10 Singaporean Movies To Rewatch This National Day
Let's celebrate National Day with some stellar local films.
By Naysa Pradhan - published
From cult-classic comedies to emotional slice-of-life-style movies, Singapore’s film industry has produced gems worth watching over and over again. Local cinema is so distinct because it captures our unique mix of cultures like no other, often featuring relatable sights and sounds, such as the hustle and bustle of coffee shops in the heartlands and scenes in a rowdy classroom.
Ditch the popcorn this time and get out your tin of iced gems—these are the 10 local movies to celebrate National Day with, or to watch when you’re feeling extra nostalgic.
Related article: 12 Pop Culture Trends Singaporeans Were Obsessed With Over The Last 25 Years
1. Ilo Ilo (2013)
Anthony Chen’s Ilo Ilo was Singapore's first award-winning film at the Cannes Film Festival, and revolves around the relationship between a young Singaporean boy named Jiale and his Filipino domestic helper, Teresa, during the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s. The movie delves into themes of family, friendship, and the impact of economic hardship on interpersonal relationships.
Chen's directorial debut was praised for its authentic portrayal of family dynamics and exploration of the complexities of human emotions. The film's success helped bring greater attention to Singaporean cinema on the international stage and established Chen as a talented filmmaker to watch.
Ilo Ilo is now showing on Mewatch.
2. A Yellow Bird (2016)
Directed by K. Rajagopal, this drama follows a recently-released convict's struggle to reintegrate into society while searching for his estranged ex-wife and daughter. Along the way, he forms an unlikely friendship with a Chinese construction worker.
A Yellow Bird delves into themes of identity, displacement, and the search for belonging, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the experiences of minorities and outsiders in Singapore. The film provides a poignant look at the social issues faced by ex-convicts and the complexities of racial and cultural dynamics in the country.
A Yellow Bird is now showing on Mewatch.
Related article: 5 Creatives Who Are Shaping Culture In Singapore
3. Apprentice (2016)
This drama directed by Boo Junfeng centres on a young correctional officer's moral dilemma when he is assigned to become the apprentice of the prison's executioner. The film offers a sensitive and compassionate examination of the complex emotions experienced by both the executioner and those on death row. Apprentice is an intriguing film that raises pertinent questions about capital punishment, justice, and the humanity of those involved in the criminal justice system.
The film was Singapore's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 89th Academy Awards, further highlighting its significance in the realm of Singaporean cinema and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Apprentice is now showing on Netflix.
4. A Land Imagined (2018)
Directed by Yeo Siew Hua, this neo-noir mystery film follows a police investigator named Lok looking into the disappearance of a missing Chinese migrant worker in Singapore. The film blurs the lines between reality and imagination, making use of dream-like sequences to portray the psychological journey of its characters. It sheds light on the oft-overlooked lives of these labourers who come to Singapore seeking a better life, but end up facing unprecedented challenges and struggles.
The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, earning recognition at several film festivals. Notably, A Land Imagined won the prestigious Golden Leopard award at the Locarno Film Festival in 2018, which further solidified its position as a significant work in Singaporean cinema.
A Land Imagined is now showing on Netflix.
Related article: Your Guide To SG Culture Pass-Maxxing: Where To Use, Top Activities And More
5. Wet Season (2019)
Following the critically-acclaimed debut of Ilo Ilo, Anthony Chen introduced Wet Season, which tells the story of a Chinese language teacher named Ling, portrayed by Yeo Yann Yann, who is struggling with both personal and professional challenges.
The film explores loneliness, societal pressures, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a poignant exploration of the characters' emotional struggles and the impact of personal connections on their lives.
Wet Season is now showing on Mewatch.
6. Shirkers (2018)
Shirkers is a documentary film directed by Sandi Tan. The film is a unique blend of documentary and memoir, where Tan revisits her past as a young aspiring filmmaker in Singapore during the early 1990s. The film is a captivating and intimate documentary that examines the creative process, the pursuit of dreams and the ghosts of the past.
Shirkers is now showing on Netflix.
7. Singapore Dreaming (2006)
We couldn’t leave out this crowd-favourite directed by Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen. The Lohs are your typical working class family aspiring towards the Singapore dream and it’s suddenly within grasp when Poh Huat, the father, gets a stroke of luck and wins $2 million in the lottery. However, when he dies abruptly, the family is thrust into a situation where their ties are put to the ultimate test.
Singapore Dreaming is now showing on Mewatch.
Related article: Local Artist Jahan Loh On His Creative Process, Inspirations, Collaborations And More
8. The Maid (2005)
The Maid is for the horror fans out there. The film by Kevin Tong follows the story of Rosa (played by Alessandra de Rossi), a young Filipina maid who comes to work for an affluent Singaporean family. As she settles into her new job, Rosa starts to experience strange and unsettling occurrences in the house.
The film effectively uses tension and suspense to build a haunting atmosphere, and remains a notable entry in the horror film catalog of Singaporean cinema.
The Maid is now showing on Mewatch.
9. Kopitiam Days (2025)
Add a splash of camp to a stacked cast, and the familiar sights and sounds of a local coffee shop, and you get Kopitiam Days. Created in 2025 to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday, the movie is a collection of six short stories, each by a different director: Shoki Lin, Don Aravind, Tan Siyou, Yeo Siew Hua, M. Raihan Halim, Ong Kuo Sin. The interconnected stories span different time periods, so expect to see an exciting ‘wuxia’-style (Chinese fantasy) love story alongside an elderly woman with an android caregiver.
Kopitiam Days is now showing on Netflix.
10. Banting (2014)
How far would you go to pursue your passion? For Yasmin, the fearless protagonist of M. Raihan Halim’s 2014 film Banting, that means defying her strict upbringing and conservative mother’s wishes to secretly take professional wrestling lessons after watching a match live. When her secret is threatened to be revealed, she has to fight to protect her dream.
Banting is now showing on Mewatch.
SPH Media is a principal partner of National Day 2026.