Are you the type to match your movie picks with the festive season? If so, Hari Raya is no exception. Beyond the food, family visits, and traditions, it’s also a perfect time to revisit films that capture the spirit of the celebration. From heartfelt family dramas to lighthearted comedies, there are some of the most classic films to have on your film list:
Raya Tak Jadi! (2011)
First on the must-watch classics list is Raya Tak Jadi!, a chaotic and hilarious Malaysian comedy that brings a whole new meaning to “unexpected Raya drama.”
Released in 2011 and directed by A. Razak Mohaideen, the film stars familiar faces such as Saiful Apek, Johan, and Jalaluddin Hassan. The story follows a businessman and his brother who, on the eve of Hari Raya, discover something shocking in the boot of their car—not the box of kurma they were expecting, but a mysterious man.
What follows is a wild mix of comedy and crime as they get tangled up in a bizarre kidnapping situation involving the official announcer of Eid. Screened during the festive season itself, this film is packed with laughs and absurd situations, making it a perfect pick if you’re in the mood for something lighthearted.
Kongsi Raya (2022)
Given that Chinese New Year and Hari Raya were so close to each other this year, it’s only right to have Kongsi Raya on the list. This feel-good romantic comedy beautifully captures the charm—and chaos—of an interracial relationship, as a Chinese chef falls head over heels for a Malay TV producer.
What starts off like a perfect match quickly turns complicated when their traditional, strong-willed fathers disapprove, eventually escalating things into a full-blown rivalry, complete with a live TV cooking showdown. Directed by Teddy Chin and starring Wilson Lee, Qasrina Karim, and Harith Iskander, the film blends humour, romance, and cultural insight in a way that feels uniquely Malaysian.
Showtime 1958 (2021)
If you’ve ever found yourself humming the timeless “Selamat Hari Raya,” then Showtime 1958 is a must-watch for a deeper, more meaningful connection to the song.
Set in Singapore during the golden age of Malay cinema, this musical drama—directed by Anwardi Jamil—pays tribute to his father, Jamil Sulong, while bringing to life a remarkable true story. The film unfolds over 24 hours during a variety show organised by the legendary P. Ramlee to raise funds for struggling artistes after studio layoffs.
Behind the glitz of the stage, it reveals the resilience and passion of performers determined to keep the show going against all odds. And here’s the best part—that very same event is where “Selamat Hari Raya” was born, written by P. Ramlee and Jamil Sulong in a moment that would go on to define festive celebrations for generations.
Hail, Driver! (2018)
Shifting into the films that don’t necessarily take place during Hari Raya or directly involve it but still carry the spirit of it, we have “Hail, Driver!” Also known as Prebet Sapu, this striking Malaysian drama marks the directorial debut of Muzzamer Rahman and stands out for its bold black-and-white cinematography.
Set against the streets of Kuala Lumpur at night, the film follows a colour-blind, unlicensed e-hailing driver whose life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends a mysterious escort.
What unfolds is a quiet yet powerful story about human connection, loneliness, and compassion—themes that resonate deeply with the reflective side of the festive season.
Pulang (2018)
Last but not least on the list, we have Pulang. Directed by Kabir Bhatia, this film is a solid pick if you’re in the mood for something more emotional. With a relatively big budget of RM6 million, it stands out as one of the more ambitious local productions in recent years.
The story is based on a true event that began in the 1930s and spans decades, following a man named Omar who sets out to find his long-lost grandfather at his grandmother’s request. Along the way, the film explores love, separation, and family ties across generations. It’s straightforward, heartfelt, and the kind of story that sticks with you—so it’s probably a good idea to have some tissues ready.
Hari Raya films don’t always have to be set during the celebration itself to feel relevant. As this list shows, what really matters are the themes—family, forgiveness, love, and connection.
At the end of the day, Hari Raya is about coming back to what matters most—and sometimes, a good film can help you do just that. So whether you’re watching with family after an open house or just winding down on your own, these classics are worth adding to your Raya watchlist.
