Top 25 Must-Watch and Latest Vietnamese Films, Unmissable

With talented actors, experienced filmmakers, and sophisticated scripts, Vietnamese films have demonstrated allure and robust growth in recent years. Authentic and everyday stories, vivid images of the country and its people have made Vietnamese films an integral part of daily life. Explore these amazing films below with Mytour Blog to find your favorites!

Top 16 Best Vietnamese TV Series of All Time

1. Coming Home – Heartwarming and Meaningful Vietnamese Family Drama

• Release Date: 08/04/2019
• Genre: Emotional Drama, Family
• Number of Episodes: 85 episodes
• Director: National Artist Nguyễn Danh Dũng
• Main Cast: National Meritorious Artist Trung Anh, Thu Quỳnh, Bảo Thanh, Bảo Hân

“Coming Home” is a Vietnamese television series inspired by the work “When a Grieving Man Cries.” The series revolves around the story of three sisters: Thu Huệ, Anh Thư, and Ánh Dương, all orphaned at a young age. Each of them has a distinct personality and lifestyle. The eldest sister, Thu Huệ, is responsible, gentle, and calm. The second sister, Anh Thư, is beautiful, clever, and practical. Meanwhile, the youngest, Ánh Dương, is outspoken, wild, and has the temperament of a boy. Despite facing life's challenges, the three sisters are fortunate to have Mr. Sơn – a devoted father who always loves and cares for his children.

2. The Apple Tree Blossoms – Best Vietnamese TV Series

• Release Date: 05/04/2021
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Family
• Number of Episodes: 71 + 9 special episodes
• Director: Võ Thạch Thảo
• Main Cast: Hồng Ánh, Thái Hòa, Trương Thế Vinh, Thúy Ngân, Nhã Phương, Song Luân

“The Apple Tree Blossoms” is a Vietnamese TV series that brings a tragic and conflicted story of the Đỗ family, consisting of 5 siblings: Ngọc, Ngà, Châu, Báu, and Dư. Ngà has a gambling addiction, constantly fleeing from creditors, causing trouble for the family. Báu lives in a fantasy world, squandering and struggling with her abusive ex-husband. Dư loses all hope for the future after an injury and gets involved with criminal gangs. Meanwhile, Dr. Minh Châu – seemingly the most stable in the family, also faces failure and damage to reputation due to an extramarital affair.

Ngọc's wife – Hạnh, cannot bear it anymore and wants him to choose between his own family and the troublesome siblings. The Đỗ family confronts many difficulties and conflicts, creating a complex and humane portrayal of life and family bonds.

3. The Judge – Compelling Vietnamese Crime Drama

• Release Date: 23/03/2017
• Genre: Drama, Crime
• Number of Episodes: 47 episodes
• Directors: Nguyễn Khải Anh, NSƯT Nguyễn Mai Hiền, NSƯT Nguyễn Danh Dũng
• Main Cast: NSND Hoàng Dũng, NSND Trung Anh, NSƯT Thanh Quý, Chu Hùng, Việt Anh, Hồng Đăng, Bảo Anh

“The Judge” is a Vietnamese TV series depicting the life and career of Phan Quân – an underground world tycoon, hiding behind the position of chairman of the Phan Thị Group. He is admired for his intelligence, ambition, and ethical approach to handling people, always prioritizing family. Hence, he is known as “The Judge”.

Phan Quân holds the highest power in the underworld and must navigate through challenges posed by hostile forces. Additionally, he faces daily conflicts and troubles within his family, especially with the unexpected appearance of a person claiming to be his long-lost child. This revelation complicates matters and brings significant changes to Phan Quân's life and career.

“Living with Mother-in-law” is a Vietnamese TV series that delves into the conflicts and complications in the relationship between the mother-in-law, Mrs. Phuong, and the daughter-in-law, Van, as they live under the same roof. The show also places the young man Thanh in the battlefield between his mother and wife, as he has to navigate the daily challenges between the two women in his life.

Conflicts and clashes between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are the root causes of emotional damage to the marital relationship, making family ties strained. Listening to and believing either the mother or wife puts Thanh in a difficult position to maintain balance and harmony in the family. These conflicts can lead to significant issues and even divorce for some couples.

6. Cherishing the Sunny Days – Latest Vietnamese Romance Film

• Release Date: Part I (15/11/2021) and Part II (26/01/2022)
• Genre: Social drama, romance, family
• Number of Episodes: Part I (33 episodes) and Part II (54 episodes)
• Directors: Bui Tien Huy, People's Artist Vu Truong Khoa
• Lead Cast: People's Artist Thanh Quy, National Artist Minh Hoa, Ba Anh, National Artist Lan Huong, National Artist Trung Anh, Lan Phuong, Phan Minh Huyen, Hong Dang

'Thương Ngày Nắng Về' is a Vietnamese film based on the work 'Con gái của mẹ', revolving around the life of Mrs. Nga, a vermicelli soup vendor, living with her not-so-bright younger brother and three daughters. Mrs. Nga, a 60-year-old widow, always worries and struggles to keep her family harmonious and happy.

All three daughters of Mrs. Nga have grown up, but their lives are full of difficulties and conflicts. Each one has their own struggles and issues in life. Despite moments of arguments, tension, or heated exchanges, Mrs. Nga remains a steadfast mother and a strong support for her brother and daughters. She sacrifices and showers them with boundless love to protect and care for them.

7. Roses on the Left Chest – A captivating Vietnamese TV series

• Release Date: 07/08/2019
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Number of Episodes: 46 episodes
• Director: National Artist Vu Truong Khoa
• Main Cast: Hong Diem, Ngoc Quynh, Hong Dang, Luong Thanh, Dieu Huong, Trong Nhan

“Roses on the Left Chest” is a compelling Vietnamese TV series revolving around the life of Nguyen Hong Khue – a gentle and kind-hearted girl. Khue's life takes a turn when she unintentionally becomes pregnant by her boyfriend Thai and has to give up her educational path to get married. From then on, Khue becomes a dedicated homemaker, sacrificing her youth to nurture her family for a solid 10 years. However, Khue's marital life is at risk when Thai openly reveals an affair. On the contrary, Khue's close friend San is successful in her career but gets entangled in the tense relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

The series “Roses on the Left Chest” brings forth touching and realistic moments about family life, portraying the difficulties, conflicts, and hopes in love and marriage. It also emphasizes the role of women in both family and society, exploring the emotions and personal freedom of women facing pressures and conflicts in marital life.

8. Sticky Rice, Plain Rice – Outstanding Vietnamese TV series

• Release Date: Part I (07/05/2018) and Part II (15/06/2020)
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Family
• Number of Episodes: Part I (109 episodes) and Part II (50 episodes)
• Director: Vo Thach Thao (part 1), Nguyen Hoang Anh (part 2)
• Main Cast: Thuy Ngan, Trung Dung, Le Phuong, Phuong Hang, Hong Van, Quoc Truong

In 2018, Sticky Rice, Plain Rice became one of the most beloved Vietnamese TV series. It was adapted from the popular South Korean series, “The Wang Family”. The storyline revolves around family matters, focusing on daily life and conflicts within a multi-generational family. Mai – a mother, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law with a 'materialistic appetite', consistently displays discriminatory behavior towards her younger brother-in-law and her own children.

Grandma showers love on her second daughter, Han, who marries a wealthy man but looks down upon Huong, her first daughter in poverty. Grandma Mai frequently blames and criticizes Huong, making the lives of her descendants a tragic series of days.

9. Lightning in the Rain – Romantic Vietnamese Film

• Release Date: 02/09/2019
• Genre: Social Drama, Romance, Drama, Rural
• Number of Episodes: 54 episodes
• Director: National Artist Nguyen Phuong Dien
• Main Cast: Nhat Kim Anh, Cao Minh Dat, Quoc Huy, Oanh Kieu

“Lightning in the Rain” is a Vietnamese TV series that revolves around a tragic love story between the main characters, Khai Duy and Thi Binh. After years of studying abroad, Khai Duy returns to his homeland and falls in love with a maid named Thi Binh. They dedicate their hearts to each other, and eventually, Thi Binh becomes pregnant. However, their love faces numerous challenges and obstacles. Thi Binh's life becomes painful and tragic when Hoi, Khai Duy's mother, discovers their relationship and subjects her to abuse, forcing her to jump into the river in an attempted suicide. Fortunately, she survives and leaves her hometown.

As time passes, Khai Duy becomes a wealthy plantation owner. He renames his son Thanh Binh as a way to commemorate the woman he loved. Thanh Binh later saves Phuong, a girl almost assaulted, and falls in love with her. The bond between Binh and Phuong deepens, but one day, the unresolved issues from the past surface when Phuong's mother visits. Binh and Phuong's relationship confronts the pain teetering on the edge of taboo.

10. Suddenly Want to Cry – The Best Vietnamese Film of All Time

• Release Date: 25/08/2008
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• Number of Episodes: 36 episodes
• Director: Vu Ngoc Dang
• Main Cast: Tang Thanh Ha, Luong Manh Hai, Hieu Hien, Tran Van Anh, Tuong Vi

“Suddenly Want to Cry” is a renowned Vietnamese classic, familiar to the 80s and 90s generations. The plot revolves around a humorous, romantic, and touching love story between two completely different characters: Nam and Truc. Nam, born into a wealthy family, is directionless, only indulging in pointless activities with delinquent friends. On the other hand, Truc faces more difficulties; she lost her parents at a young age and lives alone in an abandoned house. The star-studded cast and natural performances create captivating and visually pleasing scenes for the audience.

11. Thousands of Flowers in Glasses – Beloved Vietnamese Film, Inseparable from Childhood

• Release Date: 07/06/2005
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• Number of Episodes: 28 episodes
• Directors: Nguyen Minh Chung, Do Phu Hai
• Main Cast: Vo Ngoc Trai, Anh Dao, Vu Long, Angela Phuong Trinh

“Thousands of Flowers in Glasses” is a well-known Vietnamese film that revolves around the lives of three close friends with contrasting personalities: Quy, Xiao Long, and little Hanh. Each episode brings everyday stories of the trio, filled with humorous, interesting, and even touching situations, always carrying profound lessons about friendship.

12. The Scent of Coriander – Vintage Vietnamese TV Series

• Release Date: 03/12/2006
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• Number of Episodes: 28 episodes
• Directors: Kim Hyo-joong, Han Chul-soo, Chu Thien, and Tran Huu Phuc
• Main Cast: Angela Phuong Trinh, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Trinh, Hong Anh, Minh Hoang, Meritorious Artist Thanh Loc, National Artist Kim Xuan

“The Scent of Coriander” is a Vietnamese film that follows the story of Vi, a girl raised in challenging conditions in the countryside. She faces hardships after being abandoned by her stepfather and enduring daily mistreatment from him. Vi's biological mother also passed away early, but luckily, Vi is cared for and loved by her stepmother.

To provide a better future for Vi, her stepmother reveals the truth about her origins and helps her go to the city to find her biological father. Despite numerous challenges, Vi finally meets Mr. Hoang – the owner of a traditional pho shop facing the risk of closure. Vi becomes a worker in the pho restaurant and strives to help Mr. Hoang maintain the business and keep the pho delicious and thriving. With her intelligence and sharpness, she finds ways to expand the business and enhance the pho shop.

13. Vietnamese Romance Film “Laughing and Crying on the Way”

• Release Date: 17/03/2014
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• Number of Episodes: 36 episodes
• Main Cast: Minh Hang, Luong Manh Hai

“Laughing and Crying on the Way” is a Vietnamese TV series that revolves around the story of two main characters: Dong Duong and Hai Minh. Dong Duong, a girl forced to disguise as a boy due to her grandmother's preference for male heirs, wants her parents to have a son to continue the family line. Hai Minh is a bottle collector who falls in love with Dong Duong after they meet and experience various misunderstandings and humorous situations. During their close bond and overcoming many challenges together, Hai Minh discovers that Dong Duong is a girl. Will their love story be smooth and happy?

14. Dream Calling Back

• Release Date: 04/08/2007
• Genre: Romance, School
• Number of Episodes: 66 episodes
• Main Cast: Minh Hang, Ngan Khanh, Huynh Dong, Tan Phat

“Dream Calling Back” is a compelling Vietnamese film that revolves around the lives of four main characters: Phung, Quan, Vy, and Minh, living on a poor island. The four friends study and bond under the high school roof on the island, experiencing joyful and memorable times together. The film portrays the difficulties and challenges the characters face, as well as their dreams and hopes for the future. Quality performances and captivating plotlines make this film one of the popular and worth-watching TV works in Vietnamese cinema.

15. Balanha Boarding House – Latest Vietnamese TV Series

• Release Date: 19/03/2023
• Genre: Drama, Comedy
• Number of Episodes: 35 episodes
• Main Cast: Quynh Kool, Thu Hoai, Tran Van, Xuan Nghi, Cong Duong

The Vietnamese series “Balanha Boarding House” revolves around the lives of Lam, Bach, and Nhan, recent graduates full of enthusiasm and dreams of achieving great success. They decide to start their career by running a homestay business. However, running the Balanha Boarding House proves to be more challenging than expected, burdening them with financial debts.

Difficulties pile up as they have to take care of new members joining the Balanha Boarding House. These include Han – a single mother with no money, Nhi – Lam's ex-girlfriend, and Nhien – Lam's younger sister. Their shared life creates many humorous and touching situations.

16. Mother of Straw – Heartwarming Vietnamese Family Film

• Release Date: 03/11/2022
• Genre: Romance, Family
• Number of Episodes: 43 episodes
• Main Cast: Thai Hoa, Little Suri Nha Vy

“Mother of Straw” is a touching story revolving around the life of Mo “hunchback,” a poor, orphaned man considered ugly due to his appearance. Mo silently loves a village girl named Loan. However, Loan, being naive, is deceived and becomes pregnant. During Loan's childbirth, only Mo 'hunchback' accompanies and assists her. However, Loan later disappears, leaving Mo 'hunchback' involuntarily becoming a single father. He names the baby Hazelnut.

Having never experienced love and familial warmth, Mo “hunchback” now has to find a way to care for a tiny figure. Despite difficulties and numerous challenges, with the help of Hong – the neighbor who was once the 'it girl' of the village, Mo “hunchback” gradually learns how to take care of his daughter. Through parenting, Mo “hunchback” discovers the true meaning of life and family. He learns how to love and receives love from others.

Best Vietnamese Films Currently Airing

1. Subtle Storm – Top Airing Vietnamese Film

• Release Date: 21/02/2022
• Genre: Crime, Detective, Action
• Number of Episodes: 72 episodes
• Main Cast: Ha Viet Dung, Cao Thai Ha

“Subtle Storm” is an action-packed series following Lieutenant Dao Hai Trieu and detectives in their investigation against a nationwide drug trafficking network. It all starts with the interception of a major drug shipment at Mui Nguu Pass. The horrifying truths about transnational criminal organizations gradually unfold.

Lieutenant Dao Hai Trieu and his detective team embark on a complex and dangerous investigation. They confront dark forces and numerous challenges in their pursuit of the mafia mastermind behind the drug network, hidden within a large economic conglomerate.

2. Currently Airing: “Narrow Alley, Big Family” - Vietnamese TV Series

• Release Date: 16/09/2022
• Genre: Comedy, Family, Romance
• Number of Episodes: 22 episodes
• Main Cast: National Meritorious Artist Trong Trinh, Meritorious Artist Chi Trung, Viet Hoa, Trong Lan

“Narrow Alley, Big Family” is a hilarious series revolving around the comical story of the couple Phan and Linh. Despite being in a long-term relationship and arranging a family meeting to announce their engagement, unexpected and humorous situations arise.

It turns out that Mr. Khoi, Linh's father, and Mr. Phuc, Phan's father, were once a mischievous pair back in their school days. They never got along and always competed, harboring jealousy towards each other. Learning about their impending familial connection, the two old rivals cannot help but worry, leading to many laugh-out-loud situations as they have to stay at the same homestay.

3. The Dark Elixir – Currently Airing Best Vietnamese TV Series on VTV

• Release Date: 04/09/2023
• Genre: Crime, Action
• Number of Episodes: estimated 130 episodes
• Main Cast: Bao Anh, Binh Anh, Luong Thanh, Huynh Anh

“The Dark Elixir” is a Vietnamese crime investigation series full of complex and surprising plot twists. The story revolves around the character Tuan, portrayed by actor Huynh Anh, an intelligent and brave police officer. Tuan carries the pain of witnessing his mother being murdered in the past. As he grows up, he becomes the deputy head of the criminal police force and takes on strange cases that are interconnected. Unraveling the investigation, the terrifying conspiracies and horrifying secrets behind the 'dark elixir' are gradually revealed. Where will the mental battle between the talented police officers and the cunning criminal group lead? Stay tuned to find out.

4. Father's Gift – Best Vietnamese Film on Family Bonds

• Release Date: 17/07/2023
• Genre: Romance, Family
• Number of Episodes: 21 episodes
• Main Cast: People's Artist Vo Hoai Nam, Tuan Tu, Nguyen Ngoc Huyen, Luu Duy Khanh

“Father's Gift” is an emotionally charged story about the life of Mr. Nhan and his three children. Mr. Nhan, a single father working as a coffin maker, wholeheartedly cares for and nurtures his three children after his wife's passing. The children, Nghia, Thao, and Hieu, face various challenges and twists of fate as they grow up.

All three children don't fully understand the father's heart and sacrifices, but through the journey of growth and facing many difficulties, they gradually realize the unconditional love of their father and the care he provides without expecting anything in return.

5. Ex-Husband, Ex-Wife, Ex-Lover – Latest Vietnamese Romantic Film

• Release Date: 28/04/2022
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• Number of Episodes: 40 episodes
• Main Cast: Viet Anh, La Thanh Huyen, Chi Nhan, Thuy Hang

The film 'Ex-Husband, Ex-Wife, Ex-Lover' revolves around the themes of marriage and family, telling the story of two individuals who have experienced deep emotional wounds, thinking they would find happiness together. However, the return of an ex-lover throws their lives into chaos. This is considered one of the most noteworthy Vietnamese films today.

Latest and Greatest Vietnamese Cinema Releases of 2023

1. Vietnamese Film 'The Grandmother's House'

• Release Date: 22/01/2023
• Genre: Romance, Family
• Duration: 102 minutes
• Director: Trấn Thành
• Lead Cast: Trấn Thành, Lê Giang, National Artist Ngọc Giàu, Uyển Ân, Song Luân, Khả Như

'The Grandmother's House' is a Vietnamese cinema release directed and produced by Trấn Thành, inspired by the classic play 'The House Without a Man.' The film has garnered the attention of Vietnamese audiences and achieved a box office success, grossing up to 358 billion VND.

The plot focuses on the story of Nữ's family, known for its tradition of selling crab noodle soup. The main conflict between Nữ and her daughter, Nhi, is the central element creating tension and drama in the film. This conflict is resolved through various events, providing valuable lessons about family relationships. Dialogue like 'Everyone makes mistakes, but everyone thinks they're the victim' and 'You chose your husband, bear the consequences!' are exemplary of the profound messages about family life.

2. Movie Premiere 2023 'Sisters 2 Sisters'

• Release Date: 22/01/2023
• Genre: Drama, Comedy
• Duration: 115 minutes
• Director: Vũ Ngọc Đãng
• Lead Cast: Ngọc Trinh, Minh Hằng, Lê Giang, and many others

The film 'Sisters 2 Sisters' returns after 3 years with its sequel, continuing to explore the drama genre with the theme of confrontation and competition between two women, Ba Trà (played by Minh Hằng) and Tư Nhị (portrayed by Ngọc Trinh).

The story begins with Nhi's admiration for Ba Trà – known as the 'First Beauty of Saigon.' Coming from a background in the sex industry and facing societal scorn, Nhi seeks every way to approach Ba Trà with the aim of changing her own destiny. The plot unfolds with calculated intentions as Ba Trà takes Nhi in as her adopted sister, helping her escape the stigma and be reborn in the role of Miss Tư Nhị. The sisterly bond deepens, accompanied by increasing fame and wealth, as well as unforeseen dark schemes to seize the position of the city's top beauty.

3. Hai Phượng – Vietnamese Action Film on Motherhood

• Release Date: 22/02/2019
• Genre: Action, Martial Arts, Motherhood
• Duration: 118 minutes
• Director: Lê Văn Kiệt
• Lead Cast: Ngô Thanh Vân, Phan Thanh Nhiên

'Hai Phượng' is a Vietnamese action film with impressive scenes that has received positive feedback from audiences. The story revolves around the struggle to rescue the daughter of the resilient character Hai Phượng. Despite facing many challenges, the theme of motherhood helps them overcome all obstacles and challenges. You can watch the full movie in the 'Top Movies' section on Netflix.

4. Face Off 6: The Fateful Ticket – A notable Vietnamese film by Lý Hải

• Release Date: 28/04/2023
• Genre: Action, Thriller
• Duration: 132 minutes
• Director: Lý Hải
• Lead Cast: Quốc Cường, Trung Dũng, Thanh Thức, Tiết Cương, Diệp Bảo Ngọc, Tú Tri

Highly praised in 2023, 'Face Off 6: The Fateful Ticket' is an outstanding Vietnamese cinema with a meaningful and humane storyline. The film explores the strong bond of friendship among 6 people in a traditional incense-producing village. Conflict arises when one person in the group wins the lottery, leading to a rivalry to claim the winning ticket. In the end, they realize that friendship is more valuable than any possessions and money.

Vietnamese films have left a mark on audiences with authentic stories, humorous situations, diverse emotions, and superb performances by artists. Mytour hopes that the above films will bring you moments of relaxation and enjoyment. Don't forget to visit Mytour regularly to not miss any exciting deals.