23 Best Malayalam Movies That Are A Must Watch

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Over the past years, the Malayalam movie industry has been growing exponentially. There are some top-rated Malayalam movies that everyone should watch. If you are a fan of Mollywood, we are sure you will love our list of the best Malayalam movies to watch. Malayalam movies are famous for their practical and natural storytelling. The movies have strong narratives and character development. Malayalam films explore socio-political themes in a subtle way.

These filmmakers and movies have significantly shaped the Malayalam film industry and have left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. All the movies mentioned in the “Best Malayalam Movies” list have a good rating and are entertaining. We have created the list taking into account the reviews of critics and the audience as well.

You can find some of the notable films easily on OTT platforms to watch from the comfort of your home.

Here is a list of the top Malayalam movies that you shouldn’t miss out on:

Highest-Grossing Malayalam Films

1. Manjummel Boys (2024)

Director: Chidambaram

Notable Cast: Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi.

It is a 2024 survival thriller based on a real incident. The plot revolves around a group of ten friends known as Manjummel Boys who go for an adventure trip in Kodaikanal. On their way back, one of them recommend the Guna Caves where the famous Kamal Hassan movie Guna was shot.

They overlook the fact that it is a restricted area and ignore the warning signs. Things take a turn when a friend Subhash falls into a hole whose depth cannot be measured. The other friends try their best to get him out but the locals mention that the hole is a devil’s kitchen and till date no one has come out alive. It is one of the must-watch Malayalam films.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Genre: Thriller/Drama

Watch it on Disney+Hotstar

Box office collection of Manjummel Boys: ₹242 crores worldwide

2. 2018 (2023)

Director: Jude Anthany Joseph

Notable Cast: Tovino Thomas, Vineeth Sreenivasan, and Aparna Balamurali

This film is based on the 2018 Kerala floods. The plot brings together People from different backgrounds residing in Kerala when the flood hits leading to catastrophic events. Their individual lives collide when nonstop rains arrive in the city leading to floods. The individuals help each other and in the rescue of the stranded people.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Genre: Thriller/Action

Watch it on SonyLiv

Box office collection of 2018: ₹176 crores worldwide

3. Drishyam (2013)

Director: Jeethu Joseph

Notable Cast: Mohanlal, Ansiba Hassan, Meena, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Siddique, and Neeraj Madhav

This film deserves a place on the list of the best Malayalam movies. It is about the bonding of a family during difficult times. Drishyam is a thriller that swings between truth and lies. The plot is gripping and entertaining which will hold your attention till the end.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Genre: Thriller/Crime

Watch it on Hotstar, YouTube

Box office collection of Drishyam: ₹107.87 crores worldwide and ₹67.13 crores in India

4. Drishyam 2 (2021)

Director: Abhishek Pathak

Notable Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Akshaye Khanna, Shriya Saran, Mrunal Jadhav, and Rajat Kapoor

It is a continuation of Drishyam and presents the story of George Kutty who does everything he can to protect his family from the investigation. We recommend this as it is among the best Malayalam movies of all time.

If you have loved Drishyam, you will love this one too. The sequel did not disappoint and lived up to its expectations. It is directed and written by Jeethu Joseph. The cast includes Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Saikumar, and many more.

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Genre: Thriller/Crime

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

Box office collection of Drishyam 2: ₹345 crore worldwide

5. Sudani from Nigeria (2018)

Director: Zakariya Mohammed

Notable Cast: Soubin Shahir, Savithri Sreedharan, Samuel Abiola Robinson, Sarasa Balussery

This is a sports-based drama Malayalam movie directed by Zakariya Mohammed. Sameer Thahir and Shyju Khalid produced the film. The main cast is Majeed, who was played by Soubin Shahir, others include Samuel Abiola Robinson cast as a football player hailing from Nigeria.

The movie is set in a rural area of Malappuram, Kerela. The story revolves around these two people who get connected because of their passion for football.

At the 2018 National Film Awards, it won another award for being the Best Feature Film in Malayalam. Listed among the best Malayalam movies, this is one of the must-watch Malayalam films

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Genre: Comedy/Sport

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

Box office collection of Sudani from Nigeria: ₹200 crores

6. Premam (2015)

Director: Alphonse Puthren

Notable Cast: Sai Pallavi, Nivin Pauly, Madonna Sebastian, Shabareesh Varma, S.V. Krishna Shankar, and Anupama Parameswaran

If you are looking for a romantic comedy this one will be a perfect pick for you! It has been written and directed by Alphonse Puthren. The story revolves around two characters – George David and Malar.

Sai Pallavi is the lead female and has won Best Female Debut for her role in this movie. The film is a love story between George and his lecturer, Malar. It is listed as one of the best Malayalam movies on Hotstar.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Watch it on Hotstar

Box office collection of Premam: ₹73 crores

7. Operation Java (2021)

Director: Tharun Moorthy

Notable Cast: Balu Varghese, Lukman, Shine Tom Chacko, and Vinayakan

The story revolves around a cyber cell police station in Kochi. This is among the latest Malayalam movies that showcase some real-life cases that were undertaken by the cyber cell. Cases like piracy, fraud, murder, etc., are shown in the movie.

It involves two skilled engineering graduates who help the cyber cell in solving many cases.

Operation Java is directed and written by Tharun Moorthy, the cast comprises Mamitha Baiju, Balu Varghese, Irshad, Lukman Avaran, and many more. This movie is one of the best Malayalam movies on Netflix.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Genre: Thriller/Crime

Watch it on Zee5

Box office collection of Operation Java: ₹ 74.27 Crores

Best Malayalam Movies on OTT Platforms

8. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

Director: Madhu C. Narayanan

Notable Cast: Soubin Shahir, Fahadh Faasil, Shane Nigam, and Sreenath Bhasi

The film is all about siblings who share a love-hate relationship with each other. The relationship between the four brothers progresses to a different level when Saji, Boney, and Franky choose to help Bobby stand by his love. It is one of the best Malayalam movies in Amazon Prime.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Genre: Romance/Drama

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

Box office collection of Kumbalangi Nights: ₹39 crore worldwide

9. Jana Gana Mana (2022)

Director: Dijo Jose Antony

Notable Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Aravind Swaminathan, Sajjan Kumar, and Mamta Mohandas

It is among the best Malayalam movies 2022, if you like thrillers you should try this one.  Directed by Dijo Jose Antony and written by Sharis Mohammed, this one has political drama.

The story revolves around student unrest in college students due to the brutal murder of a professor. The movie received positive reviews and the performances of the cast were greatly appreciated.

The main of the movie include Prithviraj Sukumaran, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Pasupathi Raj, G.M. Sundar, and many more. It is one of the best Malayalam movies on Netflix.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Genre: Thriller/Crime

Watch it on Netflix

Box office collection of Jana Gana Mana: ₹31.20 Crores

10. Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020)

Director: Sachy

Notable Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran and Biju Menon

If you are into action films, you should definitely watch this movie. Directed and written by Sachy, this Malayalam film revolves around the two leading characters having a conflict.

The dispute arises when Koshy Kurien, carries alcohol in his car, unaware of the rules, and Ayyappan Nair arrests him. But Ayyappan gets arrested as he gets framed by a recorded video.

The cast of this best Malayalam movie consists of Prithviraj Sukumaran and Biju Menon playing SI Ayyappan Nair.

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Genre: Action/Crime

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

Box office collection of Ayyappanum Koshiyum: ₹43 Crores

11. Take Off (2017)

Director: Mahesh Narayanan

Notable Cast: Parvathy Thiruvothu, Fahadh Faasil, Sameera Manoj Abraham, Kunchacko Boban, Shaheed, and Prakash Belawadi

The story revolves around a nurse Sameera, who decides to transfer to Iraq to get a better salary. 19 other nurses from the same hospital moved to Iraq along with her and all of them join an Iraqi Government Hospital, Tikrit Teaching College.

They have to face Iraq riots and conflicts rising on a daily basis. The city of Tikrit falls into the hands of the ISIS terrorists. The movie showcases the struggles faced by the captured nurses.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Genre: Thriller/Drama

Watch it on Disney+ Hotstar

Box office collection of Take Off: ₹25 Crores

12. Nayattu (2021)

Director: Martin Prakkat

Notable Cast: Kunchako Boban, Joju George, and Nimisha Sajayan

This movie received immense praise for its plot, direction, and acting. It was shortlisted as India’s selection for the title of Best International Film at the 94^th Academy Awards.

Almost everyone who watched the film called it influential, we would recommend this movie as it is a must-watch.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Genre: Thriller

Watch it on Netflix

13. The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)

Director: Jeo Baby

Notable Cast: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Nimisha Sajayan, Ajitha V.M., Anupama V.P., T. Suresh Babu, M.V. Suresh Babu, and Nishitha Kallingal

Written and directed by Jeo Baby. The leads of the film are Suraj Venjaramoodu playing the husband and Nimisha Sajayan playing the roles of the wife, who is also a dancer.

The story revolves around a woman’s struggles in the family where she is supposed to be a submissive woman. The movie displays numerous challenges that prevent a woman from pursuing her dream as a dancer.

She finally breaks free for the sake of her freedom and her dreams. This film received critical acclaim and won awards like the Kerela State Film Award for Best Film, Best Sound Designer, and Best Screenplay.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Genre: Drama/Comedy

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

14. Ellam Sheriyakum (2021)

Director: Jibu Jacob

Notable Cast: Rajisha Vijayan, Asif Ali, and Siddique, etc.

The movie involves politics and follows the problem between two political parties. The story becomes intense when Ancy marries a man from the opposing political party. Her father’s aspiration to become a chief minister gets shattered.

IMDb rating: 6.2/10

Genre: Drama

Watch it on Zee5

Box office collection of Ellam Sheriyakum: ₹2.45 crores

15. Ee. Ma. Yau (2018)

Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery

Notable Cast: Vinayakan, Pauly Valsan, Chemban Vinod Jose, Dileesh Pothan, Bitto Davis, Kainakary Thankaraj, and Arya Salim

Ee. Ma. Yau is among the best Malayalam movies written by P. F. Mathews and directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. The cast comprises of Kainakary Thankaraj, Chemban Vinod Jose, Vinakayan, Dileesh Pothan, and Arya Salim as Elisabeth.

The movie is based in a coastal village, Chellanam, Kochi, and follows the story of the demise and the funeral of an older adult belonging to the Latin Catholic Community, named Valiyathuparambil Vavachan Mesthiri.

The film won the Best Director Award at the 48th Kerela State Film Awards and 49th International Film Festival of India, and the Best Actor Award for Chembon Vinod.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Genre: Drama

Watch it on Prime Video

16. HOME (2021)

Director: Rojin Thomas

Notable Cast: Indrans, Naslen K. Gafoor, Sreenath Bhasi, Deepa Thomas, Johny Antony, and Manju Pillai

A Malayalam drama film revolves around a regular middle-class family. This is a “family-friendly” movie that can be enjoyed by anyone in the family. This is one of the best Malayalam movies on Amazon Prime.

This is about an old father, Oliver Twist, a technologically challenged man. His sons, on the other hand, are tech geeks and are updated about all the latest technologies.

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Genre: Drama/Comedy

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

17. Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016)

Director: Dileesh Pothan

Notable Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Aparna Balamurali, Jimsy, Soubin Shahir, Alencier Ley Lopez, Crispin

This Malayalam movie received a very good response from critics. This movie has good humor and is considered one of the best comedy Malayalam movies. The screenplay, cinematography, and performances were also top-notch.

The story of the movie revolves around a photographer, Mahesh who is trying to sort out a conflict between a few youngsters and his friend. The story follows his revenge plot for the humiliation he has faced.

It won several awards like Best Original Screenplay and Best Feature Film Malayalam at the 64th National Film Awards and also won two more awards during the 47th Kerela State Film Awards.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Genre: Thriller/Romance

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

Box office collection of Maheshinte Prathikaaram: ₹17.86 crores

18. Vellam, The Essential Drink (2021)

Murali is an alcoholic and ignores the people around him who struggle due to his condition. The young man mostly sleeps on the streets. He is supposed to have a happy life with his parents, wife, and child but his unhealthy addiction prevents him from it. How long will people who care for him tolerate this? The cast includes Jayasurya and Samyuktha Menon.

Director: Prajesh Sen

Notable Cast: Samyuktha Menon, Indrans, Sunitha, Chandran, Johny Antony, Sreelakshmi, Ammavan, etc.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Genre: Drama

Watch it on YouTube

Classic Malayalam Movies

19. Irakal (1985)

Director: K. G. George

Notable Cast: K. B. Ganesh Kumar, Thilakan, P. C. George (actor), Sukumaran, and Srividya

‘Irakal’ is one of the best works of K.G George. It is considered the first dark movie in Malayalam that explores the psychology of violence. The country’s political conditions have been depicted during that time, including The Emergency.

In the film, Thilakan and Ganesh respectively represented Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi, though it has not been revealed directly. Considered one of the best Malayalam movies of all time, this movie has won many awards.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Genre: Psychological thriller/World cinema

Watch it on YouTube

20. Piravi (1989)

Director: Shaji N. Karun

Notable Cast: Premji, Lakshmi Krishnamurthy, Archana, V.K. Sriraman, Gopalakrishnan, Rahul Lakshman, Mullanezhi, etc.

Piravi is indeed one of the best Malayalam movies of all time because it not only won the National Award for Best Feature Film but also won several awards at prestigious international film festivals like the Camera d’Or at Cannes.

The movie is based on the life of Professor T. V. Eachara Warrier, whose son was killed in police custody during the National Emergency Period of 1976. He was a student at Regional Engineering College, Calicut.

Premji played the father brilliantly portrayed the endless grief of a father waiting for his son to return. He also won the National Award for Best Actor.

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Genre: Drama

Watch it on YouTube

Watch the trailer here.

21. Vidheyan (1994)

Director: Adoor Gopalakrishnan

Notable Cast: Mammootty, Bhaskar Patelar, M.R. Gopakumar, Thommi, Tanvi Azmi, Sabitha Anand, etc.

This Malayalam movie is a cinematic adaptation of the novel Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum by Malayalam writer Paul Zacharia. Vidheyan is a brilliant psychology study of the master-slave relationship in a South Karnataka location.

The master is played by Mammootty and the slave is portrayed by M. R. Gopakumar. The terrific performances of the actors are something to look out for.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Genre: Drama

Watch it on YouTube

22. Thaniyavarthanam (1987)

Director: Sibi Malayil

Notable Cast: Mammootty, Balan Maruthempilly, Bobby Kottarakkara, Asha Jayaram, Kothuku Nanappan, etc.

A must-watch among the best old Malayalam movies. The film covers a variety of topics such as superstition and orthodoxy in rural Kerala, mental illness, the difference in point of view between people of different generations, and the drop of “joint families”.

The movie also displays the life of people in a “matriarchal” society. The cast includes Mammootty and Mohanlal. Mohanlal’s performance in the film is on its list of “25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema.

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Genre: Drama

Watch it on YouTube

23. Roudram 2018 (2019)

Director: Jayaraj

Notable Cast: Renji Panicker, K.P.A.C. Leelamani, and Marykutty

Roudram 2018 is a grueling account of the devastating Kerala floods of 2018 narrated from the perspective of an elderly couple. The main cast includes Ranji Panikker and KPAC Leela.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Genre: Drama

Watch it on YouTube

Take a look at some of the notable Malayalam filmmakers and their landmark movies:

• J. C. Daniel – Vigathakumaran (1928)

J.C. Daniel directed the first Malayalam feature film and is considered the father of Malayalam cinema.

• Ramu Kariat – Chemmeen (1965)

Chemmeen is the first South Indian film to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

• G. Aravindan – Kanchana Sita (1977)

Known for his experimental and artistic approach, G. Aravindan’s films often explored mythology and folklore.

• Lohithadas – Bharatham (1991)

Lohithadas’s Malayalam movies often portray the life battles of the common man.

• Padmarajan – Thoovanathumbikal (1987)

Padmarajan’s films are deemed classics in Malayalam cinema because of his unique poetic and romantic storytelling.

• Priyadarshan – Kilukkam (1991)

Priyadarshan is popular for making several blockbuster films in Malayalam of the genre of comedy and commercial cinema.

• P. Bhaskaran and Ramu Kariat – Neelakkuyil (1954)

It is one of the first Malayalam films to win the President’s Silver Medal and receive national recognition, winning the President’s Silver Medal.

• Jeethu Joseph – Drishyam (2013)

This popular thriller movie was a masterpiece remade in Malayalam and multiple other languages and was lauded for its intense storytelling.

Conclusion:

Malayalam cinema has a rich history and it is being accepted and loved globally. It is one of the most popular film industries in the South Indian Cinema. If you are a Mollywood lover or are new to Mollywood, these films offer a perfect introduction to the charm and depth of Malayalam cinema.

We hope you will find our list of the best Malayalam movies useful. We have tried our best to curate the best ones for you so that you can enjoy them with your friends and family.