The 25 Best Vietnamese Movies of All Time

Over the past few decades, Vietnamese cinema has grown from a modest national industry into one of Asia’s most vibrant and emotionally compelling storytelling traditions. The history of Vietnamese movies is rich with works that explore resilience, cultural identity, and the complexities of human relationships—often against the backdrop of war, political change, or rapid modernization. From the lyrical storytelling of rural dramas to the adrenaline-fueled pace of contemporary thrillers, these films capture the soul of Vietnam in ways that resonate far beyond its borders.

What makes Vietnamese movies so distinctive is their ability to balance universal human emotions with distinctly local perspectives. The scenery—whether it’s the rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, or the misty hills of the north—becomes as much a character as the people themselves. Themes of love, loss, perseverance, and transformation are woven into every frame, creating stories that are both intimate and epic. This list of 25 films spans decades and genres, offering a handpicked journey through the very best of Vietnam’s cinematic achievements, for both seasoned film lovers and newcomers eager to explore something truly unique.

🎮 Vietnamese Movies: 25 to 21

25. The White Silk Dress (2006)

• Starring: Truong Ngoc Anh, Quoc Khanh
• Director: Luu Huynh
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Runtime: 142 minutes

Set during the Vietnam War, this poignant drama follows a poor couple determined to raise their four daughters with dignity and hope despite crushing poverty and conflict. The white áo dài dress, lovingly preserved and passed down, becomes a potent symbol of sacrifice, family bonds, and perseverance. Director Luu Huynh weaves a layered tale that not only captures personal struggles but also reflects the collective hardships endured by a nation at war. With sweeping cinematography, evocative performances, and a script rich in emotion, this is a deeply moving entry in Vietnamese films that lingers long after the credits roll.

24. Furie (2019)

• Starring: Veronica Ngo
• Director: Le Van Kiet
• Genre: Action, Thriller
• IMDb Rating: 6.3
• Runtime: 98 minutes

Vietnam’s first action blockbuster to break through internationally, Furie follows a mother’s relentless pursuit after her young daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers. Set against the gritty, neon-lit streets and shadowy corners of Saigon, the film combines intense martial arts choreography with a heartfelt maternal core. Veronica Ngo delivers a powerhouse performance, embodying both vulnerability and ferocity. Every fight scene is meticulously crafted, while the emotional stakes keep the audience invested. This high-octane blend of action and heart secures its place as a standout in Vietnamese movies.

23. Scent of Green Papaya (1993)

• Starring: Tran Nu Yên-Khê
• Director: Tran Anh Hung
• Genre: Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.3
• Runtime: 104 minutes

An exquisite, meditative masterpiece set in 1950s Saigon, Scent of Green Papaya tells the story of a young servant girl’s quiet journey toward self-discovery. With its delicate pacing, the film invites viewers to savor every frame, from the glistening dew on tropical plants to the subtle shifts in the heroine’s world. Director Tran Anh Hung’s visual storytelling captures the poetry of domestic life while exploring themes of innocence, growth, and longing. Minimal dialogue and lush cinematography create an immersive experience, making it a timeless treasure in Vietnamese films.

22. The Third Wife (2018)

• Starring: Nguyen Phuong Tra My
• Director: Ash Mayfair
• Genre: Historical Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.6
• Runtime: 96 minutes

Set in rural Vietnam during the 19th century, The Third Wife explores the constrained world of a 14-year-old girl married into a wealthy family. Beneath the surface of ornate traditions lies a web of suppressed desires, societal expectations, and silent acts of defiance. Director Ash Mayfair crafts a visually arresting film where every detail—from the texture of fabrics to the colors of the countryside—carries meaning. The restrained yet intense storytelling draws viewers into the emotional isolation of its protagonist, securing its reputation as one of the most artistically daring Vietnamese movies of recent years.

21. Cyclo (1995)

• Starring: Le Van Loc, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai
• Director: Tran Anh Hung
• Genre: Crime, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Runtime: 123 minutes

A raw and unflinching look at the underbelly of post-war Ho Chi Minh City, Cyclo follows a young pedicab driver who is pulled into the criminal underworld. Director Tran Anh Hung uses surreal imagery, vivid colors, and a haunting soundtrack to depict the collision of innocence with urban decay. The film immerses viewers in the sensory overload of the city—its chaos, beauty, and danger. Performances are deeply felt, and the story’s uncompromising realism leaves a lasting impression. As a portrait of survival in harsh environments, it remains one of the most powerful Vietnamese movies ever made.

🎮 Vietnamese Movies: 20 to 16

20. Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass (2015)

• Starring: Thinh Vinh, Trong Khang
• Director: Victor Vu
• Genre: Drama, Family
• IMDb Rating: 7.9
• Runtime: 102 minutes

Set in a rural Vietnamese village during the 1980s, this tender coming-of-age drama follows two young brothers as they navigate the joy and heartbreak of childhood. The story delicately explores themes of sibling rivalry, first love, and the loss of innocence against a backdrop of lush rice fields and golden sunsets. Director Victor Vu masterfully blends nostalgia with universal emotional truths, creating a film that resonates far beyond Vietnam’s borders. Its heartfelt performances, painterly cinematography, and gentle pacing make it a beloved gem in Vietnamese movies.

19. Journey from the Fall (2006)

• Starring: Long Nguyen, Diem Lien
• Director: Ham Tran
• Genre: Drama, War
• IMDb Rating: 7.5
• Runtime: 135 minutes

Spanning from the aftermath of the Vietnam War to the struggles of Vietnamese refugees in America, Journey from the Fall is an epic tale of endurance, sacrifice, and identity. The film offers a raw look at re-education camps, perilous ocean crossings, and the challenges of building a new life in a foreign land. Director Ham Tran’s emotionally charged storytelling captures both the intimate moments of family bonds and the sweeping tragedies of displacement. It’s an unforgettable work that stands as a cornerstone in diaspora-centered Vietnamese films.

18. Owl and the Sparrow (2007)

• Starring: Cat Ly, Le The Lu
• Director: Stephane Gauger
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 7.2
• Runtime: 98 minutes

This warm-hearted drama takes place in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, where a lonely 10-year-old orphan works selling flowers and unexpectedly connects a zookeeper and a flight attendant. Director Stephane Gauger’s light touch and observational style turn a simple premise into a deeply moving portrayal of human connection. The chemistry between the three leads, combined with the film’s romantic urban charm, creates an atmosphere both hopeful and poignant. It remains a touching highlight in modern Vietnamese movies.

17. Adrift (2009)

• Starring: Do Thi Hai Yen, Linh Dan Pham
• Director: Bui Thac Chuyen
• Genre: Drama, LGBT
• IMDb Rating: 6.4
• Runtime: 110 minutes

Set in the vibrant yet emotionally stifling world of modern Hanoi, Adrift follows a newlywed woman whose life begins to unravel as she struggles with her sexual identity and desires. Director Bui Thac Chuyen crafts an atmospheric and quietly daring exploration of relationships, loneliness, and unspoken yearning. The film’s muted color palette, deliberate pacing, and intimate framing reflect the internal struggles of its characters. Its frank engagement with LGBTQ+ themes and psychological depth make it a rare and courageous entry in Vietnamese movies.

16. Song Lang (2018)

• Starring: Lien Binh Phat, Isaac
• Director: Leon Le
• Genre: Drama, LGBT, Musical
• IMDb Rating: 7.7
• Runtime: 101 minutes

A visually sumptuous and emotionally layered drama, Song Lang tells the story of a debt collector and a cải lương opera performer in 1980s Saigon whose lives unexpectedly intersect. Through their growing bond, the film reflects on art, masculinity, and vulnerability in a rapidly changing society. Director Leon Le’s meticulous attention to period detail immerses the audience in the textures and sounds of a bygone era. With heartfelt performances and lyrical visuals, this is one of the most artistically refined Vietnamese films of the last decade.

15. When the Tenth Month Comes (1984)

• Starring: Le Van, Tra Giang
• Director: Dang Nhat Minh
• Genre: Drama, War
• IMDb Rating: 7.8
• Runtime: 102 minutes

Hailed as one of Vietnam’s greatest films, When the Tenth Month Comes is a poetic and heartbreaking portrait of loss and resilience. It follows a young widow who, upon learning of her husband’s death at the front, chooses to keep the news from his family to shield them from grief. Director Dang Nhat Minh’s understated storytelling blends haunting rural imagery with moments of tender humanity, creating a meditation on sacrifice that is both personal and universal. Its quiet power and emotional honesty have secured its status as a landmark in Vietnamese movies.

14. Saigon, I Love You (2016)

• Starring: Maya, Dinh Ngoc Diep
• Director: Ly Minh Thang
• Genre: Romance, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Runtime: 97 minutes

This ensemble romance interweaves five love stories spanning different ages, classes, and backgrounds, offering a panoramic view of modern love in Ho Chi Minh City. From the tenderness of a young same-sex couple to the bittersweet affection between older partners, each tale captures a different shade of intimacy. Director Ly Minh Thang brings energy and warmth to the bustling city streets, using them as a living backdrop for his characters’ emotional journeys. The variety of perspectives makes it a vibrant celebration of diversity within Vietnamese films.

13. Floating Lives (2010)

• Starring: Dustin Nguyen, Do Thi Hai Yen
• Director: Nguyen Phan Quang Binh
• Genre: Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.6
• Runtime: 103 minutes

Set along the Mekong River, Floating Lives is an emotional odyssey about a father and his two children living in isolation after a devastating family tragedy. Their fragile peace is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious woman, whose presence stirs up buried grief and long-forgotten dreams. Director Nguyen Phan Quang Binh crafts a richly atmospheric work, balancing moments of silence with surges of raw emotion. The film’s exploration of loneliness, trauma, and human connection makes it a deeply affecting entry in Vietnamese movies.

12. Mui Du Du Xanh (The Scent of Green Papaya) (1993)

• Starring: Tran Nu Yên-Khê, Man San Lu
• Director: Tran Anh Hung
• Genre: Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.3
• Runtime: 104 minutes

A second masterpiece from Tran Anh Hung, this gentle coming-of-age tale follows a young girl as she navigates life in two Saigon households. More than a simple narrative, the film is a meditation on the passing of time, class differences, and the beauty of everyday rituals. Every frame is composed like a painting, with textures, colors, and sounds that immerse viewers in the atmosphere of 1950s and 1960s Vietnam. Its poetic minimalism and cultural richness ensure its enduring legacy in Vietnamese movies.

11. The Buffalo Boy (2004)

• Starring: Le The Lu, Nguyen Thi Kieu Trinh
• Director: Nguyen Vo Nghiem Minh
• Genre: Drama, Adventure
• IMDb Rating: 7.2
• Runtime: 102 minutes

In the vast, waterlogged landscapes of southern Vietnam, a teenage boy embarks on a journey as a buffalo herder, encountering both the harshness of nature and the complexities of human survival. Director Nguyen Vo Nghiem Minh’s debut combines breathtaking cinematography with an unflinching look at rural hardship. The film’s authenticity, drawn from Vietnam’s folk traditions and historical realities, gives it a unique place among Vietnamese films, offering a rare glimpse into a disappearing way of life.

🎮 Vietnamese Movies: 10 to 6

10. The Vertical Ray of the Sun (2000)

• Starring: Tran Nu Yên-Khê, Le Khanh
• Director: Tran Anh Hung
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Runtime: 112 minutes

This serene family drama follows three sisters in Hanoi as they navigate love, marriage, and personal secrets. Director Tran Anh Hung uses languid pacing, natural light, and delicate framing to evoke the passage of time and the subtleties of human emotion. The result is a cinematic meditation on relationships that is as much about what is unsaid as what is spoken. Its quiet beauty and emotional resonance have made it a beloved piece of Vietnamese movies.

9. The Rebel (2007)

• Starring: Johnny Tri Nguyen, Dustin Nguyen
• Director: Charlie Nguyen
• Genre: Action, Historical
• IMDb Rating: 6.9
• Runtime: 103 minutes

A high-energy blend of martial arts and historical drama, The Rebel is set during French colonial rule in the 1920s and follows an undercover Vietnamese agent torn between duty to the colonizers and loyalty to his homeland. Stunning fight choreography is matched by a compelling love story that adds emotional depth to the action. Director Charlie Nguyen’s dynamic direction revitalized period action cinema in Vietnam, making this a standout in modern Vietnamese films.

8. Moon at the Bottom of the Well (2008)

• Starring: Hong Anh, Quy Binh
• Director: Nguyen Vinh Son
• Genre: Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.7
• Runtime: 99 minutes

This intimate drama tells the story of a rural teacher who willingly sacrifices her own happiness to protect her husband’s career, only to face betrayal and isolation. Director Nguyen Vinh Son layers the film with cultural and spiritual symbolism, exploring themes of fate, devotion, and self-worth. Its deeply rooted sense of place and emotional subtlety make it an enduring work within Vietnamese movies.

7. Rom (2019)

• Starring: Tran Anh Khoa, Anh Tu
• Director: Tran Thanh Huy
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Runtime: 79 minutes

Rom pulses with the energy of the streets, following a teenage lottery ticket seller in Ho Chi Minh City as he navigates debt collectors, dreams, and survival. Director Tran Thanh Huy’s kinetic visual style mirrors the chaos and unpredictability of urban life. The raw performances and street-level realism bring urgency to a story about youth on the margins, marking it as one of the most daring and socially aware Vietnamese movies of recent years.

6. Father and Son (2017)

• Starring: Ngoc Tuong, Ngu Quang Hai
• Director: Luong Dinh Dung
• Genre: Drama, Family
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Runtime: 90 minutes

This moving drama charts the journey of a poor fisherman and his terminally ill son as they travel to the city in search of medical care. Along the way, they encounter kindness, cruelty, and the beauty of the Vietnamese landscape. Director Luong Dinh Dung infuses the film with heartfelt emotion and visual poetry, making it a deeply personal yet universally relatable entry in Vietnamese films.

5. Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere (2014)

• Starring: Nguyen Ha Phong, Nguyen Thuy Anh
• Director: Diep Hoang Nguyen
• Genre: Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.5
• Runtime: 99 minutes

A bold and unflinching look at the struggles of a pregnant teenager in Hanoi, this drama explores vulnerability, economic hardship, and societal judgment. Director Diep Hoang Nguyen uses an intimate lens to capture the protagonist’s inner turmoil and external obstacles. Stark realism is balanced with moments of lyricism, making it a thought-provoking addition to Vietnamese movies.

4. The Lady Assassin (2013)

• Starring: Veronica Ngo, Thanh Hang
• Director: Quang Dung Nguyen
• Genre: Action, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.0
• Runtime: 100 minutes

This visually lavish action-drama is set in a remote tavern where a group of female warriors defend themselves against bandits and betrayal. Director Quang Dung Nguyen combines stylized fight sequences with character-driven storytelling, ensuring the action serves the emotional core of the narrative. Its unique blend of spectacle and heart makes it a memorable contribution to Vietnamese films.

3. The Little Girl of Hanoi (1974)

• Starring: Lan Huong
• Director: Hai Ninh
• Genre: Drama, War
• IMDb Rating: 7.5
• Runtime: 80 minutes

Set during the intense bombing campaigns of the Vietnam War, this poignant drama follows a young girl searching for her family amid devastation. Director Hai Ninh captures both the horror of war and the unbreakable spirit of the Vietnamese people. With its stark imagery and emotional clarity, it remains a historical and cultural touchstone in Vietnamese movies.

2. Don’t Burn (2009)

• Starring: Minh Huong, Nhat Minh Dang
• Director: Dang Nhat Minh
• Genre: Drama, War
• IMDb Rating: 7.3
• Runtime: 110 minutes

Based on the real-life diary of Dang Thuy Tram, a young doctor who served during the Vietnam War, this film weaves together personal sacrifice, compassion, and the senselessness of conflict. Director Dang Nhat Minh crafts a deeply human story that transcends political divides, earning it a place among the most moving Vietnamese films ever made.

1. The Abandoned Field: Free Fire Zone (1979)

• Starring: Thuy An, Thanh Hoa
• Director: Nguyen Hong Sen
• Genre: Drama, War
• IMDb Rating: 7.6
• Runtime: 95 minutes

Set in the Mekong Delta during the war, this gripping drama portrays a family’s struggle to survive under constant military threat. Director Nguyen Hong Sen uses the landscape itself as a character, capturing both its beauty and its dangers. The film’s blend of atmospheric tension and human resilience makes it a defining work in Vietnamese movies and a deserving number one on this list.

Why Vietnamese Films Matters

Vietnamese cinema offers a rich tapestry of stories, from wartime dramas and heartfelt romances to bold contemporary thrillers. These 25 films represent the diversity, resilience, and artistry that have made Vietnamese movies increasingly recognized on the global stage. Whether you’re looking to explore the roots of Vietnamese storytelling or enjoy cutting-edge modern filmmaking, this list is a gateway into a vibrant cinematic culture.

For further reading on Vietnamese cinema and culture, you can explore Vietnam News for the latest updates on the country’s film industry, or visit VNExpress for in-depth cultural features, interviews, and reviews from trusted journalists.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnamese Movies

7. FAQ section to be like: