HCM City (VNA) - Vietnam’s film industry is making remarkable strides, with a series of productions surpassing the 100-billion-VND (3.8-million-USD) box office mark, reflecting the rising appeal of domestic films among audiences.
Historical and political movies take the spotlight
According to Box Office statistics, six Vietnamese films surpassed the 100-billion-VND mark in the first nine months of 2025, spanning genres from comedy and romance to horror, action, and drama. Titles such as “Chi dau” (Sister-in-Law), “ Bo tu bao thu” (The Four Rascals), “Nu hon bac ty” (Money Kisses), “Den am hon” (The Soul Lantern), “Nha gia tien” (The Ancestral Home), and “Quy nhap trang” (The Corpse) all achieved impressive revenues ranging from 150 to over 300 billion VND. Notably, The Four Rascals grossed over 330 billion VND.
In the past, a Vietnamese film earning 100 billion VND was considered a rare achievement. Today, that milestone has become an attainable goal for many filmmakers. Stronger investments in storytelling, production design, visual effects, and marketing have helped local films reach wider audiences. This also signals a more competitive era for Vietnam’s film industry, where viewers are increasingly willing to pay for high-quality cinematic experiences.
Amid this vibrant landscape, “Mua do” (Red Rain) and “Tu chien tren khong” (Death Battle in the Air) have emerged as box-office sensations. Both tackle unconventional themes once thought too challenging for mass audiences, yet managed to create a nationwide buzz upon release.
Red Rain, directed by Dang Thai Huyen, is inspired by the 81-day battle to defend the Quang Tri Citadel in 1972. It grossed over 100 billion VND within just three days of release and hit 200 billion VND after one week. To date, it has earned nearly 700 billion VND, a record-breaking achievement for Vietnamese cinema. The film’s success opens a new path for the film industry to explore war and historical themes, long been considered challenging to attract audiences.
Large film studios with elaborate props and effects of “Mua do” (Red Rain) (Photo: VNA)
Film critic Le Hong Lam notes that Vietnamese audiences now attend the cinema for more than just entertainment; they seek films that possess depth and reflect the history and society. Therefore, with proper investment, historical, war, and political films can absolutely win over mainstream audiences.
Positioning Vietnamese cinema
The growing number of 100-billion-VND blockbusters not only boosts the film industry’s economic performance but also strengthens the brand of Vietnamese cinema in the regional market. However, experts note that sustaining this momentum will require filmmakers to overcome challenges ahead.
Director Bui Trung Hai emphasised that strong storytelling and creativity are crucial for a film's enduring success. While aggressive marketing can enhance box-office sales, he pointed out that for a film to genuinely resonate with audiences and stand the test of time, it needs a well-crafted script, distinctive characters, and a clear humanistic message.
Director Victor Vu said Vietnamese cinema should boldly diversify its themes, noting that a wider range of genres not only appeals to different audience groups but also allows filmmakers to express their creativity, expand the market, and strengthen international integration.
He emphasised the importance of long-term investment in training filmmakers and developing talent, including skills in screenwriting, directing, visual effects, and communications teams, to ensure that every film project is well-prepared and professionally carried out.
With its current momentum, Vietnamese cinema has every reason to look forward to a strong future, where domestic films not only captivate local audiences but also gradually establish their place on the regional and global cinematic map, said insiders./.
