Hollywood has ruled the world of cinema for decades for its content and making style. Slowly, other cinemas have also joined the race and are getting recognition worldwide. Thai cinema is no different; its TV shows and movies are being loved a lot these days. Many Thai movies have flourished worldwide and did great internationally because of their uniqueness; storylines are receiving appreciation, and actors are getting the recognition they deserve. So, here are some fantastic Thai movies of different genres with a little indigenous touch that flourished worldwide.
1. Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
Released in 2003, Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior is an action and martial arts film. It stars Tony Jaa, Mum Jokmok, Panna Rittikrai, and Pumwaree Yodkamol in the lead roles. It is about an ancient Buddha statue that gets stolen and how a Muay Thai artist comes forward to bring it back. It was released in many countries and became a hit for its fantastic action sequels.
2. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives
2010 drama and fantasy movie Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives is about uncle Boonmee preparing himself for death as he is suffering from kidney disease. Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul is a very bold and experimental movie and is the first Thai movie to win Palme d'Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.
3. Chocolate
The 2000s was the peak of Thai movies as another fantastic movie was released in 2008. Chocolate, a martial arts drama, is a blessing for action lovers. Directed by Prachya Pinkaew, the movie's cast include JeeJa Yanin, Ammara Siripong, Hiroshi Abe, and Pongpat Wachirab.
4. Tropical Malady
Tropical Malady is one of the best Thai films of all time. It was released in 2004 and was directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul. It is about a soldier looking for a lost boy in the jungle. This fantastic movie won the prestigious Jury Award at the 2004 Cannes film festival.
5. Shutter
Another gem of a film released in 2004 is Shutter which belongs to the horror and thriller genre and is very tough to watch alone. It is about Jane and Tun, who accidentally kill a girl in a car accident and then run without looking at her. It won many international awards and was also nominated for the Golden Kinnaree Award for best film in the year 2005.
6. Teacher Diary
Teacher diary is one of the most fantastic Thai rom-com which is about a teacher who arrives at a rural school and falls in love with his colleague by reading his diary. Nithiwat Tharathorn directed the film in 2014. The whole story revolves around the diary and its owner.
7. Pee Mak
It is a romantic movie with a touch of comedy and horror. It made a revenue of 33 million dollars. It won the best art direction award at Thailand National Film Association Awards.
8. I Fine, Thank You Love You
The story's protagonist is Yim, who is desperate to win back his Japanese girlfriend. He tries everything but fails at that task. This fantastic movie is two hours long and was released in 2014.
9. SuckSeed
A beautiful love story of Em and Ped, who bonded over music, and the boy fell in love with the girl. Released in 2011, it is a comedy and romance movie of two hours and ten minutes long. It made a total collection of US$2,600,673 at the box office.
10. The Protector
The last popular Thai movie on our list is The Protector, which stars the king of martial arts, Tony Jaa. It is a thriller and martial arts movie that came to cinemas in 2005.
