You know absolutely nothing about Thai cinema? Don't worry, you're not alone. Thai cinematography is indeed one of the least known in the world. Deeply rooted in local cultures, it didn't truly develop until the 1990s. What makes it successful? Films of history, action, horror, and comedy—sometimes all of them at once! To introduce you to this fascinating world, we've selected 4 of the biggest Thai cinema blockbusters.

The Legend of Suriyothai

Directed by Chatrichalerm Yukol, The Legend of Suriyothai is a historical epic that recounts how Queen Suriyothai fought alongside her husband, King Mahachakrapat, to save the kingdom of Ayutthaya from Burmese invaders under King Tabinshwehti. It was the first big-budget film in the country and remains the largest production budget in Thai cinema history. Another record: it was also the first Thai film ever permitted to depict reigning monarchs. Subsidized by Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara, the film achieved unprecedented success upon its 2001 theatrical release. Even American blockbusters released simultaneously couldn't match its impact.

The King Naresuan Saga

History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the King Naresuan saga, directed by Chatrichalern Yukol. These biographical films chronicle the life of King Naresuan the Great, and this sweeping historical epic—six installments to date—offers a magnificent window into the roots of the Siamese kingdom. The story begins in 1564 during the siege of Pitsannulok by Burmese forces, when Naresuan's father, defeated in battle, is forced to surrender his two sons to the Burmese king. Like The Legend of Suriyothai, this saga ranks among Thailand's most lavishly budgeted films. Here's the complete list of films in the saga, in order of release: Hostage of Hongsawadee, Reclamation of Sovereignty, Naval Battle, War of Bayin Nanda, Battle of the Elephants, The End of Hong Sa.

Pee Maak

If Thai audiences adore horror, comedy, and romance films, Pee Maak blends them all together! The phenomenon surrounding this 2013 release was so massive that it quickly became the 3rd highest-grossing film in Thai cinema history—behind only The Legend of Suriyothai and the King Naresuan saga. Directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, it's an adaptation of the legendary tale of Mae Nak Phra Khanong. The story centers on a couple: Mak and Nak. When Mak, a soldier, is forced to leave his pregnant wife to go to war, he eventually returns home to find his wife and child. But strange rumors circulate about them. Friends and villagers tell him his wife and son are dead, that he's facing ghosts. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: you'll be utterly surprised by this wildly unconventional genre mashup!

Shutter (2004)

As we mentioned, Thai cinema has a particular fondness for horror. Shutter is the perfect example. This Thai horror film was directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom. Released in 2004, it became a major success and won several awards, including Best Film at the 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival and Best Asian Film at the 2005 Fantasia International Film Festival. Intrigued? Here's the synopsis: Tun and Jane are returning from a boozy night out when they suddenly hit a young woman with their car. Panicked and disoriented, the couple flees the scene, leaving the woman's body behind. Later, as they try to forget the tragedy and return to normal life, they witness strange phenomena: mysterious shapes appearing in photographs, nightmares, deaths of close friends. Could it be the ghost of the forgotten young woman seeking revenge? That's what they're about to discover.