These Singapore movies and TV shows will make you swell with patriotism and pride.
This year, Singapore turns 60 — and what better way to mark the milestone than by diving into the stories of the people who call this island home? We’ve curated a collection of 10 movies and TV shows that spotlight the spirit, struggles, and soul of Singapore. From a deep dive into National Service to a glittering getai musical, these stories capture what makes our nation truly unique.
1) 1965
A gripping thriller set during the tense days of Konfrontasi and Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, 1965 was released as part of SG50, celebrating the city-state’s 50th anniversary of independence in 2015. It follows Inspector Cheng (Qi Yuwu) on a desperate search for his missing daughter, joined by rookie cop Adi (Sezairi Sezali). Packed with tension and patriotism, it’s a powerful — if occasionally preachy — portrait of Singapore’s early years.
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‘1965’ is a thriller, telling stories of immigrants and natives; how a group of people, divided by race, language and religion, saw their lives transformed by a defining moment in history.
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2) 881
Step into the world of glittering getai (live stage performances) with this loud, colourful musical directed by Royston Tan. Full of elaborate costumes and heart-tugging songs, the movie follows childhood friends turned getai performers, Small Papaya (Mindee Ong) and Big Papaya (Yeo Yann Yann), as they chase stardom in Singapore’s getai circuit. But there’s tragedy lurking beneath the surface: Small Papaya is secretly battling cancer while trying to fulfil her dreams.
The film is built on campy humour, but behind the glitz, a poignant tale of friendship, ambition, and loss unfolds.
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The Papaya Sisters, a getai group that sings at performances during the lunar month, rise to the top of the Singaporean getai scene, but their fame brings with it the enmity of the Durian Sisters.
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3) The Singapore Story (With UOB/PropNex/RISIS)
How do homegrown companies become household names? This series spotlights three iconic Singapore companies: PropNex, the nation’s largest real-estate agency; RISIS, known for its stunning orchid-inspired jewellery; and UOB, one of the Big Three local banks. Discover how these brands embody the Singapore spirit, and in doing so, win the hearts of heartlanders.
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This series showcases some of the homegrown brands that have become a cornerstone of the Singapore story.
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4) Number 1 & Number 2
Local funnyman Mark Lee stars as Chow Chee Beng in Number 1, a retrenched engineer who finds an unexpected new gig: managing a drag club. In Number 2, he’s back, now part of the drag queen team heading to Thailand for a competition. This fish-out-of-water comedy serves up laughs, heart, and social commentary (such as the effects of homophobia), breaking new ground for local cinema.
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After many failed interviews, Chee Beng takes a job as a manager at a popular drag club. Soon, Chee Beng is roped into joining the drag queens on stage. Chee Beng is a natural drag queen!
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Chee Beng, who moonlights as a property agent, gets into a bad altercation. The result of this bad PR causes Chee Beng to be barred from performing in Singapore. However, an opportunity arises.
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5) Kallang Roar the Movie (2008)
Rewind to Singapore’s 1977 Malaysia Cup victory with this rousing sports drama. Coach ‘Uncle’ Choo Seng Quee (Lim Kay Siu) leads a scrappy team to glory in a story full of heart, grit, and national pride. A love letter to the late Choo, this movie also serves as a nostalgic tribute to the days when football united the nation.
Battling the concurrent onslaught of life-threatening diabetes, a determined coach Uncle Choo defiantly returns to the football scene in 1977 for one last shot at restoring Singaporean pride.
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6) Every Singaporean Son
Witness the rites of passage of National Service through the eyes of 15 recruits. First released on the MINDEF’s YouTube channel as an 18-part mini-series, this raw and honest docuseries gives viewers a ground-level look at the nine weeks of Basic Military Training, the camaraderie among the recruits, and the emotional journey that defines many Singaporean men’s lives. For those who’ve been through National Service, it’s a nostalgic reflection; for others, a rare glimpse into a defining chapter of Singaporean manhood.
Watch commanders and recruits of Dragon Company navigate Basic Military Training during pandemic.
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7) Phua Chu Kang
Yellow boots. Giant mole. Unmistakable swagger. Yes, it’s Singapore’s favourite Singlish-spewing contractor! Gurmit Singh stars as the iconic Phua Chu Kang (PCK) in this beloved sitcom about a family-run construction firm. With wife Rosie (Irene Ang), brother Chu Beng (Pierre Png), and sister-in-law Margaret (Tan Kheng Hua) in tow, PCK delivers laughs, local flavour, and classic one-liners — who can forget his catchphrase “Don’t play play!”?
Relive the best of the series with our special selection of episodes and see why PCK remains the “best in Singapore, JB, and some say Batam”.
Gurmit Singh makes his debut as Phua Chu Kang, the endearing contractor whose bark is worse than his bite.
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8) Under One Roof
Step into the daily lives of a typical Singaporean family in Under One Roof, Singapore’s first-ever English-language sitcom. Set in the heartlands of Bishan, the series follows the Tan family as they navigate life’s ups and downs with warmth and humour. And who could forget the iconic Tan Ah Teck (the late Moses Lim)? His unforgettable fables, each wrapped in a life lesson, made the show a defining staple of ’90s Singapore TV.
Meet the Tans and watch how they get into hilarious situations week after week with their neighbours.
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9) Emerald Hill – The Little Nonya Story
A lush period drama and spiritual sequel to The Little Nyonya, Emerald Hill takes viewers back to the vibrant world of Peranakan culture. The story follows three women of the Zhang family living in Emerald Hill. When a Zhang family granddaughter disappears, old secrets resurface. With Jeanette Aw reprising her iconic role as Yueniang, this hit Channel 8 series made a splash on Netflix and hearts alike.
Conflicts arise with three drastically different “Little Nyonya” living under the same roof.
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10) Lee Kuan Yew: In His Own Words
What better way to understand Singapore’s past than through its founding Prime Minister himself? This documentary stitches together over 150 hours of archival footage, speeches, and interviews to tell one cohesive story — straight from Lee Kuan Yew’s own mouth. It’s a rare, intimate glimpse into the mind that shaped a nation.
Lee Kuan Yew's legacy continues to resonate today. We examine the ideas that defined his leadership.
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