I’ve always felt that one of the best ways to really get a feel for a place is through its stories. Not the kind you find in guidebooks, but the ones told through films — the little everyday details, the way people talk, the stuff that doesn’t always make it into travel articles.
If you’re curious about Malaysia or thinking of coming here, these movies can give you a deeper sense of what it’s like. Some of them were made by Malaysians, some were filmed here by outsiders, but all of them show you sides of the country you won’t see on postcards or social media feeds.
Also read: Best Books to Read to Inspire Your Trip to Malaysia
Movies that capture Malaysia's spirit
1. Sepet (2004)
Genre: Romance / Drama
A Malaysian love story between a Chinese boy who sells pirated VCDs and a Malay girl from a more conservative background. Directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad, this film handles race, class, and young love with honesty and tenderness. A great introduction to Malaysia’s complex but very real multicultural dynamic.
2. The Journey (2014)
Genre: Family drama
A quiet, heartfelt story about a traditional Chinese Malaysian father and his daughter’s British fiancé, who try to bond during a road trip across the country. The film is funny and touching at the same time, with gorgeous shots of rural Malaysia that might just spark ideas for your own road trip.
3. Ola Bola (2016)
Genre: Sports drama
Based on the true story of Malaysia’s national football team in the 1980s. Even if you’re not into sports, the film is a feel-good ride through themes of unity, teamwork, and national identity — with some great retro visuals thrown in.
4. Jagat (2015)
Genre: Crime drama / Social realism
A raw, gritty film about a Malaysian Indian boy growing up in the early 1990s, navigating a life pulled between his family’s expectations and the local gang scene. Not a touristy view of Malaysia at all, but an important one.
5. Pulang (2018)
Genre: Romance / Historical drama
Inspired by a true story, this romantic drama follows a fisherman who leaves for sea and never returns, and the grandson who sets out decades later to find him. Gorgeous coastal scenes and strong emotional pull.
6. Rise: Ini Kalilah (2018)
Genre: Political drama
Set against the backdrop of Malaysia’s 14th General Election in 2018 (one of the country’s most shocking and impactful elections), this film interweaves six personal stories, each reflecting the hopes, struggles, and unity of Malaysians during a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. From a police officer grappling with corruption to a student returning from abroad to vote, the narratives showcase the collective spirit that led to a significant political shift.
7. Crossroads: One Two Jaga (2018)
Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller
A gritty look at corruption in the police force, human trafficking, and migrant worker exploitation. Set mostly in KL’s less glamorous neighborhoods, it’s tense and realistic. You’re not going to feel good after watching it, but you’ll walk away knowing more about the cracks in the system.
8. Mentega Terbang (2021)
Genre: Drama / Coming-of-age
A young girl in a Muslim family begins questioning religious teachings as her mother’s health declines. The film isn’t preachy — it’s quiet and thoughtful, dealing with faith, grief, and personal freedom. Not widely distributed because it was controversial and not well-received by some locals, but if you can find it, it’s worth watching for a different side of Malaysian cinema.
9. Abang Adik (2023)
Genre: Drama / Social realism
Set in Kuala Lumpur, this award-winning indie film follows two undocumented brothers—one deaf-mute, the other rough around the edges—trying to survive in the city. It’s emotional without being sentimental and shines a light on the forgotten people living on society’s edge.
10. Fly By Night (2018)
Genre: Crime thriller
A KL-based thriller about a group of taxi drivers who extort wealthy passengers — until things spiral out of control. The film is stylish and moody, with great pacing and believable characters. Think local noir.
11. Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam (2004)
Genre: Horror / Folklore
A modern retelling of a classic Malay ghost story. It’s about a woman seeking revenge after being murdered on her wedding night, haunting those who wronged her. Expect a lot of atmosphere, dramatic lighting, and traditional elements. Good if you want a Malaysian-style spooky night in.
12. Puteri Gunung Ledang (2004)
Genre: Historical romance / Fantasy
A lavish retelling of one of Malaysia’s most famous legends, this film dramatizes the story of a Javanese princess who lives atop Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir) and the Malaccan warrior who falls in love with her. Set during the Malacca Sultanate, it blends political intrigue, romance, and mysticism. Visually, it’s one of Malaysia’s most ambitious productions, with elaborate costumes and striking landscapes.
It’s a good one to watch if you’re visiting Malacca or hiking in Johor and want to understand the folklore locals grew up with. The film also stands out for putting a strong female character at the center of a legend that’s usually male-dominated in historical texts.
International films shot in Malaysia
Malaysia shows up in quite a few movies — sometimes as itself, sometimes pretending to be somewhere else.
These films might not reflect real Malaysian culture, but they do give you a glimpse of the scenery, city life, and buildings that will get you curious about the place. And if you’ve already been to Malaysia, watching them can be a fun way to look back and relive parts of your trip.
1. Beyond Rangoon (1995)
Genre: Political thriller / Historical drama
Set in Myanmar but filmed mostly in Malaysia, this film follows an American tourist caught in political unrest. Penang stands in for Rangoon, and you’ll recognize some colonial streets if you’ve been there.
A few weeks after the movie came out in Europe, the Burmese military junta released Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest after years of detainment. Interestingly, most of the film was actually shot in Malaysia.
2. The Garden of Evening Mists (2020)
Genre: Historical drama / Romance
Based on the novel, this film adaptation was shot in the Cameron Highlands and features beautiful gardens, misty hills, and a slow, poetic story about love, war trauma, and healing. A great watch before visiting the highlands.
3. Anna and the King (1999)
Genre: Historical drama / Romance
Set in 19th-century Siam, this film stars Jodie Foster as Anna Leonowens, an English teacher hired to educate the children of King Mongkut, played by Chow Yun-Fat. It’s technically about Thailand, but since filming there was banned, much of the movie was shot in Malaysia, in places like Ipoh and Langkawi.
The sets are grand, the costumes elaborate, and the scenery gives Malaysia’s lush greenery and colonial-era buildings a spotlight. You’ll see traditional mansions, old railway stations, and jungle backdrops standing in for Siam.
4. Entrapment (1999)
Genre: Heist / Action
This glossy heist movie features Sean Connery as a master thief and Catherine Zeta-Jones as an insurance investigator trying to catch (or maybe join?) him. The most memorable part for Malaysians is how the Petronas Towers are central to the big finale.
It’s a fun bit of Y2K-era cinema — over-the-top, full of cheesy dialogue, and very stylized. KL’s skyline gets a lot of screen time, giving you a 90s-era glimpse of a fast-modernizing city.
5. Blackhat (2015)
Genre: Tech thriller
Chris Hemsworth as a world-class hacker might be a stretch, but this globe-trotting cybercrime thriller makes several stops in Kuala Lumpur. There are scenes in crowded streets, local buildings, and dramatic shootouts in familiar locations.
While the film itself didn’t win over critics, the Malaysian scenes are chaotic in a way that feels true to real traffic and city life. If you’re into gritty thrillers and fast-paced chases, it’s worth a watch.
6. Fair Game (2010)
Genre: Political thriller
Based on the real-life case of Valerie Plame, a CIA agent whose identity was leaked as political retaliation, this film stars Naomi Watts and Sean Penn.
It briefly uses Kuala Lumpur to represent Plame’s work overseas, so you’ll catch short but sharp scenes of local streets and embassy buildings. While Malaysia isn’t central to the story, it’s always interesting to spot familiar places in these global political narratives.
7. Kabali (2016)
Genre: Gangster / Action drama
This Tamil-language blockbuster stars Rajinikanth as an aging gangster returning to Malaysia to take revenge and reclaim his place in the community. It was shot almost entirely in KL and touches on real issues faced by Malaysia’s Indian population—class, discrimination, and identity. It’s dramatic and stylized, with intense fight scenes and emotional speeches.
If you’re curious about Malaysia’s Tamil diaspora or just want to see KL through a different lens, this one delivers.
8. Indochine (1992)
Genre: Historical Drama
Though set in French Indochina (modern-day Vietnam), large parts of Indochine were filmed in Malaysia due to its colonial-era buildings and tropical landscape.
The story follows a French plantation owner and her adopted Vietnamese daughter against the backdrop of political unrest. It’s a sweeping period piece, full of romance and colonial politics, with grand visuals and an atmospheric feel. A slower pace, but a beautiful watch.
9. Police Story 3: Super Cop (1992)
Genre: Action comedy / Martial arts
Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh team up in this high-octane installment of the Police Story series. Some of the film’s most iconic stunts — including a rooftop jump and a fight on a speeding train — were shot in Malaysia. You’ll spot Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape and even scenes in Johor.
It’s classic Jackie Chan — creative action, comic timing, and real stunts that make your palms sweat. A must-watch for martial arts fans.
10. After This Our Exile (2006)
Genre: Drama
A powerful story about a deeply flawed father and his young son, this Cantonese-language film was shot entirely in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur. It’s emotionally heavy, portraying poverty, family breakdown, and desperate decisions.
There’s nothing touristy about this film. It shows Malaysia’s quieter towns and ordinary life, not the version you’ll see on postcards. The performances, especially from the child actor, are heartbreaking.
11. Lust, Caution (2007)
Genre: Spy thriller / Romance
Ang Lee’s espionage drama is set in WWII Shanghai, but many of the scenes were filmed in Georgetown, Penang, due to its preserved colonial architecture. The film follows a student-turned-spy who becomes entangled with a powerful political figure during the Japanese occupation.
It’s slow-burning and sensual, with a heavy emotional payoff. Penang’s old shophouses and winding streets give the film a distinct, moody look.
12. Road to Dawn (2007)
Genre: Biopic / Historical
This lesser-known gem tells the story of Sun Yat-sen’s time in Penang, where he secretly planned part of the revolution that would eventually topple the Qing dynasty. It’s quiet and dialogue-heavy, but historically significant — and if you’re visiting Penang, it adds a layer of meaning to places like the Sun Yat-sen Museum or heritage houses in George Town. A good pick for history buffs who want something off the usual radar.
13. Roy (2015)
Genre: Bollywood / Romantic thriller
A love triangle involving an art thief, a filmmaker, and a mysterious muse, this Bollywood film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Arjun Rampal. It was partly filmed in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, showcasing shiny cityscapes and scenic beach shots. It’s a bit all over the place plot-wise, but visually, it’s polished. You’ll see luxury hotels, city lights, and a stylized version of Malaysia that’s pretty appealing on screen.
14. The Sleeping Dictionary (2003)
Genre: Period drama / Romance
Set in Sarawak during British rule, the story follows a young Englishman posted to the jungle who’s assigned a local “dictionary” — a woman who helps him learn the language and customs. Jessica Alba plays the lead, and while it leans into the white-savior narrative, the film does highlight Malaysia’s rainforests, rivers, and longhouses. The natural scenery is stunning, even if the plot feels dated.
15. The Viral Factor (2012)
Genre: Action thriller
A fast-paced Hong Kong action movie with brothers on opposite sides of the law. Kuala Lumpur is a key location, and the film makes full use of it — car chases, gunfights, and chaos in the middle of the city. It’s loud, intense, and full of those over-the-top action sequences Hong Kong cinema is famous for. You won’t learn much about Malaysia, but you’ll definitely see it from some wild angles.
16. Thunderbolts (2025)
Genre: Superhero / Action
Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thunderbolts features a team of morally grey characters sent on government missions, sort of like an anti-Avengers squad. While it’s mostly set in a global context, parts of the film were shot in Malaysia, including scenes in Kuala Lumpur.
It’s not a film about Malaysia, but having such a big franchise include the country on its location list is still a pretty big deal. You’ll catch glimpses of KL’s skyline and streets, and if you’re a Marvel fan visiting Malaysia, it adds a bit of trivia to your trip. Just don’t expect deep cultural insights — this one’s more for the action and explosions.
Final thoughts
These stories won’t give you a complete picture of Malaysia, but they’ll give you a solid head start in a way that no guidebook could. You’ll arrive with a bit of context, at least enough to recognize the names, places, and ideas that come up in casual conversation.
Or you might even find yourself hunting down a kopitiam mentioned in Sepet, or wandering around Cameron Highlands with The Garden of Evening Mists in the back of your mind!
If you’re curious to learn more, I’ve got plenty of posts that tell you everything you need to know about traveling in Malaysia, like what to eat, how to get around, cultural quirks, and practical tips that’ll make your trip smoother. Have a look around the rest of the blog for travel guides, local insights, and everything else you might want to know before packing your bags.
If you’ve come across a great Malaysian movie or a movie set in Malaysia that’s not on this list, let me know in the comments! I’m always updating and adding to the recommendations.
