Singapore may be small, but its film industry has produced some truly remarkable movies that capture the nation’s culture, struggles, and aspirations. From heartfelt dramas to socially reflective comedies, these top 10 Singaporean movies showcase the best of local storytelling. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or just curious about Singaporean cinema, this list will introduce you to some of the most iconic and must-watch films ever made in the Lion City.
1. Wonderland
Main Casts: Mark Lee, Peter Yu, Xenia Tan
Director: Chai Yee Wei
Writer: Michelle Chang
Date of Release: 2023
Box Office Performance: Specific figures not available
Network/Streamer: Netflix
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: Set in 1980s Singapore, “Wonderland” follows Loke, a single father who works tirelessly to provide his daughter, Eileen, with an overseas education. To afford her studies in New York, Loke sells their family home and moves into a modest one-room flat. There, he befriends Tan, a neighbor who assists him in writing letters to Eileen. Unbeknownst to Loke, Tan conceals tragic news about Eileen, leading to a complex web of lies that tests their newfound friendship and explores themes of sacrifice and paternal love.
Trivia: The film had its world premiere at the 24th San Diego Asian Film Festival on November 8, 2023. ”Wonderland” received the Audience Award at the 2023 San Diego Asian Film Festival.
2. I Not Stupid
Main Casts: Huang Po Ju (as Liu Kok Pin), Shawn Lee (as Terry Khoo), Joshua Ang (as Ang Boon Hock), Xiang Yun, Jack Neo, Richard Low, Selena Tan
Director: Jack Neo
Writer: Jack Neo
Date of Release: February 9, 2002
Box Office Performance: Grossed S$3.8 million, becoming the second-highest grossing Singaporean film at the time.
Network/Streamer: Netflix
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: “I Not Stupid” delves into the lives of three Primary 6 students—Liu Kok Pin, Terry Khoo, and Ang Boon Hock—who are placed in Singapore’s academically inferior EM3 stream. The film portrays their struggles with societal expectations, familial pressures, and the challenges of an education system that labels them as underachievers. Through humor and heartfelt moments, it sheds light on the broader implications of streaming in schools and its impact on children’s self-esteem and family dynamics.
Trivia: The film sparked public discussions and parliamentary debates, leading to reforms in Singapore’s education system. Inspired by the movie “Children of Heaven,” it received a sequel titled “I Not Stupid Too.”
3. I Not Stupid 3
Main Casts: Zhou Yuchen, Camans Kong, Goh Wee-Ann and Joseph Ng Zhiyang
Director: Jack Neo
Writer: Jack Neo, Liu Linyi, Liu Qi
Date of Release: June 6, 2024 (Singapore)
Box Office Performance: Information not available
Network/Streamer: Netflix
Genre: Comedy
Synopsis: Wang Zi Hao, a Primary 6 student from Shanghai, struggles academically at Yuzher Primary School in Singapore. His strict mother, Wen Ting, forces him to study intensely, leading to improved grades. This strains his friendship with top student Jayden Lee, whose controlling mother, Sophia, pressures him to see Zi Hao as a competitor. Amidst family and academic challenges, Zi Hao is falsely accused of cheating but later exonerated. The story culminates in a tragic accident, reconciliation, and a realization about true academic success.
4. Money No Enough 3
Main Casts: Mark Lee, Henry Thia, Jack Neo
Director: Jack Neo
Writer: Jack Neo, Ivan Ho
Date of Release: February 2024,
Box Office Performance: S$4.9 million
Network/Streamer: Netflix
Genre: Comedy
Synopsis: Three kampong friends, Li Qing Huang, Zhang Ming Hui, and Liang Da Qiang, face family and financial struggles. Qing Huang’s mounting debts lead him to borrow money and build illegal businesses, causing conflicts and impacting their families. His daughter, Kim Li, is struck by lightning, and Ming Hui’s wife suffers liver failure from Qing Huang’s health supplements. Qing Huang donates his liver, is imprisoned for illegal e-cigarette sales, and later welcomed home by his recovered friends and family.
5. Ah Boys to Men
Main Casts: Joshua Tan (as Ken Chow), Maxi Lim (as Aloysius Jin), Noah Yap (as IP Man), Wang Weiliang (as Lobang), Tosh Zhang (as Sergeant Ong)
Director: Jack Neo
Writer: Jack Neo
Date of Release: November 8, 2012
Box Office Performance: The film grossed approximately S$6.3 million (US$5,088,410) in Singapore, making it the highest-grossing Singaporean film at the time.
Network/Streamer: Netflix
Genre: Comedy
Synopsis: “Ah Boys to Men” follows the journey of Ken Chow, a young Singaporean who is reluctantly enlisted into the National Service. Initially attempting to evade his duties, Ken’s perspective shifts as he undergoes Basic Military Training (BMT) alongside a diverse group of recruits. Through shared challenges and camaraderie, Ken and his fellow trainees learn valuable lessons about duty, resilience, and national pride. The film offers a humorous yet heartfelt look into Singapore’s conscription system and the personal growth it fosters.
Trivia: “Ah Boys to Men” is the first Singaporean film to be released in two parts. It was the first Southeast Asian film to feature Dolby Atmos surround sound.
6. Ah Boys to Men 2
Main Casts: Joshua Tan (as Ken Chow), Maxi Lim (as Aloysius Jin), Noah Yap (as IP Man), Wang Weiliang (as Lobang), Tosh Zhang (as Sergeant Ong)
Director: Jack Neo
Writer: Jack Neo
Number of Episodes: Not applicable (Feature Film)
Date of Release: February 1, 2013
Box Office Performance: The film surpassed its predecessor, becoming the highest-grossing Singaporean film at the time.
Network/Streamer: Information not specified
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: Picking up from where the first film left off, “Ah Boys to Men 2” continues the journey of recruit Ken Chow and his fellow National Service (NS) buddies in Singapore’s Basic Military Training (BMT). As they face tougher challenges and training regimens, the recruits learn valuable lessons about camaraderie, resilience, and national pride. The film delves deeper into their personal growth, highlighting the bonds formed amidst the rigors of military life.
7. Just Follow Law
Main Casts: Fann Wong (as Tanya Chew), Gurmit Singh (as Lim Teng Zui)
Director: Jack Neo
Writer: Jack Neo
Number of Episodes: Not applicable (Feature Film)
Date of Release: February 15, 2007
Box Office Performance: The film was well-received, grossing over S$2.8 million in Singapore.
Network/Streamer: Information not specifiednlb.gov.sg
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Synopsis: “Just Follow Law” is a satirical take on Singapore’s bureaucratic work culture. After a freak accident during a company event, strict rule-abiding officer Tanya and disorganized technician Lim find themselves in each other’s bodies. As they navigate their new lives, they gain unique perspectives on workplace hierarchies, challenges, and the importance of empathy. The film humorously critiques rigid adherence to rules without understanding individual circumstances.
Trivia: Fann Wong and Gurmit Singh underwent workshops to perfect each other’s mannerisms for their roles.
8. I Not Stupid Too
Main Casts: Shawn Lee (as Tom Yeo), Joshua Ang (as Jerry Yeo), Ashley Leong (as Chengcai)
Director: Jack Neo
Writer: Jack Neo
Number of Episodes: Not applicable (Feature Film)
Date of Release: January 26, 2006
Box Office Performance: The film garnered over S$4 million, making it one of Singapore’s top-grossing films.
Network/Streamer: Information not specified
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: A sequel to “I Not Stupid,” this film focuses on the strained relationships between parents and their teenage children in modern Singapore. Tom and Jerry, two brothers, grapple with academic pressures and a lack of understanding from their parents. Their friend, Chengcai, faces his own challenges with authority. The narrative sheds light on generational gaps, communication breakdowns, and the societal emphasis on academic success over individual talents.
Trivia: The film inspired discussions about parenting styles and educational pressures in Singapore.
9. The Best Bet
Main Casts: Richard Low (as Tan Chun Keow), Mark Lee (as Lee Mong Kuang), Christopher Lee (as Ong Beng Kee)
Director: Jack Neo
Writer: Jack Neo
Number of Episodes: Not applicable (Feature Film)
Date of Release: July 8, 2004
Box Office Performance: The film achieved moderate success, reflecting the local audience’s resonance with its themes.
Network/Streamer: Information not specified
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: “The Best Bet” revolves around three ordinary Singaporeans who become entangled in the world of gambling, hoping to strike it rich. As they chase elusive fortunes through various betting avenues, they face humorous yet poignant consequences that affect their personal and family lives. The film offers a comedic critique of the gambling culture and its impact on individuals and society.
Trivia: The movie highlights Singapore’s societal attitudes towards gambling and the allure of quick wealth.
10. We Not Naughty
Main Casts: Shawn Lee, Joshua Ang, Daniel Chan
Director: Jack Neo
Writers: Jack Neo, Ho Hee Ann, Sun Lin
Date of Release: January 19, 2012
Box Office Performance: The film grossed approximately S$2.2 million (US$1,716,930) in Singapore.
Network/Streamer: As of now, “We Not Naughty” is available for streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: “We Not Naughty” delves into the challenges faced by two polytechnic students, Chen Weijie and Damien Liu, who are often labeled as “dumb” despite their knack for innovation. Struggling with family issues—Weijie’s father is a gambling addict, and Damien has a strained relationship with his single mother—the duo becomes entangled with local loan sharks. Their journey takes a turn when their invention is misused by criminals, leading them into dangerous situations that test their morals, friendships, and family bonds.
Trivia: The film addresses societal stigmas associated with polytechnic students in Singapore. It also touches on themes like cyberbullying, peer pressure, gangsterism, and the complexities of teacher-student relationships. “We Not Naughty” is considered a spin-off to Jack Neo’s earlier works, including “I Not Stupid” and “I Not Stupid Too.”
Singapore’s film industry continues to evolve, producing thought-provoking and entertaining movies that resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether you enjoy heartwarming dramas, social commentaries, or action-packed blockbusters, these films offer a glimpse into Singapore’s unique culture and cinematic talent. Have you watched any of these movies?
