Top Pakistani Movies
Pakistani cinema come across several challenges due to tireless political unrest in the country. Once developed, the film industry in Pakistan experienced a sudden decline in the 1980s, and by the 2000s, it struggled to produce even ten films annually. However, the industry has undergone a remarkable and positive comeback in recent times.
The Pakistani film industry hasn’t been creative over the years, with more priority on drama serials in the entertainment sector. A few movies have been released this year. However, there are more movies from India, especially from Bollywood, and they are hugely popular in Pakistan. Films have been a way for people to come together despite tensions between the two countries.
While Indian movies strongly impact Pakistan, the same isn’t always true the other way around. It’s not because Pakistani films lack quality. They have some fantastic movies that may not be as famous but are definitely worth checking out for Indian movie lovers.
10 Best Pakistani Movies
Starting from the golden era of Pakistani cinema in the 1950s and 1960s to the present developing period of new Pakistani cinema, there are many films that really show off the talent and creativity of Pakistani filmmakers.
1. Bol
“Bol” is a Pakistani drama film directed and written by Shoaib Mansoor, known for addressing socially masterpiece themes. Released in 2011, unfolds the story of a conservative Muslim family in Lahore, Pakistan. The film is based on issues like women’s rights, gender discrimination, and religious intolerance.
They received positive reviews for their thought-inspiring narrative, compelling characters, and courage to address complex social problems within the Pakistani context.
The best actors like Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan, and Humaima Malik play a role in this movie. The central character, Zainub (played by Humaima Malick), plays an important role in the story. The movie gained praise for its bold storyline and impactful performances.
They not only succeeded commercially but also sparked discussions about the role of women in Pakistani society and the need for social change.
2. Dukhtar
“Dukhtar” is a Pakistani drama-thriller film directed by Afia Nathaniel. Released in 2014, the film gained popularity for its compelling storyline and cinematography. The story revolves around a mother and her ten-year-old daughter who go on a journey to escape a forced marriage.
The mother, played by Samiya Mumtaz, is determined to protect her daughter from a fate she herself experienced. The film explores themes of freedom, choice, and the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies.
The movie “Dukhtar” received international recognition at film festivals. The movie looks at important things like traditions, bravery, and the strong connection between parents and kids.
The movie takes you to beautiful places in northern Pakistan while telling personal stories that also talk about bigger problems for women in Pakistan.
3. Joyland
Everybody is talking about ‘Joyland,’ and it’s for a good reason. It came out in 2022 and was the first movie directed by Saim Sadiq, who also wrote and helped edit it. The actors include Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Alina Khan, Sarwat Gilani, and Salmaan Peerzada.
The story happens in Lahore and is about the Rana family. The grandpa really wants a grandson and tells his daughter-in-law Mumtaz to quit her job when her husband Haider starts working in a dance theater.
The story gets interesting when Haider starts having feelings for Biba, who is a transgender dancer. The movie talks about some topics that people usually avoid, but it does it nicely, and the actors do a great job.
‘Joyland’ had its first showing at a big film festival, and it got awards. Even though it had some problems in Pakistan at first, it eventually got released, and people really liked it. It even got considered for an award at the big Academy Awards.
Related Article: Top 10 Pakistani Dramas
4. Khuda Ky Liye
Another very well-known Pakistani movie is ‘Khuda Kay Liye.’ Even though a lot of people know about it, it’s worth watching because it tells a great story about a tough subject.
‘Khuda Kay Liye,’ also called “In the Name of God” in other places, is a movie from 2007 directed by Shoaib Mansoor. It stars Shaan Shahid, Fawad Khan, Iman Ali, and Naseeruddin Shah in a small part.
The movie is about Mansoor and Sarmad (played by Shaan and Khan), who are musicians. Their lives changed a lot because of what happened after 9/11 and the messed-up ideas about Jihad.
When it came out, it did something big; it was the first Pakistani movie to be shown in India in almost fifty years, and it was the first Pakistani movie chosen for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
5. Jawani Phir Nhi Ani
“Jawani Phir Nahi Ani” became a massive success at the box office, breaking records as one of the highest-grossing Pakistani films at the time. Released in 2015, this comedy film has a great cast, including Humayun Saeed, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahmad Ali Butt, Vasay Chaudhry, and Mehwish Hayat.
The story is about four friends. Saif, Sheikh, and Pervez are childhood buddies and now deal with married life. They live in fear of their wives. When their friend Sherry, a divorce lawyer, comes back from the US, he convinces the wives to let them go on a road trip to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But his real plan is to take them to Bangkok for some excitement.
Full of laughs, vibrant scenes, and catchy songs, the movie became a hit and played a big part in bringing life back to Pakistan’s film industry. It’s still a popular choice for movie watchers.
Due to the immense success of the first film, a follow-up titled “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2” was released in 2018, continuing the characters’ comedic adventures.
6. The Legend of Maula Jatt
“The Legend of Maula Jatt” has been a huge success since its release in October 2022 and rightfully declared the top spot on the list of the best Pakistani movies. Directed and written by Bilal Lashari, along with co-writer Nasir Adeeb, the film is an updated version of the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt.
The movie was produced by Ammara Hikmat and Asad Jamil Khan under Lashari Films and Encyclomedia. It stars Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan, and Humaima Malik.
The storyline revolves around the great struggle between the Natts and Jatts, specifically focusing on Maula Jatt, an undefeated fighter raised by Daani after his parents were tragically murdered by the Natts during his childhood, leaving him obsessed with horrific memories.
The film promises a fresh and modern storyline while preserving the essence of the original character.
7. Na Maloom Afrad
“Na Maloom Afraad” is a 2014 Pakistani comedy-thriller film directed by Nabeel Qureshi. Set in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, the movie follows three characters facing financial challenges.
The main characters, represented by Fahad Mustafa, Javed Sheikh, and Mohsin Abbas Haider, become complicated in a sequence of comedic misfortune when they get involved in a risky scheme to improve their financial situations.
The movie describes a lot of troubles because they struggle to fulfill their desires and ambitions. This movie gives a thriller and curiosity to the one who is watching it. The movie is full of enjoyment, and everyone should enjoy it.
8. O21
The 2014 Pakistani spy thriller “O21” was directed by Jami and co-directed by Summer Nicks. The movie stars a talented cast, including Shaan Shahid, Aamina Sheikh, Ayub Khoso, and Shamoon Abbasi.
The plot revolves around a team of Pakistani intelligence officers assigned to locate and neutralize a terrorist cell plotting an attack in the country.
As they investigate further, they discover a tangled web of conspiracies and hidden agendas, taking them on an intense and thrilling adventure.
9. Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad
Another entry on the list of Best Pakistani Movies in 2022 is “Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad.” Produced by Mehdi Ali and Fizza Ali Mirza under Filmwala Pictures, the film features Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan, Jawed Sheikh, and Faryal Mehmood.
Directed and written by Nabeel Qureshi, the storyline centers on Gulab, a corrupt cop shaped by his challenging situation and childhood bullying. His life takes a turn when he falls in love with Jia, who had her phone snatched while rescuing pets.
It is an action-comedy featuring Nayyar Ejaz and Mehmood Aslam in a talented ensemble. The movie earned 22.6 crores in the local market and nearly the same, 21.95 crores PKR, from overseas screenings.
10. Teefa in Trouble
“Teefa in Trouble,” a 2018 Pakistani romantic action comedy directed by Ahsan Rahim, is a beautiful mix of action, comedy, romance, and drama. The dialogues were engaging, relatable, and perfectly reproduced with the local audience.
In the movie, Butt Sahib (played by Mahmoud Aslam) sends Teefa (Ali Zafar) to Poland on a mission to kidnap Anaya (Maya Ali), the daughter of his friend Bonzo. The plan is for her to marry Butt’s son, in this movie, a guy from Lahore who gets caught up in an unexpected adventure.
Teefa travels to Poland for the mission and ends up facing unexpected twists when he meets Anaya. As the story unfolds, Teefa finds himself falling for Anaya, and their interactions lead to a change of heart. The movie is a journey of love and discovery mixed with exciting and amusing moments.
11. Waar
“Waar” is a 2013 action-packed movie from Pakistan where Mujtaba, played by Shaan Shahid, fights against a bad guy named Ramal, played by Shamoon Abbasi. It’s about brave Pakistani agents fighting against terrorists who want to harm their country.
The movie has lots of intense action scenes with Mujtaba and his team, who are really good with guns. Directed by Bilal Lashari, “Waar” is full of excitement, showing a big struggle between good and bad.
The actors are really skilled with guns, and the action scenes in the movie are done really well. They’re planning a sequel to the movie in Pakistan.
Conclusion
In this list of top Pakistani movie suggestions, I’ve picked out some amazing Pakistani films from various categories and times. These movies show how different and energetic Pakistani cinema is. They cover lots of points and situations of the country, its culture, people, and history.
From deep dramas to exciting action flicks, these films have it all. They talk about important stuff in society and also show the strength of people. It’s all about the awesome skills of Pakistani filmmakers, actors, and artists.
