When it comes to storytelling with heart, no one does it better than Malayalam cinema. From touching family dramas to spine-tingling thrillers, these masterpieces prove that emotion, simplicity, and creativity can outshine even the biggest blockbusters. So, grab your snacks, get comfy, and let’s explore 15 of the best Malayalam movies you must watch at least once in your life!
Best Malayalam Movies of All Time You Simply Can’t Miss
1. #Home (2021)
Home stars Indrans as Oliver Twist, a caring 60-year-old father trying to learn technology to connect with his sons. Amid family challenges and his son Anthony’s creative struggles, the story explores their bonds and the comfort of home. With heartfelt simplicity and emotional honesty, it stands tall as one of the best Malayalam movies about family and belonging.
IMDb: 8.7 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
2. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Starring Fahadh Faasil, Shane Nigam, and Soubin Shahir, this heartwarming film beautifully captures the chaos and charm of sibling relationships. Saji, Bonny, Bobby, and Franky may constantly clash, but when life throws challenges their way, they rediscover what truly binds them – love, loyalty, and family. With its raw emotions, slice-of-life realism, and soulful storytelling, this gem remains one of the most cherished Malayalam movies of all time.
IMDb: 8.5 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
3. Drishyam & Drishyam 2 (2013 / 2022)
Starring Mohanlal and Meena, the Drishyam films follow Vijay Salgaonkar, a self-made Goan businessman and devoted family man who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his loved ones after a tragic event. The sequel takes the suspense and emotion to even greater depths. With its perfect blend of mystery, tension, and humanity, Drishyam remains a landmark in Indian cinema.
IMDb: 8.4 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
4. 2018 (2023)
Starring Tovino Thomas and Kunchacko Boban, 2018 tells the powerful story of ordinary people becoming heroes during Kerala’s devastating floods. Ex-soldier Anoop, teacher Manju, and truck driver Sethupathi are among the many whose lives intertwine in this emotional tale of courage, resilience, and hope. A deeply moving film that captures the spirit of humanity in crisis.
IMDb: 8.3 | Where to Watch: Sony LIV
5. Premam (2015)
Starring Nivin Pauly and Sai Pallavi, Premam follows George David’s journey through love and heartbreak, beginning as a 16-year-old boy in 2000. George falls for Mary, the village beauty, but faces challenges winning her heart. With dreamy visuals, soulful music, and a nostalgic tone, it remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most loved romantic films.
IMDb: 8.3 | Where to Watch: Amazon Mini TV
6. Manjummel Boys (2024)
Inspired by a true story, Manjummel Boys follows ten friends from Kochi who risk their lives to save one of their own trapped in the eerie Guna Caves during a 2006 trip to Kodaikanal. What begins as a fun getaway turns into a gripping rescue mission filled with courage, fear, and friendship. It’s emotional, thrilling, and one of the most heartfelt Malayalam films ever made.
IMDb: 8.2 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar
7. Lokah Chapter One: Chandra (2025)
This supernatural thriller follows Chandra, a mysterious woman with extraordinary strength who returns to Karnataka to battle an organ trafficking ring. Revealed as the immortal Yakshi Neeli, she faces deadly enemies and a changed inspector. After defeating her rival, she vanishes once again – hinting at a larger, ancient world. A perfect mix of suspense, emotion, and fantasy.
IMDb: 8.2 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar
8. The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)
Starring Nimisha Sajayan and Suraj Venjaramoodu, this film tells the story of a dancer from Bahrain who marries into a conservative Indian family, only to face patriarchal oppression and endless household routines. As she rebels against the injustice and starts anew as an independent dance teacher, her journey becomes a powerful statement on gender equality and freedom. A brilliant film with a purpose.
IMDb: 8.1 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
9. Rekhachithram (2025)
Starring Fahadh Faasil and Aishwarya Lekshmi, Rekhachithram begins with businessman Rajendran’s shocking livestreamed confession about burying a woman decades ago before taking his life. Disgraced officer Vivek reopens the case, uncovering a conspiracy around missing actress Rekha and exposing a powerful couple’s involvement. Deep, poetic, and emotional – it’s a love letter to art and justice itself.
IMDb: 8.0 | Where to Watch: Aha
10. Kishkindha Kaandam (2024)
Starring Vinay Forrt and Chemban Vinod Jose, this poignant thriller follows retired Army officer Appu Pillai, who struggles with memory loss while living with his son Ajayan near a monkey-filled forest. When a buried skeleton and an old pistol resurface, long-hidden family secrets come to light. Blending myth and modernity, Kishkindha Kaandam is a haunting reflection on guilt, memory, and redemption.
IMDb: 8.0 | Where to Watch: Jio Hotstar
11. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)
Starring Kunchacko Boban and Sharaf U Dheen, this gripping psychological thriller follows psychologist Anwar Hussain, who helps Kochi police hunt a serial killer targeting officers. Each murder is marked by a Lady Justice figurine and traces of zolpidem. As Anwar digs deeper, he uncovers a web of revenge, loss, and shocking deception. Intelligent and suspenseful, it’s one of Malayalam cinema’s finest thrillers.
IMDb: 7.9 | Where to Watch: Sun NXT
12. Bramayugam (2024)
Set in 17th-century Malabar, Bramayugam follows folk singer Thevan, who seeks refuge in a mansion owned by the eerie sorcerer Kodumon Potti after escaping a spirit attack. Strange occurrences reveal that the house is haunted by a demon named Chathan, long enslaved by Potti’s ancestor. As the truth unfolds, Thevan faces a chilling battle for survival. With Mammootty’s commanding performance, this dark fantasy-thriller is both haunting and philosophical.
IMDb: 7.7 | Where to Watch: Sony LIV
13. Thudarum (2024)
Starring Mohanlal and Shobana, Thudarum tells the story of Benz, a taxi driver and former stuntman living peacefully in Perunad until his son Pavi goes missing after an accident. When he learns that his son was the victim of an honor killing covered up by police, Benz embarks on a tragic yet powerful pursuit of justice. A deeply moving film about love, loss, and human dignity.
IMDb: 7.6 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar
14. Lucifer (2019)
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Lucifer is a grand political action thriller packed with style and intrigue. After the Chief Minister’s sudden death, chaos engulfs Kerala’s political scene, exposing deep ties between crime and power. Amid the turmoil, the mysterious Stephen Nedumpally emerges – later revealed to be the feared crime lord Khureshi Ab’ram. Bold, thrilling, and stylish, Lucifer redefined Malayalam mass cinema.
IMDb: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Netflix
15. Officer on Duty (2025)
Starring Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali, this gripping crime drama follows a demoted cop, Harishankar, who uncovers a deadly jewelry racket linked to his own past. As he investigates a fellow officer’s mysterious suicide, shocking truths about revenge and betrayal surface. Smart, emotional, and gritty – Officer on Duty proves that justice never goes out of style.
IMDb: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Netflix
Also Read: Best Malayalam Thriller Movies | New Malayalam Movies
And there you have it – 15 best Malayalam movies that capture every emotion imaginable! Which ones are you going to binge-watch first?