14 of the best Vietnamese movies that deserve a spot on your watchlist

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Discovering Vietnam goes beyond its natural attractions, vibrant culture, and irresistible cuisine. Vietnamese movies offer viewers a new window to this nation. Despite its relatively recent inception, Vietnam’s film industry has garnered international recognition and acclaim. Let’s take a look at the top Vietnamese movies, where captivating stories are waiting to be uncovered!

1. Little Girl of Hanoi (1974)

Little Girl of Hanoi, also known as Girl from Hanoi, is one of the famous Vietnamese movies that deserves a spot on your watchlist. This compelling film is set during the largest American bombing campaign of the Second Indochina War, offering a vivid portrayal of the harrowing experiences endured by Vietnamese civilians. 

Little Girl of Hanoi – one of the classic Vietnamese movies about war (Source: Collected)

The story centers on Ngoc Ha, a young girl searching for her soldier father after her mother and sister were killed in the Christmas bombings. Set against the backdrop of Hanoi’s iconic locations strewn with war debris, the film provides a moving cinematic experience that shows the resilience of Vietnamese people during this tumultuous period. Its recognition at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1975 further underscored its significance.

2. The White Silk Dress (2006)

In 2006, Vietnamese-American filmmaker Luu Huynh crafted The White Silk Dress, one of the best Vietnamese movies that transcended borders to achieve international acclaim. This is also one of the best Vietnamese love movies to add to your watchlist. It clinched the Audience Award at the prestigious Pusan International Film Festival.

Ao dai, the traditional costume of Vietnam, is the main focus of The White Silk Dress (Source: Collected)

At its core, the film revolves around the symbolic white ao dai, Vietnam’s national costume. The narrative follows a poverty-stricken couple’s struggle to possess this cherished garment. Through their journey, The White Silk Dress intricately weaves a tale of a disadvantaged family ensnared in the relentless cycle of war, destitution, and societal prejudices.

Against this backdrop, the film beautifully illustrates Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to preserving the pride, dignity, and enduring traditions in the face of adversity. Luu Huynh’s masterpiece stands as a testament to the resilience and heritage of a nation navigating turbulent times.

3. When the Tenth Month Comes (1984)

When the Tenth Month Comes is a poignant entry in Vietnamese movies, a notable addition to the list of movies about the Second Indochina War. The film delves into the deep psychological scars left in the war’s aftermath. It focuses on the heartrending journey of a young widow tasked with caring for her young son and frail father-in-law, all while harboring the painful secret of her husband’s battlefield demise.

If you are looking for Vietnamese movies about the post-war period, When the Tenth Month Comes is a must-see (Source: Collected)

This cinematic gem skillfully navigates the intricate dance between the sorrows of the past and the healing of the present. Through the widow’s story, it paints a vivid portrayal of post-war Vietnamese society, deftly exploring themes of guilt and innocence.

4. The Scent of Green Papaya (1993) – One of the best Vietnamese movies of all time

The Scent of Green Papaya, directed by Vietnamese-French filmmaker Tran Anh Hung, is a cinematic masterpiece that garnered acclaim at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Caméra d’Or prize and was a 1993 Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.

The Scent of Green Papaya won the Caméra d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival (Source: Collected)

This visually exquisite film unfolds through the perspective of a young, impoverished servant working in a merchant family’s home. The film boasts stunning visual aesthetics, meticulously observing the nuances of the young woman’s physical environment, including the alluring aroma of green papaya. Tran Anh Hung masterfully captures a family in Saigon, making The Scent of Green Papaya one of the good Vietnamese movies cinephiles should not miss out on.

5. Cyclo (1995)

Cyclo is another excellent work among Vietnamese movies directed by Tran Anh Hung. This Golden Lion winner at the Venice International Film Festival offers a stark departure from Hung’s previous work, The Scent of Green Papaya. Set against the gritty backdrop of Saigon in the early ’90s, this film delves into the seedy underbelly of urban life, portraying gangs, violence, and the struggle of the underclass.

Cyclo is another exceptional work of director Tran Anh Hung (Source: Collected)

With unflinching realism, Cyclo presents a haunting ballad of survival, revealing the unforgiving hardships of labor and the grim reality of clandestine criminal activities in Saigon. Despite its harsh portrayal, moments of poetic tenderness punctuate this fiercely innovative cinematic experience.

6. Rising Storm (1966)

Directed by Huy Thanh in 1966, Rising Storm is one of the most popular Vietnamese movies about war. It achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the esteemed Golden Lotus Award for cinema at the first Vietnam Film Festival in 1970.

Rising Storm is the first movie to be awarded the Golden Lotus Award in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

This groundbreaking film explores the complexities of the Southern population’s resistance against American forces, reflecting the tumultuous late 1960s when families were often torn apart due to differing loyalties during the war. The story primarily follows two sisters, each with opposing political beliefs, who reunite after years apart. However, their reunion is short-lived as conflicts arise. Highlighting the unwavering spirit of women in the South and the relentless struggle of the people against foreign invaders, Rising Storms is definitely a must-see for history buffs seeking a better insight into the Second Indochina War. 

7. Three Seasons (1999)

Three Seasons, a product of Tony Bui, is one of the remarkable Vietnamese movies set in Vietnam’s post-war era. This movie weaves together four compelling narratives, each portraying the life of characters from different walks of life as they grapple with a rapidly changing society.

Three Seasons is the first American film to be made in Vietnam after the embargo (Source: Collected)

From a cyclo driver’s chance encounter with a beautiful prostitute to the story of a young girl entering a lotus pond to pick flowers for a wealthy man’s funeral, the film captures the nuances of Vietnam’s transition from its war-torn past to a modernizing present. Three Seasons beautifully encapsulates the country’s cultural and social evolution while providing a poignant glimpse into the life of its diverse characters.

Three Seasons is one of the most successful movies filmed in Vietnam. It had seven wins and four nominations in international film festivals. Notably, it won the Grand Jury Prize, the Cinematography Award, and the Audience Award at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.

8. The Scent of Burning Grass (2012) – Among the best Vietnamese movies about war

The Scene of Burning Glasses is a compelling addition to the list of Vietnam war movies. In this 97-minute film by Nguyen Huu Muoi, the story unfolds around four Hanoi students who abandon their university studies to enlist in the army, ultimately finding themselves on the brutal battlefield of Quang Tri in 1971. Despite their contrasting personalities, these young soldiers share an unwavering determination to fight for the cause of national liberation.

The four main characters of The Scent of Burning Grass were named after the old names of Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital (Source: Collected)

Unlike many propaganda Vietnamese movies of the era, The Scene of Burning Glasses offers a unique perspective on the war, blending elements of romance, nationalism, and humor. While it primarily focuses on the soldiers’ personal narratives, it does not shy away from depicting the ferocity of the battlefield of Quang Tri, providing valuable insights into one of the war’s most intense fronts.

9. The Buffalo Boy (2004)

The Buffalo Boy, one of the best Vietnamese movies of the 2000s, unfolds its narrative against the backdrop of French colonial rule in Southern Vietnam during the 20th century. This captivating story follows a teenage boy who undergoes a transformative journey into manhood, when he takes the lead in guiding his family’s sole hope for survival – two water buffalo – from their flooded homeland to seek refuge on higher ground. 

The Buffalo Boy brings authentic footage of the region in the 20th century (Source: Collected)

The film masterfully combines riveting action, poignant relationships, powerful performances, and exquisite cinematography to immerse viewers in a way of life that demands exceptional courage for daily existence. Water, a constant and influential presence, plays a central role here, impacting the life of those who must rely on it for sustenance and contend with its dual nature as both nurturer and threat. The Buffalo Boy is a compelling exploration of resilience in the face of challenging historical circumstances.

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

The Abandoned Field: Free Fire Zone is a standout among top Vietnamese movies, offering a unique perspective on the Second Indochina War. Directed by a native filmmaker, this film diverges from Hollywood’s typical portrayal of the conflict. It centers on a young couple’s battle for survival in the swamps of the Mekong Delta, where they confront a hostile force determined to displace them from their home.

The Abandoned Field: Free Fire Zone offers a simple yet poetic portrait of a family living in the horror of war (Source: Collected)

This poignant story delves into the profound themes of war, family, separation, anger, and revenge, providing an intimate view of the struggles endured by Vietnamese civilians during the war. In contrast to Hollywood’s focus on the American perspective, this film offers a valuable alternative viewpoint on the war’s impact on the local population.

11. The Story of Pao (2006)

The Story of Pao is an outstanding name among psychological Vietnamese movies on Netflix. It is also one of the most opulent movies filmed in Vietnam’s mountainous region. Drawing inspiration from true stories, this movie offers a poetic yet realistic portrayal of the life and culture of the H’Mong ethnic people in Northern Vietnam.

Pao’s house is now a famous tourist attraction in Ha Giang (Source: Collected)

At its heart, the story revolves around Pao, a young H’Mong woman who grapples with the complexities of her family’s dynamics shaped by patriarchal traditions. The film beautifully encapsulates the yearning for freedom and happiness within the cultural context of this ethnic minority. Against the backdrop of the challenging mountainous terrain, it paints a vivid picture of the characters’ arduous daily struggles, providing a profound glimpse into their way of life.

12. Don’t Burn (2009) – A cinematic gem of Vietnam in the 21st century

Don’t Burn, directed and written by Dang Nhat Minh, is a remarkable name among movies about Vietnam War. Adapted from the renowned diary of the female doctor and martyr, Dang Thuy Tram, the film made waves upon its premiere.

Don’t Burn is based on the famous diary of Dang Thuy Tram – a military doctor (Source: Collected)

The film delves deeply into the inner life of Dang Thuy Tram, offering a vivid portrayal of her compassion as a female military doctor, all while highlighting the unyielding bravery of the Vietnamese youth. Moreover, Don’t Burn exemplifies the extraordinary tolerance of Vietnamese people, underscoring how love has the transformative power to mend historical wounds. This cinematic creation is both honest and straightforward, yet it carries a profound and enduring national character.

13. The Floating Lives (2010)

Among the top Vietnamese movies, The Floating Lives stands out as a captivating masterpiece. Released in 2010 and directed by Vietnamese filmmaker Nguyen Phan Quang Binh, this film is based on the award-winning and best-selling short story “Boundless Rice Field” by acclaimed Vietnamese author Nguyen Ngoc Tu. Set in the remote Mekong Delta region, it unfolds the stories of people whose lives are intimately intertwined with the unpredictability of nature.

The Floating Lives tells the lives of people in the Mekong Delta (Source: Collected)

With breathtaking cinematography, Nguyen Phan Quang Binh skillfully juxtaposed themes of cruelty and compassion, conflict and reconciliation, suffering and healing against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Mekong Delta. The Floating Lives is a poignant exploration that captures the essence of Vietnam’s cultural richness and offers a unique perspective on the life of those living in the heart of this picturesque region.

14. Once Upon A Time in Vu Dai Village (1982)

Once Upon a Time in Vu Dai Village, directed by Pham Van Khoa, has earned its esteemed place as a classic in 20th-century old Vietnamese movies. Set against the backdrop of Vu Dai Village, the film delves into the struggles of its inhabitants in the challenging landscape of 1945. With a starving old man forced to sell his beloved dog, a society’s outcast battling self-destructive tendencies, and other characters, the film portrays real agony in a fictional village. It is a nuanced work that oscillates between dark comedy and poignant tragedy, shedding light on the societal decay of that era.

Once Upon A Time in Vu Dai Village is one of the best Vietnam movies about life in the Northern countryside in the 20th century (Source: Collected)

Having delved into the world of Vietnamese cinema, it is now the perfect moment to embark on an actual journey and witness if the present-day Vietnam aligns with the Vietnam in these movies. Notably, renowned spots like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc will be a valuable addition to your Vietnam travel itinerary. 

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VinWonders Phu Quoc – the largest theme park in Vietnam

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Vietnamese cinema, with its diverse range of compelling narratives, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. From war dramas that shed light on the nation’s history to heart-warming tales of daily life, Vietnamese movies offer a unique glimpse into the country’s heritage and contemporary culture, fostering a deeper understanding through the lens of cinema.