tường." Back in the day, almost every teenager would finish their homework in a hurry just to make sure they didn’t miss a single episode of Princess Returning Pearl. The sweet and innocent love story between Tiểu Yến Tử and Ngũ A Ca left many viewers in a dreamy daze.
Watch the movie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZvcfs6xHPw

3. Wait for It!
Wait for It! (originally titled Nu Pogodi) is a beloved Russian animated series featuring the mischievous Wolf and the clever Hare, and it became a massive hit among Vietnamese children when aired on the children's show 'Những bông hoa nhỏ.' Produced from 1969 to 2005, the series features the Wolf, a troublemaking character always chasing the adorable and intelligent Hare.
Similar to Tom & Jerry, each episode of Wait for It! runs for just under 10 minutes, with almost no dialogue except for the iconic line 'Nu, Pogodi!' (Wait for it!) said by the Wolf. This line became a catchphrase for many Vietnamese children in the past. The show’s soundtrack features instrumental Russian folk music, giving it a unique cultural flair.
However, unlike Tom & Jerry, Wait for It! focuses more on the complex personality of the Wolf, with the Hare taking a backseat and not having many standout traits. Through the Wolf's character, the series imparts an important moral lesson: those who engage in bad behavior will always meet failure.
Watch the movie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOiXqOvglcI

4. The Powerpuff Girls
The series The Powerpuff Girls follows the lives of three exceptional teenage spies: Sam, Clover, and Alex. Each of the girls has a unique personality, but together they work seamlessly on their secret missions. They are tasked with capturing dangerous international criminals, and their leader, Jerry, is the head of the WOOHP (World Organization of Human Protection). Jerry is a strict figure, but he’s secretly afraid of his mother, who believes he works as a hotel manager rather than the head of a top-secret organization. The girls lead regular teenage lives, going to school, having boyfriends, and dealing with their nemesis, Mandy, who constantly criticizes them for their fashion choices. Mandy was once a WOOHP agent but quit due to the pressure.
One day, when the girls are promoted to super agents, they discover Jerry’s twin brother and learn about Jerry’s childhood, including a hilarious story of him copying his brother’s homework. Throughout their missions, they also meet Dean, a handsome and intelligent guy who becomes their protector. In another episode, while shopping, the girls are mysteriously transported back in time, where they learn that Jerry once had a beautiful head of hair. During their investigation into a Yeti-related mystery, they meet Britney, a smart and beautiful girl who needs their help. They also cross paths with Martin, a member of an organization called MOM, whose leader is a close friend of Jerry’s.
Jerry has a unique method for summoning his agents to their W-shaped headquarters, where the girls receive their next assignments along with a variety of gadgets. These gadgets change from episode to episode, but they often include items like rocket backpacks, belts, and communication powder boxes that analyze objects at crime scenes. The gadgets are typically pink, adorned with flowers and hearts.
Watch the movie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQMzxMDdtck

5. Detective Conan
Japanese Manga has become a beloved genre for readers worldwide, and one of the most iconic series is Detective Conan. First published in 1994 in Shōnen Sunday, a weekly magazine by Shogakukan, under the title “Meitantei Conan” (translated as Detective Conan), this detective-themed comic quickly gained popularity, not only in Japan but across the globe.
In Vietnam, the series was published by Kim Đồng Publishing House, and fans could watch the animated version of Detective Conan on HTV3. The series follows 17-year-old high school detective Shinichi Kudo, who, after witnessing the suspicious activities of two mafia members, is forced to ingest a shrinking drug, which turns him into a young child. Now under the alias Edogawa Conan, Shinichi continues solving complex cases while searching for the Black Organization to find a cure for his condition.
To maintain his cover, Detective Conan attends Teitan Elementary School, where he befriends three classmates: Genta Kojima, Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya, and Ayumi Yoshida. Together, they form the Detective Boys (Shōnen Tantei-dan). Despite their young age, they quickly prove to be capable assistants in solving mysteries. Later, Ai Haibara (Sherry) joins their team. As the story unfolds, Conan uncovers that the FBI and CIA are also hunting the Black Organization, and more agents such as Shuichi Akai, Jodie Starling, James Black, and Mizunashi Rena are introduced, further complicating the battle between good and evil.
Watch the show here: https://mephimnhat.com/tham-tu-lung-danh-conan/tap-1

6. The Power Rangers

More than 40 years ago, the The Power Rangers series made its debut and has since become a nostalgic part of the 80s and 90s generations. For many of us, these shows evoke memories of childhood days—rushing to finish dinner just to sneak over to a friend's house to watch the latest episode or saving up pocket money just to rent a few VHS tapes on the weekend to binge-watch our favorite superhero team.
Although originally from Japan, the story of the The Power Rangers warriors was not confined to the island. Its influence quickly spread across Southeast Asia, Europe, the United States, and beyond. In fact, several countries even bought the rights to the series and remade it for their audiences. Just like the famous Japanese comics and animated series, The Power Rangers has been a loyal companion to countless childhoods, standing the test of time and continuing to be loved by generations.
The show revolves around a group of young individuals with extraordinary powers, chosen to become the mighty heroes who fight against the forces of evil. Even today, The Power Rangers remains a favorite among young viewers.
Watch the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcpzvWBLV04

7. Journey to the West
Everyone is familiar with Journey to the West – the iconic Chinese television series adapted from the classic literary work by Wu Cheng'en. This series has captivated generations of viewers. The story of the four companions led by Xuánzàng (Tang Seng) embarking on a perilous journey to the Western Regions to retrieve sacred scriptures has become a cornerstone of Chinese culture.
Filming began in 1982 with a hefty budget of 6 million yuan, and it wasn't until 1986 that Journey to the West premiered, quickly becoming a sensation not only in Asia but worldwide. The memorable characters – Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, with his incredible powers; the kind-hearted Xuánzàng; the gluttonous and lecherous Zhu Bajie; and the calm and thoughtful Sha Wujing – remain unforgettable icons.
Back in the day, every summer, teenagers eagerly tuned in to the 25 episodes of Journey to the West on TV. Sun Wukong, with his 72 transformations, became a childhood hero for many. The series didn't just attract children but captivated adults as well. Journey to the West is more than just entertainment; it carries profound lessons on how to treat others. Although the special effects were modest by today's standards, more than 20 years later, the 1986 version of Journey to the West is still cherished and has never been forgotten.
Watch the series: https://www.phimoxy.com/tay-du-ky-journey-to-the-west-1986-4706.html

9. The Southern Land
In the past, Vietnamese television featured many memorable films, such as 12A & 4H, C21 Special Forces... but especially The Southern Land – a deeply moving children's film about life, and the people in the southern waterway regions of Vietnam. The story follows a young boy named An (played by Hùng Thuận) on a journey to find his father. Along the way, An witnesses the many cruel realities of life in the South. Here, farmers are brutally oppressed, their lands and fields taken from them, and the colonial feudal system forces simple, kind-hearted people to rise up.
Though he faces many hardships, including wandering far and wide in search of his father, An is always supported by the kindness and compassion of others. This compassion becomes a source of strength and hope that helps An overcome all the difficulties in his path. Based on the novel The Southern Land by author Đoàn Giỏi, the film portrays the lives of the southern people during the resistance war. The Southern Land also condemns the war crimes and colonial abuses of the past. The violence and arrogance of the colonial system caused many people to suffer, and children like An had to roam the earth to reunite with their loved ones. The Southern Land is a famous Vietnamese film produced in 1997, depicting the southern countryside during the French colonial period under the rule of feudal landlords. It tells the story of simple country folk trying to survive during a time of upheaval.
In the film, viewers feel sympathy for the image of poor farmers suffering under the oppression of colonial powers and feudal landlords. These farmers had no choice but to rise up against their oppressors. Among the film's characters, An is the most memorable. He has a tragic backstory, with his mother dying early, leaving him to wander in search of his father. Along his journey, An encounters the lives of other downtrodden, oppressed peasants under colonial feudalism. Though life is harsh, An always finds protection and care from the people around him, which gives him the strength to push through even the most difficult times. This film left a lasting impact on many generations of Vietnamese people.
Movie Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u2-34T4DV4

10. Tom and Jerry
Children across the globe, from all generations, are likely familiar with the iconic image of Tom the cat relentlessly chasing Jerry the mouse, causing chaos and destruction in the process. Tom & Jerry is a beloved American animated series created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, which aired from 1940 to 1967, and won a total of 7 prestigious Academy Awards. Each episode lasts a mere 5 to 7 minutes, yet it always captivates the audience with its hilarious and entertaining situations.
Tom & Jerry is a series that rarely features dialogue. Instead, it relies on lively instrumental music and the never-ending chase scenes between Tom and Jerry. The idea of Tom and Jerry getting along peacefully for an entire episode seems almost impossible. A child who's crying might instantly burst into laughter when seeing the furious face of Tom, frustrated by Jerry’s antics.
This is why Tom & Jerry has had such a significant impact on children worldwide, earning its place as one of the greatest animated series of all time. Even decades after its debut, the series continues to have a powerful appeal, still being regularly aired on television networks around the world.
Movie Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wowdps6a6Tg

