25 Best Nepali Movies of All Time You Must Watch

The Nepali cinema world, often lovingly called “Kollywood,” is rich with vibrant history that mirrors the soul of the nation. From the time of black-and-white classics that laid the foundation to contemporary narratives pushing creative boundaries, these films offer a profound glimpse into Nepal’s culture, struggles, and heart. Whether you’re a cinema-loving and exploring world cinema or a Nepali looking to reconnect with your roots, this list is your ultimate guide.

We’ve curated the 25 best Nepali movies of all time that you simply must watch. These films have been selected for their cultural impact, critical acclaim, storytelling prowess, and their enduring place in the hearts of audiences. 

The Ultimate List: 25 Best Nepali Movies Ever Made

1. Balidan (1997)

Balidan is one of the revolutionary movies which is always best all the time. This movie is based on the people’s revolutionary movement for democracy. The story of democratic fighters made it different from most of the other Nepali movies.

Director: Tulsi Ghimire

Cast: Nir Shah, Hari Bansha Acharya, Anjana Shrestha, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Shanti Maskey, Keshav Bhattarai 

2. Pashupati Prasad (2016)

Pasupati Prasad movie is a unique type of movie which features the struggle of a poor guy. He comes to Kathmandu to earn his living and pay off the debt owed by his late father. This film was also nominated for the Nepali entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.

Starring: Khagendra Lamichhane, Barsha Shiwakoti, Bipin Karki, Prakash Ghimire, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Mishree Thapa, Ashish Adhikari, Jack Shrestha

• Why You Must Watch It: Arguably one of the most important Nepali films of the decade. This social drama portrays the harsh realities of life in Kathmandu for a poor villager trying to survive. Its raw realism, powerful performances, and heartfelt story won the admiration of both critics and the public.
• Key Themes: Poverty, survival, hope, human resilience.
• Fun Fact: The film was made on a very modest budget but became a blockbuster, proving that content is king.

3.  Dreams | Bhuwan K.C Movie

‘Dreams’ is the Best Nepali movie by Bhuwan K.C . starring Anmol K.C and Samragyee Rajya Shah The producer of this movie is: Bhuwan K.C. Dr Kapil Rijal, Bhanu Phuyel, and Satyanarayan Keyal.

The main synopses of the movie are ” Aveer”, in his childhood loses his father to an accident which he claims he had seen in a dream. A grown-up Aveer sees a dream where his love, Kavya dies in a car accident and tries everything to let this dream not come true.

4. Loot 1 and LOOT 2 MOVIE

Loot 1 and Loot 2 a Nepali crime thriller movie written and directed by Nischal Basnet the popular actor Dayahang Rai, who plots to rob a bank. Loot 1 sequel, which is Loot 2, was released in 2071

Director/ Writer: Nishcal Basnet, Starring: Saugat Malla, Dayahang Rai, Karma Shakya, Reecha Sharma,

• Why You Must Watch It: A game-changer for the Nepali film industry, Loot is a fast-paced heist comedy-thriller that proved Nepali films could be slick, stylish, and commercially successful. Its engaging plot and sharp editing brought a new wave of filmmaking to the forefront.
• Key Themes: Crime, ambition, comedy, thriller.
• Fun Fact: Director Nischal Basnet also played one of the lead roles in the film.

5. Dakshina (1993) | Tulshi Ghimire Movie

Dakshina is a 1993 movie directed by Tulsi Ghimire. This was one of the superhit Nepali movies stars with  Tulsi Ghimire, Bhuwan K.C.

The main story of this Best Nepali Movies is “A teacher who is against student politics on campus gets demoted as a primary teacher in a rural village for being an obstacle to a politician. Since then, he started a new life in a village running a school which has not been in good condition for years.”

Stars: Tulsi Ghimire, Bhuwan K.C., Niruta Singh, Bharati Ghimire

6.  Woda Number 6 |Nepali Comedy Movie| Superhit Nepali Movie

Woda Number 6 is one of the hit Nepali comedy movies in Nepal, with lots of Nepali comedy actors.

Actors in the movie are  Deepak Raj Giri, Priyanka Karki, Jitu Nepal, Kedar Ghimire, Sitaram Kattel, Dayahang Rai, Kishor Khatiwada, Dipa Shree Niraula, Ranjita Gurung, Shivahari Poudel, Sandip Chhetri, Wilson Bikram Rai, etc.

• Why You Must Watch It: This film is a brilliant black comedy and political satire. Set in a single location, it follows a group of friends whose drinking session turns into a chaotic debate about politics and power, reflecting the state of the nation.
• Key Themes: Political satire, friendship, societal commentary.
• Fun Fact: The film is adapted from a play and retains its theatrical, dialogue-driven intensity.

7. Jatra | Nepali Comedy Movie

Jatra is a very good movie with action, comedy, and drama. Jatra tells the story of three people who have lots of problems as they do not have money. The story revolves around Rs 30 million being robbed from a bank. The movie revolves around various ideas they implement to protect the money from bank robbers with a dream of a better future. A sequel was released in 2019.

The director/ Writer of the  move is Pradeep Bhattarai

Stars in the movie moviein Karki, Barsha Raut, Rabindra Jha, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Prakash Ghimire

8. Kusume Rumal (1985) and New Kusume Rumal 

One of the most successful and one of the  Best Nepali Movies in Nepal is a love story of two college friends: Amar (Udit Narayan) and Suniti (Tripti Nadakar). It also features Arjun (Bhuwan K.C.) as a lover of Suniti. The film depicts the disparity between rich and poor people. The Indian comedian Hum Jayega has a short appearance. It was the highest-grossing movie of the time.

The Legacy of eternal Jayagatory “Kusume Rumal” is created forward by Sunidhi’s daughter Kusum, in Naya Kusume Rumal. Kusum’s beauty is defined by her simplicity, innocence, and decency, yet her character portrays immense strength, dignity, and passion.

9. Dui Rupaiya (2017) |Nepali comedy movie

It is a comedy movie. Dui Rupaiya is all about two friends searching for a two-rupee note that they lost on their way. Two best friends who lost the transaction slip ( Rs 2 note ) are struggling to find the note. The film entails their quest to find that Rs 2 and save their necks, all the while saving themselves from local thugs, police, and their boss as well.

Starring: Nischal Basnet, Asif Shah, Buddhi Tamang, Rabindra Jha, Rajan Ishan, Menuka Pradhan, Prateek Raj Neupane, Tika Pahari, Bisharad Basnet

10. Darpan Chayya | Hit Nepali movie | Old and New 

Darpan Chaya is a 2001 Nepalese romantic drama film, written and directed by Tulsi Ghimire, which is one of the evergreen and Best Nepali Movies

Cast in th movie are  Niruta Singh, Dilip Rayamajhi, Uttam Pradhan, Jitu Nepal, Tika Pahari as the major lead roles in the movie.

• Why You Must Watch It: A classic that needs no introduction. Darpan Chaya is one of the most iconic and beloved Nepali films of all time. Its memorable music, stellar performances by Bollywood star Rajesh Khanna and Nepali actress Moushumi, and timeless love story have cemented its legendary status.
• Key Themes: Romance, family, sacrifice.
• Fun Fact: This was the first Nepali film to be shot in colour.

 11. Shatru Gate | Superhit Nepali Movie

It is one of the best hit Movies by Kiran Kc which is presented by Maha Sanchar. KCe movie is starred Dipak Raj Giri, Deepa Shree Niraula, Haribansha Acharya, Madan Krishan Shrestha, Paul Shah, Aanchal Sharma.

12. Kabaddi (2014) | Dayahang Rai Movie

This social movie became successful in setting alternative trends in the Nepali cinema industry. As suggested by the title, it features a game played between a local tough guy, Kaazi, and an outsider, Bibek, to win over a girl: Maiyaa.

The director/ Writer of this Best Nepali Movies  is Ram Babu Gurung while   Dayahang Rai, Nischal Basnet, ,Rishma Gurung are major cast in the movie.

• Why You Must Watch It: A critically acclaimed film that redefined modern Nepali comedies. Kabaddi Kabaddi is a hilarious yet thoughtful take on love, marriage, and societal expectations, following a man who pretends to be married to avoid pressure from his family.
• Key Themes: Love, societal pressure, identity, comedy of errors.
• Fun Fact: The film was a massive commercial success and spawned a popular sequel.

13. Chhakka the Panja | Superhit Nepali Movie

Chakka Panja 1 is one of the superhit comedy Nepali movies with social stories. with the sequel continuation of ChhakkaWithja 2 and Chhakka Panja 3.

The movie is by Deepashri Niraula. Starring: Deepak Raj Giri, Priyanka Karki, Jeetu Nepal, Kedar Ghimire, Buddhi Tamang, Shivahari Paudel, Barsha Raut, Kiran KC, Jaynanda Lama, Prem Lopchan

Chakka Panja 2 (2019)  Movie

Chakka Panja is a Film by Deepa Shree Niraula. Starring: Deepak Raj Giri, Priyanka Karki, Jitu Nepal, Kedar Ghimire, Buddhi Tamang, Barsha Raut, Gaurav Pahari, Swaroop Purush Dhakal, Swastima Khadka, Laxmi Giri, Jaynanda Lama, Shivahari Paudel, Kiran KC, Rajaram Paudel

CHHAKKA PANJA 3 | Dipak Raj Giri Nepali Movie |Watch online

• Why You Must Watch It: The highest-grossing Nepali film franchise of its time, Chhakka Panja is a social comedy that tackles the serious issue of fraudulent foreign employment and visa scams with humor and wit. Its relatable story and comic timing resonated deeply with the masses.
• Key Themes: Social satire, corruption, dreams of abroad.
• Fun Fact: The film launched a highly successful series of sequels due to its popularity.

14. Resham Filili | Nepali Comedy Movie

Starring: Vinay Shrestha, Karma, Kameshwor Chaurasiya, Menuka Pradhan, Shishir Bangdel and Ashutosh Shrestha. Music:/Lyrics: Kali Prasad Baskota Cinematography: Babu Shrestha Editor: Sushil Neupane/Pranab Joshi Producer: Madhav Wagle Directed by: Pranab Joshi

15. Basudev – Old classic Movie

Nepali Full Movie – “BASUDEV” is one of the Best Nepali Movies which has become the classic movie in Nepali movie history.|| Hari Bansha, Madan Krishna || Super Hit Nepali Movie Manakamana Films Binod Chaudary Presents  Movie: Basudev

Cast : Harihar Sharma, Sakuntala Sharma, krishna Mall, Sharmila Mall, Nir Shah, Subhadra Adhikari, Chandra Mala Sharma, Jitendra Mahat Abhilashi, Mukunda Shrestha, Rudra Raj Pandy, Jaynendra Chand, Hari Bansha, Madan Krishna

16. Kagbeni (2008)

• Why You Must Watch It: A landmark in Nepali cinema, Kagbeni is the first Nepali film based on W.W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Kali Gandaki river, this supernatural thriller is known for its brilliant cinematography and atmospheric tension.
• Key Themes: Greed, fate, supernatural consequences.
• Fun Fact: The film’s title is derived from the village of Kagbeni in Mustang, a key location in the story.

17. Jhola (2013)

• Why You Must Watch It: Based on a famous story by Krishna Dharabasi, Jhola is a powerful period drama that exposes the brutal, now-abolished practice of “Sati Pratha” (widow burning). The film is celebrated for its authentic depiction, courageous subject matter, and strong emotional core.
• Key Themes: Social injustice, women’s rights, tradition vs. humanity.
• Fun Fact: The props and costumes were meticulously designed to replicate the era of the 1940s.

18. Numafung (2017)

• Why You Must Watch It: This film is a cinematic gem that tells the story of a young Limbu woman striving to preserve her indigenous culture and language. Numafung is a visually stunning and poignant exploration of identity, change, and the resilience of a community.
• Key Themes: Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, identity.
• Fun Fact: The dialogue is primarily in the Limbu language, making it a significant work for linguistic and cultural representation.

19. Kalo Pothi (The Black Hen) (2015)

• Why You Must Watch It: Nepal’s official entry to the 89th Academy Awards, Kalo Pothi is set during the Maoist insurgency. Seen through the eyes of two young boys and their pet hen, the film masterfully portrays the innocence of childhood against a backdrop of violence and conflict.
• Key Themes: Childhood, war, innocence lost, friendship.
• Fun Fact: The cast features mostly non-professional actors from the Karnali region, adding to its authentic feel.

20. Saino (2018)

• Why You Must Watch It: A beautiful and heartbreaking romantic drama, Saino tells the story of a couple separated by the 2015 earthquake. The film is praised for its sensitive handling of a national tragedy, stunning visuals, and powerful performances.
• Key Themes: Love, loss, disaster, hope.
• Fun Fact: The film was shot in the earthquake-affected areas of Sindhupalchowk, adding a layer of realism.

21. Basudev (2019)

• Why You Must Watch It: A unique and critically acclaimed film, Basudev is a rural drama that follows a simple farmer with a unique ability to communicate with nature. It’s a poetic and philosophical take on man’s relationship with the environment.
• Key Themes: Man vs. Nature, spirituality, rural life.
• Fun Fact: The film won the Best Film award at the 2019 National Film Awards.

22. Prem Pinda (1990)

• Why You Must Watch It: No list of classic Nepali movies is complete without Prem Pinda. This family drama and love story, starring Tripti Nadakar and Biraj Bhatta, is etched into the memory of an entire generation for its emotional depth and iconic music.
• Key Themes: Family drama, love, sacrifice.
• Fun Fact: The songs from the film, like “Manko Aaganama,” remain evergreen hits.

23. Karnali Blues (2024 – Upcoming/Anticipated)

• Why You Must Watch It: Based on one of Nepal’s most beloved novels by Buddhisagar, the anticipation for this film is immense. It’s a poignant story of a son’s relationship with his father and is expected to be a major cinematic event.
• Key Themes: Father-son relationship, childhood, nostalgia.
• Fun Fact: The book is considered a modern classic in Nepali literature.

24. Hari (2018)

Fun Fact: The young lead actor, Prasiddhi Kc, delivers a remarkably natural performance.

Why You Must Watch It: A simple yet powerful film, Hari tells the story of a young boy from a poor family who aspires to own a bicycle. It’s a touching tale of childhood dreams, economic disparity, and determination that will leave you with a warm heart.

Key Themes: Childhood dreams, poverty, innocence.

Conclusion:

During lockdown time, you can watch these Best Nepali movies and enjoy the time. Be safe from the corona.