Looking to watch a Malayalam movie, but don’t know where to start? Fret not, we’re listing down ten of the top-rated Malayalam movies on IMDB. You may have watched these movies, but hey, a rewatch will just be worth it.
Here goes!
Sandesham (1991)
IMDB: 8.6
The Prabhakaran and Prakash duo has got to be two of the most iconic characters in Mollywood. Raghavan Nair (Thilakan) is succeeded by five children, three boys and two girls, and a wife. The story follows the political rivalry between two of the older brothers, Prabhakaran (Sreenivasan) and Prakashan (Jayaram). The movie questions the brothers’ political views in light of their familial bonding. As much as they love their politics, can they take the responsibility of looking after a nation when they can’t look after their own family?
Also Read: Most Relatable Teenagers In Malayalam Cinema
Kireedam (1989)
IMDB: 8.6
Achuthan Nair (Thilakan), a police constable, longs for his son, Sethumadhavan (Mohanlal) to follow the same career suit. Achuthan is transferred to another town and gets involved with the town’s most-feared gangster, Keerikkadan Jose (Mohan Raj). Sethumadhavn soon gets involved in a brawl with the gangster and is typecasted as a gunda. His dream of becoming a constable as his father shatters. The downfall of Sethu is what makes this movie tragic yet stunning to watch.
Manichithrathazhu (1993)
IMDB: 8.5
This is one of the finest Malayalam movies you’ll ever watch. The movie and script are so unique that it was dubbed into other languages. But we all know nothing can beat the essence of Manichithrathazhu. Ganga (Shobhana) and Nakulan (Suresh Gopi) have recently shifted to a Tharavad that’s claimed to be haunted. Over the course of a few days, Nakulan’s cousin Sreedevi (Vinaya Prasad) starts to act uncannily. Dr Sunny Joseph (Mohanlal), a psychiatrist and a good friend of Nakulan arrives to understand the family’s situation. What follows is an eerie psychological thriller that will send shivers down anyone’s spine.
Also Read: Mental Health Representations in Malayalam Cinema
Nadodikattu (1987)
IMDB: 8.5
Dasan and Vijayan, the duo who gave us BFF goals, is still celebrated as the best Mohanlal and Sreenivasan combination. Nadodikattu is filled with tongue-in-cheek laughs with a great deal of ROFL comedy. The story follows Dasan and Vijayan’s dream to get big and rich in Dubai. However, destiny takes them someplace else where they are mistaken as crime investigators. So if you’re in the mood for an undemanding watch, Nadodikattu is your best bet.
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#Home (2021)
IMDB: 8.5
Ahh, #Home is just pure bliss. It’s an honest account of a technologically challenged father who learns how the ropes of the internet just to bond with his sons. So, if you’re in the mood for a good cry and to watch Indrans’ magic on-screen, this movie is the way to go. You’ll find laughter and pain in the tiny details played out in Indrans’ family life. That’s the beauty of the film.
Also Read: Home Review: An Emotional Journey Helmed By An In-Form Cast
Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
IMDB: 8.5
Kumbalangi Nights is about four brothers who share a love-hate relationship with each other. Despite the hatred, they stick together in times of need. If you don’t already know what happens in the movie, you’re in for a rollercoaster ride. It’s a must (re-)watch, the kind that will get you impressed by the smoothness of the movie.
Also Read: The Problem With Kumbalangi Nights
Devasuram (1993)
IMDB: 8.4
Yet another Mohanlal blockbuster and cult film on this list of top-rated Malayalam movies on IMDB. Neelakanthan (Mohanlal) squanders away his father’s inheritance without thinking twice. He becomes responsible when his mother on her deathbed shares a family secret. Devasuram is a dysfunctional family drama where you might find yourself quoting Mohanlal.
Also Read: Call Yourself A True Mohanlal Fan? Take This Quiz & Prove It!
Chithram (1988)
IMDB: 8.4
Can you keep up with a lie to save face? Chithram answers this question in the most humorous way possible. It’s the story of Kalyani (Renjini), the daughter of a wealthy NRI Ramendra Menon (Poornam Vishwanathan). A day before the wedding, her to-be husband dumps her as he realises that she wouldn’t get any inheritance. When her father pays her a visit, she hires Vishnu (Mohanlal) to act as her husband. Can they pull off this stunt? Watch the movie to know.
A Northern Story of Valor (1989)
IMDB: 8.4
Some of you might not have heard of this movie, which is also known as Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha. Set against the background of 16th-century Northern Kerala, the story is a representation of rivalry between two Chekavars warriors from Chanthu’s (the villain’s) perspective. It stars Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Balan K Nair, Madhavi and more. Watch it because it’s just unbelievable.
Spadikam (1995)
IMDB: 8.4
Chacko Master (Thilakan) is a character we wish we’d never come across in real life. He believes that whatever he does is right, even if it means degrading someone so that they learn a lesson. You can only imagine the plight of his son Thomas (Mohanlal), who returns to his hometown as a Gunda. The father-son conflict moments remain as necessary a watch today as it was when they first hit our screens.
That’s 10 of the top-rated Malayalam movies on IMDB. What are you waiting for? Curl up on your bed under a warm blanket, and drop into any of the movies you’d love to re-watch.
