The Most Popular Hollywood Movies Set in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has long captured the attention of Hollywood filmmakers, offering stunning tropical landscapes, vibrant cities, rich cultures, and historically significant locations.

From Thailand's bustling nightlife to Indonesia's picturesque islands and Vietnam's war-torn jungles, the region has served as the setting for numerous Hollywood productions that attracted audiences worldwide. Among the most successful are these 10 movies, ranked according to their reported worldwide box office gross.

Leading the list is The Hangover Part II, released in 2011 and set primarily in Thailand. The comedy follows a group of friends whose bachelor-party celebration in Bangkok leads to a series of chaotic and unexpected events.

With a worldwide gross of $586.8 million, it ranks as the highest-grossing film on the list, showcasing Thailand's appeal as a backdrop for international entertainment.

In second place is Rambo: First Blood Part II, released in 1985, with a reported worldwide gross of $300.4 million. Set in Vietnam, the action film follows John Rambo on a dangerous mission to investigate American prisoners of war. Its explosive action sequences helped establish the movie as a memorable entry in the Rambo franchise.

Crazy Rich Asians, released in 2018, ranks third with $239.3 million worldwide. Set largely in Singapore, the romantic comedy explores wealth, family expectations, and relationships through the story of a woman discovering her boyfriend's extraordinarily affluent background.

Meanwhile, Eat Pray Love earned $204.6 million after its 2010 release, bringing international audiences to Indonesia, particularly Bali, through a story of self-discovery and personal transformation.

Tropic Thunder, released in 2008, follows with $195.7 million. Although primarily a comedy about actors filming a war movie, its Southeast Asian setting evokes the region's association with Vietnam War films.

Ticket to Paradise, released in 2022, generated $168.8 million, featuring Indonesia as the destination for a romantic comedy starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

Thailand appears again in The Beach, released in 2000, which earned $144.1 million. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the film follows a young traveler searching for a hidden tropical paradise.

Vietnam features prominently in the remaining entries: Platoon earned $138 million in 1986, Good Morning, Vietnam grossed $123.9 million in 1987, and We Were Soldiers collected $114.7 million in 2002.

Together, these films demonstrate Southeast Asia's enduring presence in Hollywood cinema. Whether portraying romance, adventure, comedy, or war, the region provides compelling settings that attract filmmakers and audiences alike, strengthening its visibility in global popular culture.