Kapanlagi.com - Malaysia has a diverse perspective in filmmaking. This is influenced by the various cultures present there. It is natural that there are many options that can be considered as recommendations for Malaysian films.
The genres available are also varied, such as horror, drama, and comedy. No less than other countries, the latest recommendations for Malaysian films are also worth considering. The cultural similarities between Indonesia and Malaysia can make the themes presented feel close to everyday experiences.
So, if you are curious about recommendations for Malaysian films, please check out the reviews below.
1. WIDOW FIGHTING THE WORLD (2022)

(Credit: imdb.com)
As one of the recommendations for the latest Malaysian film of 2022, WIDOW FIGHTING THE WORLD should not be missed. Directed by Hyrul Anuar, this film tells the story of characters named Midah, Rohayu, and Ani, who are avid fans of the singer Aiman Zalini. In order to meet their idol, the three of them try to earn money by selling additive-free vapes.
Initially, their business runs smoothly as their products sell like hotcakes. However, this also forces them to confront a dangerous cartel. So, what will happen to them next? What mistakes have Midah, Rohayu, and Ani actually made?
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2. 35MM (2022)
Next, there is 35MM, which is a recommendation for the latest and most popular Malaysian film for you to watch. With a comedy and fantasy genre, this film starring Syahmi Sazli, Asif Suhaimi, and Yoe Parey will make you laugh. Broadly speaking, this film tells the story of Syahmi, Asif, and Yoe who go back in time after buying an antique camera.
You will see their struggles to survive in different eras, from the Chinese Dynasty, Japanese occupation, British colonization, to the 90s. In addition to the challenges and humor, Yoe also experiences a touching story, as he gets to reunite with his parents who passed away a long time ago in 1997.
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3. MAT KILAU (2022)

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The next must-watch latest Malaysian film is MAT KILAU. Directed by Syamsul Yusof, this film tells the story of a brave native Malaysian warrior who challenges the British colonial government in Pahang. As a leader and thinker in his group, Mat Kilau is highly respected and admired by many. You will witness Mat Kilau's actions addressing the welfare of the Malaysian people until he leads a rebellion.
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4. RUMAH (2022)
Next, there is a recommendation for a Malaysian horror genre film titled RUMAH. This film, directed by Kay, stars Erra Fazira, Puteri Balqis, and Mak Jah as the main cast. Broadly speaking, this film tells the story of a single mother named Maya.
She lives in a house with her daughter. She searches for a home until she finds one at a price far below the market. Unfortunately, she is unaware that the house she resides in holds a terrifying story.
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5. BUSKER (2018)

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If you are looking for a recommendation for a Malaysian film in the romantic genre, please choose BUSKER. This musical film stars Daiyan Trisha, Hafeez Mikail, Anas Ridzuan, and Lia Natalia. Broadly speaking, the story revolves around the lives of a group of street musician teenagers known as Busker. They strive hard to become great musicians.
Their story begins with Adil and Vera, who often argue, then are forced to work together. Next, Vera makes a plan for Adil to get back together with his ex-girlfriend named Melissa. She asks Adil to participate in the Busker music competition. However, as time goes by, feelings of love begin to grow between them.
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6. PASKAL (2018)
Next, there is a recommendation for a Malaysian film titled PASKAL. This film is based on the true story of Lieutenant Commander Arman Anwar from PASKAL, an elite unit in the Royal Malaysian Navy. The mission of the team is to rescue the MV Bunga Laurel, a tanker ship that was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2011.
In this film, Lieutenant Commander Arman Anwar serves as a Special Forces member of the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM). It is also told that Arman's father also served in the military and died during a mission. This is why Arman's mother disagrees with his choice. Moreover, during a dangerous mission, a friend of Arman dies, and another is dismissed. Arman then undertakes one last mission that will change the world.
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7. RETURN (2018)

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RETURN is also one of the Malaysian film recommendations that you shouldn't miss. Set in the 1940s, this film tells the story of the Malays who are famous worldwide for their sailing skills. The main character in this film is named Othman. A fisherman from a small village in Malacca, he leaves his family to sail the world. He hopes to achieve wealth and pride.
After several decades at sea, the wages he receives turn out to be disappointing. He, who once thought of returning home to his family, ultimately settles in Liverpool, England. 60 years later, his grandson, Ahmad, embarks on a journey to the other side of the world to find his grandfather.
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8. THE GARDEN OF EVENING MISTS (2019)

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Next on the list of Malaysian film recommendations is the film titled THE GARDEN OF EVENING MISTS from 2019. This film is a historical drama from Malaysia in English, based on a novel of the same name.
Traumatized by the effects of World War II, a woman seeks solace in the Cameron Highlands. There, she falls in love with a mysterious Japanese gardener.
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9. ROH (2019)

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The film ROH is also one of the recommended Malaysian horror films that you should watch. This film offers a story and sound effects that will give you chills. Broadly speaking, the film ROH tells the story of a family consisting of a mother and her two children, Along and Angah.
They live in the middle of the forest. The children often set traps for animals in the forest so they can bring them home for food. The terrifying story begins. There is a girl wearing tattered clothes who predicts that someone in their family will die during the next full moon.
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10. REVENGE OF THE PONTIANAK (2019)

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The film REVENGE OF THE PONTIANAK is one of the interesting Malaysian horror films worth watching. This film tells the story of a couple of soon-to-be-weds who are preparing for their wedding in a small village. They are Khalid and Siti. Unfortunately, a horrific death occurs in the village.
There are also frightening supernatural events. It turns out that Khalid himself is the one behind these terrifying events. In the past, a woman was murdered and raped until she became pregnant. Now, that woman has become a pontianak. It is the pontianak who gathers all the men in the village and hunts them down in the forest to kill them.
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11. ONE TWO JAGA (2018)

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Another recommendation for a Malaysian film is titled ONE TWO JAGA, which was released in 2018. This film is a Malaysian crime action drama from 2018.
It tells the story behind the scenes of the Royal Malaysian Police, showcasing the dark side of a few members who betray their trust by accepting bribes and getting caught up in the world of crime.
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12. PUSAKA (2019)

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Next, there is a recommendation for a Malaysian film titled PUSAKA. This film tells the story of events at an uninhabited empty house. The character in this film is named Nuar. He discovers two twin children named Baris and Qistina who are mysteriously locked in an empty house without any known reason.
Furthermore, strange things happen to those connected to the case. Yes, they experience terror in the form of a series of sufferings and unexplainable events until each of them becomes near death. As a police officer, Nuar tries to solve the mystery of these events.
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13. NASI LEMAK 1.0 (2022)

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The film NASI LEMAK 1.0 is a recommended Malaysian film released in 2022. This film premiered in January 2022 and features the genres of comedy, action, drama, and history. The synopsis of NASI LEMAK 1.0 tells the story of Hang Dua who obtains the best nasi lemak recipe after going through various efforts.
Hang Dua strives to get the nasi lemak recipe to defeat a chef from China. However, he then travels back in time to the era of the Malay Sultanate of Malacca 600 years ago. Despite this, he ends up acquiring an unmatched nasi lemak recipe. Various exciting moments are also presented in the film NASI LEMAK 1.0, ranging from funny to thrilling action.
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14. THE ASSISTANT (2022)

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The film THE ASSISTANT is a must-watch Malaysian film released in 2022. The film THE ASSISTANT stars several renowned actors such as Hairul Azreen, Dzuhrie Alaudin, Henley Hii, Kin Wah Chew, and others.
The synopsis of THE ASSISTANT tells the thrilling adventure of Zafik, who is a criminal. He is behind bars because of his crimes. However, his life changes when he meets Feroz. But it turns out that Feroz has a number of secrets.
15. THE EXPERTS (2024)

THE EXPERTS (Credit: imdb.com)
The film THE EXPERTS is one of the most attention-grabbing Malaysian heist action films of 2024. This film stars Aaron Aziz as Sharif, the mastermind, along with a cast that showcases a family dynamic full of conflict and tension.
The synopsis of THE EXPERTS focuses on five siblings known as legendary professional thieves. They have actually retired after pulling off the biggest gold heist of their lives. However, the situation drastically changes when a ruthless gangster blackmails them into pulling off one last job.
The mission is to steal an invaluable ring. With each sibling possessing skills such as hacking, manipulation, and safe-cracking, they must return to the criminal world. Behind the thrilling action, this film also unveils old grudges and family secrets that threaten to destroy everything.
16. MARTABAT: BLOODY MISSION (2025)

MARTABAT: BLOODY MISSION (Credit: imdb.com)
The film MARTABAT: BLOODY MISSION is a Malaysian dark action comedy scheduled to be released in 2025. The film is directed by Adrian Teh and Zahiril Adzim, and stars Fad Bocey, Zahiril Adzim, Shiqin Kamal, Nafiez Zaidi, and Elvina Chua.
The synopsis of MARTABAT: BLOODY MISSION tells the story of a group of extras who are willing to do anything to become famous actors or land bigger roles. They become involved in an action film production taking place on a remote island.
However, their grand ambitions lead them into chaos, misfortune, and dangerous situations they never imagined before. This film combines absurd humor, criticism of the entertainment industry, and unusual bloody action.
17. SHERIFF: NARKO INTEGRITI

SHERIFF: NARKO INTEGRITI (Credit: imdb.com)
The film SHERIFF: NARKO INTEGRITI is a Malaysian crime action film from 2024 featuring the collaboration of two police officers from different divisions. The film carries the theme of drug eradication with high tension and strong moral conflicts.
The synopsis of SHERIFF: NARKO INTEGRITI follows Sheriff and Nazri, two police officers with opposing characters and principles. They must work together to bring down Tony, a ruthless drug lord known as the "Meth Killer".
The methamphetamine syndicate led by Tony has killed many law enforcement officers. In this dangerous pursuit, the experienced Sheriff and the idealistic Nazri must face great risks to stop the rampant drug crime.
18. BLEEDING TIGER: CONFLICT BEGINS (2024)

BLEEDING TIGER: CONFLICT BEGINS (Credit: imdb.com)
The film BLEEDING TIGER: CONFLICT BEGINS or HARIMAU MERAH: KONFLIK BERMULA is a Malaysian crime action film from 2024 directed by Silver Chung. This film highlights inner conflict and the tension of the criminal world from the perspective of an undercover police officer.
The synopsis of BLEEDING TIGER: CONFLICT BEGINS centers on Hakin, a police officer who infiltrates the criminal gang Red Tiger. He successfully gains the trust of the group while secretly uncovering various brutal crimes.
The situation becomes more complicated when Hakin's superior is killed and a power struggle occurs within the gang. Amidst betrayal and moral dilemmas, Hakin must maintain his identity while fighting for justice.
19. BLOOD BROTHERS: FURY OF THE DRAGON (2025)

BLOOD BROTHERS: FURY OF THE DRAGON (Credit: imdb.com)
The film BLOOD BROTHERS: FURY OF THE DRAGON is set to be released in 2025 and tells an action-packed story of betrayal in the world of elite security and organized crime.
The synopsis of BLOOD BROTHERS: FURY OF THE DRAGON follows a group of men working in an elite security organization. They are tasked with protecting influential figures and leaders of organized crime.
However, the brotherhood they have long upheld begins to crack when betrayal emerges from within. Tests of loyalty, brutal violence, and inner conflict push their blood bond to the brink of destruction.
20. Questions and Answers About the Latest Malaysian Films
Q: What is the latest must-watch Malaysian action film?
A: Some of the latest Malaysian action films that have caught attention include THE EXPERTS (2024), SHERIFF: NARKO INTEGRITI (2024), and BLEEDING TIGER: CONFLICT BEGINS (2024) for their intense action and strong storytelling.
Q: Are Malaysian films suitable for international audiences?
A: Yes, many modern Malaysian films feature high production quality, universal themes, and popular genres such as action, crime, and heist that are easily enjoyed by global audiences.
Q: Which Malaysian films focus on crime and police themes?
A: Films like SHERIFF: NARKO INTEGRITI and BLEEDING TIGER: CONFLICT BEGINS focus on the world of policing, drug syndicates, and realistic legal conflicts.
Q: Are there any Malaysian films in the action comedy genre?
A: Yes. MARTABAT: MISI BERDARAH (2025) combines dark comedy with action, while also sharply satirizing the entertainment world and the ambitions of supporting characters.
Q: Which Malaysian film features themes of brotherhood and betrayal?
A: BLOOD BROTHERS: FURY OF THE DRAGON (2025) is an example of a film that highlights the bonds of brotherhood tested by betrayal and personal interests.
Well, KLovers, those are some recommendations for the latest and best Malaysian films that you can watch.
(kpl/gen/ans)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.