Vietnamese movies have garnered international attention for their compelling storytelling, rich cultural themes, and emotional depth. Netflix has become a platform for showcasing some of the best cinematic offerings from Vietnam, offering a diverse range of genres from heartwarming romances to intense action thrillers. In this guide, we explore a selection of Vietnamese movies available on Netflix, each with its unique storyline, memorable characters, and profound messages. Whether you’re a fan of family dramas, historical tales, or powerful action sequences, these films provide an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese life and culture.

Main Casts:           Lanh Thanh, Vo Dien Gia Huy, Hong Dao

Director: Trinh Dinh Le Minh

Writer: Nhi Bui

Date of Release: 2019

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: “Goodbye Mother” is a 2019 Vietnamese socio-psychological film by Trịnh Đình Lê Minh, exploring LGBT themes and the challenges faced by a young man and his same-sex partner when they visit his family in rural Vietnam after living in the US.

Trivia: The film is one of the rare Vietnamese works on Netflix that tackles LGBTQ+ themes.

Main Cast: Veronica Ngo, Đồng Ánh Quỳnh, Tóc Tiên

Director: Veronica Ngo

Writer: Nha Uyen Ly Nguyen, Veronica Ngo, Nguyen Truong

Date of Release: March 23, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Drama, Crime

Synopsis: Bi grows up with her mother, Lai, who is killed while protecting her from a rapist. Homeless, Bi flees to Ho Chi Minh City, surviving on the streets until she joins “Wild Daisies,” a vigilante group fighting sex traffickers. Betrayed by their leader, Lin, Bi kills her but is imprisoned for 15 years. Upon release, she adopts the name Thanh Sói, marking her transformation.

Main Casts: Trúc Anh, Tran Nghia, Tran Phong, Khanh Van

Director: Victor Vu

Writer: Trieu Hoang My, Kay Nguyen, Victor Vu

Date of Release: 2019

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: A young woman struggles to choose between love and career after reconnecting with her childhood sweetheart. As her feelings deepen, she faces societal pressures and family expectations, leading her to question the path her life should take. The film delicately handles themes of love, dreams, and the pursuit of personal happiness against cultural constraints.

Trivia: “Dreamy Eyes” is praised for its lush cinematography and portrayal of youthful love in modern Vietnam.

Main Casts: Trấn Thành, Ngọc Giàu, Tuần Trần

Director: Trấn Thành, Vũ Ngọc Đãng

Writer: Trấn Thành, Kalei An Nhi, A Quay

Date of Release: March 12, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Family, Drama

Synopsis: This drama focuses on a father’s relationship with his son, filled with love, regret, and the impact of their past. After years of separation, the son returns, and the father struggles with his emotions, attempting to reconcile his past mistakes while teaching his son important life lessons. The drama showcases the complexity of familial relationships and the challenges of forgiveness.

Trivia: “Dad, I’m Sorry” was well-received for its portrayal of generational differences in Vietnamese families. It was selected as the Vietnamese entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

Main Casts: Hoang Dung, Khanh Le, Kaity Nguyen

Director: Nam Cito, Bao Nhan

Writer: N/A

Date of Release: February 12, 2021

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Family, Drama

Synopsis: “Camellia Sisters” follows the intertwined lives of three sisters who experience love, betrayal, and ambition. Set against the backdrop of the changing social landscape of Vietnam, the show delves into the complexities of sisterhood, the bond between family members, and the societal pressure placed on women. The drama explores both personal and professional struggles as the sisters navigate through life’s challenges.

Main Casts: Ngô Kiến Huy, Miu Lê, Jun Phạm, Hoàng Yến Chibi and Lê Hạ Anh

Director: Phan Gia Nhat Linh

Writer: Nguyen Nhat Anh

Date of Release: July 21, 2017

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: This romantic drama follows the relationship between a young girl and her school crush. As they grow up, they face societal pressures, personal aspirations, and family expectations, which complicate their relationship. The film is a reflection on love, loss, and the passage of time, offering a nostalgic look at growing up and young love.

Trivia: The film is based on the best-selling novel  The Girl from Yesterday by Nguyen Nhat Anh.

Main Casts: Veronica Ngo, Cát Vy, Phan Thanh Nhiên, Phạm Anh Khoa, Trần Thanh Hoa

Director: Le-Van Kiet

Writer: A Type Machine screenwriting team

Date of Release: February 22, 2019

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Action, Drama

Synopsis: Hai Phuong is a tough single mother who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her daughter after she is kidnapped. Along the way, Hai Phuong battles with dangerous enemies, putting her life on the line for her daughter. The action-packed narrative is underscored by emotional moments that emphasize the bond between mother and child.

Trivia: “Hai Phuong” was a commercial success in Vietnam and internationally, particularly praised for Ngo Thanh Van’s incredible action sequences. It was selected as the Vietnamese entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.

Main Casts:           Đoan Trang, Lap Huynh, Huy Khanh

Director: Minh Thang Ly

Writer: Do Minh Hoang Vo

Date of Release: October 7, 2016

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Set in Ho Chi Minh City, this drama tells the story of several interconnected characters whose lives and fates are shaped by love, ambition, and hardship. The film paints a picture of modern-day Saigon, exploring the emotional and personal struggles of its residents. Themes of identity, belonging, and family weave through this emotional narrative.

Main Cast: Rachael Leigh Cook, Scott Ly, Missi Pyle

Director: Steven K. Tsuchida

Writer: Eirene Tran Donohue

Date of Release: April 21, 2023

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis: An American woman embarks on a solo trip to Vietnam following a breakup. Immersing herself in the vibrant culture, she encounters Sinh, a local guide, leading to unexpected adventures and a new perspective on life and love.

Main Casts:           Trương Ngọc Ánh, Nguyễn Quốc Khánh

Director: Luu Huynh

Writer: Luu Huynh

Date of Release: October 13, 2006

Network/Streamer: Netflix

Genre: Historical Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Set during the French colonial period in Vietnam, “The White Silk Dress” follows a young woman whose life is marked by loss and betrayal. After enduring hardships, she finds herself in a tragic love triangle, caught between duty and personal desires. The film blends romance with Vietnam’s colonial history, offering a poignant view of societal roles and sacrifices.

Trivia: The film received multiple awards, including Best Picture at the Vietnam Film Festival.

From heartfelt family sagas to gripping action-packed adventures, Vietnamese movies on Netflix offer something for everyone. These not only entertain but also provide an insightful look into Vietnam’s rich heritage, emotions, and modern challenges. If you’re looking to broaden your watchlist with meaningful stories that go beyond the ordinary, these movies are an excellent starting point. So, grab your popcorn, relax, and dive into the world of Vietnamese cinema and drama that will leave you moved and inspired.