Here is a curated guide to the absolute best Malayalam movies according to IMDb ratings, spanning gripping thrillers, heartwarming dramas, and timeless classics. 1. Drishyam (2013) & Drishyam 2 (2021) 8.3/10 & 8.4/10 Genre: Crime / Thriller / Drama Director: Jeethu Joseph Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Esther Anil Why It’s a Masterpiece
This sports drama film tells the story of a Nigerian football player who gets stranded in Kerala and finds love and support from a local.
Ask any Malayali about the greatest thriller ever made in India, and the answer will be Drishyam . Starring Mohanlal as a simple cable TV operator who goes to unimaginable lengths to protect his family, the film is a masterclass in narrative tension. The last 30 minutes are so tightly scripted that it spawned successful remakes in 4 other Indian languages (including Hindi) and a sequel.
Top IMDb Rated Malayalam Movies: A Guide to the Best of Kerala Cinema top imdb rated malayalam movies best
Malayalam films frequently use ensemble casts effectively, giving space for multiple characters to shine.
Set in a gorgeous fishing village, this film revolves around four dysfunctional brothers and their complex relationship. It beautifully deconstructs toxic masculinity while celebrating love and modern family dynamics. Fahadh Faasil’s performance as the eccentric antagonist, Shammi, is unforgettable. 5. Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016) IMDb Rating: 8.3/10 Genre: Comedy / Drama Director: Dileesh Pothan Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Aparna Balamurali, Alencier Ley Lopez
For the best viewing experience, most of these films are best enjoyed in their original Malayalam language with subtitles to fully appreciate the performances and nuanced dialogues. Here is a curated guide to the absolute
Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum is an action-comedy that centers on a taxi driver’s emotional connection to his old car, which mysteriously disappears, launching a suspenseful search. Starring Mohanlal, the film is noted for its heartwarming script and strong performances, proving that even simple stories, when told well, can achieve blockbuster status. What Makes Malayalam Movies So Highly Rated?
This critically acclaimed, low-budget masterpiece explores the monotonous, stifling life of a newly married woman navigating patriarchy within her household. It is widely considered one of the most powerful Malayalam films of recent years. 3. Kumbalangi Nights (2019) – IMDb 8.5/10 Genre: Drama Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
This film changed the way Malayali families are portrayed on screen. Kumbalangi Nights is a poetic exploration of masculinity, mental health, and brotherhood set against the backdrop of a beautiful backwater village. With nuanced performances by Fahadh Faasil and Soubin Shahir, the film redefined "feel-good cinema" without sugarcoating reality. Ask any Malayali about the greatest thriller ever
– IMDb: 8.5 A seminal film for modern Malayalam cinema, focusing on the dysfunctional relationship between four brothers in a coastal village. Critics at The Hollywood Reporter India picked it as one of the 25 best Indian films of the 21st century.
India’s official entry to the Oscars that year. It is a 95-minute adrenaline rush about a buffalo that escapes a slaughterhouse, turning an entire village into a rabid, violent mob. It is not a story about an animal; it is a story about the primal savagery inside humans.
These films have earned their spot at the pinnacle of Indian cinema due to exceptional scripting, directing, and acting.