Malaysian animation series and movies
We often look to the West or Japan for animations to watch. But Malaysia’s animation industry has always been quietly thriving, with local studios churning out heartwarming tales rooted in Malaysian culture and action-packed stories that appeal to global audiences.
Take these 12 local animated series and movies that we’ve listed below. They offer unique perspectives on life, adventure, and heroism, all with local flair and impressive visuals.
Table of Contents
1. Kampung Boy
Based on a graphic novel from the 1970s
Image credit: IMDb via website
The Kampung Boy is a graphic novel published in 1979 by cartoonist Datuk Lat, which many Malaysians across several generations will recall flipping through the pages of while growing up. The beloved story vividly captured the innocence and adventure of a young boy growing up in a Malaysian village.
The novel’s popularity led to an animation adaptation by Matinee Entertainment and Astro Shaw in 1999. Under the direction of Mohd. Anuar Nor Arai, the animated series brought to life the protagonist Lat, a cheeky kampung lad with a boundless imagination and a gift for getting into the kind of mischief only a child with a big heart can.
From climbing coconut trees to dodging homework, Lat’s everyday escapades paint a vivid and whimsical portrait of kampung life that was based on its original artist’s life. Rendered in stunning hand-drawn animation, each scene is lovingly detailed, transporting viewers straight into the rhythm and richness of rural Malaysia.
2. Horologist
Image credit: IMDb via website
Horologist is a short film that helped to put Malaysia’s animation on the global map – it won Best Animation at the US’ notable San Diego Comic-Con and USA International Film Festival 2023. Created by Jared Lee, the thought-provoking comic-book-turned-short-film takes audiences on a surreal journey through the fabric of time and memory, exploring themes of regret, loss, and the delicate balance between the past and the present.
The narrative weaves deep philosophical questions with captivating visuals, offering a poignant reflection on the passage of time through the animated lead, Sand. For anyone with a love for art films or narratives that spark introspection, this is a true masterpiece.
3. Upin & Ipin
Began as a Ramadan special
Image credit: Les’ Copaque Production via website
With a whopping 17 seasons in total, it might come as a surprise to even beloved followers of Upin & Ipin that the show began as a modest Ramadan special. The series has since blossomed into a beloved cultural phenomenon, humbly airing first on Malaysia’s free-to-air channel, TV9, before its 12th season premiered on Astro and TV2.
The series also aired on Indonesia’s free-to-air MNCTV channel, and is available to stream on streaming platform giants Netflix and Disney+.
Created by the award-winning, homegrown Les’ Copaque Production, and directed by Ahmad Razuri Roseli with Burhanuddin Md Radzi as producer, the series follows the mischievous yet endearing adventures of twin brothers Upin and Ipin.
Set against the backdrop of a lively kampung, the series invites viewers into a world of play, discovery, and heartfelt lessons. With its vibrant animation and catchy tunes, and rich culture, Upin & Ipin proves that superheroes don’t always wear capes – sometimes, they come as two bald boys with big hearts and a love for their roots.
4. BoBoiBoy
Has a full-blown cinematic universe
Image credit: Prime Video via website
BoBoiBoy is the brainchild of Monsta, formerly Animonsta Studios. It was brought to life under the direction of the talented Nizam Razak. At the centre of the series is BoBoiBoy himself, a cheeky, big-hearted kid with the extraordinary ability to split into elemental-powered versions of himself.
What began as a simple tale of a young boy defending Earth from alien invaders has grown into a full-blown cinematic universe. The series spans three seasons, even airing to viewers abroad on China’s Tencent Video and India’s children’s channel Hungama TV. It also has several spin-offs and a 2016 theatrical release in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Beneath the flashy powers and alien showdowns lies a story about friendship, teamwork, and standing up for what’s right — all wrapped in vibrant animation that speaks to kids, teens, and even that nostalgic uncle who still calls every cartoon a classic.
5. Mechamato Movie
The first animation to break into the Japanese market
Image credit: BASKL via website
Mechamato Movie, produced by the brilliant minds at Monsta and directed by Nizam Razak, is a cinematic gem that serves as a prequel to the BoBoiBoy universe, though it more than holds its own.
The 2022 film follows the successful series of the same name, which spans three seasons. The film adaptation tells the tale of Amato as he stumbles upon MechaBot, a rogue battle robot with a mind of its own. Together, they find themselves in the middle of a mission to stop alien tech from spiralling out of control — and maybe grow up a little along the way.
Created entirely in Malaysia, the film boasts stunning visuals, crisp action, and storytelling that balances fast-paced adventure with moments of genuine heart. Wrapped in sci-fi spectacle and futuristic gadgetry, the film was well-received in Malaysia and neighbouring Indonesia. Two years after its release at home, the film was screened at 30 cinemas in Japan, making it the first animated Malaysian film to break into the Japanese market.
The Mechamato series saw similar accolades. Its first season aired on Cartoon Network Asia and Netflix for the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023, it aired on Japanese television station, TOKYO MX, making it the first Malaysian animation series to be screened on the channel. The same year, Mechamato won the Anime Fan Award at Japan’s Tokyo Anime Awards Festival 2023.
6. Batik Girl
Image credit: YouTube
Batik Girl, produced by Les’ Copaque Productions and created by Ahmad Razuri Roseli, is a beautifully crafted 2018 short film that introduces a different kind of superhero — one stitched together by tradition, heart, and heritage. At its centre is Siti, a brave young girl who transforms into the mystical Batik Girl, drawing strength and power from the vibrant world of traditional batik art to protect her community.
As Siti rises to defend what matters, the film lovingly showcases the intricate beauty of Malaysian batik, celebrating it not just as a visual element but as a living, breathing part of Malaysian identity.
In 2024, the 9-minute film was selected for the prestigious Marché international du Film d’animation’s (Mifa) “Meet the Producer” session in France, following its release at 26 film festivals across 17 countries around the globe. It also racked up several awards globally, including Best Animated Short Film at the Festival de Largos y Cortos de Santiago 2019 in Chile.
7. Keluang Man
The first live-action adaptation from an animated Malaysian series
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Before superheroes became a Hollywood staple, Malaysia had its own caped crusader, Keluang Man. Created by Kamn Ismail and produced by Kharisma Pictures under Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), this late ’90s series quickly became a cult classic.
Set in the fictional Tumpoi Town, the show follows a patient-turned-vigilante who escapes Hospital Bahagia by night to fight crime in the most unconventional ways. With his trusty sidekick Tiong Man, Keluang Man grapples with petty criminals and moral dilemmas.
Animated in gritty 2D with a signature dose of dark humour and surreal storytelling, the series carved out a legacy all its own. No fancy gadgets and no CGI explosions — just a borrowed costume based on the fruit bat, a big heart, and a story that still resonates with viewers.
A live-action adaptation of the animated series is set to release on 25th May 2025, making it the first fully live-action film adapted from a 1990s animation series.
8. Bola Kampung
Viewership from 16 countries
Image credit: MUBI via website
Bola Kampung, produced by Animasia Studio and directed by Ahmad Izham Omar, is Malaysia’s spirited take on football, with a distinctly kampung twist. Iwan, a young football enthusiast with dreams bigger than his village pitch, is at the heart of the series, taking viewers on a journey as he navigates school, friendship, and his love for the game with his friends.
With over 100 episodes and a feature film to its name, Bola Kampung has sprinted far beyond Malaysian fields, capturing hearts across Southeast Asia. The series had viewership from 16 countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, and Turkey. It shows the world that a little imagination, teamwork, and kampung spirit can go a long way.
9. AstroLOLogy
A one-of-a-kind tale based on the horoscope
Image credit: Lemon Sky Studios via website
AstroLOLogy, brought to life by Astro Shaw and directed by Mohd. Anuar Nor Arai, is a cosmic comedy like no other, where the stars align not for your daily horoscope, but for hilariously charming adventures.
With each character representing a different zodiac sign, this vibrant animated series blends astrology with everyday antics, making the universe feel just a little more relatable and a lot more fun. Whether it’s the bold Aries charging into mayhem, the dreamy Pisces floating through their feelings, or the practical Virgo trying to keep it all together, AstroLOLogy brings these signs to life with colour, flair, and a healthy dose of mischief.
With its eye-popping animation, witty scripts, and larger-than-life personalities, the 2018 series with two seasons is an out-of-this-world way to learn about friendship, understanding, and the magic of differences.
10. Ejen Ali
Streamed in 50 countries worldwide
Image credit: DeconRecon via website
Ejen Ali, created by WAU Animation and directed by Usamah Zaid Yasin, is Malaysia’s slick and spirited answer to the world of secret agents — but powered by a schoolboy with a sharp mind and an even sharper heart.
First released in 2016, the animated series follows Ali, a gifted 12-year-old who is unexpectedly recruited by MATA, a covert intelligence agency tasked with defending the nation from digital and real-world threats.
What sets Ejen Ali apart is its grounding in Malaysian identity, layered with themes that resonate worldwide. With its compelling storytelling and emotional depth, the series has captured audiences from across the globe, as it has been streamed in 50 countries worldwide. It was also released on Amazon Prime in six countries, including the US and the UK.
11. Usop Sontorian
Malaysia’s first-ever animated series
Image credit: Zaman Kanak Kanak via Facebook
You could say that Usop Sontorian helped pave the way for Malaysian animation. It’s Malaysia’s first-ever animated series, as recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records. Aired in 1996, the series was directed by Kamn Ismail and created by cartoonist Ujang, or Ibrahim Anon, who developed its iconic characters, concepts, and storyline.
Described by Ujang himself as a Malaysian version of The Simpsons, the series is centered around Usop, the third youngest child in his family, who resides in a real-life kampung not far from Ayer Hiram, Johor. Three seasons of the show followed the spirited Malaysian boy and his group of friends who, together, captured the beauty of the multi-ethnic Malaysia.
Usop Sontorian first aired on Malaysia’s RTM, and was screened at the Asian Animation Festival in Japan the same year that it was released. It was later released globally under the name Adventures of Usop and Usop & Geng, and dubbed in both English and Spanish.
12. Dongeng Sang Kancil
An animated take on a Malaysian folklore
Image credit: Casey’s Movie Mania
Dongeng Sang Kancil, produced by Les’ Copaque Productions, is a heartfelt animated series that breathes new life into the cherished Malaysian folklore. Directed by Ahmad Razuri Roseli, the film centres around Sang Kancil, the cheeky little mouse-deer with a clever mind and a generous heart. The timeless tale of the Malaysian icon is retold with vibrant visuals and gentle storytelling, offering young audiences a window into Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
At its core, the series is a celebration of wit over might, where brains triumph over brawn, and kindness paves the way forward.
Best Malaysian animation series & movies you must watch
From the whimsical charm of Kampung Boy to the high-tech espionage of Ejen Ali, these Malaysian movies and series prove that animation isn’t just entertainment – it’s a powerful form of storytelling that transcends borders.
As Malaysia’s animation scene evolves, there’s no doubt that we’ll see even more captivating stories that will inspire and captivate for generations to come.
For more entertainment reads, check out:
- 32 Malaysian horror movies to watch on Netflix
- Movies and ads by Malaysian legend, Yasmin Ahmad
- Highly rated Malaysian films from 2023 to watch
Cover image adapted from: Dongeng Sang Kancil, Batik Girl, Ejen Ali via IMDb