While comedy might reign supreme at the box office, Vietnam's film industry is telling a far richer story, one of explosive growth, diverse genres, and a resilient creative spirit powering a remarkable post-pandemic comeback.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, Vietnam's film industry produced 85 feature films, a 15% increase from 74 in 2021, driven by post-COVID recovery.
- Between 2018 and 2023, the average annual production of Vietnamese films rose from 45 to 92, reflecting infrastructure investments.
- In 2023, 62% of Vietnamese films were comedies, dominating the local production slate with 54 titles.
- Em Be Co Nguoi Yeu Em grossed VND 450 billion in 2022, Vietnam's highest-grossing film ever.
- 2023 box office total reached VND 5,200 billion, 25% up from VND 4,160 billion in 2022.
- Mai grossed VND 417 billion in 2023, second highest domestic earner.
- Vietnam had 1,200 cinema screens in urban areas by end of 2023.
- CGV Cinemas operated 78 locations with 450 screens in Vietnam as of 2023.
- Lotte Cinema expanded to 45 cinemas, 280 screens by 2022.
- Vietnam film industry employed 25,000 people directly in 2023.
- Number of registered directors: 1,200 in 2022, up 18%.
- Actors in Vietnamese films: 5,500 active in 2023.
- Vietnamese films screened at Cannes: 5 in 2023 selection.
- Export value of films: USD 15 million in 2023 to Asia markets.
- Netflix acquired 12 Vietnamese titles for global in 2023.
Vietnam's film industry is enjoying robust growth, diverse genres, and rising international success.
Box Office and Revenue
- Em Be Co Nguoi Yeu Em grossed VND 450 billion in 2022, Vietnam's highest-grossing film ever.
- 2023 box office total reached VND 5,200 billion, 25% up from VND 4,160 billion in 2022.
- Mai grossed VND 417 billion in 2023, second highest domestic earner.
- 2022's top 10 films accounted for 65% of total box office, VND 2,700 billion.
- Average ticket price in Vietnam was VND 65,000 in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
- Foreign films share of box office dropped to 38% in 2023 from 45% in 2022.
- VND 1,200 billion from horror films in 2022, led by Bac Si Tu.
- 2023 streaming revenue for Vietnamese films hit VND 850 billion, via Netflix and local platforms.
- Comedy films generated VND 1,800 billion in 2023, 35% of total box office.
- Per capita box office spend in Vietnam: VND 520,000 in 2023 for filmgoers.
- 2022 international releases earned VND 320 billion for Vietnamese films abroad.
- Merchandise tie-ins added VND 150 billion to top films' revenue in 2023.
- VND 950 billion from family films in 2022, boosted by holiday releases.
- 2023's lowest grossing wide release: VND 5 billion for indie drama.
- Ticket sales tax contributed VND 400 billion to government in 2023.
- 40% of 2023 box office from Hanoi and HCMC cinemas combined.
- Rom-coms earned VND 650 billion in 2022, popular among millennials.
- 2023 subsidies returned VND 120 billion in box office for supported films.
- Action blockbusters grossed VND 750 billion in 2023, led by imports.
- Vietnam's 2022 box office recovery: 85% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
- Streaming deals for 2023 films totaled VND 450 million per top title average.
- Horror genre ROI: 5x average in 2022, with low budgets high returns.
- 2023 provincial box office: VND 1,100 billion, 21% of national total.
- Top actress fees contributed to VND 200 billion production costs in 2023 hits.
- Vietnam cinema chains reported VND 3,800 billion revenue in 2023.
- 2022 festival circuit films earned VND 80 billion domestically post-fest.
- 2023 box office per screen average: VND 4.2 billion nationwide.
Box Office and Revenue Interpretation
Despite a blockbuster-led box office boom where a single romantic comedy can out-earn entire horror franchises, the soaring ticket prices and theater revenues suggest Vietnam's film industry, much like a determined underdog in a sports drama, is not just recovering but actively writing its own profitable, popcorn-fueled comeback story.
Cinema Infrastructure
- Vietnam had 1,200 cinema screens in urban areas by end of 2023.
- CGV Cinemas operated 78 locations with 450 screens in Vietnam as of 2023.
- Lotte Cinema expanded to 45 cinemas, 280 screens by 2022.
- BHD Star Cinemas had 35 outlets, 220 screens in 2023.
- New multiplexes added 150 screens in 2023, mostly in tier-2 cities.
- 65% of screens were digital 3D capable by end of 2022.
- Hanoi hosted 320 screens across 50 cinemas in 2023.
- HCMC had 420 screens in 85 locations by 2023.
- Provincial cinemas grew 20% to 460 screens in 2023.
- IMAX screens in Vietnam: 8 by 2023, all in major chains.
- 4DX auditoriums: 12 nationwide in 2022, popular for blockbusters.
- Average auditorium seating: 150 seats per screen in 2023.
- 2023 saw 15 new standalone cinemas in rural districts.
- Dolby Atmos installed in 250 screens by end of 2022.
- Vietnam's first drive-in cinema opened in Da Nang, 2 screens in 2023.
- Mobile cinema units reached 500 rural communes in 2022.
- 40% of screens in shopping malls as of 2023.
- Renovations upgraded 100 screens to laser projection in 2023.
- Vietnam cinema occupancy rate averaged 55% in 2023.
- Art house cinemas: 25 locations with 80 screens in 2022.
- 2023 investment in cinema infra: VND 2,500 billion.
- Da Nang: 85 screens in 18 cinemas by 2023.
- Can Tho cinemas: 45 screens, growth of 15% in 2022.
- 75% screens in private chains, 25% state-owned in 2023.
Cinema Infrastructure Interpretation
Vietnam's cinematic landscape is rapidly diversifying beyond popcorn and blockbusters, building a staggering 1,200 urban screens while thoughtfully bridging the gap with rural drive-ins, mobile units, and a burgeoning art house scene, all on a foundation of massive private investment and digital upgrades.
International Reach and Trends
- Vietnamese films screened at Cannes: 5 in 2023 selection.
- Export value of films: USD 15 million in 2023 to Asia markets.
- Netflix acquired 12 Vietnamese titles for global in 2023.
- Vietnam films at Busan Festival: 8 in 2022 competition.
- Co-production treaties signed with 7 countries by 2023.
- Overseas Vietnamese audience: 2 million viewers in 2022.
- Asian Film Awards wins by Vietnam: 3 in 2023.
- Streaming platforms global views: 50 million for VN films in 2023.
- Film exports to US: USD 3.2 million in 2022.
- Berlin Festival entries from Vietnam: 4 features in 2023.
- Southeast Asia market share: 12% for VN films in 2023.
- Oscar submissions: Vietnam entered 1 film in 2023.
- YouTube views abroad: 300 million for VN trailers in 2022.
- Partnerships with Korean studios: 10 projects in 2023.
- Venice Film Festival: 2 VN shorts screened in 2023.
- Global VOD revenue for VN films: USD 8 million in 2023.
- Toronto IFF selections: 3 VN films in 2022.
- Australia box office for VN diaspora films: AUD 2.5 million 2023.
- Sundance entries: 1 VN documentary in 2023.
- European arthouse distributors picked 6 VN films in 2022.
- Japan market screenings: 15 VN films in 2023 festivals.
- China co-productions: 3 approved in 2023.
- Locarno Festival: VN film won special mention in 2022.
- Global festival premieres: 45 for VN films in 2023.
- Thailand box office from VN imports: THB 50 million 2023.
- Emmy nominations for VN series adaptations: 2 in 2023.
- India collaborations: 2 animation co-prods launched 2023.
- Rotterdam IFF: 4 VN entries in 2023 tigers competition.
- US festival circuit attendance for VN films: 100,000 in 2022.
- Digital exports growth: 30% YoY to 2023.
- Golden Globe considerations: 1 VN film eligible in 2023.
International Reach and Trends Interpretation
Vietnam's film industry is no longer knocking politely on the world's door but has confidently walked into the room, with its projects taking a seat at prestigious festivals, striking deals on major streaming services, and charming both diaspora and international audiences, proving that its cinematic voice is both globally resonant and commercially savvy.
Production and Output
- In 2022, Vietnam's film industry produced 85 feature films, a 15% increase from 74 in 2021, driven by post-COVID recovery.
- Between 2018 and 2023, the average annual production of Vietnamese films rose from 45 to 92, reflecting infrastructure investments.
- In 2023, 62% of Vietnamese films were comedies, dominating the local production slate with 54 titles.
- Vietnam released 28 animated films in 2022, up 25% from the previous year, boosted by family-oriented content.
- From 2015 to 2022, horror genre films in Vietnam increased by 40%, with 22 releases in 2022 alone.
- In 2021, independent productions accounted for 35% of Vietnam's 74 total films, totaling 26 films.
- Vietnamese film studios produced 15 international co-productions in 2023, partnering mainly with South Korea and Thailand.
- The number of documentaries produced in Vietnam reached 42 in 2022, focusing on historical and cultural themes.
- In 2020, despite pandemic, Vietnam produced 38 short films qualifying for festivals, a resilient output.
- Romantic dramas made up 28% of 2023's 92 films, with 26 releases targeting urban youth audiences.
- Vietnam's state-owned studios contributed 22 films in 2022, 26% of total production.
- From 2019-2023, action films production doubled to 18 titles annually by 2023.
- In 2023, 17 sci-fi and fantasy films were produced, a new emerging genre in Vietnam.
- Biographical films numbered 12 in 2022, highlighting national heroes and leaders.
- Vietnam produced 9 war-themed films in 2023, commemorating historical events.
- Children's films reached 14 productions in 2022, supported by government subsidies.
- In 2021, musical films totaled 8, blending traditional folk with modern pop.
- Experimental films produced: 5 in 2023, showcased at local art houses.
- Vietnam's film production budget averaged VND 20 billion per feature in 2022.
- 2023 saw 31 films shot entirely on digital 4K, up from 19 in 2022.
- Co-productions with France numbered 4 in 2022, enhancing technical quality.
- Vietnam produced 25 TV movies in 2023, bridging cinema and television.
- In 2022, 40% of films used local VFX studios, totaling 34 projects.
- Historical epics: 11 films in 2023, with lavish sets and costumes.
- Vietnam's film schools graduated 450 students in 2022, fueling production.
- 2023 production included 7 LGBTQ+ themed films, gaining festival attention.
- Sports dramas: 6 films produced in 2022, inspired by national athletes.
- In 2021, rural-themed films numbered 16, promoting countryside stories.
- Vietnam's 2023 slate had 92 films, with 55% by private studios.
- 2022 saw 23 films with female directors, up 30% from 2021.
Production and Output Interpretation
Vietnam’s film industry is booming with patriotic epics, family comedies, and existential horrors, proving that whether the story is about heroes, hauntings, or a first kiss, the audience just wants to be thoroughly entertained.
Talent and Employment
- Vietnam film industry employed 25,000 people directly in 2023.
- Number of registered directors: 1,200 in 2022, up 18%.
- Actors in Vietnamese films: 5,500 active in 2023.
- Film crew per production averaged 120 members in 2022.
- Women in key roles: 28% directors, 42% producers in 2023.
- VFX artists: 2,800 employed in 2023, growth from 1,500 in 2020.
- Cinematographers certified: 450 by national academy in 2022.
- Screenwriters guild members: 900 in 2023.
- Film editors trained annually: 350 graduates in 2022.
- Top actors' average salary: VND 500 million per film in 2023.
- Internships in industry: 1,200 slots filled in 2023.
- Music composers for films: 650 active in 2022.
- Production designers: 400 professionals in 2023.
- Stunt coordinators trained: 250 since 2020 program launch.
- Voice actors for animation: 300 employed in 2022.
- Festival programmers: 120 nationwide in 2023.
- Marketing specialists in film: 800 jobs created in 2023.
- Foreign talent visas issued: 450 for film work in 2022.
- Youth under 30 in crews: 55% in 2023 productions.
- Unionized workers: 12,000 in film trade unions by 2023.
- Film professors: 180 at universities in 2022.
- Location scouts: 200 registered professionals in 2023.
- Costume designers guild: 350 members active in 2022.
- Sound engineers certified: 280 in 2023.
- Child actors registered: 1,500 under welfare programs in 2022.
Talent and Employment Interpretation
With a cast of thousands, a growing roster of creative talent, and a production line bustling with more crew members than a small town, Vietnam's film industry is clearly hitting its stride, yet it still has a leading role to write for women behind the camera.
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