Vietnam’s 2026 Tet Film Battle: Tran Thanh, Truong Giang Lead the Charge
The 2026 Lunar Novel Year (Tet) film season in Vietnam is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive one, with four major releases vying for box office dominance. Films from Tran Thanh, Truong Giang, Minh Beta, and Le Thanh Son are all set to premiere on February 17th, promising a diverse offering for Vietnamese moviegoers.
The Contenders
“Thỏ ơi!!” (Oh, Little Rabbit) – Tran Thanh
Tran Thanh, a consistent box office draw during Tet, returns with “Thỏ ơi!!”, a film targeting younger audiences with a blend of love, intrigue, and psychological elements.1 The film features a dynamic cast including rapper Phao, singers Lyly, Van Mai Huong, Ali Hoang Duong, and others.1 As of February 16th, “Thỏ ơi!!” led advance ticket sales with VND 11.2 billion (approximately $450,000 USD).3
“Nhà ba tôi một phòng” (My Father’s House, One Room) – Truong Giang
Truong Giang makes his debut as producer, director, and lead actor with “Nhà ba tôi một phòng.” The film explores the relationship between a father and daughter, focusing on generational differences and the importance of family.4 It currently ranks second in advance sales, with VND 3.7 billion (approximately $150,000 USD).3
“Mùi phở” (The Scent of Pho) – Minh Beta
Director Minh Beta’s debut feature, “Mùi phở,” brings together veteran artist Xuan Hinh, known as the “King of Northern Comedy,” alongside Thu Trang.2 The film explores themes of generational conflict and the clash between traditional and modern lifestyles.2 “Mùi phở” has secured VND 3.2 billion (approximately $130,000 USD) in advance sales.3
“Báu vật trời cho” (A Heavenly Treasure) – Le Thanh Son
Le Thanh Son’s “Báu vật trời cho” features Tuan Tran and Phuong Anh Dao, and is notable for being filmed in IMAX format.2 The film follows a single mother and a local fisherman, set against a backdrop of coastal scenery and action sequences.2 It currently has the lowest advance sales, with VND 1.1 billion (approximately $45,000 USD).3
Box Office Outlook
Early indicators suggest that Tran Thanh’s “Thỏ ơi!!” is the frontrunner, having already established a significant lead in pre-sales. However, the ultimate success of each film will depend on audience reception and critical reviews during the Tet holiday.1
Worth a look