Think Hollywood has mastered the art of thrillers? Well, think again! The best Malayalam thriller movies prove that Mollywood knows how to spin suspense, emotion, and mind-bending plot twists like no one else. From pulse-pounding mysteries to intense psychological thrillers that will blow your mind, these Malayalam movies will keep you guessing till the end. Ready for the ride? Here are the 15 best Malayalam thriller movies of all time that you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
15 Best Malayalam Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Hooked Till The End
1. Drishyam (2013) & Drishyam 2 (2021)
Think you’ve seen smart thrillers before? Wait till you meet Georgekutty — the ultimate mastermind dad! When his family accidentally commits a crime, he’ll do anything to protect them. Starring Mohanlal and Meena, both parts of Drishyam are iconic. It’s one of the best Malayalam thriller movies ever made — full of clever twists, tension, and storytelling brilliance.
IMDb: 8.4 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar (Drishyam 1) and MX Player (Drishyam 2)
2. Manjummel Boys (2024)
Ever wondered how far friendship can really go? Manjummel Boys dives into a deadly rescue mission inside the terrifying Guna Caves. With Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, and Balu Varghese leading the charge, this Malayalam survival thriller is emotional, heart-thumping, and hands down one of the best Malayalam thriller movies in recent years.
IMDb: 8.2 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar
3. Lokah Chapter One: Chandra (2025)
When Chandra moves to Bengaluru on a mysterious mission, her nosy neighbor Sunny just can’t resist snooping around — and chaos follows! Starring Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, this movie is quirky, stylish, and unpredictable. Definitely one of the freshest and best Malayalam thriller movies of 2025.
IMDb: 8.1 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar (streaming from October 31)
4. Kishkindha Kaandam (2025)
A village full of monkeys, strange happenings, and one wild mystery — now that’s something new! Featuring Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali, Kishkindha Kaandam blends humor, tension, and suspense beautifully. It’s a fun entry among the best Malayalam movies that mix mythology with modern mystery.
IMDb: 8.0 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar
5. Memories (2013)
Meet Sam Alex, a brilliant cop-turned-alcoholic who’s dragged back into duty to catch a serial killer. Prithviraj Sukumaran absolutely nails this emotional rollercoaster. Memories are dark, intense, and without doubt one of the best Malayalam thriller movies that stays with you long after the credits roll.
IMDb: 8.0 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar
6. Joseph (2018)
Retirement and peace? Not for Joseph. When a tragedy hits close to home, four ex-cops uncover something horrifying. Joju George delivers a powerful performance in this emotional yet thrilling tale. It’s easily one of the best Malayalam thriller movies with heart and depth.
IMDb: 8.0 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
7. Rekhachithram (2025)
A suspended cop, a 40-year-old cold murder case, and a mystery that refuses to die. Starring Asif Ali and Anaswara Rajan, Rekhachithram is a moody, gripping ride through crime and redemption. Add this to your must-watch list of the best Malayalam thriller movies of all time.
IMDb: 7.9 | Where to Watch: SonyLiv and Aha
8. Thudarum (2025)
A taxi driver, his beloved old car, and a twist of fate that changes everything. With Mohanlal and Shobana, Thudarum beautifully blends emotion and suspense. It’s not just a thriller — it’s a soulful story that earns its spot among the best Malayalam thriller movies ever made.
IMDb: 7.6 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar
9. Lucifer (2019)
Politics, power, and one mysterious man named Lucifer. When chaos erupts after a leader’s death, Mohanlal’s charisma takes center stage. Packed with style and suspense, this blockbuster easily ranks among the best Malayalam political action thriller movies with an edge of mass appeal.
IMDb: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video and SonyLiv
10. Officer On Duty (2025)
Turned out to be one of the best Malayalam movies of 2025 – Officer on Duty is a must-watch! A demoted cop stumbles upon a dangerous counterfeit racket — and nothing is what it seems. Featuring Kunchacko Boban and Priyamani, Officer On Duty proves that justice isn’t easy. It’s gritty, smart, and totally belongs in the list of the best Malayalam thriller movies.
IMDb: 7.5 | Where to Watch: Netflix
11. Koonam (2022)
A cop transfers to a calm village hoping for peace, but what he finds is pure chaos. Asif Ali and Baburaj star in this chilling Malayalam mystery where everything feels just a little… off. Creepy and clever, it’s one of those thriller movies that’ll leave you unsettled with mind-blowing suspense.
IMDb: 7.3 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
12. Ela Veezha Poonchira (2022)
Two officers. A foggy hill station. A horrifying discovery. Soubin Shahir and Sudhi Koppa lead this eerie psychological thriller that’ll give you goosebumps. A haunting entry among the best Malayalam thriller movies that truly captures cinematic tension.
IMDb: 7.3 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
13. Identity (2025)
A sketch artist and a cop chase a faceless killer using only a survivor’s memory. Tovino Thomas and Trisha Krishnan shine in this stylish crime thriller that’s all about brains over brawn. It’s smart, slick, and absolutely one of the best Malayalam thriller movies for fans of psychological drama.
IMDb: 7.2 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Zee5
14. Ronth (2025)
Two cops. One long night. Endless chaos. Ronth takes you deep into the dark side of a night patrol gone terribly wrong. With Arun Cherukavil and Sudhi Koppa, this Malayalam thriller gives you the adrenaline rush suspense-lovers crave. It’s easily one of the best Malayalam movies for fans of psychological drama.
IMDb: 7.1 | Where to Watch: JioHotstar
15. Salute (2022)
Dulquer Salmaan stars as a cop haunted by an old case he investigated due to mistakes he made. Salute is sharp, emotionally layered, and filled with suspense. If you’re exploring the best Malayalam thriller movies, this police procedural deserves a salute of its own!
IMDb: 7.0 | Where to Watch: SonyLiv
And that’s a wrap! These best Malayalam thriller movies prove Mollywood’s unbeatable storytelling — full of twists, emotions, and suspense. So grab your popcorn and dive into these mind-blowing thrill rides you won’t forget!