10 Best Tamil Movies of All Time

 We discuss the 10 Best Tamil Movies of All Time. Keep this list handy and add these well-recommended Tamil films to your watch list.

Also known as Kollywood, made up of the Kodambakkam area where films are produced and Hollywood, Tamil cinema is part of the huge Indian motion picture factory that has an incredible legacy of film in its catalog. Stylized, vibrant, and energetic, Tamil cinema reflects the cultural influences of the country, and of course, there is a tradition of song and dance throughout the films.

If you are new to Tamil or just interested in film in general, we have put together a list of 10 of the best Tamil movies for you to peruse, and maybe our list will help you extend your film portfolio.

10 Best Tamil Movies of All Time

10. Kaithi (2019)

A convict on parole is coerced into aiding a desperate police force on the promise that he will be allowed to see his daughter. This exciting crime thriller has everything thrown at it, and there are some great action set pieces too, but at its heart is a story of a father just wanting to see his daughter.

9. 96 (2018)

22 years after they first met, two people, once high school sweethearts, are reunited. Their meeting leads to them reminiscing about old times. Elegant and gentle, this is a nostalgic and almost poetic film that manages to allow the viewer into the lives of the two leads. This is a slow-burning emotional ode to love, with fantastic performances and great chemistry between the characters

8. Asuran (2019)

Based on the novel Vekkai, this 2019 rural revenge thriller was a big-screen success and received international acclaim. Following the story of a poor farming family that finds themselves in desperate times when the quick-tempered son kills a rich landlord, the film is considered a triumph of Tamil cinema and is also a commentary on the class system.

7. Visaaranai (2015)

Pandi, Murugan, Afsal, and Kumar are four immigrants that find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Detained by the local state police, they are tortured and forced to confess to a crime in which they had no involvement. It is only when a local cop steps into the situation that the lads are given a chance, but there is also a catch, and their problems seem to have only just begun. This violent and political thriller is a raw and unflinching gritty thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

6. Nayakan (1987)

A corrupt policeman murders a labor leader in cold blood, and the horrific event is witnessed by his young son Ratnavelu. He seeks revenge on the cop, tracks him down, and exacts his revenge. Now on the run, he makes his way to Bombay, but his story is just beginning, as he starts his rise to power in the ranks of the criminal underworld. A stunning crime thriller inspired by true events, this is another Tamil classic.

5. Anbe Sivan (2003)

This is a light-hearted and engaging relationship-based comedy that finds Nalla Sivan and Anbarasu, thrown together on an ill-fated trip with no option but to try and find some common ground. Although the pair could not be more different, they try to get along and discover that they may have more in common than they believe. With a sparkling script and evocative themes, the story also manages to hit all the right emotional beats too.

4. Thevar Megan (2019)

The landlords of the feudal Madurai district, use gangs to control their area and enforce their rule. Shaktivelu is the son of Peria-thevay who returns home to introduce his girlfriend to his family. However, against his will he becomes involved in a violent feud and when tragedy strikes he is forced into a powerful position. This violent thriller has some great performances and has sometimes been compared to The Godfather.

3. Soorarai Pottru (2020)

This film tells the story of Nedumaaran Rajangam, or Maara, who is the son of a teacher that wants to start his own low-cost airline after a disastrous misadventure at an airport that leaves him feeling haunted and empty. Motivational and inspiring, this is a heartwarming tale of one man trying to make a big difference. Based on the book “Simply Fly”, the film was critically praised, and many said it was a return to form for director Sudha Kongara.

2. Pariyerum Perumal (2018)

The theme of class division is often prevalent in Tamil films, and this is a great example of this kind of story. The relationship between a law student and his classmate, a girl that is from a more influential family, is the focus of the tale, and the trouble and obstacles that they face leads to plenty of tense situations. Showing the true nature of the difficulties between the different social backgrounds made this film groundbreaking and relevant putting it high on our list.

1. Jai Bhim (2021)

Rajakannu and his wife Sengeni are hard workers but have very little of their own. However, they are happy with their lives and plan to have another child. When Rajakannu is called to help at the home of a wealthy man, he attends, but the following day, the owner reports the theft of jewelry from his home and suspects Rajakannu. The authorities go to arrest him, but instead find his wife and take her in. Based on a true story, this is an emotional and engaging piece of filmmaking that highlights the terrible oppression of the underclass and the authorities.

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