17+ Best Vietnamese Movies (List)

Vietnamese cinema, while not as internationally renowned as some other countries, has produced many films that explore the country’s history, culture, and contemporary life.

From thought-provoking dramas to heartwarming comedies, Vietnamese movies offer a diverse range of storytelling that captivates audiences around the world.

Best Vietnamese Movies

Here are some of the best Vietnamese movies that offer a diverse array of stories and styles:

“Cyclo” (1995)

Directed by Tran Anh Hung

A young cyclo (pedicab) driver’s life takes a hard turn when his pedicab is stolen.

“The Scent of Green Papaya” (1993)

Directed by Tran Anh Hung

A beautiful film that explores the life of a young servant girl in 1950s Saigon.

“The Vertical Ray of the Sun” (2000)

Directed by Tran Anh Hung

Focused on three sisters who live in Hanoi, revealing their complex family relationships and personal lives.

“Furie” (2019)

Directed by Le Van Kiet

An action-packed film about a woman who goes to great lengths to save her daughter from kidnappers.

“Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass” (2015)

Directed by Victor Vu

A nostalgic film about childhood, brotherhood, and the joys and pains of growing up.

“The Buffalo Boy” (2004)

Directed by Nguyen Vo Nghiem Minh

Set in the 1940s, it tells the story of a young man and his journey to save his buffalo herd.

“The Third Wife” (2018)

Directed by Ash Mayfair

A 14-year-old girl becomes the third wife of a wealthy landowner in 19th century rural Vietnam.

“Big Father, Small Father and Other Stories” (2015)

Directed by Phan Dang Di

A film that captures the lives of young people trying to find their way in bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

“Dear Brother” (2014)

Directed by Nguyen Huu Muoi

Set during the Vietnam War, it explores the bond between two brothers who are drafted into the army.

“Jailbait” (2017)

Directed by Le Thanh Son

A comedy about a girl who disguises herself as a boy to join a male idol band.

“Living in Fear” (2005)

Directed by Bui Thac Chuyen

Set after the Vietnam War, it follows a man who mines for landmines as a means to cope with his turbulent past.

“Adrift” (2009)

Directed by Bui Thac Chuyen

Explores the emotional lives and sexuality of four young people living in Hanoi.

“Floating Lives” (2010)

Directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh

A drama about a man who runs a small ferry, his fractured family, and the complexities of their relationships.

“Go-Go Sisters” (2018)

Directed by Nguyen Quang Dung

A comedy-drama that reunites a group of women after 25 years apart.

“Once Upon a Time in Vietnam” (2013)

Directed by Dustin Nguyen

A martial arts film about a soldier who is sent to a village to clean up criminal activity.

“The White Silk Dress” (2006)

Directed by Luu Huynh

A heart-wrenching story about a resilient woman facing immense hardship in her life.

“The Rebel” (2007)

Directed by Charlie Nguyen

An action film set in 1920s colonial Vietnam, following a rebel agent fighting against French forces.

“Tam Cam: The Untold Story” (2016)

Directed by Veronica Ngo

A fantasy film based on a popular Vietnamese fairy tale.

These films offer a glimpse into the diverse stories and storytelling traditions of Vietnamese cinema, from historical dramas to contemporary tales and action-packed martial arts films.

Below we look at some of the best Vietnamese movies that have left a lasting impact on both local and global audiences.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Vietnamese Cinema

Vietnamese cinema has come a long way since its early days, with a significant rise in production quality and storytelling techniques.

The industry has witnessed a surge in popularity, both domestically and internationally, thanks to the success of several groundbreaking films.

1. “The Scent of Green Papaya” (1993)

Directed by Tran Anh Hung, “The Scent of Green Papaya” is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a young girl named Mui who works as a servant in a wealthy household in Saigon.

The film beautifully captures the daily life of Mui and explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.

“The Scent of Green Papaya” was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival and won numerous awards worldwide.

2. “Cyclo” (1995)

“Cyclo,” directed by Tran Anh Hung, is a gritty and intense drama that follows the life of a young cyclo driver in Ho Chi Minh City.

The film delves into the dark underbelly of society, exploring themes of poverty, crime, and survival.

“Cyclo” won the Golden Lion at the 1995 Venice Film Festival and brought international attention to Vietnamese cinema.

3. “The Vertical Ray of the Sun” (2000)

Directed by Tran Anh Hung, “The Vertical Ray of the Sun” is a poetic and visually stunning film that revolves around the lives of three sisters in Hanoi.

The film explores the complexities of family relationships, love, and longing.

“The Vertical Ray of the Sun” received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 2000 Venice Film Festival.

4. “The Rebel” (2007)

“The Rebel,” directed by Charlie Nguyen, is an action-packed historical drama set during the French colonial period in Vietnam.

The film follows the journey of a young anti-French resistance fighter who becomes torn between his loyalty to his cause and his love for a French woman.

“The Rebel” was a commercial success and showcased Vietnam’s ability to produce high-quality action films.

5. “The Scent of Burning Grass” (2011)

Directed by Nguyen Huu Muoi, “The Scent of Burning Grass” is a war drama that depicts the harsh realities of the Vietnam War.

The film follows a group of young soldiers as they navigate the challenges and horrors of war.

“The Scent of Burning Grass” won the Golden Kite Award for Best Feature Film and received international acclaim for its powerful storytelling.

The Diversity of Vietnamese Cinema

Vietnamese cinema is known for its diversity, with filmmakers exploring various genres and themes.

From historical epics to contemporary dramas, Vietnamese movies offer a wide range of storytelling that appeals to different audiences.

1. Historical Epics

Vietnamese cinema has produced several notable historical epics that shed light on the country’s rich history.

Films like “The Legend Makers” (2013) and “The Third Wife” (2018) delve into different periods of Vietnamese history, offering a glimpse into the traditions, customs, and struggles of the past.

Many Vietnamese filmmakers use their movies as a platform to comment on social issues and challenges faced by the country.

Films like “Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass” (2015) and “The Housemaid” (2016) tackle topics such as poverty, inequality, and corruption, sparking important conversations within Vietnamese society.

3. Romantic Comedies

Romantic comedies have also gained popularity in Vietnamese cinema, providing light-hearted entertainment for audiences.

Films like “Sweet 20” (2015) and “Em Chua 18” (2017) explore themes of love, friendship, and coming-of-age, resonating with young Vietnamese viewers.

4. War Films

Given Vietnam’s tumultuous history, war films hold a significant place in Vietnamese cinema.

Movies like “The Buffalo Boy” (2004) and “Furie” (2019) depict the impact of war on individuals and communities, highlighting the resilience and strength of the Vietnamese people.

FAQs – Best Vietnamese Movies

1. What are some must-watch Vietnamese movies?

Some must-watch Vietnamese movies include “The Scent of Green Papaya,” “Cyclo,” “The Vertical Ray of the Sun,” “The Rebel,” and “The Scent of Burning Grass.”

2. Are Vietnamese movies popular internationally?

Yes, Vietnamese movies have gained popularity internationally, with several films receiving critical acclaim and winning awards at prestigious film festivals.

3. What genres are popular in Vietnamese cinema?

Popular genres in Vietnamese cinema include historical epics, social commentaries, romantic comedies, and war films.

4. Are Vietnamese movies available with English subtitles?

Many Vietnamese movies are available with English subtitles, especially those that have gained international recognition.

5. How has Vietnamese cinema evolved over the years?

Vietnamese cinema has evolved significantly, with a rise in production quality and storytelling techniques.

The industry has witnessed a surge in popularity, both domestically and internationally.

6. Are there any Vietnamese movies that have won international awards?

Yes, several Vietnamese movies have won international awards, including “Cyclo,” which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and “The Scent of Burning Grass,” which won the Golden Kite Award for Best Feature Film.

7. What themes do Vietnamese movies often explore?

Vietnamese movies often explore themes such as love, family relationships, social issues, and the impact of war.

8. Are there any Vietnamese movies based on historical events?

Vietnamese cinema has produced several movies based on historical events, such as “The Legend Makers” and “The Third Wife,” which offer insights into different periods of Vietnamese history.

9. Are Vietnamese romantic comedies popular?

Yes, Vietnamese romantic comedies have gained popularity, particularly among young Vietnamese viewers.

Films like “Sweet 20” and “Em Chua 18” have resonated with audiences.

10. How do Vietnamese war films portray the impact of war?

Vietnamese war films depict the impact of war on individuals and communities, highlighting the resilience and strength of the Vietnamese people in the face of adversity.

11. Can I watch Vietnamese movies online?

Many Vietnamese movies are available for streaming online through platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and local Vietnamese streaming services.

12. Are there any upcoming Vietnamese movies to look out for?

Yes, the Vietnamese film industry continues to produce exciting new movies. Keep an eye out for upcoming releases to discover the latest gems from Vietnamese cinema.

13. How can I support Vietnamese filmmakers?

You can support Vietnamese filmmakers by watching their movies, recommending them to others, and attending film festivals or screenings that showcase Vietnamese cinema.

14. Are there any Vietnamese movies that have been remade or adapted in other countries?

Yes, some Vietnamese movies have been remade or adapted in other countries, showcasing the global appeal of Vietnamese storytelling.

15. What makes Vietnamese movies unique?

Vietnamese movies are unique in their ability to capture the essence of Vietnamese culture, history, and social issues, offering a fresh perspective to audiences around the world.

Summary – Best Vietnamese Movies

Vietnamese cinema has experienced a remarkable rise in recent years, with a diverse range of films that have garnered international recognition.

From visually stunning dramas like “The Scent of Green Papaya” and “The Vertical Ray of the Sun” to action-packed historical epics like “The Rebel,” Vietnamese movies offer a unique perspective on culture, history, and social issues.

Whether it’s exploring the complexities of family relationships or shedding light on the harsh realities of war, Vietnamese cinema captivates audiences with its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking narratives.

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