Top Imdb Rated Malayalam Movies May 2026

The Best of Malayalam Cinema: Top IMDb Rated Malayalam Movies

Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, has gained immense popularity in recent years for its thought-provoking and engaging storytelling, coupled with outstanding performances by its actors. The industry has produced some remarkable films that have not only resonated with the local audience but have also garnered national and international recognition. In this article, we'll take you through the top IMDb rated Malayalam movies that have made a significant impact on the film industry.

What Makes Malayalam Cinema So Special?

Malayalam cinema has a unique charm that sets it apart from other Indian film industries. The movies often focus on realistic storytelling, exploring complex social issues, and showcasing the cultural heritage of Kerala, the state where Malayalam cinema originates. The industry has also been known to produce films with strong female leads, exploring themes of feminism, identity, and empowerment.

Top IMDb Rated Malayalam Movies

Here are the top IMDb rated Malayalam movies that you shouldn't miss:

1. Angamaly Diaries (2017) - 8.1/10

Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, Angamaly Diaries is a crime comedy-drama that tells the story of a young man named Stephen, who gets caught up in a series of misadventures in Angamaly, a small town in Kerala. The film features a stellar performance by Adi Vishnu and has received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and humor.

2. Take Off (2017) - 8.1/10

Directed by Ashiq Usman, Take Off is a drama film based on the real-life story of a group of Indian nurses who were stranded in Yemen during the civil war. The film features an all-star cast, including Manushi Chhillar, Siddique, and Binu Benson, and has received praise for its gripping narrative and powerful performances.

3. Sudani from Nigeria (2018) - 8.0/10

Directed by Ali Fazal, Sudani from Nigeria is a sports drama film that tells the story of a group of football players from Nigeria who come to India to play for a local team. The film features a talented cast, including Adebayo Adebisi, Sujith Shyam, and Shebin Benson, and has received critical acclaim for its heartwarming story and cultural exploration.

4. Premam (2015) - 7.9/10

Directed by Alphonse Puthan, Premam is a romantic comedy-drama film that explores the life of a young man named Prem, who falls in love with a woman named Mounika. The film features a talented cast, including Nivin Pauly, Sai Pallavi, and Madonna Sebastian, and has received praise for its witty dialogue and engaging storyline.

5. Kunchacko Bobyan's Ee Mayavum Nikkilum (2012) - 7.8/10

Directed by Sidhartha Siva, Ee Mayavum Nikkilum is a romantic comedy-drama film that tells the story of a young man named Abhijith, who falls in love with a woman named Aparna. The film features a talented cast, including Kunchacko Bobyan, Biju Menon, and Ananya, and has received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline and memorable characters.

6. Kadal Meengal (2013) - 7.8/10

Directed by Vinod Mankara, Kadal Meengal is a drama film that explores the life of a young woman named Sethulakshmi, who struggles to find her place in a patriarchal society. The film features a talented cast, including Revathy, Sradha Jaiswal, and Master Anand, and has received praise for its thought-provoking storyline and strong female lead. top imdb rated malayalam movies

7. Adoor Bhasi's Sringaravelan (2013) - 7.7/10

Directed by Sidhartha Siva, Sringaravelan is a romantic comedy-drama film that tells the story of a young man named Kumaran, who falls in love with a woman named Gayathri. The film features a talented cast, including Mohanlal, Meena, and Ananya, and has received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline and memorable characters.

8. Gore Gore Di Baat (2014) - 7.7/10

Directed by K. K. Sajan, Gore Gore Di Baat is a drama film that explores the life of a young woman named Bhadra, who struggles to find her place in a society dominated by men. The film features a talented cast, including Anju Aravind, Sadiq, and KP Agathiyan, and has received praise for its thought-provoking storyline and strong female lead.

9. Patton Pattonum (2015) - 7.6/10

Directed by Shaji Padoor, Patton Pattonum is a romantic comedy-drama film that tells the story of a young man named Rameshan, who falls in love with a woman named Nimmy. The film features a talented cast, including Sidhique, Biju Menon, and Ananya, and has received critical acclaim for its witty dialogue and engaging storyline.

10. Chembarathipattu (2017) - 7.6/10

Directed by Sanu John Varghese, Chembarathipattu is a drama film that explores the life of a young man named Sreekuttan, who struggles to find his place in a society dominated by politics and corruption. The film features a talented cast, including Arjun Ashraf, Biju Menon, and Sanu John Varghese, and has received praise for its thought-provoking storyline and memorable characters.

Why Malayalam Cinema is on the Rise

Malayalam cinema has witnessed a significant surge in popularity in recent years, both domestically and internationally. The industry's focus on realistic storytelling, coupled with its exploration of complex social issues, has resonated with audiences worldwide. The rise of streaming platforms has also made it easier for Malayalam films to reach a global audience.

Conclusion

Malayalam cinema has come a long way, producing some remarkable films that have made a significant impact on the film industry. The top IMDb rated Malayalam movies listed above showcase the industry's commitment to storytelling, innovation, and artistic expression. If you're a fan of Malayalam cinema or looking to explore new films, these movies are a great place to start. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the best of Malayalam cinema!

The world of Malayalam cinema is a rich tapestry of social satire, family drama, and psychological depth. At the top of the IMDb Malayalam ratings (current as of early 2026), you’ll find masterpieces like (9.0), (8.9), and Thaniyavartanam (8.9).

Here is a story that weaves together the themes and spirits of these highest-rated classics:

In a quiet corner of Kerala, a family gathers at their ancestral home, much like the disjointed kin in Manjadikuru The Best of Malayalam Cinema: Top IMDb Rated

. The air is thick with the scent of old wood and the weight of tradition. Two brothers, mirroring the political rivals in Sandesham

, haven’t spoken in years, their ideologies as different as the "left" and "right" flags fluttering in the monsoon wind.

Their father, an aging man who once dreamt of his son becoming an IAS officer—a hope echoes of Thanmathra

—watches them from the porch. He sees in his eldest son the tragedy of

, where a single moment of intervention to protect family honor can shatter a life forever.

As evening falls, the youngest of the family, a dreamer who recently returned from Bangalore like the cousins in Bangalore Days