Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now

The Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime are here to entertain and delight us in every way possible. From intriguing thrillers like Thuparivaalan to splendid dramas like Nayakan and Asuran, and entertaining commercial movies like Bigil and Darbar, the wide variety of Tamil movies that are available on this streaming giant is both amazing and satisfying. So, to avoid the time-taking activity on deciding what to watch, we decided to curate and gather a list of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime which you shouldn’t miss watching.

Last Updated on January 04, 2023

Related: Best Tamil Movies on Netflix
Related: Best Malayalam Movies on Netflix

[Ranked in no particular order]

34. Saani Kaayidham

Starring – Keerthy Suresh & Selvaraghavan
Director – Arun Matheswaran
Genre – Crime

Preview Only: A generational curse comes true when Ponni and her family face a senseless act of injustice. She and her brother Sangaiah decide to seek justice. Saani Kaayidham stars Keerthy Suresh and Selvaraghavan in the lead roles with Arun Matheswaran in the director’s chair.

33. Vaanam Kottattum

Starring – Vikram Prabhu, Aishwarya Rajesh
Director – Dhana Sekaran
Genre – Drama

[This excerpt comes from Sidd’s ‘Vaanam Kottattum’ Review]

When you have a simple, archetypal plot to work with for a film, how do you make it better? Dhana Sekaran’s Vaanam Kottattum (2020) is a guideline on how to elevate an age-old script. The film revolves around a family of four. A father serving time for a crime he committed, a mother who takes over the duties of a breadwinner in his absence and their two children. Vaanam Kottattum showcases the struggles of a family as they overcome their personal trials and tribulations individually and together as a unit.

32. Vellai Pookal

Starring – Vivek
Director – Vivek Elangovan
Genre – Crime / Thriller

Vellai Pookal starring Kollywood’s well-known character artist Vivek in the lead role deals with an interesting plot and revolves around a 57-year-old cop, Rudhran (Vivek). Despite having a few similarities with regard to the overall setting, this movie makes an impression with multiple refreshing aspects like the performances, the unique style of editing, splendid cinematography embraced with vivid visuals and the well-written screenplay. Vivek as the primary lead of the film carries the narrative in its entirety and makes it an interesting watch. – Surya Komal

31. Pithamagan

Starring -Vikram, Suriya
Director – Bala
Genre – Drama

[This movie is also feat. in our ‘Best Movies of Vikram’ list]

An orphan raised in a graveyard leaves it for the outside world and meets people, where he leads a turbulent life trying to readjust to society. Bala’s Pithamagan (2003) continues his beloved pattern of misfits and society. He brings out the best in both of his protagonists and this dark crime film is cleverly multi-layered and has a social message to take home. One of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime. – Siddharthen

30. Mouna Ragam

Starring – Mohan, Revathi & Karthik
Director – Mouna Ragam
Genre – Drama

[This movie is also feat. in our ‘Best Movies of Mani Ratnam’ list]

Celebrated as one of the finest romance dramas ever, inward clashes of the lead woman’s powerlessness to grapple with her past and make her current existence with her better half hopeless for them two. What makes Mouna Ragam a commendable show-stopper is Mani Ratnam’s unmistakable introduction aptitudes, PC Sreeram’s wonderful camera work, and rich otherworldly scores of Ilaiyaraaja. The film is as yet pertinent during circumstances such as the present, and it likewise filled in as a motivation to numerous other hit films. – Nirmal Raj

29. Michael Madana Kama Rajan

Starring – Kamal Haasan, Rupini
Director – Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
Genre – Comedy

Michael Madana Kama Rajan, a story of quadruplets separates at birth, only to find their way to each other through a series of comical events. Kamal Haasan plays all four main characters, making them exceptionally different in the way they look, their accent, body language, and expressions. One of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime, the script for the movie is crisp and moves at an even pace. It is rare to see a star-studded film with so many quirky characters working together perfectly to accentuate the hilarity of the cinematic stipulations and the comic connotations of the dialogues. – Siddharthen

28. Manmadhan

Starring – Silambarasan, Jyothika
Directors – Silambarasan, A J Murugan
Genre – Romantic-Thriller

In Manmadhan, Silambarasan plays an anti-hero, kidnapping and killing immoral women. Playing a character on the same lines as Kamal Haasan’s Sivappu Rojakkal and Pratap Pothen’s Moodupani, Manmadhan is impressive in its pace, narration, and storytelling skills. The bloody tale manages to maintain its suspense until the end and keep the audience captivated. Technically sound film with the right amount of everything, Manmadhan is thoroughly entertaining. – Siddharthen

27. Dhruvangal 16

Starring – Rahman
Director – Karthick Naren
Genre – Neo-noir Crime Thriller

This indie film is daring and slick. The strength of the film lies in its plot. Just like the tagline of the film, ‘Every detail count.’ No character is put to waste, everyone has a part to play and how the mystery unravels is a treat to watch. Karthick Naren’s debut mystery thriller, Dhruvangal 16 is a superbly executed whodunit. – Siddharthen

26. Annamalai

Starring – Rajinikanth, Sarath Babu
Director – Suresh Krissna
Genre – Action-Drama

A poor milkman challenges his Best Friend turned enemy that he will become a more successful businessman than him. Annamalai was a massive hit, and it catapulted Rajini further into the realms of Super Stardom. The movie explored rags to riches story, love, and sentiments, and class-divided friendship. Most of the dialogues written for Rajini were absolute gold, and Tamilians worldwide at some point in their life have uttered a dialogue from Annamalai. One of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime. – Siddharthen

25. Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru

Starring – Karthi & Rakul Preet Singh
Director – H. Vinoth
Genre – Action-Thriller

[This movie is also featured in the ‘Best Movies of Rakul Preet’ list]

One of the best action-thrillers in the recent past, Theeran explores the real-life story of Theeran Thirumaran as he joins the quest of capturing one of the most notorious gangster squads who are specialized in looting and murdering their victims. With a compelling story, remarkably written screenplay, and exceptional performances from the cast, especially from Karthi, Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru puts you on the edge-of-your-seat the entire time and is a must-watch on any given day. One of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime. -Surya Komal

24. Kadaikutty Singam

Starring – Karthi & Sayyeshaa
Director – Pandiraj
Genre – Drama

Director Pandiraj’s films have always been entertaining and commercially successful ones. With Kadaikutty Singam, he delivered an ideal movie to spend any weekend, a movie that has nothing to offer yet doesn’t bore us in any way. The director cleverly structured the screenplay of the film and added a social message about the significance of agriculture. – Nirmal Raj

23. OK Kanmani

Starring – Dulquer Salmaan & Nitya Menen
Director – Mani Ratnam
Genre – Romance

OK Kanmani, directed by Mani Ratnam takes place in Mumbai and after an interesting first encounter, Adi and Tara become friends in a flash, as they find out that they share the same thoughts and opinions about marriage and several little things. And the remainder of the film showcases if the couple endures and carry through their relationship in love. On the whole, OK Kanmani is a light-hearted movie filled with happy moments. Watch it for the incredible camera work, euphonious, and the appealing cast. – Surya Komal

22. Gentleman

Starring – Arjun, Madhubala
Director – Shankar
Genre – Action

Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime: Gentleman marks the debut of India’s grandeur filmmaker Shankar, a clean commercial entertainer with social awareness as the primary ISP. The narrative details the memoirs of two thieves living the life of a gentleman in a Brahmin identity. And the remainder of the film explores why they attempted a robbery, which changes both their lives.

After Gentleman, quite a few movies followed equivalent templates of putting forth a social issue, and the protagonist taking government in his own hands for justice and packaging it for all audiences. Not only the story but even Goundamani-Senthil’s comedy track and A. R. Rahman’s music remains as classics to date. A must-watch and one of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime. – Sanjay Sethuganesh

21. Kadhalan

Starring – Prabhudeva & Nagma
Director – Shankar
Genre – Romance

After delivering a blockbuster with Gentleman, director Shankar hits it out of the park yet again with Kadhalan starring Prabhudeva and Nagma in the lead roles. The storyline explores a winsome relationship between a middle-class guy, and the daughter of a criminal minded governor as the remainder of the film details how they triumph over all their obstacles. Kadhalan is a winner through and through and one of the biggest hit back in the 90s. – Sanjay Sethuganesh

20. Roja

Starring – Aravind Swamy & Madhoo
Director – Mani Ratnam
Genre – Romantic Thriller

Roja tells the story of how a regular housewife – Roja (Madhoo) tries to find her husband Rishi (a RAW agent for India) [Aravind Swamy], after being kidnapped by a terrorist group in Jammu. Mani Ratnam’s filmmaking style, the emotional drama alongside the patriotism started with Roja. Also, the fresh and soulful music garnered tremendous attention for the debut music director A. R. Rahman as he won a National Award along with Vairamuthu for his lyrics. One of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime. – Sanjay Sethuganesh

19. Bombay

Starring – Aravind Swamy & Manisha Koirala
Director – Mani Ratnam
Genre – Romantic Drama

Following Roja, Mani Ratnam follows with yet another movie based on patriotism and a national issue in Bombay. Starring Aravind Swamy and Manisha Koirala in the lead roles, Bombay explores a very sensitive story of how a Hindu boy and a Muslim girl fall for each other despite resistance from their religiously strong families.

As the director steadily builds the relationship between the lead pair, we get emotionally attached to the characters and feel their pain as they get affected by multiple religious issues. And as usual, the effective combo of Mani Ratnam, Rahman, and Vairamuthu deliver a chartbuster album. – Sanjay Sethuganesh

18. Aruvi

Starring – Aditi Balan
Director – Arun Prabhu
Genre – Sociopolitical Drama

Starting off the list of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime is Aruvi. Tamil Cinema never fails to amaze us with quality movies that have strong content, now and then. Aruvi is one such film. It showcases the life of Aruvi, a woman in her mid 20’s. Her happy-go-lucky life takes an unexpected turn and what she has to go through, how society treats her because of an unforeseen event that forms the story of the movie.

Aruvi is sure to leave a strong impact on everyone and will linger in our minds for a long time. This is one such movie that made me use a tissue paper. With a stand-out script backed by remarkable acting job from the cast, nonlinear cinematography, in sync bgm; Arun Prabhu Purushothaman delivered the best film of 2017, and is one of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime. – Nirmal Raj

17. Imaikkaa Nodigal

Starring – Nayanthara, Anurag Kashyap
Director – R. Ajay Gnanmuthu
Genre – Thriller

Looks like bringing uniqueness and class to her every movie has become a usual thing for the Lady Superstar. After the grand success of ‘Kolamavu Kokila,’ Nayanthara strikes once again with Imaikkaa Nodigal, a thriller film written and directed by the innovative R. Ajay Gnanmuthu.

The potboiler can be interpreted as a brutal cat and mouse game between a CBI Officer Anjali (Nayanthara) and a psycho serial killer on the loose, Rudra (Anurag Kashyap) where each character is introduced with a sound backstory and is given adequate prominence throughout, including the most expected cameo of Vijay Sethupathi. If there is something you don’t wanna miss, its definitely Imaikka Nodigal. No talk necessary. – Nikitha Kashyap

16. Kaala

Starring – Rajinikanth & Nana Patekar
Director – Pa. Ranjith
Genre – Action / Drama

Right off the bat, I like Kaala (2018) and I can appreciate the amount of thought that went into it. It’s a huge feat for any director to not cater to what the people want to see (Bouts of Rajinism). However, director Pa. Ranjith made sure he had his share of control on how the movie should flow. And it is one of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime.

While the inner workings of the film are built on the contrast between the protagonist and the antagonist, the film itself is two opposing forces of Ranjith’s political viewpoint of caste struggle and the macho, swaggalicious trappings of a Rajinikanth Narrative working together. A damn sight better than their last vehicle. – Siddharthen

15. Theri

Starring – Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Director – Atlee Kumar
Genre – Action

Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime: Directed by Atlee Kumar, Vijay as Vijay Kumar IPS packs a punch as Deputy Commissioner of Chennai City. He scores with his body language, dialogue delivery, and a couple of mass scenes. But, as the drawback, he looked short of expressions in melodramatic scenes. Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson were used just like any other female leads would be used for a commercial entertainer. Nainika, daughter of actress Meena was very cute and adorable with her facial expressions.

14. Kabali

Starring – Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte
Director – Pa. Ranjith
Genre – Action

Kabali revolves around an aging Don who’s released from prison after 25 years to battle his nemesis, a drug lord. I felt that the movie could have been given more attention, plot-wise and the details surrounding it. It was a slow-burner of a movie at some parts and in others, it was too rushed. However, being a fan of Rajinikanth myself, this is one of those films I watched just to see him. The film stars Radhika Apte as the female lead. – Siddharthen

13. Pariyerum Perumal

Starring – Kathir, Anandhi
Director – Mari Selvaraj
Genre – Drama

Pariyerum Perumal (2018), directed by Mari Selvaraj and produced by Pa. Ranjith, goes straight for the jugular in this film about anti-caste. The first ten minutes of the film is arguably one of the best opening scenes in 2018 Tamil cinema. Karuppi, the protagonist’s dog is killed by members of another caste and this serves as a tipping point for the film to take off. The director has conscientiously filled up each scene carefully giving the viewers the chance to look at how things are from the perspective of a lower-caste individual.

[Watch ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ on Amazon Prime here]

Therefore, we find ourselves attached to the protagonist from the get-go, taking part in his shame, beatings and happy moments. While Karuppi, might have only lasted 10 minutes in the film, she is the very fulcrum of which the film is placed. A metaphor for the prevalent class and caste oppressions that still occur in India, Pariyerum Perumal attempts to answer its own question with the climax scene. One of the more important works and one of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime in recent times, Pariyerum Perumal is a scream. – Siddharthen

12. Kannathil Muthamittal

Starring – P. S. Keerthana, R. Madhavan
Director – Mani Ratnam
Genre – Drama

Next on the list of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime, Kannathil Muthamittal is director Mani Ratnam’s take on peace, love, and friendship with a hard-hitting story of a Sri Lankan refugee girl – Amudha (P. S. Keerthana) adopted by a Tamil writer Indira (R. Madhavan) and the remainder of the story details whether the girl finds her biological mother or not.

Following Roja and Bombay, Mani Ratnam takes a sensible subject of the Sri Lankan war and blends in the drama at the right chord. Holding a record of winning six National Awards Kannathil Muthamittal exhibits its technical grandeur.

The melodious number ‘Vellai Pookal’ at the opening and the end convey the mood of the narrative flawlessly to the audience and the authenticity pitched in by performers like Madhavan, Simran, Nandita Das, Pasupathy, P. S. Keerthana, and Prakash Raj breezes us into their world. This steady and slow emotional drama is a must-watch and shouldn’t be missed on any given day. One of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime. – Sanjay Sethuganesh

[Ranked in no particular order]

11. Alaipayuthey

Starring – R. Madhavan & Shalini
Director – Mani Ratnam
Genre – Romance

Alaipayuthey is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and maternal life that showcased a more vivid take on relationships and that its not all easy in a couple’s life. The film went on to become a tremendous hit in multiple languages and is embraced and commended by millions of film admirers around the nation. The soulful music by A. R. Rahman still stands the test of time as this 137-minute classic from Mani Ratnam is a rollercoaster ride of sincere emotions from start to finish. – Surya Komal

10. Peranbu

Starring – Mammootty
Director – Ram
Genre – Drama

[This movie is also featured in our ‘Best Indian Movies on Amazon’ list]

Arguably one of the finest films ever to be made in Tamil Cinema, Peranbu (2018) is an intense and touching study of the relationship between a father and his Cerebral Palsy afflicted daughter. Arguably the best entry on this Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime list.

Peranbu leaves you thinking about the way that the sexual needs of women are perceived as well as the social stigma that is associated with them during their menstrual period. It also provokes your notions of individuals with mental or physical disabilities and how they are ostracised because of the way they are. Just like the saying, It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for’, for all of Tamil cinema’s obsession with masala films and hero-worship; Peranbu is a breath of fresh air and the result of the industry’s progress. – Siddharthen

9. Nayakan

Starring – Kamal Haasan
Director – Mani Ratnam
Genre – Gangster

Based on a real-life don, Nayakan (1987) is a superb Godfather-inspired crime film situated in the slums of Bombay. One of the best to do it, Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of Velu Naicker is legendary and no one can top that performance. This is one of those films that did everything right and there isn’t anything to pinpoint and criticize. Timeless, one the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime, and a true classic, Nayakan will blow you away no matter how many times you watch it. – Siddharthen

8. Thiruda Thiruda

Starring – Prashanth, Anand
Director – Mani Ratnam
Genre – Caper

Co-written with Ram Gopal Varma, Thiruda Thiruda might be the most commercial movie directed by Mani Ratnam to date. As the title denotes it’s a story about how two local thieves get involved in a criminal network that has stolen freshly printed RBI currency and whether the government finds it is the rest of the movie.

The young lead actors Prashanth, Anand, Heera Rajagopal, and Anu Agarwal bring all the energy to the storyline, and the sensibly handled romantic angle gives a nice little touch to this entertaining thriller. The hindrance of the melodious songs by Rahman and some unbelievable fight sequences makes this money heist film a worthy watch. – Sanjay Sethuganesh

7. Thalapathi

Starring – Rajinikanth & Mammootty
Director – Mani Ratnam
Genre – Crime / Drama

Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime: One of Mani Ratnam’s two legendary films that brought out the best of everybody involved. Thalapathi (1991) marks the collaboration between master story-teller Mani Ratnam and Demigod, Rajinikanth. Adopting the story from the Hindu epic, Mahabharatha, the movie revolves around the friendship between Surya (Rajinikanth) and Deva (Mammootty). Depicting the friendship between the mythical Karna and Duryodhana and the events that surround them is the crux of the film.

A tight script that’s written around the protagonist, Thalapathi is a phenomenal experience. If you know your Mahabharatha, Thalapathi is scintillating. One of those movies, where I can honestly say watching the movie is just as good as reading the book. – Siddharthen

6. Karnan

Starring – Dhanush, Lal, Rajisha Vijayan
Director – Mari Selvaraj
Genre – Drama

Karnan tells the story of a courageous guy, who must struggle and fight for the rights of the conservative people of his hometown due to the cruelty shown by a police officer. Right from the start, Director Mari Selvaraj uses the power of visuals and metaphors to his benefit, which drives the film. Backed by some fantastic performances from Dhanush, this film is a raging cry of the voiceless, desirous to be heard. Without a doubt, one of the Best Tamil Movies of 2021. – Nirmal Raj

5. Uriyadi

Starring – Mime Gopi, Citizen Sivakumar
Director – Vijay Kumar
Genre – Political / Thriller

Preview Only: The lives of four single men, who lead carefree lives take a transform when they are drawn into a political battle. However, over the long haul, they wind up finding their shared interconnections. One of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime.

4. Soorarai Pottru

Starring – Suriya & Aparna Balamurali
Director – Sudha Kongra
Genre – Biopic

Soorarai Pottru, directed by Sudha Kongra explores the story of Maara, a small-town guy who dreams of starting an airline company, but, he must overcome several difficulties to be victorious in his quest. Elevated by a high-quality technical team, commendable performances, and thorough writing, Sudha Kongra delivers one of the Best Tamil Movies of 2020, and without a doubt, one of the Best Films in Surya’s career. – Nirmal Raj

3. Asuran

Starring – Dhanush & Manju Warrier
Director – Vetrimaaran
Genre – Drama

Asuran can be pretty much summed up as ‘the rise of the oppressed.’ The story basically deals with Sivasami a lower caste farmer tolerating all the oppression and abuses put forward by the upper caste only to avenge them later when the oppression goes beyond threshold limits. The screenplay and direction is too engaging and racy in the first half but drags up in the second half when Sivasami narrates his flashback.

Following the list of progressive directors like Pa Ranjith and Mari Selvaraj, Vetri Maaran had done justice in portraying the dark and brutal realities of our society which many people still fail to acknowledge. One of the Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime. â€“ Bharath Chandrashekhar

2. Pudhupettai

Starring – Dhanush, Sneha
Director – Selvaraghavan
Genre – Gangster

Selvaraghavan’s Pudhupettai is a glorious Neo-noir gangster drama. In its way, there’s nothing quite like it. The story of a boy who grows up to be a feared Crime lord, Dhanush made Kokki Kumar a household name. From the opening scenes of the film, the audience is treated to a grimy, dirty version of the slum life and how crass the atmosphere of the film is going to be.

The dialogues uttered by each character are colloquial and provocative. The cinematography is purposefully claustrophobic. You’re made to feel suffocated with this lowdown, raw tale of the slums. What makes the film special is that the film does not attempt at being decent. Every character in this film are just as crass and disgusting as the protagonist. A dark tale of how crime does pay in every way, Pudhupettai is masterful storytelling. – Siddharthen

1. Anbe Sivam

Starring – Kamal Haasan, Madhavan
Director – Sundar C.
Genre – Comedy-Drama

Best Tamil Movies on Amazon Prime: Anbe Sivam (2003) is the stunning story of a man who finds god in people. This movie taught me a lot about love, life and the idea of god. It also effectively conveys ideologies about communism, capitalism, and globalization in a way that people can understand. Certain relationships in life are woven in the most unexpected ways, and Anbe Sivam is one of those movies that will be imprinted in your mind for a long long time after you’ve watched it. – Siddharthen

Team JFMF