The best local films and series to binge-watch on Netflix

Just as the title suggests, this film is set in an HDB flat and narrates the lives of its inhabitants within a 24-hour period. Its plot branches out into three main storylines. China Bride depicts a middle-aged man dealing with his new young wife from China. San San portrays a loner who suffers from depression. Sister’s Keeper tells that of an overbearing brother who dominates over his sibling while their parents are away. Let’s just say, all three experience an unexpected twist of events right before the credits roll.

Read our interview with the director, Eric Khoo here.

Based on the bestselling book of the same name (sans 'Movie') by Adrian Tan, this coming-of-age film adaptation spotlights the lives of four Junior College students as they navigate the perils of teen angst and first love. The light-hearted film is full of witty quips, and songs by local musicians in which the all-Singaporean soundtrack became the first for English-language Singapore films.

Not much brainwork required – this satirical comedy follows the lives, struggles, and adventures of three Primary Six students who are placed in the EM3 stream. Beyond the slapstick humour, the film also highlights several aspects of modern Singapore culture such as streaming in the education system, defence to authority, socio-cultural stereotypes, and the impact these have on underprivileged kids and families.

This local Mandarin-remake has nothing on the original award-winning Iranian film Children of Heaven, but it's still worth watching for its satirical take on the tension between Singapore and Malaysia in the 60s, in which the story is set. The drama details the challenges faced by a brother-sister duo when a pair of shoes go missing. Besides themes of friendship and kinship, it also touches on the political relations between Singapore and Malaysia, and the socio-economic relationships between the rich and poor in the old Singapore. Bet you didn't know this film is banned in Malaysia too.

The stuff of nightmares – this horror flick shines its torchlight at a very dark past. A family welcomes a new maid to care for the mentally disabled son, but her arrival is ill-timed as it's the seventh month of the year. It's believed that forces of the underworld are capable of unleashing their evil vibes during this period. As the newcomer begins her new job, she starts to find herself haunted by the sinister visions that reveal the fate of the family's previous maid.

A nod to the essay Paved with Good Intentions, the award-winning Singapore Dreaming follows a family grappling between loss, ambition, change, and the realities of life. Despite its heavy themes, the film is light-hearted and relatable, especially in a fast-paced city like Singapore. Plus, it earned S.R. Nathan’s commendation – and that says a lot. Just bear in mind, the dialogue shifts in between English, Mandarin, and Singlish. If you need a lil' help, simply turn on the subtitles.

A quirky homage to Singapore's Getai scene, this musical comedy is about two friends who grew up with immense love for the sub-culture. After being blessed by the Getai Goddess, the pair emerge as the Papayas, the most popular Getai duo in the city. But the plot thickens when their main competitors, the Durian Sisters, start cooking diabolical plans to sabotage the Papayas' performances out of jealousy.

Not just another football flick à la Bend It Like Beckham and Goal!, Kallang Roar the Movie documents the legendary coach of the Singapore national football team: Choo Seng Quee. The dramatic take reimagines the events leading up to Singapore winning the Malaysia Cup in 1977, including the epic semi-final match against Selangor, and the final against Penang. Do the Kallang Wave when the credits roll.

For now, you'll find both the first two titles out of the Ah Boys To Men film series in Netflix's catalogue. The first film sees a privileged and impulsive Singaporean attempting to escape the grips of the mandatory National Service to study abroad with his girlfriend. The story then continues in the sequel where the focus shifts towards the main protagonist's NS experience and the friends he made in the army. It also touches on themes such as sacrifice, love, family, and patriotism. It's definitely a film that resonates well with Singaporeans who have served the nation. Hormat senjata!

The first Singapore film to land an award at the Cannes Film Festival 2013, Anthony Chen’s Ilo Ilo is one film that leaves you fogged up with tears. This tearjerker documents the inseparable bond between a boy and his new Filipina maid. Besides showcasing the struggle of the 1997 Asian financial crisis faced by most families then, Chen also cleverly depicts the class and racial tensions held within the household.

Read our interview with Anthony Chen here.