The best Rajinikanth movies, ranked
Rajinikanth, the undisputed superstar of Indian cinema, has dazzled audiences for decades with his magnetic charisma, gravity-defying stunts, and that iconic swagger that turns every frame into a spectacle. From humble beginnings in Tamil films to global phenomenon status, his movies blend high-octane action, heartfelt drama, and a dash of the absurd—think Enthiran‘s robot romance or Jailer‘s revenge-fueled romp. As he celebrates recent hits like the mixed-bag Coolie amid whispers of Jailer 2, we’ve ranked his best flicks, drawing from IMDb ratings, box-office triumphs, and fan fervor on platforms like Reddit and X.
Starting with the classics
Rajinikanth’s early gems laid the foundation for his superstar status, blending raw emotion with crowd-pleasing antics. Take Thalapathi from 1991, a gritty tale of friendship and betrayal that echoes Shakespearean tragedy—it’s got an IMDb rating of 8.5 and raked in big bucks, with fans on X praising its intense dialogues as timeless.
Moving to the 90s, Baashha stands out as a fan favorite, clocking an 8.3 on IMDb and massive box-office hauls. Rajinikanth plays a reformed don with style, delivering lines that still get quoted in memes; it’s often hailed in reviews as his defining mass entertainer, outshining contemporaries in sheer rewatch value.
Then there’s Padayappa, a 1999 blockbuster with an 8.3 IMDb score, where Rajinikanth battles family feuds in epic fashion. Box-office records tumbled, and fan discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight its empowering themes, making it a staple in any ranking of his empowering, high-drama roles.
2000s blockbusters
Rajinikanth kicked off the millennium with Chandramukhi in 2005, a horror-comedy remake that scored an 8.0 on IMDb and shattered box-office records, grossing over 50 crores. Fans on Reddit rave about his dual-role charm, blending scares with laughs in a way that echoes vintage drama like The Haunting, cementing its status as a rewatchable gem.
Sivaji from 2007 amps up the ante, with Rajinikanth as a vigilante billionaire fighting corruption—boasting an 7.5 IMDb rating and global earnings exceeding 150 crores. X posts highlight its stylish action sequences and social commentary, often ranking it high for its larger-than-life heroism that influenced modern telenovelas.
Enthiran in 2010 revolutionized sci-fi in Indian cinema, where Rajinikanth’s robot role earned an 8.1 IMDb score and over 300 crores worldwide. Reviews praise the VFX spectacle and emotional depth, with fan discussions noting its trailblazing tech themes, making it a pivotal entry in his evolving superstar saga.
Post-2010 triumphs
Kabali from 2016 sees Rajinikanth as a fierce Malaysian Tamil don, earning a 6.1 IMDb rating but smashing box-office records with over 300 crores globally. Fans on Reddit and X laud its bold social themes on caste and identity, often comparing it to gritty prestige TV like The Wire for its raw unflinching narrative depth.
2.0 in 2018 the sci-fi sequel to Enthiran features Rajinikanth battling rogue robots scoring a 6.0 on IMDb while grossing nearly 700 crores worldwide—his biggest earner yet. Reviews highlight groundbreaking VFX and eco-messages with X buzz calling it a visual feast akin to modern blockbusters solidifying his tech-savvy superstar evolution.
Jailer, released in 2023, casts Rajinikanth in a vengeful father role boasting a 7.1 IMDb score and over 600 crores in earnings. Amid whispers of a sequel teased by stars like Mithun Chakraborty fan forums praise its high-stakes action and emotional core ranking it high for blending family drama with mass appeal.
Recent sensations
Petta from 2019 showcases Rajinikanth as a mysterious college warden with hidden depths, earning a 7.1 IMDb rating and grossing around 220 crores worldwide. Fans on Reddit and X celebrate its stylish throwback vibes and high-energy face-offs, often ranking it among his most rewatchable post-2010 efforts for blending nostalgia with fresh action flair.
Darbar in 2020 features Rajinikanth as a no-nonsense cop hunting criminals, scoring a 5.9 on IMDb but pulling in over 200 crores globally. Reviews highlight its mass appeal and intense chases, with X discussions praising the superstar’s commanding presence, drawing parallels to prestige TV cop dramas like Luther for its gritty, personal vendetta narrative.
Annaatthe, released in 2021, casts Rajinikanth in a protective brother role amid family turmoil, with a 4.0 IMDb score yet earning about 200 crores. Despite mixed reviews, fan forums note its emotional family bonds and rural drama, akin to heartfelt telenovelas, positioning it as a resilient entry in his enduring box-office legacy.Rajinikanth reigns supreme
Whether you’re drawn to Thalapathi‘s tragic depths or 2.0‘s futuristic flair, Rajinikanth’s filmography proves his unmatched versatility—from box-office behemoths like Jailer to cult classics like Baashha. Amid Coolie‘s recent 500-crore haul despite criticisms, and buzz for re-releases like Padayappa, his legacy endures, blending mass appeal with timeless charisma that keeps fans hooked.
