As Singapore’s National Day rolls around on 9 August, the nation once again stands tall in a proud display of unity, heritage, and homegrown resilience. Amid the parades and patriotic anthems, there’s another meaningful way to celebrate Singapore’s unique spirit—by immersing yourself in the stories that define it on screen. Whether you’re a cinephile, a nostalgia-seeker, or just in need of a good laugh or cry, these 10 Singaporean films paint a powerful portrait of the Lion City—its quirks, complexities, and undeniable heart.
From gritty dramas and social satires to emotional time capsules and whimsical documentaries, here are 10 essential films to stream as we approach National Day. Each offers a unique lens on Singaporean identity, proving that our cinema is as vibrant and layered as the nation itself.
1. Ilo Ilo (2013)
Directed by: Anthony Chen
Synopsis:
Set against the backdrop of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Ilo Ilo tells the story of a Singaporean family and their newly hired Filipino domestic helper, Teresa. As tensions rise and bonds are tested, a tender relationship forms between Teresa and the family’s young son, Jiale.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
This quiet, deeply affecting film is a masterclass in storytelling that unflinchingly portrays the economic anxieties of the late ’90s—a defining period for many Singaporean families. It delves into themes of class, migration, and the emotional labour often invisible in domestic work. Ilo Ilo humanises the domestic helper narrative and explores how familial bonds can transcend societal divisions.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because no film captures the fragility and strength of Singaporean family life quite like this award-winning gem.
2. I Not Stupid (2002)
Directed by: Jack Neo
Synopsis:
This satirical comedy-drama follows three Primary 6 students navigating the high-pressure world of Singapore’s streaming education system. With wit and heart, the film explores their struggles with academic expectations, parental pressure, and the pursuit of individuality.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
Few films have sparked as much national introspection as I Not Stupid. It boldly critiques the rigid education system and societal obsession with grades, prompting conversations that still resonate today. The film is a mirror to the cultural values and systemic pressures many Singaporeans grew up with.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because it remains a sharp, heartfelt reminder that every child is more than just a grade.
3. Money No Enough (1998)
Directed by: Tay Teck Lock
Synopsis:
This blockbuster comedy features three working-class friends trying to climb the financial ladder. Facing get-rich-quick schemes, family debts, and moral dilemmas, they discover that money isn’t always the solution.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
As Singapore transitioned into a modern economy, Money No Enough captured the zeitgeist of a nation grappling with consumerism, rising costs, and the elusive Singaporean Dream. It’s both hilarious and sobering—reflecting our complex relationship with wealth and status.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because its brand of humour hits home, even as it makes you reflect on what really matters.
4. Army Daze (1996)
Directed by: Ong Keng Sen
Synopsis:
Based on the popular play, this coming-of-age comedy follows five young men from different backgrounds during their Basic Military Training. Hilarity ensues as they navigate friendship, discipline, and identity.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
National Service is a rite of passage for many Singaporean males, and Army Daze captures its absurdities, frustrations, and unexpected camaraderie. The film is pure nostalgia for anyone who has donned the green uniform—and a cultural artefact for those who haven’t.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because nothing bonds Singaporeans quite like NS stories—laugh, cringe, and remember.
5. 12 Storeys (1997)
Directed by: Eric Khoo
Synopsis:
Set in an HDB block, this melancholic yet darkly humorous film interweaves the lives of its residents over a single day. From an overbearing brother to a lonely widow, 12 Storeys paints a picture of urban alienation and quiet despair.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
This film is quintessentially Singaporean—not for its drama, but for its stillness. It reflects the inner worlds hidden behind every HDB door and asks viewers to consider the emotional costs of rapid modernisation. It was also one of the early films to gain international attention for local cinema.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because it reminds us that even in densely packed flats, isolation is real—and stories abound.
6. 7 Letters (2015)
Directed by: Seven Singaporean filmmakers including Boo Junfeng, Eric Khoo, Jack Neo, and Royston Tan
Synopsis:
A heartfelt anthology film comprising seven short stories, 7 Letters commemorates Singapore’s 50th year of independence. Each segment offers a deeply personal tale of love, loss, and longing.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
This cinematic love letter to Singapore showcases the breadth of local storytelling, across generations and dialects. It’s about migration, family ties, language, and memory—a film that embraces the nation’s rich tapestry of cultures and voices.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because it’s a moving tribute to the Singapore we’ve built—and the one we continue to shape.
7. A Land Imagined (2018)
Directed by: Yeo Siew Hua
Synopsis:
When a Chinese migrant construction worker vanishes, a weary cop delves into the underbelly of Singapore’s industrial landscape. The film blends noir and dreamscape in a haunting exploration of displacement and invisibility.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
This award-winning mystery sheds light on the unseen migrant labour that fuels Singapore’s rapid urban development. It’s a poignant reminder of who builds our city—and at what cost. With its unconventional narrative, it challenges viewers to see beyond the glittering skyline.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because it’s a chilling, beautiful ode to those left in the shadows of our progress.
8. The Maid (2005)
Directed by: Kelvin Tong
Synopsis:
In this horror-thriller, a young maid from the Philippines arrives in Singapore just before the Hungry Ghost Festival. Strange occurrences unravel as she uncovers dark secrets in her employer’s home.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
Beneath the scares, The Maid offers a compelling look at superstition, immigrant vulnerability, and cultural taboos. It taps into the horror genre to comment on real fears—alienation, silence, and abuse—faced by many foreign workers in Singapore.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because its ghostly metaphors linger long after the credits roll—and ask us to confront uncomfortable truths.
9. Shirkers (2018)
Directed by: Sandi Tan
Synopsis:
This inventive documentary follows filmmaker Sandi Tan as she uncovers the mysterious disappearance of her 1992 indie film, Shirkers, stolen by her enigmatic mentor. What emerges is a tale of lost dreams and creative resilience.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
Shirkers is as much about Singapore as it is about lost potential. It captures the spirit of youthful rebellion, artistic yearning, and the marginalised voices of 1990s Singapore. It’s a celebration of female creativity and a reclamation of narrative.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because it proves that even lost stories can find new life—and inspire a new generation of creators.
10. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Synopsis:
Based on Kevin Kwan’s novel, this Hollywood rom-com follows Chinese-American Rachel Chu as she discovers her boyfriend’s family is among the wealthiest in Singapore. Lavish parties, cultural tensions, and familial expectations unfold.
Why It’s a National Day Watch:
Though it’s an American production, Crazy Rich Asians catapulted Singapore into the global spotlight. It showcased the city’s glitz but also stirred debate about representation and whose stories are being told. It’s both a glamorous postcard and a conversation starter.
Why You Should Watch It Now:
Because it’s fun, fabulous, and an international reminder that Singaporean stories matter on the world stage.
Closing Thoughts
Singaporean cinema isn’t just entertainment—it’s a mirror, a time capsule, and a voice. These films offer windows into our collective past, present, and future, capturing everything from humour and heartbreak to resilience and reinvention. As we celebrate National Day, let’s remember that our stories, told in all their diversity, are what truly unite us.
So grab some kaya toast, settle in with a loved one, and let these movies take you on a cinematic journey through the Lion City. Happy National Day!
