List Of Best Malayalam Movies New May 2026

Malayalam cinema has recently undergone a major renaissance, transitioning from a beloved regional industry to a global powerhouse known for its technical brilliance and ground-breaking storytelling.

The 2024–2025 season in particular has seen a remarkable surge in box office hits and critical masterpieces. From survival thrillers to experimental folk horror, here is a look at the best new Malayalam movies that have defined this era. The Record Breakers (2024–2025)

The last two years have been historic for Mollywood's commercial reach, with several films crossing the ₹100 crore and ₹200 crore milestones. list of best malayalam movies new

The Malayalam film industry, or Mollywood, is currently in a "New Wave" era, marked by technical excellence and realistic storytelling

. Based on recent critical acclaim, box office success, and audience ratings (as of April 2026), here is a curated list of the best new and upcoming Malayalam movies. 15 Greatest Malayalam Films of the Last 15 Years 29-Oct-2025 — Malayalam cinema has recently undergone a major renaissance,

5. Manjummel Boys (2024)

Genre: Survival Thriller
Why it made the list: A bona fide box office phenomenon that became a cultural event. Based on a true story of a group of friends trapped in the Guna Caves (one of India's most dangerous locations), this film redefined "crowd-pleaser." The famous "Kanmani Anbodu" sequence went viral globally. It is a masterclass in building suspense and celebrating friendship.

8. Kaathal – The Core (2023)

  • Genre: Social Drama / LGBTQ+
  • Director: Jeo Baby
  • Why it’s best: A landmark film where Mammootty plays a closeted gay man married to a woman (Jyothika). It handles a sensitive subject with dignity, focusing on loneliness and societal pressure.
  • Highlight: The silent tear on Mammootty’s face during the court scene.
  • Verdict: Brave, necessary, and heartbreaking.

2. Aavesham (2024)

Genre: Action Comedy Director: Jithu Madhavan Genre: Social Drama / LGBTQ+ Director: Jeo Baby

Starring Fahadh Faasil in a career-defining mass avatar, Aavesham is a chaotic, high-energy entertainer. The story revolves around three teenagers in Bengaluru who befriend a quirky, eccentric gangster named Ranga to settle a score with college bullies.

Why it stands out: This film proved that "mass cinema" doesn't need to be regressive. Fahadh Faasil’s portrayal of Ranga—complete with a striking look, white shirt, and comedic timing—created a pop-culture phenomenon. While the movie delivers on action and style, it is surprisingly funny and surprisingly emotional in its final act. It captures the pulse of the youth audience perfectly.

7. Premalu (2024)

  • Genre: Romantic Comedy
  • Director: Girish A.D.
  • Why it’s best: A surprise blockbuster that became a youth sensation. Set in Hyderabad, it captures modern dating, career struggles, and friendship with hilarious, natural dialogue.
  • Highlight: Naslen’s portrayal of the “lovable loser” Sachin.
  • Verdict: The Superbad of Malayalam cinema – wholesome and witty.