Introduction
Malayalam Suspense Thriller Movies have become a standout genre in Indian cinema, capturing the hearts of viewers with their clever plots and engaging storytelling. These films are known for skillfully blending suspense with deep emotional themes, often exploring mysteries, crime, and the more complex sides of human behavior. These movies keep viewers on the edge of their seats with compelling narratives and strong performances from talented actors.
In the article we are going to reveal 15 best and latest malayalam suspense thriller movies you should not miss but must-watch. So be with us until we disclose these movies. Let’s start…
Also Read: 15 Best Tamil Suspense Thriller Movies: You shouldn’t Miss
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Also Read: Best Malayalam Crime Thriller Movies with high IMDB Rating in 2024
Also Read: 20 Best Malayalam Movies on Netflix: You must watch in 2024
1. Drishyam (2013)
Drishyam is an intense thriller movie about Georgekutty, a simple man whose life revolves around his family and love for movies. Everything changes when his daughter, Anju, accidentally kills Varun, a young man who was blackmailing her with a compromising video. To protect his family, Georgekutty comes up with a clever plan to hide the crime, creating a solid alibi and removing all evidence. As the police, led by Varun’s mother, Inspector General Geetha Prabhakar, start investigating, Georgekutty uses his movie knowledge to stay ahead of them at every step and Georgekutty does whatever it takes to shield his family from the law. With suspense and unexpected twists, Drishyam movie keeps viewers hooked right up to its surprising and dramatic ending.
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Release Date | 19 December 2013 |
| Director | Jeethu Joseph |
| Actors | Mohanlal, Meena, Asha Sarath, Ansiba Hassan |
| Running Time | 164 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Disney + Hotstar |
2. Memories (2013)
Memories is a compelling Malayalam thriller movie about Sam Alex, a police officer struggling with the deep pain of losing his wife and daughter to a terrorist attack. To cope, he turns to alcohol, but when his mother urges him to investigate a troubling case of missing young married men, he reluctantly takes it on. As Sam digs into the case, he discovers chilling clues left on the victims’ bodies that lead him to a disturbed killer. The messages are written in Aramaic and reveal a twisted sense of justice rooted in biblical themes. With a personal connection to the case, Sam must act to save his brother, Sanju, from becoming the next victim and rest is the movie story.
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller |
| Release Date | 9 August 2013 |
| Director | Jeethu Joseph |
| Actors | Prithviraj Sukumaran, Meghana Raj, Miya George, S. P. Sreekumar |
| Running Time | 143 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Disney + Hotstar |
3. Joseph (2018)
Joseph is a Malayalam thriller movie that follows the story of Joseph, a retired detective dealing with his troubled past and living a lonely life after separating from his wife, Stella. When he is called to investigate the murder of an elderly couple, he uncovers shocking links to his ex-girlfriend’s death, which has haunted him for years. Things take a tragic turn when Stella is in a severe accident, prompting Joseph to dig deeper into the case. His investigation reveals a dark organ trafficking scheme tied to a powerful hospital. Determined to bring the truth to light, Joseph puts everything on the line, including his own life. This movie skillfully combines power of love, loss, redemption in a suspenseful narrative and the lengths one will go to for the people they care about.
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Thriller |
| Release Date | 16 November 2018 |
| Director | M. Padmakumar |
| Actors | Joju George, Dileesh Pothan, Athmiya Rajan, Malavika Menon |
| Running Time | 138 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
4. C U Soon (2020)
C U Soon is an malayalam thriller movie that looks at the challenges of love and trust in today’s digital world. The movie follows Jimmy, a Client Executive in the UAE, who falls for Anu, a shy girl he meets on a dating app. Their connection deepens through video calls, but everything changes when Anu reveals that her father has hurt her. After confronting him, Jimmy discovers dark secrets about Anu’s life, including the fact that she is trapped in a heartbreaking situation involving forced prostitution, with a man pretending to be her father. When Anu goes missing, Jimmy turns to his cousin Kevin, a cybersecurity expert, for help. Together, they uncover the shocking truth about Anu’s circumstances. This movie emphasizes that the lengths one will go for love and the dangers that can arise from online relationships.
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Mystery |
| Release Date | 1 September 2020 |
| Director | Mahesh Narayanan |
| Actors | Fahadh Faasil, Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran |
| Running Time | 98 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
5. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)
Anjaam Pathiraa is a thrilling Malayalam movie that centers on psychologist Anwar Hussain, who gets involved in a chilling murder case when a police officer is found killed in a gruesome way. Teaming up with DCP Catherine and a hacker named Andrew, Anwar uncovers a series of shocking murders linked to a mysterious Lady Justice figurine. As more bodies turn up, the investigation reveals that a skilled hacker is playing a deadly game. Things take a surprising turn with the arrival of Dr. Benjamin Louis, whose troubled past and connections to the victims suggest he may have a personal grudge. This movie combines suspenseful storytelling with strong performances and it all builds up to an intense and thrilling conclusion that keeps viewers guessing until the end.
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller |
| Release Date | 10 January 2020 |
| Director | Midhun Manuel Thomas |
| Actors | Kunchacko Boban, Sreenath Bhasi, Sharaf U Dheen |
| Running Time | 144 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | aha |
6. Kuruthi (2021)
Kuruthi is a gripping Malayalam thriller movie that follows Ibrahim, a rubber tapper living in a quiet mountain village, who is still haunted by the tragic loss of his family in a landslide. His life takes a dangerous turn when an injured police officer named Sathyan seeks shelter in his home, bringing along a prisoner, Vishnu, who is being chased by violent groups. As the tension rise in the house, hidden truths and personal struggles come to light, forcing Ibrahim to face tough moral choices in a life-or-death situation. This movie skillfully blends personal drama with larger societal issues, showing how easily hatred and violence can spiral out of control. Kuruthi movie leaves a lasting impression, encouraging viewers to think about the cycles of revenge and the fragile hope for peace in a divided world.
| IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
| Genre | Thriller |
| Release Date | 11 August 2021 |
| Director | Manu Warrier |
| Actors | Prithviraj Sukumaran, Roshan Mathew, Naslen K. Gafoor, Murali Gopy |
| Running Time | 122 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
7. Nayattu (2021)
Nayattu is a malayalam thriller movie that explores the challenges of power, politics, and justice within the police force. The movie follows Praveen Michael, who returns to work as a Chief Police Officer at a new station. Trouble begins when a local political goon named Biju is arrested but quickly released because of his political connections. After a drunken accident leads to the death of Jayan, a friend of Biju, Praveen and his colleagues—senior officer ASI Maniyan and officer Sunitha—find themselves in deep trouble. As they face potential murder charges, the trio decides to go on the run and rest is the movie story. This movie story raises important questions about loyalty and morality in law enforcement, making it a thought-provoking and intense viewing experience.
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Thriller |
| Release Date | 8 April 2021 |
| Director | Martin Prakkat |
| Actors | Kunchako Boban, Joju George, Nimisha Sajayan |
| Running Time | 122 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Netflix |
8. Malik (2021)
Malik is a malayalam drama movie that tells the story of Ahammadali Sulaiman, a Muslim godfather, as he gets ready to go on the Hajj pilgrimage at the request of his Christian wife, Roselyn, his life takes a dramatic turn when he is arrested on serious charges. This movie dives into Ali’s complicated past, highlighting his relationships with David, his Christian brother-in-law, and the growing tensions between their communities. As political battles and personal betrayals unfold, Ali confronts challenges that threaten the delicate balance between Muslims and Christians in the town. Malik movie provides a thought-provoking exploration of modern life in India and the impact of societal divisions.
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller |
| Release Date | 15 July 2021 |
| Director | Mahesh Narayanan |
| Actors | Fahadh Faasil |
| Running Time | 162 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | aha |
9. Operation Java (2021)
Operation Java is a Malayalam crime thriller movie about two young engineering graduates, Antony George and Vinay Dasan, who join a cybercrime unit in Cochin as temporary employees. They use their tech skills to help solve big cases like film piracy, job scams, and even murder. Despite their hard work and important contributions, they aren’t offered permanent positions, which reflects the unfair treatment many interns and temporary workers face. The movie explores how technology can be both a powerful tool for solving crimes and a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. Operation Java movie also highlights the struggles of young professionals face in finding stable jobs and getting recognized for their efforts.
| IMDB Rating | 8/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller |
| Release Date | 12 February 2021 |
| Director | Tharun Moorthy |
| Actors | Balu Varghese, Lukman Avaran, Binu Pappu, Irshad |
| Running Time | 146 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | JioCinema |
10. Joji (2021)
Joji is an intense malayalam drama movie that follows Joji, an engineering dropout who feels trapped under the strict control of his father, Kuttappan. The story takes a dark turn when Kuttappan suffers a stroke and becomes unable to speak. As the family struggles with his declining health, Joji’s frustrations begin to boil over, leading him into a dangerous spiral of lies and violence. The situation escalates when a tragic confrontation with his brother Jomon ends in Jomon’s death. This movie explores power of family loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of one’s actions, all wrapped in a suspenseful narrative. In the end, Joji face the fallout from his choices, leading to a shocking twist that leaves him feeling guilt-ridden and isolated.
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Drama |
| Release Date | 7 April 2021 |
| Director | Dileesh Pothan |
| Actors | Fahadh Faasil |
| Running Time | 113 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
11. Jana Gana Mana (2022)
Jana Gana Mana is a political thriller movie that explores power of justice and corruption. The movie opens with the shocking murder of Professor Saba Mariyam, a well-respected college educator, igniting protests led by passionate students seeking justice. ACP Sajjan Kumar is assigned to investigate the case, arresting four suspects. However, political pressure forces him to take drastic actions, turning him into a controversial hero after a fatal encounter with the suspects. As the story unfolds in the courtroom, lawyer Aravind Swaminathan reveals the truth and rest is the movie story. This movie builds to a gripping climax that highlights the complicated nature of morality and power in society.
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Release Date | 28 April 2022 |
| Director | Dijo Jose Antony |
| Actors | Prithviraj Sukumaran, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Pasupathi Raj |
| Running Time | 165 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Netflix |
12. Ela Veezha Poonchira (2022)
Ela Veezha Poonchira is a malayalam thriller movie that explores deep human emotions and moral challenges. The story follows Madhu, a dedicated police officer working on a hilltop that is frequently struck by lightning. When he returns to his post, a tragic event unfolds involving a mother and her two sons, leading to the devastating death of one child from a lightning strike. As Madhu copes with this tragedy, he is also haunted by his painful past related to his late wife, Amrutha, whose betrayal has left a lasting impact on him. The situation becomes even more complicated with the arrival of Sudhi, a carefree cop who was involved with Amrutha’s affair. This movie builds up to a shocking ending that makes viewers rethink about justice and human suffering, all set against the ominous atmosphere of the dangerous hilltop.
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Mystery |
| Release Date | 15 July 2022 |
| Director | Shahi Kabir |
| Actors | Soubin Shahir, Sudhi Koppa, Jude Anthany Joseph |
| Running Time | 104 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
13. Aattam (The Play) (2023)
Aattam is a malayalam thriller movie directed by Anand Ekarshi that dives into the issues faced by a theater group. The story unfolds after a party when Anjali, the only actress in the group, is groped by one of the twelve men present. This shocking event sparks an urgent meeting to discuss what to do about the accused. As the members debate, tensions rise, and hidden truths come to light, revealing the complicated relationships within the group and raising important questions about consent and accountability. This movie artfully combines suspense with meaningful social commentary, encouraging viewers to think about power dynamics and justice.
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Drama |
| Release Date | 30 October 2023 |
| Director | Anand Ekarshi |
| Actors | Zarin Shihab, Vinay Forrt, Kalabhavan Shajohn |
| Running Time | 139 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
14. Manjummel Boys (2024)
Manjummel Boys is an engaging drama based movie on a true story about ten friends from Kochi who go on a fun trip to Kodaikanal during the Onam vacation. Their adventure takes a serious turn when they decide to explore the Guna Caves, known as “The Devil’s Kitchen,” and one friend, Subhash, accidentally falls into a deep hole. As the friends realize how serious the situation is, they encounter apathy from local authorities, making the rescue even more difficult. Kuttan, another friend, bravely steps up to go into the dangerous cave to save Subhash, putting his own life at risk and rest is the movie story. This movie beautifully captures power of friendship, courage, and selflessness, telling the strong bonds between friends and the lengths they will go to help one another in times of crisis.
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Drama |
| Release Date | 22 February 2024 |
| Director | Chidambaram S. Poduval |
| Actors | Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi S. Poduval |
| Running Time | 135 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Disney + Hotstar |
15. Anweshippin Kandethum (2024)
Anweshippin Kandethum is a crime thriller movie that follows SI Anand, an honest police officer facing two tough murder investigations. After a short suspension, Anand returns to the force only to get caught up in the mysterious disappearance of a young Christian girl named Lovely Mathan. His investigation is met with resistance from the local religious community, which forces him to dig deeper behind the scenes. This case weighs heavily on him when he faces repercussions for a previous mistake. Later, he is assigned to solve the murder of Sridevi, uncovering a village filled with resentment towards the police due to past wrongdoings. With unexpected twists and turns, this movie showcases Anand’s dedication to justice, leading to a resolution that clears his name and restores the reputation of his team.
| IMDB Rating | 7.4/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Drama |
| Release Date | 9 February 2024 |
| Director | Darwin Kuriakose |
| Actors | Tovino Thomas |
| Running Time | 145 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Netflix |
Frequently Asked Questions on Malayalam Suspense Thriller Movies
Q: What is a Malayalam suspense thriller movies?
A: Malayalam suspense thriller movies typically focus on creating tension and intrigue, often involving complex plots with unexpected twists. They delve into themes of crime, mystery, and psychological elements, keeping audiences guessing until the end.
Q: Who are some renowned directors in malayalam suspense thriller movies?
A: Some renowned Directors in malayalam suspense thriller movies are Shahi Kabir, Anand Ekarshi, Chidambaram S. Poduval, Darwin Kuriakose and Jeethu Joseph.
Q: Who are some renowned actors in malayalam suspense thriller movies?
A: Some renowned Actors in malayalam suspense thriller movies are Balu Varghese, Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal.
Q: Can you recommend some must-watch malayalam suspense thriller movies?
A: Some must-watch malayalam suspense thriller movies includes Anjaam Pathiraa (2020), Operation Java (2021), Jana Gana Mana (2022), Ela Veezha Poonchira (2022) and Manjummel Boys (2024).
Q: Are Malayalam suspense thriller movies suitable for all audiences?
A: While many Malayalam suspense thriller movies are engaging for a broad audience, some may contain intense themes, violence, or adult content. It’s best to check the ratings and reviews before watching.
Q: Are there any upcoming Malayalam suspense thriller movies to look out for?
A: There are many upcoming Malayalam suspense thriller movies like Martin, Lucky Baskhar, Koon, Bougainvillea, Pushpaka Vimanam, Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 and Hari Hara Veera Mallu.
Q: Where can I watch malayalam suspense thriller movies?
A: You can find malayalam suspense thriller movies on various streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Aha, and ZEE5.