The best Malaysian romantic films to binge this Valentine’s Day

Planning to stay in and binge movies with a loved one to avoid the dining chaos this Valentine’s Day? You aren’t alone here, and you’ll probably need to refresh your watchlist of rom-coms. If you’re looking to try something new than the usual rom-coms and Hallmark films, here are some Malaysian romantic films to add to your list.

While Malaysian action and horror films tend to be more commercially successful, romantic films are well remembered among local filmgoers. Despite the abundance of local romantic dramas’, romance films are actually hard to come by in Malaysia. Fortunately, the ones that are released have not only been emotional stories but some of the best Malaysian films made in recent years.

Take Yasmin Ahmad’s Sepet as an example, an indie film that has been celebrated for 20 years since its release. It was groundbreaking at time for the being the first love stories in Malaysian cinema about a mixed-race couple. The image of a multicultural Malaysia was carried over from Ahmad’s commercial work, and went to win Best Film at the 18th Malaysia Film Festival. The film itself is a sweet yet realistic love story of two young adults who overcome adversity to be together.

In more recent years, Nik Amir Mustapha’s Imaginur is also an inventive Malaysian romantic film that captured the hearts of local moviegoers. Told in a broken timeline of events, the film recounts the love of a man who chases after a woman who he meets in his dreams. Despite it’s unconventional storyline, it is full of heart and humour and is bound to make you shed a tear by its ending.

So if you and your loved one are interested in checking what Malaysian romantic films have to offer, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy your cosy movie night-in and enjoy binging these list local romantic flicks that will leave you in stitches and tears.

8 of the best Malaysian romantic films to watch this Valentine’s Day

(Hero image credit: Lumatic Films / Feature image credit: Yasmin Ahmad/AFP/Getty Images)

1 /8

Director: Nik Amir Mustapha
Cast: Beto Kusyairy, Diana Danielle, Mior Hashim Manap

In this imaginative Malaysian romantic sci-fi tale, Zuhal, a devoted son caring for his ailing father, experiences reality and illusion blurring when he undergoes a mysterious hypnosis process that allows him to encounter a woman from his dreams in real life.

Imaginur is an innovative entry in Malaysian cinema, elevating the romance genre through its unique fusion of science fiction, psychological drama and emotional resonance. Its success at the Malaysia Film Festival including Best Film and Best Director marks it as a standout contemporary romantic film that challenges and expands the conventions of Malaysian love stories

2 /8

Director: Adrian Teh
Cast: Beto Kusyairy, Shiqin Kamal, Vanida Imran

Reversi is a Malaysian drama-romance with science fiction elements that follows Akid, a police officer who has inherited the ability to rewind time. Driven by profound love for his wife, Sarah, and their son, Anas, Akid repeatedly travels back into the past in desperate attempts to avert their tragic deaths. His journey through time becomes both an exploration of love’s resilience and an examination of fate, loss, and acceptance.

This film distinguishes itself in the romantic canon through its emotional depth and philosophical reflections on love and destiny. By incorporating time manipulation into its narrative, Reversi transforms the familiar theme of devotion into a powerful story on memory and sacrifice, establishing it as one of the best Malaysian films in recent years.

3 /8

Director: Yasmin Ahmad
Cast: Ng Choo Seong, Sharifah Amani, Linus Chung

Sepet is a seminal Malaysian romantic drama that charts the tender but complicated relationship between Jason — a 19-year-old poetical Chinese VCD stall owner and Orked, a Malay schoolgirl enamoured with Hong Kong cinema. Their bond grows from a chance meeting into a deep emotional connection, yet it unfolds against a backdrop of societal expectations, cultural divides and the everyday realities of multicultural Malaysia.

Celebrated for its authentic portrayal of interracial love and its nuanced reflection of Malaysian social dynamics, Sepet is widely regarded as a classic of Malaysian cinema. Its exploration of love transcending cultural boundaries and its rich emotional texture have cemented its place as an enduring romantic narrative that continues to resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.

4 /8

Director: Teddy Chin
Cast: Wilson Lee, Qasrina Karim, Harith Iskander

Set during the festive period when Chinese New Year and Hari Raya coincide, Kongsi Raya centres on Jack, a Chinese chef, and Sharifah, a Malay TV producer, whose relationship is met with resistance from their rival fathers, both competitive cooks embroiled in a televised culinary showdown. As the lovers strive to balance personal affection with familial duty, the film blends romantic themes with humour and cultural insight.

Though rooted in comedy, Kongsi Raya delivers a refreshing look at contemporary Malaysian relationships, showcasing how love can bridge tradition and modernity. Its portrayal of cross-cultural dynamics and familial reconciliation situates it as a relatable and heart-warming laugh-out-loud romantic film.

5 /8

Director: P. Ramlee
Cast: P. Ramlee, Sarimah, Mak Dara

Ibu Mertuaku is a classic Malay-language melodrama that begins with the romance between Kassim Selamat, a struggling musician, and Sabariah, the daughter of a prosperous matriarch. Their marriage defies class boundaries and the disdain of Sabariah’s mother, leading the young couple into hardship. When miscommunication and familial intervention result in tragic consequences.

This film remains a cornerstone of Malaysian cinematic heritage, not only for its compelling romantic arc but also for its exploration of social hierarchies, familial obligation, and emotional resilience. Its enduring influence and cultural significance secure its status as a quintessential romantic drama.

6 /8

Director: Saw Teong Hin
Cast: Tiara Jacquelina, M. Nasir, Adlin Aman Ramlee

Set in the late 15th century, Puteri Gunung Ledang recounts the legendary and forbidden love between Gusti Putri, a Javanese princess with mystical powers, and Hang Tuah, a revered Malay warrior. As political intrigue and spiritual prophecy envelop their world, the lovers confront impossible choices, ultimately revealing the tensions between duty, honour and the force of their emotions.

As one of Malaysia’s most ambitious historical romances, this epic film marries folklore with grand visual storytelling. Its portrayal of transcendent love framed against cultural legacies and mythic stakes elevates it beyond conventional romantic narratives, making it both a richly cinematic experience and a watermark Malaysian film.

7 /8

Director: Tom Lin Shu-yu
Cast: Lee Sinje, Hiroshi Abe, Sylvia Chang

Based on Tan Twan Eng’s acclaimed novel, The Garden of the Evening Mists follows Yun Ling, a Japanese internment camp survivor, who seeks to honour her late sister by creating a Japanese garden in the Cameron Highlands. Under the tutelage of a reclusive Japanese gardener, Yun Ling navigates her traumatic past and an unexpected emotional bond. Set against tensions of war, their relationship unfolds with subtle intensity and tenderness.

Although primarily a historical drama, the film’s exploration of love, memory and healing situates it firmly within the romantic genre. Its evocative visual language and thematic depth make it a compelling meditation on how affection and loss are intertwined, establishing the film as both an artistic achievement and a poignant romantic narrative in Malaysian-themed cinema.

8 /8

Director: Ah Niu
Cast: Ah Niu, Angelica Lee, Gary Chaw, Fish Leong

Set in a nostalgic early-1980s Malaysian small town, Ice Kacang Puppy Love chronicles the shy and introspective Botak, who harbours feelings for his spirited childhood friend Chew Anqi (“Fighting-Fish”). As they grow from playful companions into young adults, the film follows the tender and bittersweet evolution of their relationship coloured by humour, longing and the simplicity of youth.

This romantic coming-of-age film has become beloved for its authentic evocation of first love and the small-town milieus that shape it. Nostalgic in tone and rich in cultural texture, Ice Kacang Puppy Love stands as a heartfelt and enduring celebration of youthful affection and the universal experience of innocent first love.