Over the subsequent decades, Malayalam cinema gained national recognition. Ramu Kariat's (1965) became a watershed moment, winning the President's Gold Medal for Best Feature Film and proving that stories rooted in Kerala's coastal folklore could achieve both critical and commercial success. The 1970s witnessed a renaissance led by filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, shifting production bases and putting Malayalam films firmly on the international festival map. In the 1990s and 2000s, the industry saw the meteoric rise of its "Big Ms"—Mohanlal and Mammootty—who delivered timeless performances that solidified its reputation for quality storytelling. Today, the industry is embracing a pan-Indian appeal, with films from 2024 and 2025 achieving unprecedented box office collections and OTT releases finding audiences in over 190 countries.
A poignant drama showing the tragic downfall of an honest man.
Here are the current giants at the worldwide box office:
(2015) : A romantic comedy that became a cult classic, chronicling the love life of the protagonist through three different stages [5.3]. Maheshinte Prathikaaram
: A heartwarming tale about food, relationships, and finding purpose, starring Dulquer Salmaan. list of malayalam movies
This comprehensive guide serves as your ultimate resource for understanding Malayalam films. We will take you on a journey from the silent era of the 1920s to the cutting-edge digital releases of 2026, covering essential lists such as the highest-grossing blockbusters, IMDb top-rated classics, and the most anticipated upcoming projects.
These films are consistently ranked among the best by audiences on platforms like IMDb's Top Rated Malayalam Movies :
From the silent frames of Vigathakumaran to the high-octane action of Drishyam 3 , Malayalam cinema offers a treasure trove of stories. Whether you are looking for a gut-busting comedy, a mind-bending thriller, or a heart-wrenching drama, the above lists provide a roadmap to the very best the industry has to offer.
: A musical coming-of-age journey that struck a chord with millennials and Gen Z alike. In the 1990s and 2000s, the industry saw
Films like Aattam (social drama) and Ullozhukku (family drama) explore deep social issues with sensitivity.
: A chilling black-and-white horror period piece exploring the corrupting nature of power, driven by a terrifying performance from Mammootty.
Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, refers to the Malayalam-language film industry based in Kerala, India. With a rich history dating back to the 1920s, Malayalam cinema has produced a diverse range of films across various genres, including drama, comedy, thriller, horror, and more.
Many Malayalam movies are available to stream on popular platforms like: Here are the current giants at the worldwide
(2022) : An artistic blend of commercial and drama styles, often cited for its experimental reimagining. Kooman
Known for a vast library of both new and classic Malayalam cinema.
(2015) : A romantic journey through three stages of a man's life that became a cultural phenomenon.
Based on consensus from platforms like IMDb and Letterboxd , the following are highly recommended for their craft and narrative: