In just the first four months of 2025, Vietnamese cinema has witnessed a spectacular "comeback," with a series of films reaching revenue milestones from 200 to over 300 billion VND—something that was previously considered a "distant dream".
1. From Crisis to Golden Era
The year 2023 was a bleak chapter for Vietnamese cinema, with over 30 films incurring heavy losses—many earning only tens of millions of VND before being quietly withdrawn from theaters. Even in 2024, apart from familiar names like Trấn Thành and Lý Hải, renowned producers such as Mai Thu Huyền and Xuân Lan were not spared from painful financial setbacks.
However, stepping into 2025, Vietnamese cinema has entered an unprecedented period of explosive growth. In the past, a single film reaching 100 billion VND in revenue was considered a major victory. Now, within just the first four months of the year, four films have surpassed the 200 billion mark,, one has exceeded 300 billion,and numerous others have quickly crossed the 100 billion milestone.
2. A Series of Domestic Blockbusters Set Successive Records
During the April 30th – May 1st holiday, two films “Lật mặt 8” and “Thám tử Kiên” simultaneously surpassed the 200 billion VND mark in box office revenue, an extraordinary milestone for Vietnamese cinema.
Previously, during the Lunar New Year season, Thu Trang’s Nụ Hôn Bạc Tỷ excelled with an impressive 211 billion VND , even while going head-to-head with Trấn Thành’s Bộ Tứ Báo Thủ.which continued to assert his dominance with a staggering 332 billion VND in revenue..
After these two blockbusters exited theaters, “Nhà gia tiên” by Huỳnh Lập—despite receiving mixed reviews—achieved a remarkable 242 billion VND at the box office..
"Nhà Gia Tiên reaches 242 billion VND in revenue." Photo courtesy of the film’s production team.
In addition, "Địa Đạo: Mặt Trời Trong Bóng Tối" a war film directed by Bùi Thạc Chuyên, garnered 171 billion VNDmarking the highest-grossing film of his career and the most ambitious production he has ever undertaken.
Địa Đạo hits 171 billion VND in box office earnings
3. Emerging Directors Shine, Experimental Cinema Takes the Lead
A standout trend in the current landscape is the remarkable emergence of new and unconventional directors. These fresh faces have made a powerful impact at the box office with titles such as “Đèn âm hồn” by director Hoàng Nam, which grossed 105 billion VND, and Quỷ Nhập Tràng by Pom Nguyễn, which nearly reached 150 billion VND.
Their bold choice of themes and innovative storytelling approaches have allowed them to connect with audiences and achieve success beyond expectations.
4. The Return of State-Owned Film Studios
Not only private studios, but state-owned production houses have also officially joined the box office race, bringing a fresh breeze to the Vietnamese film market.
The People's Army Cinema is preparing to unveil “Mưa đỏ”a grand war epic that recreates the historic Battle of Quảng Trị in 1972. With a significant investment, the film is expected to premiere in mid-August 2025.
“Mưa Đỏ,” a high-budget war film, promises to bring a fresh wave to the Vietnamese cinematic landscape.
The People's Public Security Cinema has recently unveiled Tử Chiến Trên Không (Sky Deathmatch),a high-stakes action project inspired by a real-life hijacking incident that occurred after 1975. The film is a collaborative production with a private studio and features a star-studded cast including Thái Hòa, and Kaity Nguyễnactors whose names are synonymous with box-office success. The project is expected to make waves in theatres nationwide.
This marks a rare but promising collaboration between state-owned and private film studios, creating works that are not only rich in artistic depth but also commercially compelling—offering audiences a cinematic experience that is both unique and captivating.
5. Conclusion
With a host of promising developments, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Vietnamese cinema—vibrant, groundbreaking, and filled with promise. From veteran filmmakers to bold new voices, and now the active participation of state-run studios, the cinematic landscape in early 2025 is more diverse, colorful, and exciting than ever before.