13 Brilliant Malayalam Thrillers & Horrors That Prove Every Other Film Industry Needs To Step Up Their Game
The weekend is here. What are you waiting for?
Of late, Malayalam films have been slaying at the Box Office, from Aavesham to Manjummel Boys surpassing Hindi films by a mile. But there’s one hill I’m willing to die on: no one does thrillers better than Malayalam cinema. From psychological thrillers to survival thrillers and straight up horror, there’s a barrage of films from the past few years that prove just how brilliant Malayalam films are. If you’re new to the regional wave, let me take you in: here are some mind-blowing Malayalam thrillers and horrors you need to watch, like, yesterday:
1. Thudarum (2025)
Rejaputhra Visual Media / Via youtube.com
Where to watch: JioHotstar
After its recent massive success in the theatres, this Mohanlal and Shobana starrer has proven yet again the potential of Malayalam cinema.
The story: a taxi driver’s life takes a dramatic turn when his beloved Ambassador car is seized under mysterious circumstances, which leads to a quest for justice that will make you sit at the edge of your seat the entire time. If thrillers are your jam, don’t skip this one.
2. Kishkindha Kaandam (2024)
hotstar.com / Via JioHotstar
Where to watch: JioHotstar
With mighty critical acclaim for its production, Kishkindha Kaandam is a gripping story around a monkey-inhabited village, where disturbances prompt a newly-wed couple to investigate its root cause. Watch if you’re into well-crafted mystery thrillers.
3. Sookshmadarshini (2024)
hotstar.com / Via JioHotstar
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Starring the effervescent Nazriya Nazim, Sookshmadarshini is the story of a curious homemaker who suspects that her new neighbour is more private than normal. Her gut feeling gets the best of her—which spirals into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse.
4. Rekhachithram (2024)
imdb.com / Via IMDB
Where to watch: SonyLIV
After a suspension due to a gambling scandal, Inspector Vivek Gopinath returns to duty, seeking redemption by unraveling a 40-year-old murder case involving a faceless victim. His investigation leads him into the Malayalam film industry’s past, uncovering secrets that intertwine cinema and crime.
5. Bramagyugam (2024)
Night Shift Studios/YNot Studios / Via youtube.com
Where to watch: SonyLIV
Made entirely in black-and-white, this Mammooty starrer is a nod to Kerala’s folklore. The story revolves around a runaway folk singer in 17th-century Malabar, who stumbles upon a haunted mansion. From there on, a game of deception and dark magic takes place. Watch for its beautiful cinematography, production design, and, of course, one of the best stars Malayalam cinema has to offer.
Did the poster scare you? Yeah, you should definitely watch this one.
6. Romancham (2023)
imdb.com / Via IMDB
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Set in 2007 Bengaluru, 7 carefree bachelors experiment with a Ouija board, and end up inviting a spirit into their lives—leading to a series of hilarious and spooky events that test their friendship and sanity. Watching Soubin Shahir doing what he does best has never been a bad idea.
7. Bhoothakaalam (2022)
imdb.com / Via IMDB
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
With power-packed performances by Revathy and Shane Nigam, Bhoothakalaam is a fantastic horror film. The story: a grieving mother and her troubled son begin to experience terrifying events in their old house—blurring the line between mental illness and something far more sinister.
8. Joji (2021)
primevideo.com / Via Amazon Prime Video
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
If you’re interested in renditions of Shakespeare’s works, Joji is the film to watch. Inspired by Macbeth, Joji reolves around a man belonging to a wealthy family who sees a shot at power, and plots a twisted plan to get there. The story unfolds into a dark, witty tale of ambition and guilt. And need I say, Fahadh Faasil?
9. Nayattu (2021)
netflix.com / Via Netflix
Where to watch: Netflix
Starring three of the finest actors in Malayalam cinema, Nayattu is a story of 3 police officers who become fugitives after an accident entangles them in a political mess, forcing them to confront the system they are part of.
10. Trance (2020)
primevideo.com / Via Amazon Prime Video
Where to watch: Prime Video
A psychological thriller featuring the GOAT Fahadh Faasil, Trance revolves around a struggling motivational speaker who gets taken under the wing of corporate masterminds and turned into a flamboyant pastor. The film explores mental health, religious exploitation, and the commercialization of spirituality. Watch it specifically for the brilliance that is Fahadh Faasil’s performance.
11. Moothon (2019)
imdb.com / Via IMDB
Where to watch: Zee5
This film is heartbreak in a package.
The story: A young boy from Lakshadweep embarks on a journey to Mumbai in search of his missing elder brother, and ends up in confronting the harsh realities of the city’s underworld. Starring the ever-so-flawless Nivin Pauly in arguably his best avatar, this film is beautiful, tragic, and well-made. Not to mention: it premiered at prestigious film festivals around the world, and brought back SEVERAL accolades.
12. Jalikattu (2019)
primevideo.com / Via Amazon Prime Video
Where to watch: Netflix
Malayalam cinema cannot get better than this. The story: when a buffalo escapes from a slaughterhouse in a remote Kerala village, the hunt by the townspeople spirals into chaos, revealing the primal instincts lurking beneath their otherwise civilized upbringing.
13. Special Mention: Manjummel Boys (2024)
hotstar.com / Via JioHotstar
Where to watch: JioHotstar
One of the most successful films of 2024, missing this film is not an option. The story revolves around a group of friends who embark on a vacation to Kodaikanal, where an impromptu visit to the infamous Guna Caves turns into a nightmare when one of them falls into a pit.
