Did you know? Malaysian films made a record RM247.95 million in 2025, with audiences more than doubling

If cinemas have felt busier whenever a Malaysian film is showing, you're not imagining it. Local films took RM247.95 million at the box office in 2025, a record for Malaysia's film industry.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching shared the figures at the launch of the 35th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM35) on 10 October.

The numbers that have the industry smiling

Audiences grew 107.7%, more than doubling in a single year.

2025's top 3 earners

1. Blood Brothers: Bara Naga: RM73.64 million
2. Papa Zola The Movie: RM63.88 million
3. Ejen Ali The Movie 2: RM58.40 million

Fun fact: two of the top three are animated films. Blood Brothers, directed by Syafiq Yusoff and Abhilash Chandra, had already hit RM62 million in its first 20 days, according to Sinar Harian.

For comparison, Mat Kilau (2022) reportedly earned RM97 million and was considered the highest-grossing local film of all time back then.

2026 is shaping up well too

By July 2026, local films had drawn 6.10 million viewers. Six films had already passed RM10 million:

• Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po
• Malaikat Malam
• Libang Libu
• Tarung Unforgiven
• Polong
• Chelot

There's good news for moviegoers too. In Budget 2027, the Federal Government announced an entertainment duty exemption on tickets for local films and local theatre. Teo urged state governments to follow suit.

Did you know? Among 2025's biggest hits, local animated films earned more than RM122 million combined, thanks to Papa Zola and Ejen Ali.

FFM35: who will win?

FFM35's theme is "Spektrum Sinema" (Cinema Spectrum), with 73 works competing (39 feature films, 17 documentaries and 17 short films) across 25 categories. The Top 5 nominees were announced at the same launch event.

Khadam and Malam Terlarang lead with 12 nominations each, followed by Tarung with 10.

Best Film nominees:

• Macai
• Khadam
• Mother Bhumi
• Malam Terlarang
• Abah Saya Uncle Mike

Best Actor nominees: Shaheizy Sam (Badak), Idan Aedan (Abah Saya Uncle Mike), Datuk Eman Manan (3 Hajat), Beto Kusyairy (Gayong 2) and Amerul Affendi (Libang Libu).

Best Actress nominees: Shasha Abedul (Malam Terlarang), Aida Amron (Badak), Fish Liew (Pavane for an Infant), Nad Zainal (Denu) and Mimi Lana (Polong).

The Best Film winner takes home an RM1 million grant from the Creative Content Fund, RM5,000 in cash, a trophy and FINAS facilities worth RM20,000.

When and where?

• 16 to 20 November 2026: all competing works screen in cinemas
• 21 November 2026: the FFM35 awards night at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur

So, which local film was your favourite this year? And who's your pick for FFM35 Best Film?