Here’s a snapshot of the highest-rated Tamil movies on IMDb right now—a quick glance at cinematic excellence before we dive into reviews, actors, and more:
- Soorarai Pottru – IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Nayakan – IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Anbe Sivam – IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Pariyerum Perumal – IMDb rating: 8.6/10
These titles currently stand among the top-ranked Tamil films on IMDb—representing powerful storytelling, outstanding performances, and universal appeal.
Tamil cinema has always been integral to the Indian film industry, known for its distinct style and storytelling. With the emergence of streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, South Indian movies have become more accessible to audiences worldwide, further boosting their popularity. One way to discover the best South Indian films is by looking at their IMDb ratings and reviews. IMDb, the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV, and celebrity content, allows viewers to rate and review films. Tamil movies with high ratings and positive reviews often stand out and are more likely to be worth watching.
Those who know Bollywood movies know South Indian movies can be as good if not better!
Whether you are a die-hard fan of South Indian movies or are just getting started, there is always something new and exciting to discover.
Best South Indian Movies with IMDb Ratings
South Indian cinema has produced some of the most impressive films in recent years, and many of these movies have earned high ratings on IMDb. In this article, we've compiled a list of the best South Indian movies with IMDb ratings, so you can start watching them now.
Jai Bhim – IMDb Rating 8.6
A powerful legal drama inspired by a real 1993 case: Suriya stars as a lawyer fighting for justice for a tribal couple wronged by police brutality. Critically acclaimed for its authenticity and social impact.
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) - IMDb Rating 8.0
Baahubali: The Beginning is a historical action film directed by S.S. Rajamouli. The movie follows the story of two brothers fighting for a kingdom's throne. The film has some of the most incredible visual effects and action sequences, which makes it a must-watch for action movie fans.
Critics Review
Rajeev Masand
Film Critic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rajeev Masand, in his reviews, highlighted the cinematography and grandeur of 'Bahubali,' noting it as a cinematic spectacle that's visually stunning.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion - IMDb Rating 8.2
The Conclusion is a 2017 Indian epic action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, and it serves as the sequel to Baahubali: The Beginning.
The film follows Amarendra Baahubali, the heir to the throne of Mahishmati, as he faces danger from his adoptive brother Bhallaladeva.
The film had a global premiere on over 9,000 screens, with 6,500 screens in India, setting a new record for the widest release of an Indian film. Upon its release, the film grossed between ₹1,737–₹1,810 crore worldwide, briefly becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of all time, surpassing PK (2014).
KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) - IMDb Rating 8.2
KGF: Chapter 1 is a Kannada-language period action film directed by Prashanth Neel. The film tells the story of a gangster, Rocky, who rises from poverty to become a formidable underworld don. The movie is known for its outstanding performances and gripping plotline.
K.G.F: Chapter 2 IMDb Rating 8.2
KGF: Chapter 2 is a 2022 Indian Kannada-language period action film written and directed by Prashanth Neel. It continues the story from the first chapter, focusing on the character Rocky and his rise in the Kolar Gold Fields.
The story sees Rocky battling foes who fear him and challenging the government that sees him as a threat to law and order.
KGF: Chapter 2 has earned ₹1,200−1,250 crore globally, making it the fourth highest-grossing Indian film worldwide and the second highest-grossing film in India.
Vikram Vedha (2017) - IMDb Rating 8.2
Vikram Vedha is a Tamil-language neo-noir action thriller directed by Pushkar-Gayathri. The movie follows the story of a police officer trying to catch a notorious gangster named Vedha. The film features excellent performances by the lead actors, R. Madhavan, and Vijay Sethupathi.
IMDb Review
Film Critic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Vedha is one of the most intriguing characters portrayed in Tamil cinema. He is smart, intelligent, and exceptionally humorous. Conversely, Vikram is naive and represents the general public who often judge a person's character without understanding the complete story. While Madhavan and Vijay have delivered intense and convincing performances, Vijay Sethupathi's performance deserves an award. The cinematography by P.S. Vinod has given the movie a neo-noir look, and the background music by Sam C.S. is exceptional.
Drishyam (2013) - IMDb Rating 8.2
Drishyam is a Malayalam-language thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph. The movie tells the story of a man named Georgekutty who is trying to protect his family from the consequences of a crime they didn't commit. The movie is known for its excellent storytelling and nail-biting suspense.
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Jersey (2019) - IMDb Rating 8.5
Jersey is a Telugu-language sports drama directed by Gowtham Tinnanuri. The movie follows the story of a former cricketer who wants to make a comeback and play for the Indian cricket team. The film features an incredible performance by actor Nani, who plays the lead role.
Asuran (2019) - IMDb Rating 8.5
Asuran is a Tamil-language action drama directed by Vetrimaaran. The movie follows the story of a farmer fighting against the local landlords exploiting his community, with excellent performances by Dhanush and Manju Warrier.
Super Deluxe (2019) - IMDb Rating 8.4
Super Deluxe is a Tamil-language black comedy directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja. The movie tells the story of several interconnected characters whose lives intersect unexpectedly. The film is known for its unique storytelling style and exceptional performances by the cast.
Mahanati (2018) - IMDb Rating 8.5
Mahanati is a Telugu-language biographical film directed by Nag Ashwin. The movie tells the story of the legendary South Indian actress Savitri and features an outstanding performance by Keerthy Suresh, who portrays the lead character.
Bangalore Days (2014) - IMDb Rating 8.3
Bangalore Days is a Malayalam-language romantic drama directed by Anjali Menon. The movie tells the story of three cousins who move to Bangalore to pursue their dreams. The film features a talented ensemble cast and a heartwarming storyline.
Oh My Kadavule (2020) - IMDb Rating 8.4
Oh My Kadavule is a Tamil-language romantic comedy directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The movie follows the story of a man named Arjun who gets a second chance with his childhood sweetheart. The film is known for its excellent performances and feel-good storyline.
South Indian Movies to Watch with Family (Where to find them: Netflix, Amazon Prime etc.)
- Prince and Family (Malayalam, ZEE5) - A heartwarming family drama starring Dileep, streamed from 20 June 2025 on ZEE5. It follows a family's emotional journey and resonates deeply with audiences across age groups.
- Tourist Family (Tamil, JioCinema / Hotstar) - A moving portrayal of a Sri Lankan Tamil family migrating to India post-COVID, navigating identity, cultural shifts, and familial bonds. Streaming from 2 June 2025 on Hotstar in India.
- Maaman (Tamil, ZEE5) - A rural comedy-drama featuring Soori in a heartfelt role, full of emotional warmth and humor. Premiered on 8 August 2025, perfect for a light-hearted family watch.
- 3BHK (Tamil, Amazon Prime Video) - A heartfelt drama starring Siddharth that delves into the dream of owning a home and the generational bonds tied to that aspiration. Now available from 1 August 2025.
- Paranthu Po (Tamil, JioHotstar) - A touching road-musical that explores father–child relationships and the pursuit of joy through simple, everyday adventures. Released in July 2025 on OTT.
- Thandel (Telugu, Netflix) - Based on a true story, this epic features Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi. A sweeping devotional drama with grand dance sequences and emotional depth, available on Netflix since March 2025.
- Mahanati - This Telugu-language biographical drama tells the story of legendary actress Savitri and is a great choice for families who enjoy historical films. The movie features stunning visuals, excellent performances, and a captivating storyline. You can watch it on Amazon Prime.
- Kumbalangi Nights - The film centers on four brothers with a complex, ambivalent bond. Their relationship deepens when Saji, Boney, and Franky decide to support Bobby in his romantic pursuit.
- Peranbu - A devoted single father navigates the challenges of raising his daughter, who has cerebral palsy, as she explores her emerging sexuality.
- Oh My Kadavule - This Tamil-language romantic comedy is perfect for families who enjoy lighthearted, feel-good movies. The film tells the story of a man who gets a second chance at love, featuring great performances and a fun, engaging storyline. Watch it on Zee5.
- Premam - This Malayalam-language coming-of-age drama is great for families who enjoy heartfelt, emotionally driven films. The movie follows the story of a man as he navigates the ups and downs of love and relationships and features excellent performances and a moving storyline. Watch it on Hotstar for free.
- Asuran - A farmer's teenage son from a disadvantaged caste kills a wealthy, upper-caste landlord. The rest of the story follows the pacifist farmer's efforts to save his impulsive son.
- Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo - This Telugu-language family drama is great for families who enjoy heartwarming, emotionally driven films. The movie follows the story of a man who discovers the true meaning of family and love and features excellent performances and a touching storyline. Watch it only on Netflix.
- Drishyam (Malayalam) - This thriller movie starring Mohanlal is a gripping tale of a family who tries to cover up a crime. It is available on Amazon Prime.
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- Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya - Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya is an engaging and comedic investigative thriller centered around the exploits of a detective operating in Nellore.
- Rangasthalam (Telugu) - This period drama starring Ram Charan and Samantha Akkineni is set in a rural village in the 1980s and follows the story of a man who fights against injustice. Watch this on Amazon Prime.
- Bangalore Days (Malayalam) - This coming-of-age movie starring Nazriya Nazim, Nivin Pauly, and Dulquer Salmaan follows the lives of three cousins who move to Bangalore. Watch it on Netflix.
- Charlie (Malayalam) - This romantic drama starring Dulquer Salmaan and Parvathy Thiruvothu follows the story of a free-spirited man and a woman trying to escape her past. It is available on Amazon Prime.
- Arjun Reddy (Telugu) - This romantic drama starring Vijay Deverakonda and Shalini Pandey follows the story of a medical student going downward after his girlfriend is forced to marry someone else. It is available on Amazon Prime.
- 96 (Tamil) - This romantic drama starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan follows the story of two high school sweethearts who meet after many years. It is available on Netflix.
These South Indian movies are great choices to watch with your family, and they are all available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and so on.
Best Tamil Action Movies You Must Watch
While we already know the story of KGF chapters and Pushpa, there is more to Tamil Film Industry’s Action list. Here, you can find the top 5 films that bring out the action lover inside you.
- Coolie (2025) - A blockbuster action drama directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth. Rajini plays Deva, a former coolie drawn into violent confrontations while safeguarding a friend’s daughter. The film has been praised for its dynamic performances, powerful music, and high-octane scenes. Released theatrically on August 14, 2025, it quickly became the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year and is now available on Prime Video.
- Kaithi (2019) - A gripping one-night action thriller and the inaugural entry in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. Karthi stars as a recently released prisoner who helps transport incapacitated police officers to the hospital, navigating deadly threats—all without any songs or romantic subplot. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, it was a critical and commercial success.
- Vikram (2022) - A high-octane action thriller featuring Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil. This film is a spiritual successor within the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, showcasing sleek action sequences, intense performances, and a gripping narrative. It became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2022.
- Thuppakki (2012)- Directed by AR Murugadoss and starring Vijay, this action-packed thriller follows an intelligence officer racing against time to dismantle a sleeper terrorist cell. Lauded for its smart screenplay, action choreography, and mass appeal, it even inspired remakes in other languages.
- Kaththi (2014) - Another hit by AR Murugadoss, with Vijay playing dual roles—one as a petty thief, the other as his socially conscious lookalike fighting corporate exploitation. The film blends action with social commentary and was both critically praised and a major box office success.
Tamil cinema has a long and storied history that has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling, powerful performances, and culturally rich themes. From action-packed blockbusters to family-friendly dramas, the South Indian film industry has something to offer everyone. With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, it's easier than ever to access and enjoy the best Tamil movies from the comfort of your own home.
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IMDb Top Movies Tamil
- Mahavatar Narsimha (2025) – 9.6/10
- Jai Bhim (2021) – 8.6/10
- Soorarai Pottru (2020) – 8.6/10
- Anbe Sivam (2003) – 8.6/10
- Nayakan (1987) – 8.6/10
- Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022) – 8.6/10
- Pariyerum Perumal (2018) – 8.6/10
Whether you're a die-hard Rajinikanth fan or just discovering Tamil cinema's world for the first time, these movies will leave a lasting impression. So, why not give them a try and experience the magic of South Indian cinema for yourself?
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