Sometimes, a film rates high purely because a single actor transcends the medium.
These films are considered the gold standard of Malayalam cinema, often featuring legendary actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty. Top Rated Malayalam Movies - IMDb
Fresh hits that have recently dominated the IMDb charts and box office. Lokah Chapter One: Chandra
Manichithrathazhu (1993) stands as a landmark—a psychological thriller that blends folklore, psychiatry and classic drama. Its tight screenplay, compelling central performance and deft mixing of suspense with cultural context made it widely popular and durable: the film’s plot has inspired numerous remakes across India, yet the original retains a distinctive local texture and emotional depth that continues to engage viewers and secure its high IMDb standing.
Ask any Malayali about the greatest thriller ever made in India, and the answer will be Drishyam . Starring Mohanlal as a simple cable TV operator who goes to unimaginable lengths to protect his family, the film is a masterclass in narrative tension. The last 30 minutes are so tightly scripted that it spawned successful remakes in 4 other Indian languages (including Hindi) and a sequel.
Happy watching! Have you seen all of these top-rated gems?