Top 50 must watch Tamil movies

Top 30 Must watch Tamil Movies ( after 1990)
+ 20 old Movies ( before 1990 )

This post which has got more than 1,000,000 views is really a surprise for me. So I have revamped this page with useful Links & Pictures and added 5 more movies  for the benefit of Tamil movie lovers. This page is mainly for who does not watch much tamil movies and planning to watch some Tamil movies. I have made this to cover all the genre like Action, Comedy, Drama of tamil cinema released from 1990. Here we go with the list..(  Not in Order and all these 50 have beaten the other cinemas in their categories)

Nayagan which released in 1986 could not make it to the list since it got released 4 years before the time we are considering but according to me that would be best Tamil movie ever.

Year : 1986

Stars : Kamal, Saranya, Jenagaraj

Direction : Mani Ratnam

Genre : Action Drama

Link : http://www.youtube.com/movie?v=UaSPHeBUE-k

1. Thalapathi -  Rajni + Maniratnam + Illayaraja + Mammooty + SPB + Yesudass). ..Master Piece from 6 legends of South Indian Cinema. I like this movie especially for the intensity of the conversations between Rajni and Mammooty. Rajni's emotions as an Orphan and friend will make you cry in few scenes.

Year : 1991

Stars : Rajni, Mamooty, Arvind Saamy, Shobana, Sri Vidya

Direction : Mani Ratnam

Genre : Action Drama

Link : http://www.youtube.com/movie?v=Ph1aS6tYgwA

2. Mudhalvan (Nayak in Hindi) -  Punch dialogues followed my echo and music..again Punch dialogue followed by echo and music.. Goose bumps followed by goose bumps . Brought a change to Tamil Cinema when the movie was about change to Political system ( This movie slightly overtook 'Indian')

Year            : 1999

Cast            : Arjun, Mani vannan, Vadivelu, Manisha Koirala

Direction : Shankar

Genre        :  Political Drama and Masala

Link : http://www.einthusan.com/movies/watch.php?tamilmoviesonline=Mudhalvan&lang=tamil&id=71

   3. Kaaka Kaaka - Realistic Police Story said in a different style. Ever green songs. No match for the action sequence.

   Year         : 2003

  Stars         : Surya, Jyothika, Jeevan

 Direction : Gautham Menon

Genre         : Action

Link            : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ClpEBWPdHI

4. Anbe Sivam -  When saw it when I was 20 years old could not appreciate this master piece but now personally I would say Anbe sivam is Kamal's best Art wort.

Year         : 2003

Stars         : Kamal, Madhavan

Direction : Sundar C ( Are u surprised :)  )

Genre        : Drama

Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdaiv3HJPI4

5. Aadukalam - National award winning movie where Dhanush lived as 'Karuppu'. Dhanush received National award for this movie. Can be termed as " Classics of Tamil Cinema"

Year          : 2011

Cast           : Dhanush, Tapsi

Direction : Vetrimaran

Genre        : Action, Drama and Art

Link           : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI3BGSCkqmk

http://www.einthusan.com/movies/watch.php?tamilmoviesonline=Aadukalam&lang=tamil&id=116

6. KO ( Colorful wonderful movie.. everything was there in thsi movie.. Nice cinematography, sweet songs, pace, twists, dialogues, action...evrything)

Year           : 2011

Cast            : Jeeva, Ajmal, Karthika

Direction : KV Anand

Genre        : Action and Political drama

Link :http://www.einthusan.com/movies/watch.php?tamilmoviesonline=Ko&lang=tamil&id=194

7. Mankatha - Stylish, classy, mass Ajith rocked Tamil Nadu with his Mankatha.... 1st time attempt by any renowned Hero to take up a negative role. Movie gives lot of twists and first time a tamil movie with unpredictable action sequence.

Year         : 2011

Cast           : Ajith, Thrisha

Direction : Venkat Prabhu

Genre        : Action

Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB2EV6U5vlk

8. Michael Madhana Kaama Raajan - Relased exactly in 1990, so could not miss my list. Pure Comedy and beware you may be rolling on the floor.. Strictly only with Tamil audience who can translate. ( This movie overtook 'Panchathanthiram', 'Saroja' in the the category ) " Mother of all Tamil Comedy movies"

Year           : 1990

Cast            : Kamal1, Kamal2, Kamal3, Kamal4 ( :P), Kushbu, Urvasi

Direction :Sangeetham Srinivasa Rao

Genre        : Comedy

Link           :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jQwuVt7Q_Y

9..Vinnaithandi Varuvaya - A touching love story ...(  Minnale and Alaipayuthe also in the same Genre but personally I felt when it comes to full fledged romance, this overtakes the other two)

Strictly only for people who love slow romantic movies

Year : 2010

Cast   : Simbu, Trisha

Direction : Gowtham Menon

Genre        : Romance

Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jQwuVt7Q_Y

Similar Good movies : Alaipayuthe, Minnale

10. Ramanaa -  Vijayakanth's best work and one of best from Murugadas. I was thinking about this movie or Indian (Kamal's) but this movie I preferred because of the less number of romantic distractions we have in Ramanaa when compared to Indian. Though Indian have number of All time favourite scenes , really gets affected by unwanted Manisha Koirala and Urmila. I found Ramanaa more realistic than Indian

Year           : 2002

Cast            : Vijaykanth, Simran

Direction : AR Murugadas

Genre        : Drama

Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zeRSULJN7g&list=PLTpHMkTlY5gRNhmPbuxs0EijD-fyqkiy7

11. Baasha  -  Is there anyone in Tamil Nadu who dont know this movie ? I doubt !! Best Rajni movie for most of his fans.  Even if you have watched it 50 times you can still watch it again. No words to describe this movie. Even for Villain Raghuvaren , this was one his best.

Year                        : 1995

Cast                        : Rajni, Nagma, Raghuvaran

Direction              : Suresh Krishna

Genre                     : Masala Action

Similar Movie   : Annamalai ( one of the best Rajni Movies)

Link : http://www.youtube.com/movie/baashha

12. Pitha Magan - One movie from Bala should be in the list for sure. I considered two movies of Bala : Sethu or Pitha Magan. Some how personally i felt Pitha Magan had a better cast and performances when compared to Sethu. Pitha Magan received a dozen awards nationally and regionally. If you want to watch 'Bala' a national award winning director. This would be the best

Year            : 2003

Cast            : Vikram, Surya, Laila

Direction : Bala

Genre        : Action, Drama and Comedy ( No masala)

Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB2EV6U5vlk

13. Sandakoli - Wait !! Before you say Sandakoli will never enter this list. What movie you would choose in this genre of " Common man against ganster or politician"  Dhill, Dhool, Polladhavan, Run, etc etc ...but I will go with Sandakoli. Especially for the famous fight sequences. Its not always Classics we watch sometimes this masala action also wins the box office

Year : 2005

Cast : Vishal, Raj Kiran, Meera Jasmine

Direction : Lingusamy

Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO96QbV3sGk

14. Padayappa - Best punch dialogue of Tamil cinema.  This movie created box office record when released. First time in a Rajni movie Female actor got a great role :P and great name.

Year            : 1999

Cast            : Rajni, Ramya Krishan, Soundarya

Direction : KS Ravi Kumar

Genre       : Action and Drama( Masala)

Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbL_ykTv6LQ

15. Saamy  - Fast moving masala police Story.. Pace of the movie with good twists made it special for Masala movie lovers. Vikram provided a great performance to make this a big Hit.

Year         : 2003

Cast           : Vikram, Trisha

Direction : Hari

Genre        : Action

Link            :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l1RoC7KMEY

16 .Naatamai  - One of all time Hits in Tamil Nadu Villages after MGR/Sivaji movies..

Super Hit!!  "Kottapaakum Song" was heard in every radio and TV all the time during that time. " Naatama Theerpa Maathi Sollu" this dialogue is a tribute given by Sarath Kumar to the entire tamil cinema.

Year            : 1994

Cast            : Sarath Kumar, Kushboo

Direction : KS Ravi Kumar

Genre        : Family Drama ( Village Cheiftain)

No Link :(

17.  Gilli - One of the greatest Hits of Tamil cinema. Masala Action..again pace with a nice love story in parallel made this Mega Hit. Thanks to "Appadi Podu Podu Podu Song".. not only in Tamil Nadu this song has given dancing mood to all the Indians. I have seen this song invariably used in all the DJ's across India

Year : 2004

Cast  : Vijay, Thrisha, Prakash Raj

Direction : Dharani

Genre        : Action

Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd7m9ElPpto&list=PLopa_Kun5WLU1ijYIQKac_G0j4OpVFPoO

18. Vettaiyadu Vilaiyaadu -  One and only notable thriller of tamil movie in this time frame and of course which needs to be included in this list. The story makes you think all the time what would happen next.  Kamal makes you believe he is a real Policemen by doing this role to perfection. But all credit to the script.

Year           : 2006

Cast             : Kamal, Jyothika

Direction : Goutham Menon

Genre        : Thriller

link : http://www.einthusan.com/movies/watch.php?tamilmoviesonline=Vettaiyaadu+Vilaiyaadu&lang=tamil&id=81

19. Kuruthi Punal - Realistic Police story .....No songs.... No Love sequence..My personal best police story. Came 18 years back when we were not qualified enough to make it a hit. Really surprised and feeling sad that we could make movies like this a Hit and encouraged masala movies. Classic must watch

 Year         : 1995

Cast           : Kamal, Arjun, Gowthami

Direction : P. C. Sreeram

Genre        : Action

Link           : http://www.youtube.com/movie/kuruthipunal

20. Thupakki - One of the best Indian action movies I have ever seen. Sometimes we underestimate recent movies giving more credit to old movies. But undoubtly Thupakki would be in this list. Presentation and new approach gave a huge box office success to this movie. Soon we can expect a Hindi version starring Akshay Kumar

Year : 2012

Stars : Vijay, Kajal Agarwal, Vidyut Jamal, Sathyan

Direction : AR Murugadoss

Genre : Action

Link : http://www.youtube.com/movie/thuppakki

21. Autograph - After much confusion whether to choose Varanam Aayiram or Auto Graph I went with Autograph for many reasons. An aut0biography of common man. 3 realistic love stories with every scene sending most of the rural audience to their childhood or teenage experiences. This movie bagged many awards and also remade in Telugu which was also a super Hit.

Year             : 2004

Cast             : Seran, Sneha, Gopika

Direction : Seran

Genre        : Drama, Biography

Link           : http://www.einthusan.com/movies/watch.php?tamilmoviesonline=Autograph&lang=tamil&id=62

22. Boss engira Baskaran - Pure dialogue based Comedy. This movie has brought a trend in Tamil cinema of 'no story comedy'. Again this movie over took movies like ( Kalakalapu ( Great Comedy Movie ), OK OK )

Year           : 2010

Cast            : Arya, Santhanam and Nayanthara

Direction : M. Rajesh (SMS, OK OK)

Genre        : Comedy

Link :http://www.einthusan.com/movies/watch.php?tamilmoviesonline=Boss+Engira+Bashkaran&lang=tamil&id=29

23. Suryavamsam - Mega Hit among Village audience. Also this Director Vikraman is one director who was able to give continuous Hits during 90's. Puthu Vasantham, Poove Unakaaga( which gave a break to Vijay), Vaanathai Pola. 

Year : 1997

Cast : Sarath Kumar, Devayani

Direction : Vikraman

Genre        : Village Drama and Masala

Link : http://www.youtube.com/movie?v=XyuVJfydj0s

24. Kannathil muthamittaal - No one can tell the story of Tamil Eelam better than Mani Ratnam.Story of a little girl showed the sorrow of every Srilankan Tamil mother. So intense and portrayed the real situation of Srilankan Tamils during war time. You will shed some tears for sure :(

Year : 2002

Cast : Madhavan, Simran

Direction : Maniratnam

Genre        : War related Drama

Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTqcyS8RRO0

25. Devar Magan - Must must must watch. Those Powerful conversations by legendary actors Kamal and Sivaji are unmatchable till date..

Year            : 1992

Cast            : Kamal, Sivaji, Gowthami and Revathy

Direction : Bharadhan

Genre        : Village drama and action

Link            : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I1bf1Gk8Lg&list=PL73F38D8A1933965D

26. Madras : A Superb Classic. This movie will bring you the exact North Chennai culture in front you. Far away from regular Tamil Masala with excellent screen play and Songs. Most of the things are different in this.. Must watch in after 2010 list...

Year : 2014

Cast : Karthi, Catherin Tresa

Direction : Ranjith ( upcoming Kabali Director)

Genre : Action - Drama

Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65382PX_j-M

27. Thani Oruvan : Only Jayam Ravi movie in this list. He has been making some good movies like 1. M.Kumaran Son of M.L 2. Peranmai 3. Nimirdhu Nil for last 10 years but never got such a great break like this movie. Another important made this a Big Hit is first time Villain Arvind Swamy.

Year :2015

Cast : Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayantara

Direction : Mohan Raja

Genre : Action, Thriller - Masala

Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idrYJYmMlfQ

28. Saduranga Vettai : One of my personal best to watch real world comedy and real world cheats.. I could easily related this movie to atleast 10 of friends who were cheated exactly in the same way as shown in the way.. except for the climax the movie gives you a differnet experience with great comedy. Above all " Great one liners" - Best is " If you want to cheat someone dont expect Mercy, utilise his greediness"

Year : 2014

Cast : Natraj, Isha Nair

Direction :Vinoth

Genre : Drama - Comedy

Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAdjMwNKInY

29 Kalakalappu " THE GREAT COMEDY":  A Must must must must watch Comedy movie.. Towards the end of the movie when we have Santhanam coming into action with Shiva.. either you will be rolling on the floor or you will have stomach ache. Also, Sundar C movies has been making great comedy movies for long time with Vedivelu. Example Winner ( only for comedy ) and Giri . His comedy movies should definetly be in this list.

Year : 2012

Cast : Shiva, Santhanam, Anjali

Direction : C. Sundar

Genre : Comedy - Drama - (Rolling on the floor comedy )

Link : You can get in WWW.TAMILGUN.COM

30.  Varanam Aayiram - The impact this movie had in Tamil Cinema is huge. Huge Hit, legendary Songs, Even today after 10 years we could hear poeple hearing this song with same interest. Nothing in this movie is ordinary, everything from " Heroism, Romance, Songs, Action , Dialogue " were extra ordinary. A great movie to complete a great list of movies

Year : 2008

Cast : Surya, Simran

Direction : Gowtham Vasudev Menon

Genre : Drama ( Romance - Action )

Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsFwfy-GSug

31. Aaraadhu Sinam :

Year : 2016
Director : Arivalagan
Cast : Arulnidhi, Aishwarya Rajesh
Genre : Crime Thriller

Remake of Malayalam movie " Memories". This movie definetly one of best thrillers to have come in Tamil Cinema. Must watch!!!!

Movies which closely lost the top spots

 1. Mouna Guru ( Classic Thriller - Must Watch )
2. Raja Rani ( saw this movie in London, this for standing ovation from crowd after climax )

3. Alaipayuthe ( Romance movie from Maniratnam )

4.Boys

5.Indian

6.Mannan

7.Pollathavan ( Fast moving action movie by Dhanush )

8. Kaadhal Kondein

9. Hey Ram

10. Minnale ( Love story )
11. Aaranya Kaandam ( Hollywood standard movie tried in Tamil )


Must Watch old Movies ( before 1990 )

1. Thiruvilayadal :


Year         : 1965
Direction :  A.P.Nagarajan
Cast         : Shivaji, Savithiri, Sundarambal
Genre       : Devotional

If you ask any aged person in Tamil Nadu to mention, some good Devotional movies and you would hear Thiruvilayadal for sure.
But its not for old people, even I liked this movie every much. The dialogues, songs and small stories inside the big story all these aspects are good. Song: "Paattum Naane Bhavamum naane " was a super duper those days

Also, thought of having one devotional movie and this is the best so far in Tamil cinema.

2. Mouna Raagam

Year       : 1986
Director : Mani Ratnam
Cast       : Mohan, Karthik, Revathy
Genre    : Family Drama
Music    : Illayaraja

Simple Story with lot of intensity. Karthik's cameo is a must must watch.

Even after 30 years, Songs of these films are even heard frequently by all age groups.

3.. Moondram Pirai:

Year       : 1982
Director : Balu Mahendra
Cast       : Kamal, Sridevi, Silk Smitha
Genre    : Romance Drama




The impact this created in Tamil cinema history is huge. Super Hit in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. This movie gave Kamal and Balu Mahendra ( Cinemotagraphy )National awards

4. Vanjikottai Valiban

Year         : 1958
Direction : S.S.Vasan
Genre      : Historic Drama
Cast         : Gemini Ganesan, Padmini, Vaijayanthi Mala

One of the famous movies of Tamil Cinema. The dance sequence between Padmini and Vaijayanthi Mala still cant be matched by any contemporary female Dance performance. "Sabaash Sariyaana Potti"

Remember it is taken in 1958, so it will have flaws



5.Andha Naal  -


I have written a separate page on this movie in my blog

Year : 1954
Cast : Shivaji, Pandari Bhai. Seetharaman
Direction : Veenai Balachandar
Genre       : Mystery Thriller


Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTJqydKdGmc

What a brave attempt at that point ..1. A thriller which was new for Tamil Cinema 2. Worth spending 140 minutes in this movie which didnt had a single song.. during that time every Tamil cinema had a minimum of 8 songs 3. Nice plot to start a thriller and movie goes through different version. Last 30 minutes conversations can easily be related to some of present issues. 

6. 

Movie : Puthiya Paravai
Year         : 1964
Direction : Dada Mirasi
Genre      : Mystery Thriller
Cast         : Shivaji Ganesan, Saroja Devi,                               Sowkar Janaki, MR Radha

Top class Suspense Thriller during that time. Songs will distract the flow of the movie but those are very good/hit songs.

Must watch Movie !!

Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDYcKSfOk_Y

7. 
Movie : Ratha Kanneer
Year  : 1954
 Direction : Krishnan Panju
Cast  : M.R. Radha, S.S.Rajendran

One of the best Classics of Tamil Movies. Best sarcastic dialogues of those days. You will even laugh loud during some of the sarcastic comments Relevance was set for the year 1954, that before 60 years but some of the dialogues have relevance even today. 

Must watch if you like movies talking about Social issues.

Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbHyS5vxOR8 

8. Chandraleka

(Baahubali of 40's)

Year         : 1948
Direction :  S.S. Vasan
Cast         :T.R.Raja Kumari, M.K.Radha, Ranjan
Genre       : Historic Movie
Production : Gemini Studios

This Movie can be easily said as the Baahubali of 40's. Rs. 30 Lakhs was spent on this movie from 1943 to 1948. It was huge Hit in Hindi. The climax scene Set was grand set equal to Sets created these days.

Link :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLI9H96Gc80


6. Andimai Pen - MGR
7. Paasa Malar - Shivaji
8. Deiva Magan - Shivaji
9. Muthal Mariyaathai - Shivaji

more to come..

Hope I covered most of the good ones :) put your comments if you feel any of the good movies are left out which may be useful to the readers.

Best Rajni Movies -  Click here

Best suspense thrillers in Tamil - Click here

Best Vijay Movies - Click Here

Best Comedy Movies in Tamil - Click Here
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