If you are looking to dive into the world of Kerala’s storytelling, here is a curated guide to the best of Malayalam movies across various genres and eras. The Modern Masterpieces (2010–Present)
Aishwarya Vashist 0:59 Show all Kumbalangi Nights (2019): A visually stunning and emotionally resonant drama centered on four brothers and their dysfunctional home. It is widely considered one of the greatest Malayalam films for its nuanced portrayal of masculinity and relationships. Drishyam 1 & 2 (2013, 2021): A global benchmark for thrillers. Mohanlal stars as Georgekutty, a man who goes to extreme lengths to protect his family after an accidental crime. Both films are praised for their tight screenplays and gripping tension. The Great Indian Kitchen (2021): A powerful, minimalist critique of patriarchal traditions within the household. It sparked nationwide conversations for its bold and realistic storytelling. Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020): A perfect commercial entertainer that explores a fierce ego clash between a retired army officer and a police sub-inspector. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025): A historic milestone, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever and the first to cross the ₹300 crore mark globally. Show more The Timeless Classics (1980s – 1990s) This era is often called the "Golden Age" of Malayalam cinema, defined by the legendary performances of Mohanlal and Mammootty and the visionary direction of Padmarajan and Bharathan. Manichitrathazhu (1993): The GOAT (Greatest of All Time) psychological thriller. It masterfully blends horror, comedy, and classical music while featuring Shobana’s National Award-winning performance. Kireedam (1989): A heartbreaking tragedy about a young man whose dreams of becoming a police officer are shattered by a single, involuntary act of violence. Sandesham (1991): A sharp political satire that remains relevant today, humorously depicting the absurdity of blind political devotion within a family. Thoovanathumbikal (1987): A cult classic romance by Padmarajan, famous for its atmospheric rain sequences and the complex love triangle at its core. Chemmeen (1965): One of Mollywood's earliest international successes, this evergreen love story is celebrated for its cinematography and legendary soundtrack. Show more Quick Recommendations by Genre Genre Top Picks Thriller Memories , Mumbai Police , Anjaam Pathira , Kishkindha Kaandam Feel-Good Bangalore Days , Premam , Ustad Hotel , Charlie Artistic/Indie Jallikattu , Ee.Ma.Yau , Mathilukal , Vidheyan Recent Hits (2024-25) Manjummel Boys , Aavesham , Thudarum , Ponman Malayalam cinema continues to push boundaries, often proving that "great ideas, emotions, and intent" can outweigh big budgets. From the folklore-inspired surrealism of early eras to the high-stakes survival thrillers of today, these films offer a gateway into one of the most vibrant film cultures in the world. Which best of malayalam movies
Sandesham (1991)A biting political satire that remains relevant even decades later. It humorously explores how blind political ideologies can tear a family apart, featuring iconic dialogues that are still part of daily Malayali conversations. Genre-Defining Thrillers If you are looking to dive into the