If you have seen the Hindi or Chinese remakes, you have seen a shadow of the original. Drishyam is a masterclass in screenwriting. The plot is deceptively simple: a cable TV owner with a 4th-grade education uses movie logic to cover up a crime committed by his family.
Mahesh, a small-town photographer, is humiliated during a street fight and vows never to wear slippers again until he avenges his defeat by beating up the man who wronged him.
The new wave of Malayalam cinema has produced several critically acclaimed films that have garnered high IMDb scores.
In Kerala, the scriptwriter is just as vital as the lead actor. Movies rely heavily on logical consistency, strong dialogue, and narrative depth rather than superficial star power. top imdb rated malayalam movies best
(2019) : With an rating, this film is celebrated for its progressive take on masculinity and its beautiful portrayal of four brothers in a coastal village.
India’s official entry to the Oscars that year, Jallikattu is a 95-minute adrenaline rush. The plot is primal: a buffalo escapes a slaughterhouse, and the entire village descends into chaotic, animalistic madness to catch it.
Films that focus on everyday life, family dynamics, and emotional landscapes, such as Kumbalangi Nights , receive immense praise for their realism. Survival Thrillers If you have seen the Hindi or Chinese
Two other significant hits of the year, Lokah: Chapter One and Thudarum , each sit comfortably with a rating of 7.7, showcasing the industry's consistent quality output.
This was India’s official entry to the Oscars. Jallikattu is a 95-minute adrenaline rush about a buffalo that escapes a slaughterhouse, turning an entire village into a rampaging mob of savage human beings.
Decades before pan-Indian horror-comedies became a trend, this film set the gold standard. Directed by Fazil, Manichitrathazhu is not just about a haunted mansion; it is a deep dive into split personality disorder. Shobana’s iconic performance (for which she won the National Award) in the climax remains one of the greatest acting moments in Indian cinema. It is witty, terrifying, and profoundly human. Mahesh, a small-town photographer, is humiliated during a
Joji (2021), inspired by Shakespearean tragedy, demonstrates Malayalam filmmakers’ willingness to adapt global forms into local contexts. Its dark humor, psychological probing and moral unraveling appealed to modern viewers who value layered, morally ambiguous protagonists—factors that boost IMDb recognition for contemporary titles.
Watch Kumbalangi Nights , Maheshinte Prathikaaram , or Home .
Malayalam cinema, known for its rooted storytelling, strong performances and inventive filmmaking, has produced films that resonate far beyond Kerala. IMDb ratings—while reflecting a mix of critical and popular response—help highlight titles that consistently connect with audiences worldwide. Below is an essay surveying several of the most highly regarded Malayalam films on IMDb, their themes, and their significance.
