Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies Every Fan Must Watch
When it comes to Indian cinema, Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies lists are always in demand. Rajinikanth — fondly called “Thalaivar” — is not just an actor but a cultural icon. His journey from a bus conductor to one of Asia’s highest‑paid stars is legendary. Over four decades, he has delivered films that combine style, charisma, and unforgettable storytelling. In this guide, we rank the Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies that every fan should watch, blending mass action with emotional depth and timeless music.
Rajinikanth Essentials (Quick Table) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
No. | Movie Title | Year | Director | Genres |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jailer | 2023 | Nelson Dilipkumar | Action, Comedy |
2 | Kabali | 2016 | Pa. Ranjith | Action, Drama |
3 | Enthiran | 2010 | S. Shankar | Sci‑Fi, Action |
4 | Sivaji: The Boss | 2007 | S. Shankar | Action, Drama |
5 | Padayappa | 1999 | K. S. Ravikumar | Action, Drama |
6 | Baasha | 1995 | Suresh Krissna | Action, Drama |
7 | Annamalai | 1992 | Suresh Krissna | Drama, Family |
8 | Thalapathi | 1991 | Mani Ratnam | Drama, Action |
9 | Mullum Malarum | 1978 | J. Mahendran | Drama, Romance |
10 | Bairavi | 1978 | M. Bhaskar | Drama, Action |
1. Jailer (2023) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: Nelson Dilipkumar
Cast: Rajinikanth, Vinayakan, Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah Bhatia
Genre: Action, Comedy
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Jailer on ICMB.in
Synopsis: A retired jailer is forced back into the shadows when his family is threatened. Jailer balances dark humour with brutal action, giving Rajini room for swagger and subtlety.
Why Watch? Anirudh’s viral tracks, Vinayakan’s terrifying antagonist, and Nelson’s playful tone make this a modern fan favourite.
2. Kabali (2016) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: Pa. Ranjith
Cast: Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte, Winston Chao
Genre: Action, Drama
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Kabali on ICMB.in
Synopsis: Set in Malaysia, an aging don fights for the dignity of migrant Tamils while searching for a lost past. It’s a gangster film with a heart.
Why Watch? Salt‑and‑pepper Rajini, social themes, and a soulful emotional core set this apart.
3. Enthiran (2010) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: S. Shankar
Cast: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Danny Denzongpa
Genre: Sci‑Fi, Action
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Enthiran on ICMB.in
Synopsis: A scientist builds an android that learns to feel, with mind‑bending consequences. A watershed for Indian VFX and scale.
Why Watch? Dual roles, audacious set pieces, and Rahman’s music deliver pure spectacle.
4. Sivaji: The Boss (2007) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: S. Shankar
Cast: Rajinikanth, Shriya Saran, Suman
Genre: Action, Drama
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Sivaji: The Boss on ICMB.in
Synopsis: An NRI battles systemic corruption to build schools and hospitals. A glossy, crowd‑pleasing mix of romance, comedy, and reformist zeal.
Why Watch? “Mottai Boss” makeover, Rahman’s bangers, and Shankar’s colourful frames — endlessly rewatchable.
5. Padayappa (1999) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: K. S. Ravikumar
Cast: Rajinikanth, Ramya Krishnan, Soundarya
Genre: Action, Drama
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Padayappa on ICMB.in
Synopsis: A proud engineer locks horns with the formidable Neelambari. Family honour, romance, and revenge collide in a lavish spectacle.
Why Watch? Ramya Krishnan’s iconic antagonist and Rajini’s style deliver peak 90s mass cinema.
6. Baasha (1995) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: Suresh Krissna
Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagma, Raghuvaran
Genre: Action, Drama
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Baasha on ICMB.in
Synopsis: A humble auto driver hides a fearsome past. When pushed, the legend resurfaces — and the theatre erupts.
Why Watch? The “Baasha mode” reveal remains one of Tamil cinema’s most electric moments.
7. Annamalai (1992) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: Suresh Krissna
Cast: Rajinikanth, Khushbu, Sarath Babu
Genre: Drama, Family
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Annamalai on ICMB.in
Synopsis: Friendship turns into rivalry, triggering a rags‑to‑riches transformation built on grit and self‑respect.
Why Watch? Evergreen songs, cathartic drama, and a classic Rajini rise‑and‑roar arc.
8. Thalapathi (1991) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: Mani Ratnam
Cast: Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Shobana
Genre: Drama, Action
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Thalapathi on ICMB.in
Synopsis: A modern retelling of Karna–Duryodhana set in the underworld. Loyalty, fate, and sacrifice framed by Ratnam’s poetic realism.
Why Watch? Ilaiyaraaja’s timeless score and Santosh Sivan’s images make it an all‑timer.
9. Mullum Malarum (1978) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: J. Mahendran
Cast: Rajinikanth, Shoba, Sarath Babu
Genre: Drama, Romance
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Mullum Malarum on ICMB.in
Synopsis: Kali, a prideful winch operator, is forced to reckon with love, loss, and forgiveness in a tender rural drama.
Why Watch? Naturalistic Rajini, Ilaiyaraaja’s soul, and Mahendran’s minimalism — a masterpiece of restraint.
10. Bairavi (1978) – Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
Director: M. Bhaskar
Cast: Rajinikanth, Sripriya, Geetha
Genre: Drama, Action
Watch on: TBA – 🔗 Check Bairavi on ICMB.in
Synopsis: A revenge saga that announced the arrival of the “Superstar”. Raw intensity, big emotions, and a template for future mass roles.
Why Watch? The origin point of the Rajini phenomenon — cinema history right here.
Rajinikanth’s Cinematic Impact – Beyond the Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies
While this list highlights the Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies, it’s impossible to overlook his broader influence on Indian cinema. From introducing new narrative styles to setting trends in fashion and music, Rajini’s films have shaped how audiences experience the big screen. His signature walk, punch dialogues, and magnetic presence have transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, earning him a global fan base. Whether it’s through socially relevant roles or pure entertainment, Rajinikanth’s legacy continues to inspire both filmmakers and fans worldwide.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies above capture everything fans adore about the Superstar — style, substance, and that stadium-level euphoria only he can deliver. From the seismic highs of Baasha to the tender artistry of Mullum Malarum, these films are more than just milestones in Tamil cinema; they are cultural touchstones that have shaped generations of moviegoers. Each title reflects a different facet of Thalaivar’s charisma — the mass hero, the nuanced performer, and the larger-than-life icon — ensuring his legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences across decades.
Source: Rajinikanth – Wikipedia