Presented are torque converters (TC) with planetary-type vibration dampers, methods for making/using such TC assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such TC assemblies. A TC assembly includes a TC housing drivingly connected to a prime mover to receive torque therefrom, and a TC output member drivingly connected to a transmission to transfer torque thereto. Rotatably mounted within an internal fluid chamber of the TC housing are juxtaposed turbine and impeller blades. The impeller blades are rotatably mounted to the housing. A TC clutch is operable to lock the TC housing to the TC output member. A torsional vibration damper, which is disposed within the internal fluid chamber, includes a sun gear attached to the TC output member for unitary rotation, a ring gear attached to the TC clutch for unitary rotation, and a planet carrier intermeshed with the ring and sun gears and attached to the turbine blades for unitary rotation.