As Merdeka Day approaches, it’s time to take a look back at the best Malaysian films of 2025 that have come so far. Though we are well over halfway into the year, 2025 has already given us a handful of great local films. Read on to find out which ones are worth checking out.
The 7 best Malaysian films of 2025 so far
From gangster epics to 1970s-set dramas, this year has been a diverse one for Malaysian cinema. Whether the films have been blockbusters or more intimate dramas, Malaysian stories still draw interests for local moviegoers. Despite the rise of streaming, films like Blood Brothers: Bara Naga have proven that Malaysians still go to the cinema to experience Malaysian-made movies and support local productions.
The films we have chosen in this list have been released before the month of August and have also premiered in international film festivals in 2025. We have also included a couple of films premiering in the second of the year that you shouldn’t miss. So, if you’re a film-fan and are looking to enjoy the best new Malaysian films this Merdeka Day, read on to find out our best picks.
Macai
Directed by: Shanjey Kumar Perumal
Cast: Karnan G. Crack, Kuben Mahadevan, Irfan Zaini, Fabian Loo
Synopsis: A drug dealer loses a kingpin’s merchandise and must race against time to avert fatal consequences.
Why you should watch it: After his renowned 2015 film debut with Jagat, Shanjey Kumar Perumal returned to the big screen with a gritty crime drama. With high stakes, intense performances this film made it into the official selection of the 2025 Rotterdam Film Festival.
Simple Manusan
Directed by: Haran Kaveri and Shobaan
Cast: Hindravel Chandrabose, Mogan Chandra Das, Shamini Ramasamy, Braima Sivagnanam
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Synopsis: A 32-year-old barber overcomes pressures from his family when he tries to find a wife.
Why you should watch it: This kitchen-sink drama won the hearts of critics and audiences during its premiere. It was highly praised for it’s acting and comedic moments and it’s representation of the struggles of ordinary people in Malaysia.
Blood Brothers: Bara Naga
Directed by: Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra
Cast: Sharnaaz Ahmad, Shukri Yahaya, Syafiq Kyle, Amelia Henderson, Wan Hanafi Su, Zamarul Hisham
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Synopsis: A high-stakes thriller featuring elite bodyguards entangled in dramatic conflicts.
Why you should watch it: With it’s thrilling action sequences and intense drama, this blockbuster made a splash in the local cinemas. With compelling performances from Sharnaaz Ahmad and Syafiq Kyle, the film is not just an action-based story. The tale of brotherhood and betrayal thrilled audiences, raking in over RM76 million, making it the second highest grossing local film of all-time.
Watch it here.
Mencari Ramlee
Directed by: Megat Sharizal
Cast: Tony Eusoff, Sofia Jane, Mimi Lana, Megat Sharizal
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Synopsis: A small-time actor impersonates P. Ramlee in 1970s Kuala Lumpur while trying to settle his debts.
Why you should watch it: It’s not often that a Malaysian film is set in the past, and from the 1970’s no less. Mencari Ramlee tells the tales of a down-on-his-luck actor (Played by Tony Eusoff) as he tries to settle his debts by impersonating the legendary Malaysian artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee. With standout performances from Eusoff and Sofia Jane, the film was a critical darling and was an ode to the late great actor.
Memori
Directed by: Abid Hussain
Cast: Hilal Azman, Hisyam Hamid, Diana Danielle, Anas Ridzuan
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Synopsis: A respected doctor deals the challenges of early-onset dementia, as his estranged son helps him to reconnect with his memories.
Why you should watch it: This film was overlooked among a month of tentpole blockbuster releases, but this drama was a hidden gem. The film was inspired by real events from director Abid Hussain and was carefully crafted into an emotional story. Full of tear-jerking family drama and raw performances, this quiet drama is one you should check out if it comes out on streaming.
Babah
Directed by: Mohd Shah Faizul
Cast: Qi Razali, Cristina Suzanne Stockstill, Farhanna Qismina, Kis Aisha
Synopsis: When a father loses his hearing, he pushes on and raises his daughter into adulthood.
Why you should watch it: Another tear-jerking drama starring Qi Razali and Cristina Suzzanne you can’t miss. Although this film didn’t get a big release it resonated deeply with audiences and critics and left them in tears. With relatable drama and human emotion this film was one of the hidden gems of the year and deserves a lot more love on streaming.
Watch it here.
Pavane for an Infant
Directed by: Chong Keat Aun
Cast: Fish Liew, Natalie Hsu, Ben Yuen, Pearlly Chua
Synopsis: The struggles of three women who run a baby hatch, a refuge for newborn babies, in a society which deems it as tabooo.
Why you should watch it: Director Chong Keat Aun of Snow In Midsummer returns with a film that addresses another taboo topic in Malaysian society: baby hatches. For those unfamiliar with the term, ‘baby hatches’ are centers that care for newborn babies who have been abandoned or have been in dangerous situations. The film was a hit with critics for its documentary-like portrayal of ordinary childcare workers. It may not be a hard-hitting soap opera but its quiet moments between characters make a louder statement, making it one of the best Malaysian films of 2025.
Local films coming later this year you shouldn’t miss
Abah Saya Uncle Mike
Directed by: Ezrie Ghazali
Cast: Andy Teh (Uncle Mike), Idan Aedan (Rafei), Nor Merah (Rasyid), Umar Shakur (Rahman), plus Chew Kin Wah, Mandy Chong, April Chan, Pauline Tan
Release Date: August 28, 2025
Synopsis: The true story of Michael Tong Wai Siong, a Chinese man who raised three Malay Muslim orphans with love and respect for their faith.
Why you should watch it: Stories about a multicultural Malaysia are hard to come by, especially dramas. This film look to be another heart-warming coming-of-age drama with great performances.
Magik Rompak
Directed by: Adrian Teh
Cast: Sharnaaz Ahmad, Zul Ariffin, Amelia Henderson, Nadhir Nasar
Release Date: September 11, 2025
Synopsis: A skilled magician assembles a reluctant team for a high-stakes heist involving a priceless gem.
Why you should watch it: After his outstanding drama Reversi, Adrian Teh is back with a blockbuster that unites Sharnaaz Ahmad and Zul Ariffin as the leads of a thrilling heist film. Yes, the plot does mirror Now You See Me, but we are looking forward to how Teh puts a Malaysian twist.
Badak
Directed by: Raihan Halim
Cast: Shaheizy Sam, Aida Amron, Wan Hanafi Su, Kahoe Hon
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Synopsis: A deaf single father, Badak, cherishes silence and gestures in his life with his daughter Mirah. But when she unexpectedly becomes a hip-hop sensation, their tranquil world is shattered.
Why you should watch it: This film looks to be another powerful film with Shaheizy Sam taking on another tranformation into a completely different character. It’s also not often that deaf persons are represented in film, much less Malaysian movies in general. Seeing Shaheizy embody the role of a father who tries his best look to be this year’s next tear-jerking drama.
(Hero image credit: Netflix / Feature image credit: Instagram/playground_films)