Sri Lanka might not always be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about cinema, but its film industry has produced powerful, poetic, and socially resonant films for decades. From gripping dramas to political allegories and intimate portraits of rural life, Sri Lanka movies carry a unique aesthetic rooted in culture, conflict, and identity.
In this article, we explore the 25 best Sri Lanka movies you should absolutely watch. These films span decades, directors, and genres—but what ties them together is their remarkable storytelling and cultural significance.
Top 25 Sri Lanka Movies (Ranked)
25. Saroja (2000)
- Starring: Nimmi Harasgama, Pradeep Ramawickrama
- Director: Somaratne Dissanayake
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Runtime: 93 min
A story of unlikely friendship between a Tamil girl and a Sinhalese girl amidst the backdrop of civil war. It explores themes of innocence, prejudice, and reconciliation and remains one of the most emotionally resonant Sri Lanka movies of the early 2000s. Through the eyes of two young girls, it delicately portrays the absurdity of ethnic divisions and how human connection can transcend societal barriers. With tender performances and emotional storytelling, it paints a hopeful vision in a turbulent setting.
24. Purahanda Kaluwara / Death on a Full Moon Day (1997)
- Starring: Joe Abeywickrama
- Director: Prasanna Vithanage
- Genre: Drama, War
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Runtime: 85 min
A father refuses to accept that his son has died in war, in this quietly devastating film. Vithanage uses minimalism and silence masterfully, delivering one of the most heartbreaking Sri Lanka movies that questions blind patriotism. The emotional weight of the father’s denial evolves into a powerful metaphor for the national trauma and unresolved grief experienced by a country torn apart by civil conflict. Its raw narrative and contemplative pacing make it a deeply immersive experience.
23. Machan (2008)
- Starring: Dharmapriya Dias, Gihan De Chickera
- Director: Uberto Pasolini
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Runtime: 109 min
Based on the true story of a group of Sri Lankans who formed a fake handball team to escape to Europe, Machan is both hilarious and poignant. It’s one of the rare Sri Lanka movies to gain international recognition for its wit and heart. Beyond the humor, the film reflects the desperation and dreams of working-class youth caught in a system that offers little hope. It skillfully blends satire with sincerity, making it a universal tale of ambition, deception, and survival.
22. The Forsaken Land / Sulanga Enu Pinisa (2005)
- Starring: Kaushalya Fernando
- Director: Vimukthi Jayasundara
- Genre: Drama, Art House
- IMDb Rating: 6.6
- Runtime: 108 min
Winner of the Camera d’Or at Cannes, this slow-burning meditation on post-war emptiness and trauma uses minimal dialogue and dreamlike visuals. For fans of experimental Sri Lanka movies, this is essential viewing. The narrative captures the monotony of life in a village surrounded by the lingering presence of militarization, with characters caught between duty and despair. Its abstract style and visual symbolism encourage viewers to engage deeply with its layers of meaning.
21. Ini Avan (2012)
- Starring: Darshan Dharmaraj
- Director: Asoka Handagama
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Runtime: 104 min
A Tamil ex-combatant tries to rebuild his life after war, but the scars—both internal and external—refuse to fade. Ini Avan is among the most powerful modern Sri Lanka movies dealing with the aftermath of conflict. The film portrays the protagonist’s journey through humiliation, rejection, and guilt, offering a stark look at the lack of reconciliation even after peace is declared. It challenges the viewer to confront difficult truths about forgiveness, justice, and survival in a divided society.
20. Paangshu (2021)
- Starring: Nita Fernando
- Director: Visakesa Chandrasekaram
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Runtime: 100 min
A mother is summoned to testify about the disappearance of her son during the war. Tightly woven and politically charged, Paangshu is one of the recent Sri Lanka movies to address justice and human rights. As the protagonist digs through layers of bureaucratic resistance and silence, the film slowly unravels the institutional impunity that follows war. With a gripping central performance and restrained direction, it becomes a haunting cry for accountability.
19. Oba Nathuwa Oba Ekka / With You, Without You (2012)
- Starring: Shyam Fernando, Anjali Patil
- Director: Prasanna Vithanage
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Runtime: 90 min
Set in post-war Sri Lanka, this haunting love story reveals how emotional scars linger long after bullets stop. It’s one of the most poetic Sri Lanka movies in recent decades. The relationship between a reclusive pawnshop owner and a war widow unfolds with quiet intensity, gradually exposing the deep psychological wounds hidden beneath civility. It’s a film about trust, guilt, and how history permeates even the most personal moments.
18. Gamani (2011)
- Starring: Bimal Jayakody
- Director: Sarath Weerasekara
- Genre: War Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Runtime: 130 min
Loosely based on the LTTE massacre at Gonagala, Gamani offers a controversial yet intense portrayal of tragedy. It’s one of the most discussed Sri Lanka movies depicting real wartime horror. The film does not shy away from graphic depictions of violence, nor from showing the emotional toll on survivors. It delves into themes of heroism, sacrifice, and collective trauma, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of justice and remembrance.
17. Sankara (2006)
- Starring: Thumindu Dodantenna, Sachini Ayendra Stanley
- Director: Prasanna Jayakody
- Genre: Drama, Psychological
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 86 min
A young Buddhist monk’s faith is tested when he becomes obsessed with a beautiful woman he meets while restoring temple murals. Sankara is a haunting reflection on desire, spirituality, and self-denial. It stands out among Sri Lanka movies for its quiet tension, symbolic storytelling, and rich visual composition. The internal conflict of the monk is portrayed with subtle nuance, exploring how even the most disciplined can falter under the weight of repressed emotion and longing.
16. Nidhanaya (1970)
- Starring: Gamini Fonseka, Malini Fonseka
- Director: Lester James Peries
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Runtime: 108 min
Based on a short story by G.B. Senanayake, Nidhanaya follows a man obsessed with a prophecy that demands a human sacrifice to gain hidden treasure. It is widely considered one of the greatest Sri Lanka movies ever made. The psychological unraveling of the lead character, matched with haunting cinematography and a chilling score, builds a mood of existential dread. Its influence on South Asian cinema is immense, and its legacy as a masterpiece endures to this day.
15. Rekava (1956)
- Starring: Somapala Dharmapriya, Myrtle Fernando
- Director: Lester James Peries
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Runtime: 89 min
The first Sinhalese-language film shot entirely on location, Rekava was revolutionary in the history of Sri Lanka movies. It tells the story of a boy believed to have healing powers, challenging traditional beliefs in a rural village. With its realistic portrayal of village life and use of natural lighting, the film introduced a new cinematic language to the region. It’s revered for its groundbreaking direction and for shaping the identity of Sri Lankan cinema.
14. Dheewari (2011)
- Starring: Sangeetha Weeraratne, Joe Abeywickrama
- Director: Salinda Perera
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Runtime: 110 min
Dheewari centers on a strong-willed woman who returns to her fishing village and challenges the gender norms of her conservative community. Her resistance against patriarchal oppression and economic exploitation creates deep ripples in the traditional structure. Among Sri Lanka movies, this one is noted for its feminist tone and beautiful coastal cinematography. The central performance is powerful and unflinching, making it a standout film on empowerment and resilience.
13. Bawa Duka / Bawa Karma (1997, 1998)
- Starring: Swarna Mallawarachchi, Jackson Anthony
- Director: Dharmasena Pathiraja
- Genre: Family Drama, Spiritual
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Runtime: 130 min
This two-part saga explores the spiritual and emotional journey of a family torn by secrets, betrayal, and karmic consequence. Deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy, the films follow the life of Nona Hami and her family through cycles of pain, redemption, and rebirth. These are some of the most intellectually layered Sri Lanka movies, praised for their moral complexity and philosophical introspection. The acting, particularly by Swarna Mallawarachchi, is raw and emotionally riveting.
12. Aswesuma (2001)
- Starring: Joe Abeywickrama, Jackson Anthony
- Director: Bennett Rathnayake
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Runtime: 114 min
An aging man reflects on the regrets and tragedies of his youth, unveiling a life marked by lost opportunities and moral dilemmas. Aswesuma draws comparisons to classics like Citizen Kane for its use of narrative memory and voice-over. As one of the more introspective Sri Lanka movies, it contemplates justice, poverty, and social hierarchy with restrained elegance. The story’s emotional depth and dramatic structure make it a lasting favorite among local and international audiences.
11. Yahalu Yeheli (2007)
- Starring: Chinthaka Kulathunga, Chandani Seneviratne
- Director: Sumitra Peries
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
- Runtime: 95 min
A delicate exploration of friendship, betrayal, and middle-class values, Yahalu Yeheli presents a subtle dissection of urban relationships in modern Sri Lanka. With a focus on emotional realism and human flaws, the film reflects the social transitions facing women and families today. Among Sri Lanka movies, it stands out for its calm pacing and mature storytelling, showcasing Sumitra Peries’s talent for capturing the complexity of everyday lives.
10. Flying with One Wing / Thani Thatuwen Piyabanna (2002)
- Starring: Anoja Weerasinghe, Mahendra Perera
- Director: Asoka Handagama
- Genre: Drama, Gender Studies
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 103 min
A groundbreaking entry among Sri Lanka movies, Flying with One Wing tells the story of a woman who lives as a man in a male-dominated society. Her secret leads to unexpected consequences, revealing layers of gender discrimination, hypocrisy, and social tension. The film is daring in its subject matter and unflinching in its critique of traditional norms. It remains one of the most courageous narratives ever produced in South Asian cinema.
9. Akasa Kusum / Flowers of the Sky (2008)
- Starring: Malini Fonseka, Nimmi Harasgama
- Director: Prasanna Vithanage
- Genre: Drama, Family
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Runtime: 104 min
This moving story of a forgotten film star who crosses paths with a young adult film actress weaves themes of regret, redemption, and the cyclical nature of fame. Akasa Kusum stands tall among Sri Lanka movies for its quiet exploration of generational pain and female solidarity. The performances are nuanced, and the direction is sensitive, making it a poignant reflection on the hidden costs of personal reinvention.
8. Sihina Deshayen / From Dreams to Reality (2004)
- Starring: Chandani Seneviratne, Roshan Ravindra
- Director: Udayakantha Warnasuriya
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 110 min
In this deeply emotional drama, a woman haunted by her traumatic past is forced to confront the truth she’s long tried to suppress. Sihina Deshayen is known for its psychological depth and rich visual storytelling. It’s one of the few Sri Lanka movies that delves into the long-term effects of abuse and memory, portrayed with empathy and realism. A film that lingers long after it ends.
7. Sewwandi (2014)
- Starring: Anuj Ranasinghe, Dulani Anuradha
- Director: V. Sivadasan
- Genre: Romance, Tragedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Runtime: 102 min
A tale of young love tested by familial conflict and tragic circumstances, Sewwandi blends poetic visuals with sincere emotion. The film explores love and sacrifice in a conservative society, offering a gentle but powerful commentary on class and caste. Among romantic Sri Lanka movies, it is memorable for its lyrical tone and heartbreaking climax.
6. Ira Madiyama / August Sun (2003)
- Starring: Nimmi Harasgama, Jayani Senanayake
- Director: Prasanna Vithanage
- Genre: Drama, War
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Runtime: 108 min
Told through three parallel narratives during the Sri Lankan civil war, Ira Madiyama is a masterwork in storytelling. The characters—a mother looking for her missing son, a trans woman seeking identity, and a journalist chasing truth—all intersect around themes of silence, loss, and resilience. It is one of the most highly regarded Sri Lanka movies and a staple in global festival circuits.
5. Thundenek / The Three (2021)
- Starring: Kalana Gunasekara, Saranga Disasekara
- Director: Prasanna Jayakody
- Genre: Psychological Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Runtime: 120 min
This recent cinematic gem follows three men navigating guilt, grief, and psychological breakdown in different corners of the country. With stylistic storytelling and experimental visuals, Thundenek proves that Sri Lanka movies are evolving artistically. Its layered script and introspective tone make it a standout contemporary drama that pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative.
4. Bambaru Avith / The Wasps Are Here (1978)
- Starring: Vijaya Kumaratunga, Malini Fonseka
- Director: Dharmasena Pathiraja
- Genre: Drama, Political
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Runtime: 114 min
Set in a coastal fishing village, this iconic film explores the clash between modern capitalism and traditional livelihoods. A metaphor for foreign exploitation and social decay, Bambaru Avith remains one of the most intellectually rich Sri Lanka movies ever produced. The stark realism, combined with poetic undertones, creates a powerful cinematic experience that still feels relevant today.
3. Wekande Walauwa / Mansion by the Lake (2002)
- Starring: Malini Fonseka, Vasanthi Chathurani
- Director: Lester James Peries
- Genre: Drama, Family
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Runtime: 103 min
As the first Sri Lankan film submitted for the Academy Awards, Wekande Walauwa marks a landmark in the global recognition of Sri Lanka movies. It presents a fading aristocratic family grappling with generational conflict, material loss, and identity. The graceful pacing and elegant cinematography match the story’s introspective mood, making it a refined and moving portrait of social transition.
2. The Newspaper (2020)
- Starring: Dharshan Dharmaraj, Kumara Thirimadura
- Director: Sarath Kothalawala, Kumara Thirimadura
- Genre: Drama, Social Commentary
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Runtime: 107 min
A powerful critique of misinformation and the role of media, The Newspaper follows the life of a man falsely accused of terrorism based on a newspaper report. It’s one of the most relevant Sri Lanka movies of recent years, capturing the intersection of personal tragedy and institutional failure. Its tension-filled script and raw performances highlight the consequences of fake news in a polarized society.
1. Amawaka / The Invisible Moon (2023)
- Starring: Kaushalya Fernando, Sajitha Anthony
- Director: Prasanna Jayakody
- Genre: Experimental Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 101 min
The most recent entry on the list, Amawaka is a dreamlike journey through love, memory, and identity. With experimental visuals and an abstract narrative, it challenges the audience to look deeper. Among new-wave Sri Lanka movies, it leads the way in cinematic innovation. The film meditates on the transient nature of life and the illusions we hold, making it a haunting and unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
From the post-colonial classics of Lester James Peries to the daring modern visions of Asoka Handagama and Prasanna Jayakody, these 25 Sri Lanka movies offer a remarkable window into the island’s soul. They address complex topics like war, identity, gender, and class—always with a unique artistic voice that sets them apart from mainstream global cinema.
For those seeking a meaningful and culturally rich cinematic experience, Sri Lanka movies are a rewarding journey. Whether you start with a Cannes-winning feature or a deeply emotional family drama, these films prove that Sri Lankan cinema deserves a larger global audience.
If you’re interested in learning more about the region’s film heritage, explore the British Council Sri Lanka’s cultural initiatives supporting local filmmakers. Additionally, for academic insights and analysis, the University of Peradeniya’s Department of Fine Arts offers valuable resources and archives for South Asian cinema enthusiasts.
Let these movies guide you beyond the screen—into the heart of a nation’s stories
