Based on the catastrophic Kerala floods of 2018, this is a disaster film unlike any other. It focuses on the collective spirit and resilience of ordinary people who came together to save each other. The film’s realistic VFX and heart-wrenching narrative made it a massive blockbuster and India's official entry to the Oscars, proving that big spectacle can come with a big heart.
– IMDb: 9.0 A razor-sharp political satire directed by Sathyan Anthikad. It follows two brothers who become leaders of rival political parties, much to the distress of their retired father. It remains the highest-rated Malayalam film for its timeless humor and social commentary.
A beautifully crafted drama that explores the strained relationships of four brothers, celebrated for its raw emotional honesty and technical brilliance. top imdb rated malayalam movies best
– IMDb: 8.7 : A touching family drama about a father trying to reconnect with his tech-savvy sons, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.
Alphonse Puthren’s Premam (Love) is not a love story; it is the story of a man going through love in three stages of his life (School, College, Adulthood). It is quirky, non-linear, and filled with nostalgic callbacks. Based on the catastrophic Kerala floods of 2018,
This is the tragedy that broke a million hearts. Written by the legendary Lohitadas, it tells the story of a common man’s son (Mohanlal) who is accidentally branded a criminal. It is a brutal look at how society destroys the innocent.
No article on this subject is complete without paying homage to the titans that laid the foundation. These older gems possess a timeless quality that continues to resonate with modern audiences, earning them near-perfect scores. – IMDb: 9
If you are new to Malayalam cinema, do not start with the 9+ classics from 1989. Language barriers and cultural references might feel dated.
4. Drishyam (2013) — IMDb: 8.3 (Sequel: Drishyam 2 — IMDb: 8.4) Thriller / Drama Director: Jeethu Joseph Cast: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba
– IMDb: 8.8 A heartwarming family drama centered on a humble father’s struggle to reconnect with his sons in the digital age. It is a fan-favorite on Amazon Prime Video.