5 Iconic Thai Movies You Must Watch

In the landscape of global cinema, the films of Thailand often stand as unexplored gems. More recently, Thai films have recently started to gain worldwide recognition, carving a niche for themselves in the international film industry. Bangkok based Greenlight Films shared their pick of top 5 iconic Thai movies that are not just critically acclaimed but also offer a broad representation of the themes and styles explored in this vibrant film industry.

"Tropical Malady" (2004): This Cannes Jury Prize-winning film is a hypnotic exploration of love and folklore directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul. The story is split into two parts - the first one is a gay romance in the Thai countryside, while the second part takes on a mythical dimension as it recounts a folk tale about a soldier lost in the jungle, stalked by a shaman in the form of a tiger.

"Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives" (2010): Another masterpiece by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, this film was the first Thai movie to win the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The plot centers around the titular character, Uncle Boonmee, who, while dying, is visited by the ghosts of his loved ones and begins to recall his past lives.

"Bad Genius" (2017): Directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya, "Bad Genius" is a thrilling heist-style film that pivots around a unique concept - exam cheating. The high-stakes plot is as engaging as it is refreshing, following a group of students who exploit the standardized education system to make money. The film was a huge box office hit, breaking records both in Thailand and abroad.

"Shutter" (2004): A benchmark in Thai horror, "Shutter" was directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom. The film's chilling narrative revolves around a photographer and his girlfriend who, after a hit-and-run accident, begin to see mysterious ghostly images in their photographs. "Shutter" gained international acclaim and inspired Hollywood and other industries to remake the movie.

"Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior" (2003): This martial arts action film directed by Prachya Pinkaew introduced Tony Jaa to the world cinema, showcasing his incredible martial arts skills. The film follows a village hero who ventures to Bangkok to retrieve a stolen statue of Ong-Bak (Buddha) from his village. With thrilling fight scenes that exhibit the raw and powerful nature of Muay Thai, this film propelled Thai action cinema to global recognition.

Where to Watch

“Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives”, “Bad Genius”, “Shutter” and “Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior” are all available to watch on Netflix Thailand. The last time I checked, Bad Genius was available on Netflix USA also.

“Bad Genius”, “Shutter” and “Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior” can all be streamed on Amazon Prime in Thailand.

About Thai Cinema

In general, the Thai film industry has been experiencing steady growth. Although the industry did face some challenges during Covid, 2022 actually saw a record of 348 films produced domestically.

One of the key factors propelling Thailand's film industry is its attractiveness to foreign productions. The country's diverse landscapes, capable workforce, and well-equipped production facilities make it an appealing filming location for international filmmakers. In 2022 Thailand was the host to 60 foreign film productions which generated 488M Baht into the local economy. The Thai government's incentives, including tax rebates for films shot in the country, have also played a significant role in attracting international projects.

Thai cinema has produced several films that resonated both domestically and internationally. Some of the most globally recognised Thai films include "Bad Genius" and "The Ong Bak" series. "Bad Genius", was immensely popular in several countries, particularly in China, where it grossed over $40 million. Tony Jaa's "Ong Bak" series has also gained international acclaim for its stunning martial arts sequences and has played a crucial role in showcasing Thai action movies to the world.