Last updated on 29/04/2025
The Malayalam film industry and its recognition are not limited to just India; it is gaining global recognition for its work and contribution to the fascinating world of cinema. In recent times, you will notice people from all over the world talking about some Famous Malayalam Movies, with certain films frequently mentioned and that are becoming globally popular between cinema lovers.
In the era of the Internet, movies are not limited to theatres and print media. Through various sources like social media, streaming, and OTT platforms, movies are reaching a global audience, and film industries like Malayalam cinema are making fans worldwide.
Here are some movies you can watch if you haven’t already. These movies are highly rated on IMDb and are being discussed and praised internationally.
1. Manjummel boys – (Famous Malayalam Movies)
This movie is about a group of friends known as the Manjummel boys. Looking for adventure, they visit a place called Guna Caves, where their journey takes a dangerous turn. They enter a restricted area known as the Devil’s Kitchen, where one of them falls into a never-ending deep hole. His friends try every possible way to get him back, but to this day, no one has ever come out alive from it. This is now a test of true friendship and unity. (Globally Popular Malayalam Movie)
About-
- Thriller + Drama + Adventure
- Release Year: 2024
- Rating on IMDb: 8.2/10
- Available on JioHotstar
2. Sandesam – (Famous Malayalam Movies)
Raghavan Nair is a retired railway employee who desires a peaceful retirement life with his family. However, his two sons become local leaders of different rival political parties, and their opposite political ideologies disrupt the family’s peace.
This movie is a satire on Kerala politics and shows how even real brothers are unable to establish family harmony due to their blind political loyalty.
Raghavan’s character represents the common public, trying to mediate and reconcile between them for the betterment of them, their family, and society. (Globally Popular Malayalam Movie)
About-
- Comedy + Drama
- Release Year: 1991
- Rating on IMDb: 9/10
- Available on JioHotstar
3. 2018 – (Famous Malayalam Movies)
2018: Everyone is a Hero, is an amazing Malayalam survival drama film which is based on the real life events of the 2018 Kerala floods, and showcases ordinary people becoming heroes during disaster.
Movie follows different characters who come together during the floods. A timid ex-soldier came out of his fear and led rescue operations. A fisherman and his son risking their lives to save others and many other people reconciling during a time of need.
As the disaster escalates, the movie highlights the unity and sacrifice of the people of Kerala, while covering courage and resilience of the human kind. The emotional, flood, and rescue visuals makes this movie a tribute to real-life heroes. (Globally Popular Malayalam Movie)
About-
- Thriller + Drama + Action
- Release Year: 2023
- Rating on IMDb: 8.3/10
- Available on SonyLiv
4. Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life – (Famous Malayalam Movies)
This movie is based on the true life events of Najeeb, a young man from Kerala who goes to Saudi Arabia in search of a better source of income. However, upon reaching there he realises the deception of his agent who frauds him into working as a bonded labourer in the harsh desert where he is being forced to work under inhumane conditions. Najeeb is hopelessly battling isolation, hunger, thirst, and despair.
Working for a ruthless employer, with no communication, facing struggles, how Najeeb doesn’t let his spirit of independence die is an inspiration. (Globally Popular Malayalam Movie)
About-
- Adventure + Drama
- Release Year: 2024
- Rating on IMDb: 7.1/10
- Available on Netflix
5. Aavesham – (Famous Malayalam Movies)
Ranga is a gangster, living a life full of crazy violence and wild parties. One day, three young students who moved to Bangalore to pursue engineering education approached him for help in a fight against their college seniors. Ranga soon becomes their godfather-like figure. (Globally Popular Malayalam Movie)
About-
- Action + Comedy
- Release Year: 2024
- Rating on IMDb: 7.8/10
- Available on JioHotstar
6. Kireedam – (Famous Malayalam Movies)
Achuthan Nair is an honest police constable who wants his son Sethumadhavan to become a police officer, but on one unfortunate day, Sethumadhavan gets involved in an altercation with a local goon Jose, while trying to defend his father he unintentionally kills Jose. This incident shattered his dreams, turning him from an aspiring policeman into both a social and legal criminal. (Globally Popular Malayalam Movie)
About-
- Action + Drama
- Release Year: 1989
- Rating on IMDb: 8.9/10
- Available on JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
7. Kumbalangi Nights – (Famous Malayalam Movies)
This movie revolves around four brothers: Saji, Bobby, Bonny, and Franky. Due to their differences and disagreements brothers don’t usually get along, although they live together under one roof in a small house in Kumbalangi. Each brother is struggling with their own issues. Their lives take a beautiful turn when the youngest brother, Bobby, falls in love with a girl, her family disapproves of him. However, as his brothers come together to support him, they reconcile their relationship and try to make home a place full of love and happiness. (Globally Popular Malayalam Movie)
About-
- Comedy + Drama + Romance
- Release Year: 2019
- Rating on IMDb: 8.5/10
- Available on Amazon Prime Video, Youtube(Paid)
The reason behind the popularity of the Malayalam film industry is its Unique storytelling, Realistic experiences, Innovative scripts, Natural performances, Cultural acceptance, Quality direction, and Distinctive cinematic perspective.
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Whether you are a fan of Malayalam cinema or just a cinema lover, Give these Malayalam films a try, and you might find your new favourite film. I have selected these films on the basis of their IMDb rating and reviews. Also, if you have any Malayalam movie recommendations of your own, share them in the comments; I would love to know them.
Let’s keep discovering great films together!
Happy watching!
