Kazakhstan’s film industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, producing movies that captivate audiences both at home and abroad. Let’s take a look at the 10 most-watched Kazakhstani movies of all time, based on viewership data up to 2025. These films showcase the country’s rich culture, history, and modern society.
1. Tomiris (2019)
At the top of our list is the historical epic “Tomiris”. This movie tells the story of the legendary queen Tomiris, who ruled the Massagetae, an ancient Central Asian nomadic confederation. The film is set in the 6th century BC and follows Tomiris from her childhood to her rise as a powerful leader.
“Tomiris” is known for its stunning visuals, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Kazakhstan. The movie features intense battle scenes and explores themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for power. It has become a source of national pride for many Kazakhs, celebrating their ancient history and strong female leadership.
2. The Diamond Sword (2023)
Coming in second is the fantasy adventure “The Diamond Sword”. This movie blends Kazakh folklore with modern special effects to create a magical world. The story follows a young hero who must find a legendary diamond sword to save his village from an evil sorcerer.
“The Diamond Sword” became a huge hit with both children and adults. Its mix of action, humor, and heartwarming moments made it a favorite for family movie nights. The film also gained international attention for its unique blend of traditional Kazakh stories and contemporary filmmaking techniques.
3. Racketeer (2007)
Despite being released in 2007, “Racketeer” remains one of the most watched Kazakhstani films. This crime drama is set in the 1990s, a turbulent time after Kazakhstan gained independence from the Soviet Union. It follows the story of a young man named Sayan who gets involved in the criminal underworld.
“Racketeer” is praised for its realistic portrayal of life in Kazakhstan during a difficult period. The movie’s gritty style and compelling performances have kept it popular with viewers for many years. It offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by ordinary people during a time of great change.
4. Nomad: The Warrior (2005)
“Nomad: The Warrior” is an epic historical drama that tells the story of Ablai Khan, a Kazakh leader from the 18th century. The movie follows Ablai from his youth to his rise as a great warrior and unifier of the Kazakh people.
This film is known for its breathtaking scenery, showcasing the vast steppes of Kazakhstan. It features impressive battle scenes and explores themes of unity, courage, and national identity. “Nomad: The Warrior” played a significant role in putting Kazakhstani cinema on the global map.
5. The Secret of the Golden Cradle (2024)
A more recent entry on our list is “The Secret of the Golden Cradle”, an adventure movie that became an instant hit upon its release in 2024. The story revolves around a group of archaeologists who discover an ancient artifact in the mountains of Kazakhstan.
This film combines elements of Indiana Jones-style adventure with Kazakh history and mythology. Its fast-paced plot, stunning locations, and touch of mystery captivated audiences across the country. “The Secret of the Golden Cradle” also gained popularity in neighboring countries, helping to boost Kazakhstan’s reputation in the film industry.
6. Tulpan (2008)
“Tulpan” is a unique film that offers a glimpse into life on the Kazakh steppe. The movie tells the story of Asa, a young man who returns to his home on the plains after serving in the navy. Asa dreams of becoming a shepherd and starting a family, but he must first win the heart of Tulpan, the only eligible young woman in the area.
This film stands out for its gentle humor and beautiful portrayal of traditional nomadic life. “Tulpan” has won numerous international awards and continues to be popular with both Kazakh and foreign audiences. Its simple yet touching story and stunning visuals of the vast Kazakh landscape have made it a timeless classic.
7. Janym Qazaqstan (2025)
The newest film on our list, “Janym Qazaqstan” (which means “My Dear Kazakhstan” in Kazakh), was released in early 2025 and quickly became a national sensation. This romantic comedy follows a Turkish photographer named Asiye who comes to Kazakhstan to capture images of the country’s natural beauty.
During her journey, Asiye meets Arman, a local guide, and they embark on an adventure across Kazakhstan’s most stunning locations. The film showcases famous sites like Charyn Canyon, the Tien Shan mountains, and Kolsai Lakes. “Janym Qazaqstan” not only entertains with its charming love story but also serves as a beautiful advertisement for Kazakhstan’s tourism industry.
8. Mongol (2007)
While “Mongol” is an international co-production, it was partially filmed in Kazakhstan and features many Kazakh actors. This historical epic tells the early life story of Genghis Khan, from his childhood to his rise as the leader of the Mongol Empire.
The film’s sweeping landscapes, many of which were shot in Kazakhstan, and its powerful storytelling have made it a favorite among Kazakhstani viewers. “Mongol” received an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, bringing more attention to Kazakhstan’s potential as a filming location.
9. The Crying Steppe (2021)
“The Crying Steppe” is a powerful drama that addresses a dark period in Kazakhstan’s history – the famine of the 1930s. The movie follows a Kazakh family struggling to survive during this difficult time, highlighting the resilience and strength of the Kazakh people.
Despite its heavy subject matter, “The Crying Steppe” became widely watched due to its important historical message and moving performances. The film has played a significant role in helping Kazakhs understand and process this challenging part of their history.
10. Aika (2018)
Rounding out our top 10 is “Aika”, a gritty drama that tells the story of a young Kyrgyz woman living in Moscow. While not set in Kazakhstan, the film was produced by Kazakhstani filmmakers and stars Kazakh actress Samal Yeslyamova, who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance.
“Aika” tackles tough social issues like illegal immigration and poverty. Its raw, realistic style and powerful acting have made it popular with viewers who appreciate challenging, thought-provoking cinema. The film’s international success has also helped to raise the profile of Kazakhstani talent in the global film industry.
Bottom Line
These 10 movies represent the diversity and growth of Kazakhstani cinema. From historical epics and fantasy adventures to contemporary dramas and comedies, Kazakhstan’s film industry has shown it can produce high-quality movies in a variety of genres.
Many of these films showcase Kazakhstan’s stunning natural beauty, from the vast steppes to the towering mountains. They also highlight the country’s rich history and culture, helping to preserve traditions and stories for future generations.
The success of these movies, both at home and internationally, demonstrates the growing strength of Kazakhstan’s film industry. As more resources are invested in filmmaking and new talents emerge, we can expect to see even more exciting and diverse films coming from Kazakhstan in the future.