Are you a die-hard fan of Thai cinema searching for the best films to enjoy? With countless movies released each year, picking the top-quality ones can be daunting. Bangkokways presents a curated list of over 50 of the best Thai movies ever made, categorized by genre to make your selection easier. Let’s dive in!
Action films
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai warrior 1, 2, 3
- Cast: Tony Jaa, Pumwaree Yodkamol, Petchtai Wongkamlao
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003) is a renowned Thai action Ong-Bak follows Ting, a young man from a remote village, as he journeys to Bangkok to recover a stolen sacred Buddha statue. With unwavering loyalty and masterful Muay Thai skills, Ting’s quest is gripping. The film’s raw, stunt-driven action and Tony Jaa’s martial arts prowess make it iconic, celebrating Thai culture, faith, and resilience.
My bodyguard
- Cast: Vill Wannarot, Ken Phupoom
My Bodyguard is a thrilling tale of a fierce female bodyguard navigating a dangerous criminal underworld to protect her client. Her agility, combat skills, and unyielding loyalty shine as she faces treacherous plots. A heartfelt romance blossoms between her and her enigmatic client, blending intense action with tender moments. Vill Wannarot and Ken Phupoom’s chemistry delivers gripping and romantic scenes that captivate viewers.
Phanom serpent god
- Cast: Green Ausadaporn, Petch Boranin
Phanom Serpent God unveils a mystical world of supernatural mysteries in a sacred snake-worshipping village. Blending action, folklore, and mysticism, the story follows a young woman with a hidden past confronting challenges to protect her village and uncover her true identity. Green Ausadaporn and Petch Boranin’s compelling performances, paired with stunning visuals and immersive sound, create an enchanting experience.
Nhân vật chính, một cô gái trẻ với quá khứ bí ẩn, phải đối mặt với những thách thức không chỉ để bảo vệ ngôi làng mà còn để khám phá sự thật về thân thế của mình. Với diễn xuất sâu sắc của Green Ausadaporn và Petch Boranin, Thần rắn Phanom không chỉ gây ấn tượng bởi cốt truyện hấp dẫn mà còn bởi những hình ảnh đẹp và âm thanh sống động, tạo nên một trải nghiệm đầy lôi cuốn.
Star training academy
- Cast: Namchok Thanon, Heng Thatpong
Star Training Academy offers a raw look at the cutthroat entertainment industry, where talent and ambition clash in a relentless battle. The film follows young aspiring stars navigating dreams, rivalries, friendships, love, and betrayal. Namchok Thanon and Heng Thatpong’s natural performances highlight the emotional journey—from dazzling stage moments to inner turmoil. More than entertainment, it’s a profound reminder of perseverance and effort.
Psychological/Romantic films
Love destiny 1, 2
- Director: Sarasawadee Wongsompetch
- Cast: Bella Ranee, Pope Thanavat
Following the massive success of Part 1, Love Destiny 2 delivers a time-traveling romance filled with emotion. It deepens the historical love story of Karakade and Khun Phaen, exploring sacrifice and fate. Director Sarasawadee Wongsompetch masterfully weaves history with romance, creating a visually and narratively captivating film. Bella Ranee and Pope Thanavat’s stellar performances inspire reflection on timeless love.
Matalada
- Cast: James Jirayu Tangsrisuk, Ryu Vachirawich
Matalada is a tender yet profound love story about Matalada, a cheerful, vibrant girl, and a reserved doctor haunted by past trauma. Their contrasting personalities spark a compelling romance, delivering a message of healing emotional wounds. James Jirayu and Ryu Vachirawich’s authentic chemistry creates heartfelt, smile-inducing moments.
Knot of Love
- Cast: Ice Preechaya, Great Warintorn
Knot of Love is an emotional rollercoaster, where a seemingly eternal love is tested by misunderstandings, pain, and separation. The protagonists’ journey to reclaim their lost love involves confronting painful memories and unraveling past mistakes. Ice Preechaya and Great Warintorn’s stellar performances evoke tears, offering lessons on forgiveness and patience in love.
Hatred
- Cast: Nine Naphat, Taew Natapohn
Hatred takes viewers on an emotional journey where vengeance and forgiveness intertwine. It centers on two characters grappling with personal pain and unrelenting grudges, yet a spark of compassion emerges. Nine Naphat and Taew Natapohn’s introspective performances resonate, imparting lessons on love and tolerance.
Blue Sea Love Story
- Cast: Golf Anuwat, Jean Gaewalin
Blue Sea Love Story is a fantastical, romantic tale of a mermaid princess and a human man. Their love transcends worlds in a magical narrative, with breathtaking underwater visuals. Golf Anuwat and Jean Gaewalin’s natural performances captivate, delivering a story of sacrifice and courage that touches hearts.
Comedy films
The Matchmaking boat
- Cast: Mookda Narinrak, Michael Pattaradet
The Matchmaking Boat is a hilarious, engaging comedy blending supernatural elements and time-travel surprises. A spirited young woman is whisked to another dimension, meeting a mysterious man with a complex past. A fateful boat ties their destinies, weaving mysteries and emotions. Mookda Narinrak and Michael Pattaradet’s charming performances deliver laughs and lingering reflections on love and fate.
Forced to marry a tycoon
- Cast: Mike D. Angelo, Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul
Forced to Marry a Tycoon is a romantic comedy packed with laugh-out-loud moments, centered on a coerced marriage between opposites. Mike D. Angelo plays an arrogant tycoon, while Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul is a feisty, resilient woman. Their initial clashes evolve through hilarious mishaps, revealing each other’s virtues. The film conveys messages of love, understanding, and compassion, with the leads’ chemistry keeping viewers hooked.
A hundred years of happiness
- Cast: Sunny Suwanmethanont, Chompoo Araya
A Hundred Years of Happiness is a family comedy with humor and heartfelt messages about kinship and marriage. Sunny Suwanmethanont plays a clumsy but devoted husband, while Chompoo Araya is his capable yet exasperated wife. Everyday scenarios highlight their challenges and unity, balancing laughs with reflections on love and companionship in marriage.
Horror/thriller films
Malay curse
- Cast: Cheer Thikumporn, Kannaorn Puangtong
Malay Curse is a chilling mystical horror about a young woman transformed into a vengeful ghost by a haunting curse. Cheer Thikumporn excels as a woman bearing her family’s past sins, while Kannaorn Puangtong plays the one unraveling the curse’s secrets. The film’s intense scares, eerie atmosphere, and poignant story of forgiveness and liberation linger long after.
Dark scheme of love
- Cast: Bright Norraphat, Marie Broenner
Dark Scheme of Love plunges viewers into a grim tale of betrayal and vengeance. Bright Norraphat’s charming yet sinister character hides dark motives, while Marie Broenner’s naive heroine is ensnared in deceitful love. The film blends romance, revenge, and cunning plots, unraveling shocking twists. It prompts reflection on trust and honesty in love.
Scent of love
- Cast: Bright Rapheephong, Nonkul Chanon
Scent of Love is a unique blend of mystery and romance, telling a timeless love story. Bright Rapheephong plays a man who senses past memories through scents, while Nonkul Chanon is a woman tied to him by enigma. Their journey through haunting aromas is poetic and emotional, teaching the value of cherishing life’s fleeting moments.
School/coming-of-age films
My precious
- Cast: Film Rachanun, Nanon Korapat
My Precious is a gentle yet profound love story between two opposites. Film Rachanun plays a studious, reserved bookworm, while Nanon Korapat is a rebellious, charismatic free spirit. Their fated meeting sparks a journey of growth and self-discovery. Beyond a school romance, it conveys messages of embracing authenticity and overcoming societal biases. The natural performances warm hearts.
Spread the love
- Cast: Toey Pongsakorn, Mint Chalida
Spread the Love blends romance with contemporary social issues. Toey Pongsakorn and Mint Chalida shine as a compassionate couple—one fighting societal injustices, the other spreading kindness. The film explores community, empathy, and healing, weaving romance with lessons on humanity and hope for a better society.
Animated films
The Legend of muay Thai: 9 Satra
The Legend of Muay Thai: 9 Satra is a stunning animated film immersing viewers in Thailand’s traditional martial arts. It follows Ott, a young man tasked with guarding the “9 Satra,” a vital martial arts scroll, to save the Ramathep kingdom from dark forces. Beyond dazzling action, it celebrates Thai resilience and courage. Meticulous visuals, epic music, and themes of unity make it a pride of Thai animation.
Internationally awarded Thai films
Bad Genius
Bad Genius is a global phenomenon, earning acclaim at prestigious film festivals. It follows Lynn, a genius student orchestrating a sophisticated exam-cheating scheme for profit. Its taut pacing and surprising twists keep viewers glued. Winning awards like Best Feature at the New York Asian Film Festival, it critiques education pressures and societal ethics, leaving a lasting impact.
Uncle Boonmee who can recall his past lives
Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. It follows Boonmee, a terminally ill man reconnecting with departed loved ones and reflecting on past lives. Its slow, philosophical storytelling blends reality and spirituality, showcasing Thai cinema’s creative prowess.
The Blue hour
The Blue Hour is an artistic exploration of love, loneliness, and trauma. It tells the turbulent love story between Tam, a rejected teen, and Phum, a mysterious man. Its haunting atmosphere, poetic visuals, and raw characters reflect societal stigma. Praised at international LGBT film festivals, it underscores Thai filmmakers’ talent and vision.
Through this article, Bangkokways has guided you through 50 of the best Thai films, categorized by genre. We hope this list helps you find movies that match your tastes. Enjoy your cinematic journey!