20 Best Indonesian Movies to Watch of All Time!

Directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko, this movie is based on a novel by Marchella FP. Over the course of 121 minutes, viewers are drawn into the hidden darkness of a family that, on the surface, seems perfectly happy.

The story revolves around three siblings: Angkasa (Rio Dewanto), the eldest; Aurora (Sheila Dara), his sister; and Awan (Rachel Amanda), the youngest. They live in a family that appears to have it all. But things aren't as perfect as they seem. Awan is going through a rough patch in her life, feeling down and losing her zest for life.

In her times of sorrow, Awan meets Kale (Ardhito Pramono), a man who introduces her to many new experiences. This friendship brings a change in Awan, but it doesn’t sit well with her parents. They ask her to stop seeing Kale.

As Awan continues her relationship with Kale, tensions rise in the family. Conflicts start to surface, leading to the unveiling of a big, hidden secret and a deep-seated trauma. What could this family secret be?

A family, comprising the terminally-ill mother Mawarni (Ayu Laksmi), father Bahri (Bront Palarae), eldest daughter Rini (Tara Basro), and her three younger brothers Tony (Endy Arfian), Bondi (Nasar Anuz), and Ian (Muhammad Adhiyat), resides in an old house owned by their grandmother, Rahma (Elly D. Luthan).

The family's economic situation is strained due to the high cost of Mawarni's medical treatments. This situation compels Bahri to work tirelessly, and forces Rini to leave college. Previously, the family enjoyed a more prosperous life, because of Mawarni's fame as a legendary singer, known for her hit song "Kelam Malam."

In a concerning turn of events, Mawarni, who can only communicate using bells, begins to behave strangely before her untimely death. Following her funeral, eerie occurrences start to unfold in Grandma Rahma's house. The family is terrified as they witness what appears to be Mawarni's spirit returning, accompanied by a series of horrifying incidents.

The situation reaches a terrifying peak when Bahri, Rini, and the siblings encounter the undead at their home. Upon further investigation, they discover that Mawarni was involved in a heretical cult, and that Ian is being sought by the cult for his significant role. Rini sets out to confront and resolve these chilling mysteries, whatever the cost to fix everything.

The Raid is a thrilling Indonesian action movie directed by Gareth Evans, and it's been a hit with both critics and audiences. This fast-paced 101-minute film takes us into the heart of a dangerous mission against a notorious drug lord.

The drug kingpin lives in a fortified apartment block, known for its extreme danger. The police, led by Lieutenant Wahyu (Pierre Gruno), have to be extra smart and careful to take him down. They decide it's time to strike and put together a special team to sneak into the building. But things go wrong quickly when a gang member spots them.

Things get even more complicated when it turns out Lieutenant Wahyu didn't tell his bosses about the raid. Now, the police team is trapped, outnumbered, and fighting for survival against the gang members. Among them is a new officer, Rama (Iko Uwais), who is surprisingly skilled in martial arts. Rama becomes the team's last hope to complete their mission successfully.

Laskar Pelangi is a heartwarming story about a group of kids from a small village in Belitung. These kids, though not wealthy, are determined to create a better future for themselves. They all attend SD Muhammadiyah, the oldest elementary school in their village.

The school is in danger of closing down because there are only 9 students. Mrs. Muslimah, the school's dedicated teacher, and Mr. Harfan, the principal, do everything they can to keep the school open. Their efforts pay off when Harun, a child with special needs, joins the school, bringing the student count to 10. This means the school can stay open.

The story focuses on Ikal, a student at SD Muhammadiyah who loves literature and enjoys writing poems. Another key character is Lintang, the brightest kid in school. Despite being a fisherman’s son and living in poverty, he dreams of becoming a mathematician.

Based on a novel by Andrea Hirata, this film has won several awards, including Best Film and Best Editor at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong.

"Warkop DKI Reborn: Jangkrik Boss Part 1" is a movie that brings back the magic of the famous 1990s Warkop DKI films. It's now one of the most successful Indonesian movies ever.

The film stars Abimana Aryasatya, Vino Bastian, and Tora Sudiro. They fill the shoes of the beloved national comedy actors, the late Dono and Kasino, and the living legend Indro. Their hilarious antics are sure to make you laugh.

In the movie, Dono, Kasino, and Indro are buddies working as security guards at CHIIPS (Cara Hebat Ikut Ikutan Pelayanan Sosial). But they're not doing a great job. In fact, they're the worst the organization has ever seen. So, their boss brings in Sophie (Hannah Al Rashid), the best CHIIPS member from France, to whip these three goofballs into shape.

Training Dono, Kasino, and Indro is no easy task. They find themselves in a crazy mess where they owe a huge fine of 8 billion! As they're trying to figure out how to pay it off, they meet a mysterious guy who might just have a solution to their problem. What happens next in their wild adventure?

This movie revolves around Suryani (Shenina Syawalita Cinnamon), a young woman determined to uncover the truth behind a troubling incident. The story begins at a victory party for her theater group, held at the home of Rama (Giulio Parengkuan), the group's playwright.

A photo of Suryani, appearing intoxicated at the party, spreads like wildfire on social media, causing a stir throughout her school. The fallout from this incident is severe. She loses her scholarship and faces rejection from her parents for tarnishing the family's reputation.

Convinced that she has been wronged, Suryani sets out to identify the person responsible for taking and sharing the photo while she was vulnerable. Her investigation reveals a shocking truth, she is not the only one who has suffered such an ordeal. Other victims come forward, joining Suryani in her quest for justice. The burning question remains, who is behind these actions?

The film made its international debut on October 8, 2021, at the Busan International Film Festival. It has achieved widespread acclaim, winning Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenwriter, and several other awards at the 2021 Indonesian Film Festival.

"Ada Apa dengan Cinta (What's Up with Love)," directed by Rudi Soedjarwo, made waves as the first Indonesian romantic film to attract young audiences in the 2000s. Starring Nicholas Saputra and Dian Sastrowardoyo, this movie digs into the complex world of love as experienced by two high school students. Not only a box office hit, it also gave rise to an unforgettable soundtrack!

The film revolves around Cinta (Dian Sastrowardoyo), a 17-year-old girl living a near-perfect life. Her life suddenly changes during a poetry competition. Cinta, who has always been the winner, is surprisingly outdone by Rangga (Nicholas Saputra), a shy, introverted student who struggles with social interactions. This event leads Cinta and Rangga to cross paths and, despite initial difficulties, they start to get to know each other.

Coming from completely different worlds, Cinta and Rangga find themselves drawn to each other. Their love blossoms against a backdrop of various challenges, including disapproval, friendship issues, and even violence. Just when their relationship deepens, Rangga has to move to America to continue his studies. So, what's next for Cinta and Rangga's love story?

Mr. Domu (Arswendi Beningsuara Nasution) and Mak Domu (Tika Panggabean) are a married couple grappling with the loneliness of an empty nest. Their three older children, Domu (Boris Bokir), Gabe (Lolox), and Sahat (Indra Jegel), have all moved away from Medan, leaving only their youngest, Sarma (Gita Bhebhita Butar-Butar), at home.

In a creative attempt to reunite their family, Mr. Domu and Mak Domu hatch a plan: they announce their intention to divorce, hoping this news will bring their children rushing back home. The plan works perfectly as their three eldest children return to Medan, believing they need to intervene in their parents' marital crisis.

The children come home to resolve the issue because they believe their parents are on the brink of separation. Mr. Domu and Mak Domu are committed to their ruse, so they continue to play their parts. However, tension escalates as Mr. Domu finds himself in constant disagreements with his children, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere at home.

The truth of the ruse eventually comes to light, causing deep sadness and feelings of betrayal among the children. Sarma, who was instructed to feign ignorance, is blamed for the deception. The situation takes a dramatic turn when the threat of a real divorce looms over the family.

Realizing the error of his ways, Mr. Domu embarks on a journey of self-improvement. He seeks to mend his relationships with his children and goes to great lengths to bring Mak Domu back home. Their story is a poignant exploration of family bonds, the consequences of deception, and the power of reconciliation, as they strive to become a united family once again.

This is the story of Fahri bin Abdullah Shiddiq (Fedi Nuril), an Indonesian student living in Cairo. Fahri is known for friendly, polite, and kind demeanor. He's pursuing his master's degree at Al-Azhar.

Without him knowing, several women in his life have developed feelings for him. These include Maria (Carissa Putri), who lives in the same building, Nurul (Melanie Putria), a fellow student, and Noura (Zaskia Adya Mecca). One day, Fahri's teacher suggests that he is ready for marriage and advises him to consider taaruf, a form of Islamic courtship.

Initially, Fahri feels unworthy due to his humble background and lack of a steady job. However, with the encouragement of his friends, he decides to follow his teacher's advice. He chooses to court Aisha (Rianti Cartwright), a courageous woman who has captured his heart. The two marry and embark on their life together.

However, their marital bliss is short-lived as they face a series of challenges. From Nurul's family proposing marriage to their daughter, to a false accusation of Fahri assaulting Noura, their relationship is put to the test. How will Fahri and Aisha's story unfold? This emotionally charged movie will have you reaching for the tissues, so be prepared!

Habibie is an aspiring aircraft expert. He sets off to Germany to further his education. In 1962, upon returning to Indonesia, he reunites with Ainun, a childhood friend who is now a doctor. Their friendship quickly blossoms into love, leading to marriage.

Together, they move to Germany where Habibie works towards his doctorate and achieves great success as an engineer. However, their life changes when President Soeharto of Indonesia calls Habibie back home. There, Habibie's career skyrockets as he serves as the Minister of Research and Technology, Vice President, and eventually becomes the third President of Indonesia. Throughout these monumental changes, Ainun remains a constant support, sharing in both triumphs and challenges.

Tragically, after Habibie's presidency, Ainun faces a personal battle with ovarian cancer and passes away in 2010.

This movie is based on the true story of BJ Habibie, Indonesia's third President. He and his wife, Hasri Ainun Habibie, shares a heartfelt 118-minute journey through their inspiring and emotional love story. The film has been widely acclaimed, winning multiple prestigious awards, including the Citra Cup in various categories.

In a single night, Marlina's peaceful life is shattered. A group of seven robbers storm into her home, stealing everything she owns. But their cruelty doesn't stop there – they threaten Marlina's life and rape her in turn, all in the presence of her late husband's decaying body.

To reclaim her life, Marlina decides it's time for revenge. She beheads the gang's leader, Markus, and sets off on a journey to find justice and peace. She also kills the other six robbers as well. However, Franz, a member of the gang who wasn't there during the attack, is now on a mission to retrieve Markus' head.

During her journey, Marlina encounters other women who share her pain and struggle. They, too, are seeking justice in the challenging environment of Sumba, Indonesia. Together, they confront the harsh realities of their world, searching for dignity and hope.

"Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts," directed by Mouly Surya, is a powerful film that resonates deeply. Released in 2017, it has gathered numerous prestigious awards both nationally and internationally, marking its significance in the world of cinema.

Rara (Jessica Mila), born with a unique skin tone and a fuller figure, often faces unfair treatment and body shaming from those around her, including her friends, coworkers, and even her own mother, a former model. In stark contrast is her sister Lulu, who is slim and beautiful, leading to constant comparisons.

Despite these challenges, Rara finds love and acceptance with her boyfriend, Dika (Reza Rahadian). They both share a love for simple living and volunteer work. Rara's life takes a turn when she's offered a promotion at her job, but there's a catch: she must lose weight and enhance her appearance.

As Rara transforms and becomes more attractive, her personality begins to change as well. The film explores what these changes mean for Rara and those around her.

Directed by Ernest Prakarsa, the movie is a film adaptation of the novel "Imperfect: A Journey to Self-Acceptance" by Meira Anastasia, who happens to be Ernest Prakasa's wife. It's a story about self-discovery, the pressures of societal standards, and the journey towards accepting oneself.

In need of money, a group of young people comes together to pull off the biggest heist in Indonesia's history. Their target? A historic painting titled "Arresting Diponegoro" by Raden Saleh, housed in the Presidential Palace, which is also the namesake of this movie.

The crew is diverse and skilled: Piko 'the Forger' (Iqbaal Ramadhan), Ucup 'the Hacker' (Angga Yunanda), Fella 'the Negotiator' (Rachel Amanda Aurora), Gofar 'the Handyman' (Umay Shahab), Sarah 'the Brute' (Aghniny Haque), and Tuktuk 'the Driver'. Initially, the plan involves only Piko, Ucup, and Sarah, but realizing they need more expertise, they recruit Fella, Gofar, and Tuktuk.

Led by Piko, the team aims to sell the stolen painting to Permadi, a former president of Indonesia. The film is packed with thrilling and clever maneuvers as Piko and his team execute their daring plan. What makes this heist movie stand out is a surprising plot twist towards the end, leaving the audience with an open-ended conclusion.

Set in the year 1990, this romantic film brings to life the beloved novel by Pidi Baiq. The movie sparked much excitement even before its release, particularly around the casting of the character Dilan, ultimately portrayed by Iqbaal Ramadhan.

Milea (Vanesha Prescilla) is a new student in Bandung, having recently moved from Jakarta. Her life takes an interesting turn when she meets Dilan (Iqbaal Ramadhan), a fellow student, one morning. Dilan's 'unusual' and bold approach to introducing himself catches Milea's attention, marking him as someone different and intriguing.

Dilan is not just a unique and romantic guy; he's also smart. But there's another side to him - he's known as a troublemaker and leads a well-known motorcycle gang in Bandung.

Milea, meanwhile, is dealing with her own complications. Back in Jakarta, she has a boyfriend named Beni, whose possessive and rude behavior leads her to end the relationship. This breakup paves the way for Milea and Dilan to grow closer, eventually becoming a couple.

However, their journey is not without its ups and downs. The film beautifully captures the rollercoaster of emotions and events that define Milea and Dilan's relationship. Dive into their story and experience the twists and turns for yourself by watching the movie!

In the 1930s, Zainuddin (Herjunot Ali) from Makassar goes to his dad's old village, Batipuh, in Padang Panjang. There, he meets Hayati (Pevita Pearce), the admired beauty of the village. They quickly fall in love, but they face big challenges because of local customs and traditions.

Zainuddin, who isn't wealthy and doesn't come from the same background as the locals, isn't accepted in Minang's society where family background is very important. Hayati is from a well-known Minang family and is expected to marry someone from a similar background.

Hayati's family turns down Zainuddin's marriage proposal and instead chooses Aziz (Reza Rahadian), a wealthy and generous man, for her. Heartbroken, Zainuddin leaves and moves to Java. Over time, he becomes a famous writer, with his books loved all over the region.

Years later, Zainuddin meets Hayati again, along with her husband Aziz. He finds out that Hayati isn't happy; Aziz is mean to her, and even his parents don't like her.

Hayati still loves Zainuddin, but he's too hurt to take her back. This becomes his biggest regret, especially after learning that Hayati was in a tragic shipwreck, the Van Der Wijck.

"Yuni," the latest film from director Kamila Andini, stars Arawinda Kirana, Kevin Ardilova, Dimas Aditya, among others. This drama has achieved significant success and recognition in the Indonesian film market, winning several awards.

The film tells the poignant story of Yuni (Arawinda Kirana), a high school student with exceptional intelligence. Living a modest life in a small village, Yuni has big ambitions to pursue higher education. Her plans, however, are unexpectedly challenged when two men arrive at her family's home, each seeking her hand in marriage.

Unfamiliar with either suitor, Yuni declines both proposals. Her decisions soon become the subject of local gossip, fueled by a belief that a girl who rejects two marriage offers will never marry. Yuni finds herself torn between continuing her education and conforming to societal expectations of marriage. The film navigates through Yuni's journey, leaving the audience to ponder her future amidst these conflicting choices.

In this movie, we follow the life of Sancaka, a man who has been on his own since he was a child due to the tragic loss of his parents. As an adult, he makes a living as a security guard.

Sancaka's life suddenly changes when he steps in to help Wulan, who is being harassed by thugs. His brave act angers the thugs, and in a shocking turn of events, they retaliate by throwing him off a building. Miraculously, while Sancaka lies injured on the ground, he is struck by lightning. But this lightning strike isn't just a mishap – it endows him with incredible superpowers.

Embracing his newfound abilities, Sancaka transforms into 'Gundala', a hero committed to helping those in need.

Directed by the renowned Joko Anwar, this film casts a stellar cast including Abimana Aryasatya, Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, Ario Bayu, and Lukman Sardi, bringing this thrilling story of heroism and resilience to life.

The movie introduces us to the main characters, narrated by Zafran (Herjunot Ali), a poetic young man whose career has taken a nosedive, causing stress for his mother. Alongside him are his friends: Genta (Fedi Nuril), Arial (Denny Sumargo), Riani (Raline Shah), and Ian (Igor Saykoji).

These five pals have been inseparable for a decade, never missing a weekend hangout. But they start to feel that their routine is getting stale. Looking for a change, they make a bold decision to stop talking to each other for three months. This break is a chance for each of them to venture out and experience life on their own terms.

After three months apart, they reunite with an exciting plan: to climb Mount Semeru. Their adventure isn't just about reaching the summit, but it's also to celebrate Independence Day by hoisting the national flag. This journey becomes more than just a climb; it's a test of their friendship. Filled with romantic twists and comedic moments, this movie is a must-watch!