Tamil cinema, also known as Kollywood, is a major film industry in India. It is based in Chennai and produces movies in the Tamil language. Tamil cinema has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s, and has contributed significantly to Indian cinema. The industry has produced some of the most iconic movies, talented actors, and skilled technicians. Tamil cinema is known for its unique storytelling style, vibrant music, and breathtaking visuals. Over the years, Tamil movies have gained a global audience, and with the rise of OTT platforms, they have become even more accessible to viewers around the world. In this article, we will list the 33 top Tamil movies available on various OTT platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+ Hotstar.
1) Kaala
Kaala is an action drama movie directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Rajinikanth. The film deals with the issues faced by the people living in Dharavi, Mumbai. The story revolves around a man named Kaala who fights for the rights of the people living in Dharavi. The film has been well-received by critics and audiences alike. You can watch Kaala on Netflix.
- Cast: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Nana Patekar, Sampath Raj, Sayaji Shinde
- Release Date: 7 June 2018
- Duration: 159 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Drama
- Director: Pa. Ranjith
- Where to Watch: Netflix
2) Super Deluxe
Super Deluxe is a dark comedy film directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja. The movie features an ensemble cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, Samantha Akkineni, and Ramya Krishnan. The film tells the story of several individuals whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Super Deluxe was praised for its bold storytelling and innovative approach. You can watch Super Deluxe on Netflix.
- Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Fahadh Faasil, Ramya Krishnan
- Release Date: 29 March 2019
- Duration: 176 Minutes
- Genre: Neo-noir/Dark Comedy
- Director: Thiagarajan Kumarrraja
- Where to Watch: Netflix
3) Asuran
Asuran is a Tamil action drama film directed by Vetrimaaran. The movie stars Dhanush in the lead role and tells the story of a farmer who fights against a powerful landlord to save his family. Asuran was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was hailed as one of Dhanush’s best performances. You can watch Asuran on Amazon Prime Video. This is one of the best tamil movies to watch online.
- Cast: Dhanush, Manju Warrier, Ken Karunas, Teejay Arunasalam, Prakash Raj
- Release Date: 4 October 2019
- Duration: 140 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Drama
- Director: Thiagarajan Kumarrraja
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
4) Vada Chennai
Vada Chennai is a Tamil crime drama film directed by Vetrimaaran. The movie stars Dhanush in the lead role and tells the story of a young man who becomes involved in the world of crime. Vada Chennai was praised for its realistic portrayal of the underbelly of Chennai. You can watch Vada Chennai on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Dhanush, Andrea Jeremiah, Aishwarya Rajesh, Kishore, Daniel Balaji
- Release Date: 17 October 2018
- Duration: 164 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Crime
- Director: Vetrimaaran
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
5) Pariyerum Perumal
Pariyerum Perumal is a Tamil drama film directed by Mari Selvaraj. The movie tells the story of a young Dalit boy who faces discrimination and casteism in his village. Pariyerum Perumal was praised for its bold storytelling and strong performances. You can watch Pariyerum Perumal on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Anandhi, Kathir, Yogi Babu, Lijeesh, Shanmugarajan
- Release Date: 28 September 2018
- Duration: 154 Minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Mari Selvaraj
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
6) Soorarai Pottru
Soorarai Pottru is a Tamil biographical drama film directed by Sudha Kongara. The movie stars Suriya in the lead role and tells the story of a man who dreams of starting an airline in India. Soorarai Pottru was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its inspiring story and powerful performances. You can watch Soorarai Pottru on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Suriya, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
- Release Date: 12 November 2020
- Duration: 154 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Drama
- Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
7) Joker
Joker is a Tamil political satire film directed by Raju Murugan. The movie stars Guru Somasundaram in the lead role and tells the story of a man who becomes a political figurehead after a video of him goes viral. Joker was praised for its bold and satirical take on politics. You can watch Joker on Netflix.
- Cast: Guru Somasundaram, Ramya Pandian, Gayathri
- Release Date: 12 August 2016
- Duration: 154 Minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Raju Murugan
- Where to Watch: Netflix
8) 96
96 is a Tamil romantic drama film directed by C. Prem Kumar. The movie stars Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles and tells the story of two high school sweethearts who reunite after 22 years. 96 was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its emotional storytelling and great performances. You can watch 96 on Netflix.
- Cast: Trisha Krishnan, Vijay Sethupathi, Varsha Bollamma
- Release Date: 4 October 2018
- Duration: 158 Minutes
- Genre: Romance/Drama
- Director: C. Prem Kumar
- Where to Watch: Netflix
9) Master
Master is an action-thriller movie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles. The film follows the story of a professor who takes up a teaching job at a juvenile correctional school, only to find himself in a battle with a gangster. The film was released on Amazon Prime Video and received positive reviews.
- Cast: Thalapathy Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi, Arjun Das, Andrea Jeremiah
- Release Date: 13 January 2021
- Duration: 179 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
10) Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal
Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal is a Tamil romantic heist comedy film directed by Desingh Periyasamy. The movie stars Dulquer Salmaan and Ritu Varma in the lead roles and tells the story of two con artists who fall in love while on a heist spree. Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal was praised for its light-hearted storyline and great performances. You can watch Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal on Netflix.
- Cast: Ritu Varma, Rakshan, Niranjani Agathiyan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mohit Raina
- Release Date: 28 February 2020
- Duration: 160 Minutes
- Genre: Romance/Thriller
- Director: Desingh Periyasamy
- Where to Watch: Netflix
11) Irudhi Suttru
Irudhi Suttru is a sports drama film directed by Sudha Kongara. The movie stars R. Madhavan and Ritika Singh in the lead roles and tells the story of a washed-out boxer who trains a young woman to become a champion. Irudhi Suttru was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its realistic portrayal of the world of boxing. You can watch Irudhi Suttru on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: R. Madhavan, Ritika Singh
- Release Date: 29 January 2016
- Duration: 109 Minutes
- Genre: Sport/Drama
- Director: Sudha Kongara
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
12) Kattradhu Thamizh
Kattradhu Thamizh is a Tamil drama film directed by Ram. The movie stars Jeeva in the lead role and tells the story of a young man who is disillusioned with the world and turns to alcoholism. Kattradhu Thamizh was praised for its bold storytelling and Jeeva’s performance. You can watch Kattradhu Thamizh on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Jiiva, Anjali, Azhagam Perumal, Karunas
- Release Date: 6 October 2007
- Duration: 147 Minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Ram
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
13) Aayirathil Oruvan
Aayirathil Oruvan is a Tamil adventure film directed by Selvaraghavan. The movie stars Karthi, Reemma Sen, and Andrea Jeremiah in the lead roles and tells the story of a group of people who set out on an expedition to find a lost kingdom. Aayirathil Oruvan was praised for its innovative storyline and great performances. You can watch Aayirathil Oruvan on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Karthi, Reema Sen, Andrea Jeremiah, Pratap Pothen
- Release Date: 14 January 2010
- Duration: 154 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: Selvaraghavan
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Also Read- 50 Best Malayalam Movies to Watch
14) Thuppakki
Thuppakki is an action-thriller film directed by AR Murugadoss. The movie stars Vijay and Kajal Aggarwal in the lead roles and tells the story of an army officer who returns home to Mumbai to be with his family and ends up taking on a terrorist group. Thuppakki was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its slick action sequences. You can watch Thuppakki on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Cast: Vijay, Kajal Aggarwal, Vidyut Jammwal, Deepthi Nambiar
- Release Date: 13 November 2012
- Duration: 170 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Director: AR Murugadoss
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
15) Anbe Sivam
Anbe Sivam is a Tamil comedy-drama film directed by Sundar C. The movie stars Kamal Haasan and R. Madhavan in the lead roles and tells the story of two men who meet on a journey and form a bond despite their differences. Anbe Sivam was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its message of humanism and the great performances of Kamal Haasan and R. Madhavan. You can watch Anbe Sivam on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Kamal Haasan, R. Madhavan, Nassar, Kiran Rathod
- Release Date: 15 Januray 2003
- Duration: 160 Minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Sundar C
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
16) Kanaa
Kanaa is a sports drama film directed by Arunraja Kamaraj. The movie stars Aishwarya Rajesh in the lead role and tells the story of a young woman who dreams of becoming a cricketer and how she overcomes obstacles to achieve her goal. Kanaa was praised for its inspirational storyline and great performances. You can watch Kanaa on MX Player.
- Cast: Sathyaraj, Aishwarya Rajesh, Darshan
- Release Date: 21 December 2018
- Duration: 145 Minutes
- Genre: Sport/Drama
- Director: Arunraja Kamaraj
- Where to Watch: MX Player
17) Mersal
Mersal is an action-thriller film directed by Atlee. The movie stars Vijay in triple roles and tells the story of a doctor who sets out to expose corruption in the medical industry. Mersal was well-received by audiences and was praised for its entertainment value and Vijay’s performance. You can watch Mersal on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Cast: Vijay, Sathyaraj, Nithya Menen, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha Ruth Prabhu
- Release Date: 18 October 2017
- Duration: 163 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Romance
- Director: Atlee
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
18) Chekka Chivantha Vaanam
Chekka Chivantha Vaanam is a Tamil crime thriller film directed by Mani Ratnam. The movie stars Arvind Swami, Vijay Sethupathi, and Arun Vijay in the lead roles and tells the story of a power struggle between three brothers for control of a criminal empire. Chekka Chivantha Vaanam was well-received by audiences and was praised for its stylish visuals and great performances. You can watch Chekka Chivantha Vaanam on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy, Jyothika, Aditi Rao Hydari
- Release Date: 27 September 2018
- Duration: 143 Minutes
- Genre: Drama/Crime
- Director: Mani Ratnam
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
19) Jigarthanda
Jigarthanda is a Tamil black comedy-crime film directed by Karthik Subbaraj. The movie stars Siddharth and Bobby Simha in the lead roles and tells the story of a filmmaker who sets out to make a movie about a ruthless gangster. Jigarthanda was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its innovative storytelling and great performances. You can stream Jigarthanda on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Cast: Bobby Simha, Siddharth, Nassar
- Release Date: 1 August 2014
- Duration: 171 Minutes
- Genre: Drama/Crime
- Director: Karthik Subbaraj
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
20) Theri
Theri is a Tamil action-drama film directed by Atlee. The movie stars Vijay in the lead role and tells the story of a police officer who sets out to avenge the death of his wife and daughter. Theri was a commercial success and was praised for its great performances and emotional storyline. You can watch Theri on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Amy Jackson
- Release Date: 14 April 2016
- Duration: 150 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Director: Atlee
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
21) Madras
Madras is a Tamil political drama film directed by Pa. Ranjith. The movie stars Karthi and Catherine Tresa in the lead roles and tells the story of a young man who gets involved in the politics of his locality. Madras was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its realistic portrayal of politics and great performances. You can stream Madras on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Cast: Karthi, Catherine Tresa, Kalaiyarasan
- Release Date: 26 September 2014
- Duration: 148 Minutes
- Genre: Drama/Romance
- Director: Pa. Ranjith
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Also Read- Best Telugu Web Series to Watch on OTT
22) Vikram Vedha
Vikram Vedha is a Tamil action-thriller film directed by Pushkar-Gayathri. The movie stars Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles and tells the story of a police officer who sets out to catch a ruthless gangster. Vikram Vedha was well-received by audiences and was praised for its innovative storytelling and great performances. You can watch Vikram Vedha on ZEE5.
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- Cast: R. Madhavan, Vijay Sethupathi, Shraddha Srinath Vivek Prasanna
- Release Date: 21 July 2017
- Duration: 147 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Crime
- Director: Pushkar-Gayathri
- Where to Watch: ZEE5
23) K.G.F: Chapter 1
K.G.F Chapter 1 is a Kannada-Tamil action film directed by Prashanth Neel. The movie stars Yash in the lead role and tells the story of a young man who rises to become a powerful gangster in the Kolar Gold Fields. K.G.F: Chapter 1 was well-received by audiences and was praised for its stylish visuals and Yash’s performance. You can watch K.G.F: Chapter 1 on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Cast: Yash, Srinidhi Shetty, Anant Nag, Ramachandra Raju
- Release Date: 21 December 2018
- Duration: 155 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Drama
- Director: Prashanth Neel
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
24) Aruvi
Aruvi is a Tamil drama film directed by Arun Prabhu Purushothaman. The movie stars Aditi Balan in the lead role and tells the story of a young woman who is falsely accused of being a terrorist. Aruvi was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its unconventional storytelling and Aditi Balan’s performance. You can watch Aruvi on SonyLIV.
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- Cast: Aditi Balan, Anjali Varadhan, Lakshmi
- Release Date: 15 December 2017
- Duration: 130 Minutes
- Genre: Political Drama
- Director: Arun Prabhu Purushothaman
- Where to Watch: SonyLIV
25) Iraivi
Iraivi is a Tamil drama film directed by Karthik Subbaraj. The movie stars S. J. Surya, Vijay Sethupathi, and Bobby Simha in the lead roles and tells the story of three men and the women in their lives. Iraivi was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was praised for its realistic portrayal of relationships and great performances. You can watch Iraivi on Voot.
- Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha, Pooja Devariya
- Release Date: 3 June 2016
- Duration: 153 Minutes
- Genre: Drama/Romance
- Director: Karthik Subbaraj
- Where to Watch: Voot
26) Irumbu Thirai
Irumbu Thirai is a Tamil action-thriller film directed by P. S. Mithran. The movie stars Vishal and Arjun Sarja in the lead roles and tells the story of a military officer who sets out to catch a hacker who has stolen sensitive information. Irumbu Thirai was well-received by audiences and was praised for its thrilling action sequences and great performances. You can watch Irumbu Thirai on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Anandhi, Kathir, Yogi Babu, Lijeesh, Shanmugarajan
- Release Date: 28 September 2018
- Duration: 154 Minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Mari Selvaraj
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
27) Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum
Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum is a Tamil romantic-comedy film directed by Nalan Kumarasamy. The movie stars Vijay Sethupathi and Madonna Sebastian in the lead roles and tells the story of a jobless youth who falls in love with a radio jockey. Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum was well-received by audiences and was praised for its witty humor and great performances. You can watch Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum on Voot.
- Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Madonna Sebastian
- Release Date: 11 March 2016
- Duration: 136 Minutes
- Genre: Romance/Drama
- Director: Nalan Kumarasamy
- Where to Watch: Voot
28) Mariyan
Mariyan is a Tamil romantic-drama film directed by Bharat Bala. The movie stars Dhanush and Parvathy Thiruvothu in the lead roles and tells the story of a man who is abducted by Sudanese militants and his love for a girl he met in his village. Mariyan was well-received by audiences and was praised for its emotional storyline and great performances. You can watch Mariyan on MX Player.
- Cast: Dhanush, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Jagan, Appukutty
- Release Date: 19 July 2013
- Duration: 154 Minutes
- Genre: Romance/Drama
- Director: Bharat Bala
- Where to Watch: MX Player
Also read- Best Web Series on MX Player
29) Baahubali: The Beginning
Baahubali: The Beginning is a Telugu-Tamil epic action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The movie stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, and Tamannaah in the lead roles and tells the story of two brothers who fight for the throne of the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati. Baahubali: The Beginning was a massive commercial success and was praised for its grand scale and great performances. You can stream Baahubali: The Beginning on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah
- Release Date: 10 July 2015
- Duration: 158 Minutes
- Genre: Action/War
- Director: S. S. Rajamouli
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
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30) Baahubali: The Conclusion
Baahubali: The Conclusion is the sequel to Baahubali: The Beginning and was also directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The movie stars the same cast as the first film and continues the story of the two brothers and their fight for the throne. Baahubali: The Conclusion was even more successful than its predecessor and was praised for its grandeur and great performances. You can watch Baahubali: The Conclusion on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Cast: Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubatti, Nassar
- Release Date: 28 April 2017
- Duration: 171 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: S. S. Rajamouli
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
31) Enthiran
Enthiran is a Tamil science-fiction film directed by S. Shankar. The movie stars Rajinikanth in the lead roles and tells the story of a scientist who creates an android robot that develops human emotions. Enthiran was a commercial success and was praised for its innovative storyline and Rajinikanth’s performance. You can watch Enthiran on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Danny Denzongpa
- Release Date: 1 October 2010
- Duration: 177 Minutes
- Genre: Action/Drama
- Director: S. Shankar
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
32) Kavan
Kavan is a Tamil social thriller film directed by K. V. Anand. The movie stars Vijay Sethupathi and Madonna Sebastian in the lead roles and tells the story of a young journalist who exposes corrupt politicians and their nexus with a media conglomerate. Kavan was well-received by audiences and was praised for its hard-hitting social message and great performances. You can watch Kavan on MX Player.
- Cast: Madonna Sebastian, Vijay Sethupathi, Rajendar
- Release Date: 31 March 2017
- Duration: 160 Minutes
- Genre: Thriller/Romance
- Director: K. V. Anand
- Where to Watch: MX Player
33) Aandavan Kattalai
Aandavan Kattalai is a Tamil comedy-drama film directed by M. Manikandan. The movie stars Vijay Sethupathi and Ritika Singh in the lead roles and tells the story of a young man who is forced to go to a foreign country to earn money for his sister’s wedding. Aandavan Kattalai was well-received by audiences and was praised for its great performances and heartwarming storyline. You can watch Aandavan Kattalai on Amazon Prime Video.
- Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Nassar, Yogi Babu, Pooja Devariya
- Release Date: 23 September 2016
- Duration: 150 Minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Director: M. Manikandan
- Where to Watch: MX Player
In conclusion, Tamil cinema is a diverse and vibrant industry that has produced many exceptional films over the years. The 33 movies listed above represent some of the finest examples of Tamil cinema, spanning different genres, time periods, and themes. Whether you are a fan of action-packed blockbusters or thought-provoking dramas, there is something for everyone on this list. Each movie showcases the unique talents of its cast and crew, capturing the essence of Tamil culture and society in its own way. If you are looking to explore the world of Tamil cinema, these must-watch movies provide an excellent starting point.