Celebrating Indonesian Movies: 50 Best Films

The film is set in Gantong Village, on the agricultural and tin mining island of Belitung off the east coast of Sumatra, and is based on Andrea Hirata’s novel Laskar Pelangi.

Two teachers, Muslimah (Cut Mini) and Pak Harfan (Ikranagara), and nine pupils stand at Muhammadiyah Elementary School’s entrance, hoping that one more kid will register to keep the school’s doors open.

Mrs. Mus, Mr. Harfan, and the ten children, each with their own personality and set of advantages, had fought for five years to be allowed to attend school. Ikal (Zulfani), Lintang (Ferdian), and Mahar (Veris Yamarno) emerge as the driving force behind their school’s spirit in the face of adversity and social pressure to quit.

They are faced with yet another obstacle while attempting to preserve the school. Will they be able to make it another year?

Director: Riri Riza | Stars: Cut Mini Theo, Zulfanny, Ikranagara, Lukman Sardi

2. Habibie & Ainun (2012)

TV-14 | 120 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

“Habibie & Ainun” is a biopic that depicts the life story of Indonesia’s third president, Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, also known as BJ Habibie. This film chronicles his life from an early age in Germany through the narrative of the plane he built to his presidency.

As the title implies, this film not only depicts the narrative of Habibie’s father (played by Reza Rahadian), but also includes a significant chunk of Ainun’s mother’s story (played by Bunga Citra Lestari).

The film, which was shot not long after Ainun’s mother died, focuses on how the two’s relationship developed from the time they were teens until death separated them. This biopic also focuses on Habibie and Ainun’s love story.

Director: Faozan Rizal | Stars: Reza Rahadian, Bunga Citra Lestari, Tio Pakusadewo, Ratna Riantiarno

3. What’s Up with Cinta 2 (2016)

TV-14 | 123 min | Drama, Romance

Riri Riza directed the 2016 Indonesian adolescent film Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? 2. Dian Sastrowardoyo and Nicholas Saputra reprise their roles as Cinta and Rangga in this sequel to the 2002 cult hit romance Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?

The film takes place 14 years after the events of the first film and depicts how Cinta and Rangga are coping with their lives after their off-screen break-up before ultimately reuniting as old unresolved sparks and sentiments arise from both former loves.

The film was produced in response to the overwhelming positive response to LINE’s promotional short film starring the actors of AADC, which prompted many fans to beg Mira Lesmana and Riri Riza to write a feature-length sequel to the famous adolescent romance. As a consequence, the film was given the green light.

The film overlooks all of the events in AADC? 2014, such as Cinta and Rangga having different employment than in the short, and despite actress Ladya Cheryl repeating her role in the short, she was unable to participate in the full sequel, and her character was written out as having died.

The film was released simultaneously in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam on April 28, 2016, after much anticipation.

Director: Riri Riza | Stars: Nicholas Saputra, Dian Sastrowardoyo, Titi Kamal, Adinia Wirasti

4. Verses of Love (2008)

Not Rated | 130 min | Drama, Romance

MalayVerses of Love is an Indonesian drama film by MD Pictures, Producer Manoj Punjabi, and Dhamoo Punjabi, which was released simultaneously in Indonesia on April 28, 2016. Fedi Nuril, Rianti Cartwright, Carissa Putri, Melanie Putria, and Zaskia Adya Mecca star as the primary cast.

It’s a romantic religious drama based on Habiburrahman El Shirazy’s bestselling novel of the same name. The film was shot in India and Semarang, Indonesia, despite the fact that the tale is set in Cairo, Egypt. Ayat-Ayat Cinta was released in Indonesia on February 28, 2008, Singapore on May 8, 2008, and Malaysia on June 19, 2008.
It was one of the most successful Indonesian films when it was released, and it was the first Indonesian film to achieve 3.5 million viewers.

Director: Hanung Bramantyo | Stars: Fedi Nuril, Rianti Cartwright, Carissa Putri, Zaskia Adya Mecca

5. My Stupid Boss (2016)

TV-14 | 108 min | Comedy

MalayVerses of Love is an Indonesian drama film by MD Pictures, Producer Manoj Punjabi, and Dhamoo My Stupid Boss is a 2016 Indonesian comedy film produced and written by Upi Avianto, based on a four-part novel series of the same name by Chaos@Work. Reza Rahadian, Bunga Citra Lestari, Alex Abbad, Chew Kin Wah, Atikah Suhaime, and Bront Palarae feature as employees of a corporation managed by a bumbling and strange employer dubbed “Bossman.”

Diana and Dika, two Indonesians who reside in a Kuala Lumpur flat, have a notoriously lethargic disposition. Dika’s buddy “Bossman,” whom he met while studying in California, offers Diana a job as an administrator since she is tired of remaining at home.

Diana is taken aback by how many people despise Bossman on the day of the interview, and she subsequently begins to dislike him as well.

Bossman is usually regarded as nonsensical, entitled, strange, and obnoxious. Despite his wealth, Bossman refuses to handle the office’s stifling structure and malfunctioning air conditioner.

Diana considers resigning and possibly killing Bossman with a Molotov bomb when Bossman’s ignorance worsens in her eyes. Dika’s continuous reassurances of “Dia memang begitu,” or “That’s the way he is,” irritate Diana even more. Diana and the four major workers (Norah Sikin, Mr. Kho, Azhari, and Adrian) use a variety of methods to annoy Bossman, including contacting him when he is sleeping and summoning the landlord. All staff dance in freedom as Bossman departs via a secret door in the latter.

Falcon Pictures and Metrowealth Movies Production released the film simultaneously in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei on May 19, 2016.

Director: Upi Avianto | Stars: Bunga Citra Lestari, Reza Rahadian, Alex Abbad, Bront Palarae

6. What’s Up with Cinta? (2002)

TV-14 | 112 min | Drama, Romance

Rudy Soedjarwo directed the Indonesian romantic drama film Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? in 2002. Cinta is also the name of the main character, hence the Indonesian title is a play on words. As a result, the title might be translated as “What’s Up with Love?” or “What’s Up with Cinta?” (the character). The film is infused with Indonesian mainstream and sidestream beliefs, as well as aspects of classical culture and politics, as well as real-life teen difficulties. The film sparked censorship debates among Indonesia’s devout Muslims since it was the first Indonesian adolescent film to show a passionate kiss scene.

Beautiful Days is the Japanese title for the film. What’s Up with Cinta? was modified into a sinetron version shortly after its breakthrough.
In 2014, Japanese chatting program LINE published Ada Apa dengan Cinta? 2014, a promotional short film starring the characters of What’s Up with Love? that depicts Rangga contacting Cinta through LINE after 12 years. The success of the short led to the release of Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? 2, a full-length feature film sequel in 2016 that acts as an official sequel to this film, ignoring the events of the short. The second installment was a huge hit.

Director: Rudy Soedjarwo | Stars: Dian Sastrowardoyo, Nicholas Saputra, Ladya Cheryl, Titi Kamal

7. Eiffel… I’m in Love (2003)

TV-PG | 262 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

“Eiffel…I’m in Love” portrays the narrative of Tita (Shandy Aulia), a teenage girl who lives a perfect life, based on the book of the same name. She has a loving family, a patient boyfriend, and two best friends who are always there for her. Her over protective mother, on the other hand doesn’t let her leave the house and when her parents’  friend and his son, Adit (Samuel Rizal), come to visit with them from France, her world is turned upside down. Especially when Adit tells Tita that their parents were planning to forcefully match them as a pair.

Director: Nasri Cheppy | Stars: Shandy Aulia, Samuel Rizal, Vena Annisa, Yogi Finanda

8. 5 cm (2012)

TV-14 | 125 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

5 cm is an Indonesian drama film, directed by Rizal Mantovani and starring Herjunot Ali and Fedi Nuril. It is based on the novel 5 cm by Donny Dhirgantoro, and was released on December 12, 2012. The 5 cm film follows five closest friends as they attempt to put their friendship to the test by climbing Mount Semeru together. Genta (Fedi Nuril), one of the five companions, is a mature figure who is frequently seen as the group’s leader. Then there’s Zafran (Herjunot Ali), who is both lyrical and egotistical. The most macho guy, Arial (Denny Sumargo), follows the rules but becomes uneasy around ladies. Riani (Raline Shah), the gang’s lone female member, includes a bright young lady with strong goals. Finally, there’s Ian (Igor Saykoji), a man with a fertile body who also happens to be a witty member of this group.

These five buddies, who had been friends for ten years, become weary with their friendship one day. Genta then challenges his pals to go three months without communicating. After three months, they’ll reassemble and go together to commemorate their achievement.

After three months, these five friends have successfully fulfilled Genta’s challenge. Genta informed his pals to meet at the station the day of the meeting and to bring their trekking gear. Genta wanted to take them all to Malang to climb Mount Semeru, according to reports. His aim is to hoist the flag on the summit of Mahameru on August 17th, while also putting their friendship to the test in the face of adversity.

Director: Rizal Mantovani | Stars: Herjunot Ali, Raline Shah, Fedi Nuril, Pevita Pearce

9. When Love Hymn (2009)

120 min | Drama, Romance

Azzam (Kholidi Asadil Alam), an Indonesian student in Cairo, struggling to live his daily life while studying and working. His life then takes a sharp turn after an encounter with two women that he was interested in.

Director: Chaerul Umam | Stars: Kholidi Asadil Alam, Oki Setiana Dewi, Alice Norin, Andi Arsyil Rahman

10. The Dreamer (2009)

TV-G | 120 min | Adventure, Drama

This movie is an adaptation from a popular novel by the same title, and sequel to Laskar Pelangi. It portrays two village boys with a dream of traveling to Paris, to study at Sorbonne University.

Director: Riri Riza | Stars: Lukman Sardi, Rendy Ahmad, Vikri Septiawan, Azwir Fitrianto

11. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

R | 101 min | Action, Crime, Thriller

Rama (Iko Uwais), a rookie member of an elite squad of commandos, is ordered to stand by while his comrades-in-arms carry out their mission to take down a violent criminal boss named Tama (Ray Sahetapy). The team’s cover is broken, so Tama offers refuge to every criminal in his high-rise apartment building in return for the police’ heads. Rama must now assume leadership and lead his surviving crew on an all-out assault into the building in order to finish — and survive — the operation.

Director: Gareth Evans | Stars: Iko Uwais, Ananda George, Ray Sahetapy, Donny Alamsyah

12. Comic 8: Casino Kings Part 2 (2016)

13+ | 95 min | Action, Comedy

Eight secret agents are led into a trap by “The King” and the army. The secret agents must bet on their lives in the world’s largest online gambling scheme whose players include renowned gamblers from around the globe.

Director: Anggy Umbara | Stars: Hannah Al Rashid, Donny Alamsyah, Ence Bagus, Babe Cabita

13. The Sinking of Van Der Wijck (2013)

TV-14 | 164 min | Drama, Romance

Adapted from a classic novel with the same title, the movie tells a love story between Zainuddin, Hayati, and Aziz. With the difference in social background lead Zainuddin and Hayati’s true love to a tragedy on sailing Van Der Wijck ship.

Director: Sunil Soraya | Stars: Herjunot Ali, Pevita Pearce, Reza Rahadian, Randy Nidji

14. Comic 8 (2014)

17+ | 106 min | Action, Comedy

Eight young people from various backgrounds and life stories coincidentally rob a bank at the same time.

Director: Anggy Umbara | Stars: Gaizka Nazaryo, Ernest Prakasa, Kemal Palevi, Arie Kriting

15. The Heaven None Missed (2015)

TV-14 | 125 min | Drama, Romance

An architect and also a married man was forced to marry a depressed woman in order to save her life. This caused various conflicts within his marriage life start to happen.

Director: Kuntz Agus | Stars: Fedi Nuril, Laudya Cynthia Bella, Raline Shah, Sandrinna Michelle

16. When Love Hymn 2 (2009)

120 min | Drama, Romance

After nine years in Egypt, Azzam (Kholidi Asadil Alam) finally finishes his study and return to Indonesia. But good luck is not on his side yet, he still struggle to find job and love.

Director: Chaerul Umam | Stars: Kholidi Asadil Alam, Oki Setiana Dewi, Alice Norin, Andi Arsyil Rahman

17. The Raid 2 (2014)

R | 150 min | Action, Crime, Thriller

Only a short time after the first raid, Rama goes undercover with the thugs of Jakarta and plans to bring down the syndicate and uncover the corruption within his police force.

Director: Gareth Evans | Stars: Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, Arifin Putra, Oka Antara

18. Get Married (2007)

105 min | Comedy, Romance

Mae (Nirina Zubir) and her friends have big obsessions to become big people but instead, they all end up becoming something that they didn’t dream of. Be they frustrated young people who spent days together in a hut on the edge of river.

Director: Hanung Bramantyo | Stars: Nirina Zubir, Deddy Mahendra Desta, Ringgo Agus Rahman, Richard Kevin

19. Garuda di Dadaku (2009)

TV-G | 97 min | Drama, Sport

Talented 12-year-old boy dreams of becoming a great soccer player despite his loving grandfather’s stern disapproval.

Director: Ifa Isfansyah | Stars: Emir Mahira, Aldo Tansani, Marsha Aruan, Ikranagara

20. Single (II) (2015)

TV-14 | 127 min | Comedy, Romance

A single man desperately looking for a girl that brings him into an unforgettable journey.

Director: Raditya Dika | Stars: Raditya Dika, Annisa Rawles, Chandra Liow, Pandji Pragiwaksono

21. Naga Bonar Jadi 2 (2007)

118 min | Comedy

This movie is a sequel to the 1986 movie “Naga Bonar”. The story about the relationship between Naga Bonar, a pickpocket who became a self-proclaimed general during Indonesia’s war of independence and his only son Bonaga.

Director: Deddy Mizwar | Stars: Deddy Mizwar, Tora Sudiro, Wulan Guritno, Mike Lucock

Votes: 419

22. Comic 8: Casino Kings Part 1 (2015)

13+ | 104 min | Action, Comedy

Eight secret agents assigned to go undercover as stand up comedians in search of a comedian who becomes a liaison to the master criminal named “The King”, the most spectacular gambling casino owner in Asia.

Director: Anggy Umbara | Stars: Hannah Al Rashid, Donny Alamsyah, Dhea Ananda, Ence Bagus

23. Sang Pencerah (2010)

112 min | Biography, Drama, History

The journey of an Indonesian national hero named K.H. Ahmad Dahlan striving for Muhammadiyah, an Islamic organization in Indonesia, and how he was rejected by the society as he was trying to fix up their perspective.

Director: Hanung Bramantyo | Stars: Lukman Sardi, Zaskia Adya Mecca, Slamet Rahardjo, Giring Ganesha

24. Get Married 2 (2009)

92 min | Comedy

After four years of marriage, Mae and Rendy have not been blessed with children. Unlike her friends who are also married and have children. When Rendy forgot their wedding anniversary, Mae was sulking and ask to go home to her parents.

Director: Hanung Bramantyo | Stars: Nirina Zubir, Nino Fernandez, Aming Sugandhi, Ringgo Agus Rahman

25. Quickie Express (2007)

17+ | 117 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Jojo is an unemployed. He decides to become a gigolo for an escort company. Everything works smoothly until he falls in love with a medical student.

Director: Dimas Djayadiningrat | Stars: Sandra Dewi, Reuben Elishama, Ria Irawan, Melissa Karim

Votes: 400

26. Gie (2005)

Not Rated | 147 min | Biography, Drama

Soe Hok Gie is an activist who lived in the sixties. Set in the darkest era of Indonesian modern history, “Gie” is an interpretation of what happened based on his journal.

Director: Riri Riza | Stars: Nicholas Saputra, Jonathan Mulia, Thomas Nawilis, Christian Audi

27. Janji Joni (2005)

TV-PG | 83 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

A film delivery man promises a beautiful young woman to deliver a film reel on time to a movie theater. But the the whole city seems to conspire against him.

Director: Joko Anwar | Stars: Nicholas Saputra, Mariana Renata, Rachel Maryam Sayidina, Surya Saputra

28. Tiga Dara (1956)

115 min | Comedy, Drama, Musical

A family’s attempt at matchmaking their oldest daughter and the conflicts that follow.

Director: Usmar Ismail | Stars: Chitra Dewi, Indiati Iskak, Mieke Wijaya, Hassan Sanusi

Votes: 184

29. Dongkrak Antik (1982)

90 min | Comedy

This time, Dono, Kasino, Indro and Mat Solar work as internship employees at a quite prestigious hotel managed by Paulus.

Director: Arizal | Stars: Meriam Bellina, Idjah Bomber, Pitradjaya Burnama, Anis Chan

30. We Can Go Through All of This (1977)

TV-14 | 115 min | Drama

Based on the famous novel, this is a story about Siska, a young woman, who gets heartbroken, as her fiancé broke off their engagement. Her brother introduces her to his friend Leo, who is … See full summary »

Director: Teguh Karya | Stars: Roy Marten, Christine Hakim, Slamet Rahardjo, Rahayu Effendi

31. We Can Go Through All of This (2007)

90 min | Drama

The story of a brokenhearted woman who becomes cold and bitter, a medical student who was placing a bet with his pals to win her heart, and an odd guy but had once studied abroad who forces her to marry him in order to protect her family.

Director: Teddy Soeriaatmadja | Stars: Vino G. Bastian, Raihaanun Soeriaatmadja, Winky Wiryawan, Indra Birowo

32. Leaf on a Pillow (1998)

83 min | Crime, Drama

The Indonesian society is seen through a middle-aged lady’s eyes in her daily encounters with the street children who work and live off the harsh and sleazy world of adults.

Director: Garin Nugroho | Stars: Sarah Azhari, Deni Christantra, Christine Hakim, Heru

Votes: 247

33. Denias, Singing on the Cloud (2006)

TV-PG | 110 min | Drama, Family

A boy from a tribe in inland Papua named Denias struggles to get the proper education for a better life.

Director: John de Rantau | Stars: Albert Fakdawer, Ari Sihasale, Marcella Zalianty, Mathias Muchus

34. Days for Amanda (2010)

Drama, Romance

Amanda (Fanny Fabriana), a woman in her mid-20s, suddenly shrouded in extreme doubt. Because Hari (Oka Antara), her ex-girlfriend comes back in her life, when Amanda will be married in 10 days to Dody (Reza Rahadian).

Director: Angga Dwimas Sasongko | Stars: Oka Antara, Fanny Fabriana, Reza Rahadian, Kinaryosih

35. Three Days to Eternity (2007)

TV-MA | 104 min | Comedy, Drama

The three days trip that changes everything. In that trip they meet many things and discuss about sex, marriage and religion.

Director: Riri Riza | Stars: Bowie Budianto, Tutie Kirana, Ringgo Agus Rahman, Nicholas Saputra

36. Sherina’s Adventure (2000)

TV-G | 112 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Adventure of a little girl who just moved to a new town and meet a new friends.

Director: Riri Riza | Stars: Sherina Munaf, Derby Romero, Didi Petet, Ucy Nurul

37. Love for Share (2006)

17+ | 120 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

This is the story of women those are live in polygamy life. It’s about their consequence to accept the status as other wife.

Director: Nia Di Nata | Stars: Jajang C. Noer, Shanty, Dominique Agisca Diyose, El Manik

38. Ruma Maida (2009)

13+ | 90 min | Drama

A scholar researches the historical significance of a house that serves as a free school in hopes of saving it from being demolished by a developer.

Director: Teddy Soeriaatmadja | Stars: Atiqah Hasiholan, Yama Carlos, Verdi Solaiman, Davina Veronica

39. The Gathering! (2003)

TV-MA | 129 min | Comedy, Drama

Friendship and principles are put to a test in the circle of Jakarta’s social elite which can be as turbulent as the city’s slums.

Director: Nia Di Nata | Stars: Cut Mini Theo, Tora Sudiro, Aida Nurmala, Surya Saputra

40. Naga Bonar (1987)

95 min | Comedy, War

Naga Bonar is a pickpocket. During the withdrawal of the Japanese occupying forces from Indonesia in 1945 he declares himself a general of the Liberation Forces. Soon a mask becomes his true self, and he becomes a true soldier and patriot.

Director: M.T. Risyaf | Stars: Deddy Mizwar, Nurul Arifin, Wawan Wanisar, Afrizal Anoda

41. Soegija (2012)

115 min | Biography, Drama, History

This movie follows the story of Dutch East Indies’ (now Indonesia) first indigenous bishop, Albertus Soegijapranata SJ, from his inauguration until the end of Indonesia’s independence war (1940-1949).

Director: Garin Nugroho | Stars: Nirwan Dewanto, Annisa Hertami Kusumastuti, Wouter Braaf, Muhammad Abbe

42. After the Curfew (1954)

101 min | Drama

A hero of revolution returns to civilian life to find the new society very different from the ideals he fought for.

Director: Usmar Ismail | Stars: A.N. Alcaff, Dhalia, Netty Herawati, Bambang Hermanto

43. Catatan (Harian) Si Boy (2011)

96 min | Action, Drama, Romance

Satrio (Ario Bayu) and Natasha (Carissa Puteri) met in an incident. Satrio who is interested in Natasha decides to help her to find the owner of the book that was given by her mom, which turns out to be a diary of a man named “Boy”.

Director: Putrama Tuta | Stars: Ario Bayu, Onky Alexander, Abimana Aryasatya, Tara Basro

44. Jomblo (2006)

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Four college best friends with their funny lifestyle about college. Met a girl who taught them about love and betrayals, and their life would never be the same again.

Director: Hanung Bramantyo | Stars: Dennis Adhiswara, Rianti Cartwright, Rizky Hanggono, Karenina Maria

45. Catatan Si Boy (1987)

Drama

A college student from a rich family had a relationship with a girl from his college but the couple’s love was objected by her parents.

Director: Nasri Cheppy | Stars: Didi Petet, Onky Alexander, Ayu Azhari, Meriam Bellina

46. Fiksi. (2008)

TV-MA | 90 min | Thriller

Alisha (Ladya Cheryl) never feel comfortable staying in her cool and spacious home until one day she meets Bari (Donny Alamsyah) who introduces her the meaning of love.

Director: Mouly Surya | Stars: Ladya Cheryl, Donny Alamsyah, Kinaryosih, Soultan Saladin

47. The Dancer (2011)

TV-MA | 112 min | Drama, Romance

Young teenagers who fall in love live in poverty in their small village in the 1960s. The girl, Srintil, is a dancer blessed with dancing moves that said have a certain magic. The boy, Rasus, leaves the village to join the army force.

Director: Ifa Isfansyah | Stars: Prisia Nasution, Oka Antara, Slamet Rahardjo, Dewi Irawan

48. Lovely Man (2011)

18+ | 76 min | Drama

Director: Teddy Soeriaatmadja | Stars: Donny Damara, Raihaanun Soeriaatmadja, Yayu A.W. Unru, Ari Syarif

49. Bayi Ajaib (1982)

94 min | Horror