38 Best Movies to Watch In Thai (Page 2)

Find the best Thai-language movies to watch. These movies in Thai are: highly-rated by critics, highly-rated by viewers, and handpicked by our staff.

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16. Syndromes and a Century, 2006

Meditative, slow, and peppered with mysticism and subtle humour, Syndromes and a Century is a truly unique Thai drama. With a male and female doctor as the central protagonists, the story is split into two settings, in different hospitals and 40 years apart. This is not a plot-driven movie by any means. Patiently paced scenes weave together the protagonists’ memories with their current lives, in a hypnotic thread that touches on Buddhist themes as it explores the timeless human experiences of love, relationships, illness, and death.

The movie was originally intended to be a tribute to the parents of writer and director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, himself the son of physicians who worked in a hospital. Though he went on to claim that the movie took a different path eventually, it does recall the enigmatic spirit and ethereal quality of childhood memories. Despite—or maybe thanks to—the absence of narrative, Syndromes and a Century remains a beguiling watch from start to finish.

Genre: Drama, Romance

Actor: Jaruchai Iamaram, Jenjira Pongpas, Nantarat Sawaddikul, Sakda Kaewbuadee, Sophon Pukanok

Director: Apichatpong Weerasethakul

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17. I Told Sunset About You, 2021

	
I Told Sunset About You isn’t the most original series out there. The school setting, the tense rivalry, and the years spent apart are familiar tropes, even for heterosexual coming-of-age dramas, though the added dimension of Teh’s Chinese Thai background is new. That being said, it doesn’t hold up the series alone. I Told Sunset About You gets specific, and in delving deep into Teh and Oh-aew’s characters, it’s clear how heartfelt and genuine the show is in depicting its story. There are moments that can be cheesy, but with the sweet way the show depicts these tender teenage years, it’s no wonder I Told Sunset About You easily reminds queer people about their own experiences in navigating these feelings.Genre: Drama
Actor: Arachaporn Pokinpakorn, Chayapak Tunprayoon, Christiaan Churaporn Bos, Jirayus Khaobaimai, Krit Amnuaydechkorn, Naphat Vikairungroj, Nat Kitcharit, Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang, Parada Thitawachira, Pongpol Panyamit, Putthipong Assaratanakul, Putthipong Assarattanakul, Theethat Suk-im
Director: Naruebet Kuno

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18. Bad Genius, 2017

It looks like something you’ve already seen before: a student genius turns a simple high school cheating scheme into a full-blown, high-stakes heist. But layered with great acting, taut writing, and sharp observations about the ways in which education (and society in general) fails its students, Bad Genius turns a familiar premise into something genuinely exciting and impressively affecting. It’s everything you want a caper movie to be: smart and thrilling, with almost no moment to breathe, and of course, peppered with characters you can’t help but root and be nervous and excited for.

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Actor: Aokbab Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, Chanon Santinatornkul, Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, Ego Mikitas, Eisaya Hosuwan, Kanjana Vinaipanid, Nopawat Likitwong, Pasin Kuansataporn, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Sarinrat Thomas, Suquan Bulakul, Teeradon Supapunpinyo, Thaneth Warakulnukroh, Valerie Bentson, Vittawin Veeravidhayanant

Director: Nattawut Poonpiriya

Rating: PG-13, TV-MA

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19. Whores' Glory, 2011

Whores’ Glory leads us through the hidden world of prostitution in three different countries. The lack of narration is an excellent choice here—all too often, it’s easy to accept preconceived notions about this type of work. Instead, what leads us through the film are words from the sex workers themselves and their clientele. In some ways, these words reveal their differences. The workers pray, worry about money, and share their troubles with each other, but it’s their employers and clientele who reveal their misogyny. Overall, while the Western soundtrack and glamorizing shots can be distracting, it’s clear that the film gives respect to sex workers and prioritizes their perspective.

Genre: Documentary, Drama

Director: Michael Glawogger

Rating: Not Rated

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20. Thirteen Lives, 2022

	
Thirteen Lives is a taut, no-nonsense film that smartly forgoes dramatizing an already well-known case and, instead, hones in on the excruciating but impressive ordeal that is rescue diving. The divers are played by Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell, both of whom are convincing in their expertise and heroism. But this isn’t to say this story is theirs. Howard does well to center the narrative on the locals and even makes use of their language, Thai, for most of the film’s run. It’s as sensitively told as it is genuinely gripping.Genre: Drama, Thriller
Actor: Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton, Josh Helman, Lewis Fitz-Gerald, Luisa Prosser, Nophand Boonyai, Paul Gleeson, Paula Garcia, Popetorn Soonthornyanakij, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Sam Arnold, Sukollawat Kanarot, Teeradon Supapunpinyo, Teerawat Mulvilai, Theerapat Sajakul, Thira Chutikul, Tom Bateman, Viggo Mortensen, Vithaya Pansringarm
Director: Ron Howard
Rating: PG-13

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21. Pee Mak, 2013

Pee Mak is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that blends horror, romance, and slapstick humor with Thai folklore. The story follows a group of friends who return from war to a remote village, only to realize the village folks now fear Mak’s beautiful wife, believing she is now a ghost. The film's clever and witty dialogue and its eerie and suspenseful moments create a unique and memorable experience. Even with all of its cliche horror-comedy tropes, it’ll be hard not to enjoy all the heartfelt ridiculousness pulled off so well.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Romance

Actor: Attharut Kongrasri, Chatpong Nattapong, Davika Hoorne, Jongruay Somjinna, Kantapat Permpoonpatcharasuk, Mai Davika Hoorne, Mario Maurer, Nattapong Chartpong, Nattapong Chatpong, Nimit Luksameepong, Pongsatorn Jongwilak, Pongsatorn Jongwilas, Satdha Sutdhathip, Sean Jindachot, Sirinuch Petchurai, Wiwat Kongrasri

Director: Banjong Pisanthanakun

Rating: N/A

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22. The Rescue, 2021

	
As a result of the miraculous success of the famed Tham Luang cave rescue, which saw the return of 12 kids trapped in a cave for more than 15 days, you’ll find no shortage of documentaries about the mission. Some take the point of view of the children, even others the locals and loved ones. But National Geographic’s The Rescue largely focuses on the volunteer rescuers, all of whom were foreigners who flew from different parts of the globe to risk their lives for the young victims. The film dives into their personal lives and their psyches, even going so far as their childhood to explain the motivations behind the heroic decisions they made at that moment. In less deft hands, The Rescue might seem like yet another White Savior Complex story, but directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (the same creative couple behind the Oscar-winning doc Free Solo) prove that the divers’ expertise, skill, and personal stakes make for a story worth telling.Genre: Documentary, Drama
Actor: Anan Surawan, Chris Jewell, Craig Challen, Derek Anderson, Jason Mallinson, Jim Warny, John Volanthen, Josh Morris, Mikko Paasi, Mitch Torrel, Richard Harris, Rick Stanton, Siriporn Bangnoen, Somsak Kanakam, Thanet Natisri
Director: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi,  Jimmy Chin
Rating: PG

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23. The Murderer (2023)

Saturated colors, numerous plot twists, and a quirky hot-headed detective bring this whodunit murder mystery/dark comedy to life. On the eve of a big storm, Sai and her British husband Earl visit Sai's family's farmhouse, and the night ends in a gruesome mass murder. The horrific setup is quickly undercut by Detective Nawat who, convinced that Earl is the culprit, spouts ridiculous theories and changes the backstory of his intimidating scar. The melodrama lands well, as does the absurdity of the mystery, and the commentary on Thai-Foreign perceptions is successfully delivered, all of which helps the film fill out its unexpected two-hour runtime.

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Actor: Eisaya Hosuwan, James Laver, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Sawanee Utoomma, Sompong Choptham

Director: Wisit Sasanatieng

Rating: R

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24. 6ixtynin9 the Series, 2023

Following the 1999 film, 6ixtynin9: the Series is an unexpected adaptation about the unexpected package. The loss of the package drives the violence of the film, as gang members tries to recover the money, and as protagonist Toom tries to survive. This is despite the package being easily replaceable by the original sender. In turning the movie into a show, the story expands to a whole set of characters in Toom’s apartment building, as well as a whole set of potential victims. Additionally, in bringing the late 90s plot into the post-pandemic world – a world with mass layoffs, government incompetence, and democracy protests, 6ixtynin9 feels cathartic. The series captures that sense of pure survival we’ve been facing these past few years.

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery

Actor: Davika Hoorne, Patara Eksangkul, Ploi Horwang, Thanaporn Rattanasasiwimon, Trisanu Soranun

Director: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang

Rating: TV-MA

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25. Teddy Bear, 2012

	
This Danish movie is about a failed 38-year-old bodybuilder who lives with his mom and has never left Denmark. In an expected move, and while telling his mom he’s going to Germany, he travels to Thailand in hopes of finding love.

It might at first seem like a disastrous storyline (of sex tourism), but that part of the movie is almost accidental. Teddy Bear is actually a sweet and likable story of a man who wants to break away from his domineering mother, and a journey of someone who starts growing up later in life.Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Actor: Chanicha Shindejanichakul, David Winters, Elsebeth Steentoft, Kim Kold, Lamaiporn Hougaard, Lamaiporn Sangmanee Hougaard, Per Otto Bersang Rasmussen
Director: Mads Matthiesen
Rating: Not Rated

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26. Ong-Bak, 2003

	
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior is, at first glance, an action-only movie that hopes to emulate something like Bruce Lee in Thailand. The Muay Thai choreography is memorable, the chase scenes are iconic, and the plot is scant in order to fit more fight scenes in it. However, the film feels electric precisely because it strikes at the fear of how local culture is erased, snatched, and forgotten for a more urban and globalized city lifestyle. With Tony Jaa’s amazing physicality, and the film introducing him and the art of Muay Thai to international audiences, Ong-Bak literally knocks out that fear, proving that local culture can survive, and maybe even thrive, on the world stage.Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Thriller
Actor: Boonsri Yindee, Chatthapong Phantana-Angkul, Cheathavuth Watcharakhun, Choomporn Theppitak, Chupong Changprung, Dan Chupong, David Ismalone, Don Ferguson, Erik Markus Schuetz, Panna Rittikrai, Patrarin Punyanutatam, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol, Rungrawee Barijindakul, Suchao Pongwilai, Sukanya Kongkawong, Tony Jaa, Udom Songsaeng, Wannakit Sirioput
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
Rating: R

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27. Sea of Love, 2022

This wonderful series has such gentle, friendly animations of sea creatures, and a simple visualization of the sea. In fact, simple is the keyword here, extending to the very language used, which is good for teaching kids basic responses like “Good morning,” “I’m sorry,” and the like. The many curious and playful characters can definitely be loved by preschoolers, who may latch onto different animals and personalities more than others. The easy breezy nature of the show means it can also be fun for parents and guardians to watch with their kids, who together can learn lessons about kindness and friendship.

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Kids

Actor: Anchasa Bhurichayawarodom, Guy William Burnett, Tarakorn Visessintop

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28. Fast & Feel Love, 2022

	
After the devastating Happy Old Year, we were excited to see the next of what Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit has to offer. Fast & Feel Love is a surprising one, purely because of how silly and unserious the entire film is. The satirical film follows a sport stacker whose passion to be the fastest blinds him to all the day-to-day tasks and life goals that have been pushed towards his girlfriend, and the film plays this basic conflict as dramatically as other action films would, with dynamic cinematography, an over-the-top soundtrack, and dramatic voice overs. The joke does get stretched a tad too long, but it humorously pokes fun at the infantile ways men in action films act, while still recognizing how this mindset is the way we cope in adulthood.Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Actor: Anusara Korsamphan, Jirapat Uttamanan, Keetapat Pongruea, Napak Traicharoendetch, Nat Kitcharit, Urassaya Sperbund, Wipawee Patnasiri
Director: Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit

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29. Analog Squad, 2023

Before the late 2000s, people didn’t have social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram to connect with loved ones from afar, but every family reunion, there’s still some posturing in order to feel accepted by older family members. Analog Squad takes this to the extreme as Pond hires actors in order to act out the perfect family. It’s… an interesting solution. This premise naturally delivers some comedic hijinks, as lies pile up over time, but it also drives the plot as it creates two mysteries: 1) What happened that was so bad that Pond needed to resort to this? And 2) Who is crazy enough to accept this job? It takes a while to get there, and the story is uneven between the fake family members, but the ensemble charms Pond’s family (and the viewers) with ease as Analog Squad explores how loving families end up being dysfunctional.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Bhumibhat Thavornsiri, Kritsanapoom Pibulsonggram, Kullanat Preeyawat, Nopachai Jayanama, Surasee Ithikul, Wipawee Patnasiri

Director: Nithiwat Tharathorn

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30. Renfield, 2023

	
One wouldn't expect to see Count Dracula's youthful-looking helper at your local 12-step self-help group for people in codependent relationships, but Renfield holds more than one surprise up its sleeve. By translating the working relationship (or master-slave, since the latter doesn't get any pay) into the vocabulary of common relationship counselling parlance, the film actually elevates its symbolic status. Even more, I'd dare call it a hoot. Not that many vampire films have managed to make a proper comedy out of the figure in question, and Renfield with its simplistic appeal puts to shame even the artsy Netflix production El Conde, which also came out earlier this year. With Awkwafina in the mix and iconic lines such as "I don't want your murder cookies", how can you resist?Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Actor: Adrian Martinez, Anil Bajaj, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Bess Rous, Betsy Borrego, Brandon Scott Jones, Brian Egland, Camille Chen, Caroline Williams, Chloe Adona, Christopher Matthew Cook, Christopher Winchester, Dave Davis, Derek Russo, Gabriel 'G-Rod' Rodriguez, James Moses Black, Jenna Kanell, John Cihangir, Joshua Mikel, Keith Brooks, Krystal Tomlin, Lacey Dover, Lena Clark, Lucy Faust, Marcus Lewis |, Marvin Ross, Mike Harkins, Miles Doleac, Nicholas Hoult, Nick Drago, Nicolas Cage, Oren Michaeli, Rhonda Johnson Dents, Sarah Durn, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Stephen Louis Grush, Susan McPhail, T.C. Matherne, William Ragsdale
Director: Chris McKay
Rating: R

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