Superstar Rajinikanth is not just any superstar; he is the Thalaiva who leads the Tamil movie industry, transcending generations, languages, and cinematic boundaries. His mass entertainment movies redefined both the Bollywood and South box-office records. Rajinikanth’s best movie is a title of iconic status, characterized by a charismatic style and huge influence in Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil films, spanning over five decades.
The Stardom Years Of Rajinikanth
1975–1977 | Early Career and Anti-Hero Phase
Rajinikanth made his acting debut in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), primarily portraying negative and morally gray characters. During this phase, his unconventional screen presence, expressive body language, and intense performances stood out, even in supporting roles, marking him as a talent distinct from traditional heroes.
1978–1989 | Experimentation and Breakthrough Years
The late 1970s and 1980s saw Rajinikanth’s best movie transitions into lead roles, experimenting across genres including action, drama, romance, and fantasy. Films like Billa (1980), Murattu Kaalai (1980), Moondru Mudichu, and Thalapathi (1991- shot earlier phase influence) helped establish his “mass hero” image.
1990–2010 | Peak Stardom and Cultural Phenomenon
This period cemented Rajinikanth as an undisputed superstar. Rajinikanth’s best movies, such as Baasha (1995), Padayappa (1999), Muthu (1995), Sivaji (2007), and Enthiran (2010), transformed him into a pan-Indian icon. His films became festival events, his dialogues entered pop culture, and his fan following evolved into a cult phenomenon, redefining stardom in Indian cinema.
In this blog, we curated Rajinikanth’s best movies that turned him into Thalaiva and inspired fandom across South India and beyond.
Rajinikanth’s Best Movies Listed Here
1. Sivaji (2007)
Director: S. Shankar
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Shriya Saran, Suman
A rich software architect returns to India to reform the welfare and serve the nation; he encounters pervasive political corruption, and he fights back to serve the poor people. One of Rajinikanth’s best movies for a new generation was cemented with this stylish, sarcastic, and socially charged picture that transformed vigilante justice into a popular spectacle.
Explore more Tamil action classics from the 80’s, here!
2. Enthiran (2010)
Director: S. Shankar
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Danny Denzongpa
A brilliant scientist builds a humanoid robot to save humanity; for better serving, the robot is programed with human emotions and experiences. It is when internal conflict takes place, and things go wrong. The robot tries to conquer its human love and destroys anyone who comes in its way of success, creates its own world of robots, and things get out of hand.
3. Lingaa (2014)
Director: K.S. Ravikumar
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Anushka Shetty, Sonakshi Sinha
A cunning thief, Lingaa, is drawn into the conflict when he learns he is the descendant of Raja Lingeswaran, the noble freedom fighter who built the dam against British oppression. As buried truths about sacrifice and legacy surface, Lingaa abandons self-interest to protect the dam and expose corruption.
4. Kabali (2016)
Director: Pa. Ranjith
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Winston Chao, Radhika Apte
Gangster Kabaleeswaran, alias Kabali, gets released from jail after serving 25 years on a bogus accusation. Kabali unearths long-forgotten betrayals, faces former foes, and discovers that both his wife and daughter are still alive as he regains dominance of the underworld. After being reunited with his family, he takes serious action against the people who ruined his life and destroys the criminal organization that set him up.
5. 2.0 (2018)
Director: S. Shankar
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson
Dr. Vaseegaran reactivates Chitti, the robot, when all cell phones across the city turn violent, forming a bird-like force driven by the vengeful aura of Pakshi Rajan, an ornithologist who died protesting mobile radiation against harming birds. Reprogrammed to protect humans, Chitti and his micro-robots ultimately destroy Pakshi’s energy, prompting the government to regulate radiation.
6. Petta (2019)
Director: Karthik Subbaraj
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
A notorious politician and his criminal son target a hostel warden, but they are unaware that they should be afraid of him.
7. Annaatthe (2021)
Director: Siva
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Keerthy Suresh, Nayanthara
Without Kaaliyan’s consent, her sister marries a young guy and relocates to Kolkata with her spouse, where she encounters unidentified dangers. Her brother Kaaliyan quickly steps in to save the day.
This movie is available in the Telugu language as Peddanna, apopular one among Rajinikanth’s latest movies in Telugu.
8. Jailer (2023)
Director: Nelson Dilipkumar
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar
To find the people who killed his son, a former jailer embarks on a quest. However, the journey takes him to a somewhat darker but familiar location. Can he effectively get out of this complicated situation? This movie is all about that.
9. Vettaiyan (2024)
Director: T.J. Gnanavel
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil
A suspect culprit was thought to have been responsible for the violent rape and killing of teacher Saranya, but he was forced to review the case after discovering that the guy was innocent. The inquiry reveals a pervasive education fraud orchestrated by Nat Academy head Natraj Shanmugam, with police corruption and evidence manipulation resulting in Saranya’s demise and informant Patrick’s murder.
10. Coolie (2025)
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Star Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir
One of Rajinikanth’s latest movies, starts with a gritty, action-packed story. The narrative explores a man’s unrelenting, lifelong pursuit of vengeance, which was influenced by the atrocities he experienced as a young man. His path through violence, sacrifice, and moral struggle reveals how retribution becomes the very force that defines his existence as the past and present clash.
Are you a Telugu movie fan? Know about the latest Telugu movies of 2025!
Where to Watch?
Tighten your seats with your sofa, as you can stream all Rajinikanth’s best movies in one place, DHOOMDB. It’s your go-to platform where you can watch movies, available on YouTube.
Check outnow and experience the magic of Thalaiva like never before, because legends are meant to be watched, celebrated, and revisited.
Also, check out the 90s’ best Telugu action movies here!
