Some of the finest Indian movies have come out of the state of Kerala. The Kerala film industry has released plenty of horror movies that have frightened the audience right out of their wits.
Horror is a genre that excites most people because of its “scares” and “screams”. The scarier and more gothic the films, the more the audience laps it up.
Keeping in mind the taste of the modern film-goer, here is a roundup of some of the best horror movies in Malayalam.
Mollywood’s Best Horror Movie List
Arguably, the best horror film to come out of Mollywood is Bhoothakalam. The film is a blend of psychological thriller and horror with strong performances from Shane Nigam and Revathi. The film builds on human paranoia, the perception of reality, unseen forces, and mental health struggles, which threaten to destroy a family struggling with grief and loss.
2. Ananthabhadram
This film was inspired by stories the director heard from his grandmother as a child. It involves several dark practices, like Tantric seduction and black magic, and different dance forms as a means for evil, and it routinely comes up in many movie lists for the best horror movies in Malayalam.
3. Manichitrathazhu
Manichitrathazhu is the inspiration for the Hindi film Bhool Bhulaiya and one of the best Malayalam horror movies. This movie is a classic film that has won the hearts of people around India through its Hindi remake.
It is a story that actually happened in the Alummoottil family of Muttom near Travancore, which gave rise to several local legends and has inspired this film.
The director belonged to this family through his mother’s side. The film also has a psychological element to it, and that element of science and fantasy is what has given the film its edge.
4. Mayilpeelikavu
Mayilpeelikavu was one of the first Indian movies to have a website. The film tells the story of a teenage girl, Kuttimani, from a rich Kerala family, who was murdered, and her lover was arrested and hanged. Years later, another young girl, who bears physical resemblance to Kuttimani, begins to suffer from bad nightmares of Kuttimani.
5. Ennu Swantham Janakikutty
Set against a rustic Kerala backdrop, this is among the best Malayalam horror movies that beautifully portrays the quirks of a matrilineal household and the inner world of a lonely adolescent girl. The movie masterfully blends imagination with folklore, bringing characters like Janakikkutty and the gentle yakshi to life in a way that feels real and relatable.
With no forced melodrama or over-the-top horror elements, the movie remains simple, sincere, and emotionally engaging. Its warmth, nostalgia, and strong storytelling continue to connect with viewers of all ages—even after more than 20 years—making it an evergreen classic in Indian cinema.
6. Winter
Winter (2009) is an Indian Malayalam-language horror thriller written and directed by Deepu Karunakaran, featuring Jayaram and Bhavana in lead roles.
The film follows a doctor who decides to take a short break from his hectic work life by moving with his wife and child to an old family bungalow that has remained closed for years. What begins as a peaceful getaway soon turns unsettling as strange events start unfolding within the house and its surroundings.
The family encounters unexplained noises, eerie sightings, and a growing sense of dread that hints at a dark past tied to the bungalow.
As the doctor tries to uncover the truth, he finds himself caught in a series of chilling incidents that threaten the safety of his loved ones. Blending suspense, atmospheric tension, and emotional stakes, Winter delivers a gripping narrative that makes it one of the best horror movies in Malayalam.
7. Adharvam
Anandha Padmanabhan grows up carrying the weight of a complicated identity. Gifted and determined, he masters all three Vedas, earning respect for his intellect even as society questions his lineage.
His life takes a dramatic turn when he falls deeply in love with a Brahmin girl, hoping their bond will rise above rigid social boundaries. However, the romance leads to a heartbreaking tragedy fueled by prejudice and opposition.
The story traces his journey from scholar to seeker, shaped by love, pain, and an unyielding desire to confront the forces that wronged him. It’s easily considered one of the best Malayalam horror movies of all time.
8. SreeKrishna Parunthu
A. Vincent’s Srikrishna Parunthu stands as an ambitious yet often overlooked gem in Malayalam horror cinema. Directed by one of the industry’s most respected filmmakers, the film explores the dramatic downfall of a powerful tantrik and the devastating consequences that follow for him and his entire clan.
Filled with classic elements of Kerala’s mystical folklore—seductive yakshis, dark rituals, forbidden desires, and battling inner demons—the narrative unfolds as a haunting tale of power, ego, and retribution.
Mohanlal’s portrayal of Kumaran is widely regarded as one of his most compelling performances, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character caught between spiritual authority and human weakness.
Adapted from P.V. Thampi’s novel, with the author himself scripting the screenplay, the film blends literary richness with Vincent’s atmospheric visual style.
Despite being underappreciated today, Srikrishna Parunthu remains a bold, culturally rooted, and one of the best Malayalam horror movies that deserves rediscovery by genre lovers and film enthusiasts alike.
9. Akashaganga
Akasha Ganga is a supernatural Malayalam horror film that blends eerie suspense with a deeply emotional family tragedy. The story follows Ganga (Unni), a young woman unknowingly carrying the burden of an ancient curse tied to her lineage. Best horror movies in Malayalam
Years earlier, her family’s violent actions and her father’s betrayal awakened the fury of a vengeful spirit. As Ganga grows up, the consequences of that dark past begin to surface, and she becomes the next victim of the ancestral curse.
Through its mix of folklore, fear, and fate, the film delivers a gripping narrative rooted in generational guilt and supernatural retribution.
10. Aparichitan
Minu, Simi, and Devi, three mischievous college girls, go into hiding after one of them is caught stealing an exam question paper. Their situation worsens when they cross paths with the mentally unstable Raghuram (Mammootty), whose presence brings unexpected tension.
In an attempt to distract themselves, the trio experiments with an Ouija board, unknowingly inviting a dangerous spirit into their lives. What begins as a prank turns into a terrifying ordeal as supernatural events unfold around them.
Starring Kavya Madhavan, Karthika, and Manya, with Mammootty in an extended cameo, the film features music by Suresh Peters.
11. Ezra
A newly married woman unknowingly brings home an antique Jewish box that holds the restless spirit of Abraham Ezra. Soon after, Priya and Ranjan begin experiencing disturbing paranormal events linked to the mysterious object. Seeking answers, they discover that the box is actually a dybbuk—a vessel for a trapped, vengeful soul.
With the situation growing increasingly dangerous, the couple turns to a rabbi who helps them uncover the dark history behind the dybbuk and the tragedy connected to Abraham Ezra. The story blends supernatural tension with cultural folklore, following their struggle to break free from the spirit’s grip.
Conclusion
Horror is a genre that few people enjoy and like, and this was our lineup of the best Malayalam horror movies. Stick around to check out the latest Malayalam horror movies in later blogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of the latest Malayalam horror movies worth watching?
Recent Malayalam horror releases often blend folklore, psychological tension, and modern storytelling. Films like Romancham, Bhoothakaalam, and Neelavelicham have gained attention for their fresh takes on the genre, making them must-watch titles for fans of the latest Malayalam horror movies.
2. Which films are considered the best Malayalam horror movies of all time?
Classics such as Manichitrathazhu, Anandabhadram, and Ezra consistently top the list of the best Malayalam horror movies for their strong narratives, atmospheric visuals, and memorable performances.
3. What are the best horror movies in Malayalam for beginners to explore the genre?
If you’re new to Malayalam horror, start with Manichitrathazhu or Bhoothakaalam. These are among the best horror movies in Malayalam as they strike the right balance between scares, storytelling, and cultural depth.
