Malaysian movies to watch in 2024
Over the past year, Malaysian movies have been making waves among local audiences with its diverse range of stories. From a young woman who dares to challenge traditional beliefs to a family navigating racial segregation, you’ve probably heard of some of these titles before. If you’re looking to add some local flavours to your weekend movie marathon in 2024, we’ve got just the ticket for you – here are 8 recently-released and highly-raved Malaysian movies.
Table of Contents
1. La Luna (2023)
Video credit: GSCinemas
La Luna takes place in the conservative village of Kampong Bras Basah. Change arrives with the arrival of Hanie, a strong and persistent woman. Her character seems to be very different from the rest of the villagers, who are known to have conservative beliefs. Case in point – she opens La Luna, a lingerie store, symbolising empowerment and providing a safe space for women to express themselves.
However, this sparks conflict with Tok Hassan, a religious leader, who sees the store as a threat to the community’s morals, leading to a clash of ideologies. Tok Hassan feels responsible for keeping the village’s morals together, hence he uses all his power and influence to get others to support the store’s closure.
Main cast: Shaheizy Sam, Sharifah Amani, Wan Hanafi Su
2. Tiger stripes (2023)
Video credit: Films Boutique
Winning the Grand Prize at Cannes’ Critics’ Week, Tiger Stripes explores the challenges of growing up into the teen years and the power of understanding and embracing one’s own identity.
In the Malaysian countryside, 12-year-old Zaffan finds herself on a wild ride going through puberty. With nobody to explain what’s happening, she feels confused and misunderstood by everyone around her, including her classmates, parents, and friends.
But Zaffan isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. In a community where puberty can be a taboo subject, she boldly confronts the villagers about her period, determined to understand what’s happening to her body.
Main cast: Zafreen Zairizal, Deena Ezral, Piqa
3. Eraser (2023)
Video credit: Prime Video Malaysia
In Eraser, Ah Yoke and her daughter Xiao Li make an escape from their abusive household to cross paths with Ahmad, a skilled tombstone craftsman who extends a compassionate hand by offering them shelter. Welcomed warmly into Ahmad’s home, they form a deep bond with his family, particularly with his son Azman.
As Xiao Li and Azman’s friendship blossoms into romance, tensions rise when Ah Yoke struggles to accept their relationship despite Ahmad’s family’s support. Further problems surface when Khatijah, Ahmad’s wife, is diagnosed with cancer, and her request for Azman and Xiao Li to design her tombstone adds further complication to their situation.
Main cast: Lee Wan Shuen Alyssa, Dhiya Ariffin, Angela Chan
4. Abang Adik (2023)
Video credit: TGV Cinemas
Abang Adik follows the journey of two undocumented individuals in Kuala Lumpur, struggling due to their lack of proof of citizenship despite being born in Malaysia. Abang, who is deaf and mute, works at a local wet market to support himself and his brother, Adik, as they navigate life in a small flat while trying to avoid the authorities.
Their prospects brighten when a social worker advocates for their immigration status, but a significant event soon alters their lives.
The film is inspired by the surge in statelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic, hoping to shed light on the issue. After winning awards at the Far East Film Festival in Italy and having its premiere in Taiwan, the film earned significant box office revenue.
Main cast: Kang Ren Wu, Jack Tan, April Chan
5. Pendatang (2023)
Video credit: Kuman Pictures
Pendatang follows a Cantonese-speaking Chinese family who were forced to move to a rural kampung home. This was due to the implementation of the fictional Segregation Act, which has divided the country into racially-segregated districts. In their new house that they moved to, the family discovers a Malay girl hiding in the attic. Scared of the consequences that they might face, they must decide whether to get rid of her or try to smuggle her back to safety.
Main cast: Fredy Chan, MayJune Tan, Shareen Yeo
6. Headhunter (2023)
Video credit: Prime Video Malaysia
Headhunter offers a glimpse into the early 18th century Sarawak, giving viewers a look into the lives of the Iban ethnic community. The film follows four inseparable friends: Anang, Lebor, Untai, and Siah. The connection between these individuals have become stronger because of the challenges they have faced side by side. Even though these four friends enjoy causing trouble, they still strongly respect and follow the traditions and culture of their community.
However, their peaceful life shatters when Anang’s father is brutally killed, sparking a strong desire in him for revenge. Driven by sadness and responsibility, Anang sets off on a dangerous quest to make things right, diving into the dangerous practice of headhunting.
Main cast: Ebi Kornelis, Chacha Maembong, Anding Indrawani Zaini
7. Raintown (2024)
Video credit: Current Pictures
Raintown explores the balance between a parent’s ambitions and the yearnings of their children. Choo, a lantern maker as well as a father to three kids, has big dreams that overshadow the children’s ambitions. The tension that he has created leaves no room for their own happiness. He’s so focused on his own goals that he ignores what his three children want.
But when tragedy hits his wife, Aileen, their family falls apart, causing conflict.
As the kids try to figure out their own paths, Choo’s controlling ways hold them back. Day by day, his strictness makes their family bond weaker, leaving behind hurt feelings. The story is an example of how parents’ dreams and kids’ desires can clash.
Main cast: Kin Wah Chew, Susan Lankester, Fabian Loo
8. Neer Mel Neruppu (2024)
Video credit: International Film Festival Rotterdam
In Neer Mel Neruppu, viewers meet Karthi, an assistant who is tired of the commercial TV and film grind. Despite his vast experience in various roles, Karthi hopes to create something deeply personal—a film that reflects his vision and values.
However, lacking industry support in Malaysia, where opportunities for realistic feature films are scarce, Karthi faces overwhelming challenges that threaten his dream.
As he faces more setbacks and his personal life suffers, Karthi spirals into despair, contemplating on abandoning his filmmaking aspirations. Yet, during his darkest time, he encounters a kindred spirit—a fellow seeker also struggling with life’s uncertainties, offering a glimmer of hope in his journey.
Main cast: Karnan G. Crack, Rubini Sambanthan, Rupini Krishnan
Recently-released Malaysian movies to stream in 2024
Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping action or heartwarming drama, this selection of Malaysian films worth streaming in 2024 has something for everyone’s weekend viewing pleasure. They let you dig deep into the sceneries of Malaysian cinema and explore the different layers of society that you may never come across with. So grab your snacks, settle into your favourite spot, and hit play on one of them.
If you’re a movie buff who enjoyed this list of 2024 Malaysian films, you’ll also want to bookmark these guides for upcoming weekend movie marathons: 30 best Malaysian horror movies and 21 best Malaysian movies to stream on Netflix.
Cover image adapted from: IMDb, IMDb & IMDb
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