When it comes to the topic of the Best Tamil Movies available on Hotstar, there is a vast selection of titles spanning across different genres like thrillers, comedies, and action on one of India's largest streaming platforms. Tamil Cinema has always been known for producing exceptional movies in terms of quality and variety, and the films available on Hotstar's extensive library are no exception. However, choosing and watching a few outstanding movies can be a tedious task. Therefore, to simplify the process for you and your loved ones, we have handpicked the must-watch Best Tamil Movies currently streaming on Hotstar. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for an unforgettable viewing experience!

1. Vada Chennai

Starring – Dhanush, Ameer
Director – Vetri Maaran
Genre – Action / Crime

Vetri Maaran's Vada Chennai is a gritty gangster movie featuring Dhanush, Aishwarya Rajesh, Andrea Jeremiah, Ameer, and Samuthirakani in the lead roles. The film follows the story of Anbu, a carom player who looks up to Rajan, the only source of optimism for the residents of Vada Chennai. As Anbu navigates through a series of retaliations, setbacks, and political turmoil, he gradually transforms into Rajan's likeness.

2. Kaithi

Starring – Karthi, Narain & George Maryan
Director – Lokesh Kanagaraj
Genre – Action Thriller

Karthi's Kaithi is a remarkable film that showcases director Lokesh Kanagaraj's genuine dedication to the genre. The movie takes a bold approach by not featuring a female lead or songs, relying solely on its gripping plot. The story follows police officer Bejoy as he seeks assistance from a prisoner named Dilli to rescue his colleagues within a single night. The film's emotional core is anchored by Dilli's relationship with his daughter and the characters surrounding him, adding depth to the thrilling narrative. With a fantastic screenplay, impactful dialogues, and superb performances, Kaithi is undoubtedly one of the Best Tamil Movies currently streaming on Hotstar that you cannot afford to miss.

3. Aaranya Kaandam

Starring – Jackie Shroff, Guru Somasundram
Director – Thiagarajan Kumararaja
Genre – Neo-noir Action Thriller

Aaranya Kaandam, directed by the National award-winning Thiagarajan Kumararaja, is a remarkable gangster movie and one of the Best Tamil Movies currently available on Hotstar. The film features Jackie Shroff, Guru Somasundaram, Sampath, and Ravi Krishna in lead roles, and portrays how a single drug deal transforms the lives of Kaalaiyan and Kodukkapuli (father and son), Pasupathy (a worker under gangster Singaperumal), and Sappa and Subbu (under Singaperumal's control) in just one day.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is how Kumararaja skillfully weaves every dialogue, scene, and background song into the narrative flow. The film's first-look images and posters successfully set the tone for the movie. However, the director revealed in interviews that the soul of the film was somewhat altered after the censor board requested the removal of several scenes. Nevertheless, we are fortunate enough to enjoy this masterpiece on streaming platforms.

4. Jigarthanda

Starring – Siddharth & Bobby Simha
Director – Karthik Subbaraj
Genre – Action-Thriller

Karthik Subbaraj's Jigarthanda is a captivating gangster movie that stars Siddharth and Bobby Simha in the lead roles. The film's plot follows an aspiring filmmaker who decides to spy on a real-life gangster named Assault Sethu for inspiration for his next film. Unexpectedly, Sethu himself becomes the main character of the movie, altering the course of their lives forever. The superbly written character of Assault Sethu drives the 164-minute-long drama forward, complemented by Santhosh Narayanan's excellent background score. Jigarthanda is undeniably one of the Best Tamil Movies presently available on Hotstar, deserving of all the accolades it has received over the years.

5. Kaaka Muttai

Starring – Aishwarya Rajesh
Director – M. Manikandan
Genre – Comedy / Drama

Vetri Maaran and Dhanush, known for their exceptional filmmaking skills, teamed up to produce Kaaka Muttai, which earned numerous accolades, including two National Awards for Best Children's Film and Best Child Artist. The film's story revolves around two brothers who live in a slum and share a desire to taste pizza, and the remainder of the plot depicts how they strive to get a bite of the delicacy. Through Kaaka Muttai, cinematographer and debutant director M. Manikandan tackled the serious issue of discrimination with humor and sensitivity. The boys' natural and touching performances make us empathize with their characters from start to finish. It is an outstanding film and definitely worth watching, and one of the Best Tamil Movies currently available on Hotstar.

6. Vishwaroopam

Starring – Kamal Haasan, Pooja Kumar
Director – Kamal Haasan
Genre – Action-Thriller

Vishwaroopam, a spy thriller written and directed by Kamal Haasan, follows the journey of an Indian RAW agent who infiltrates a terrorist group in Afghanistan to stop their heinous attacks and save the world. Despite facing a ban during its release by certain religious groups, the film was a blockbuster hit, garnering national attention. Vishwaroopam is a Tamil movie with exceptional international standards, featuring splendid action scenes that left the audience awestruck, especially the pre-interval military attack. The nonlinear narration, authentic backdrops, impactful dialogues, and uncompromising directorial approach towards content and quality make Vishwaroopam one of the Best Tamil Movies on Hotstar.

7. Madras

Starring – Karthi, Kalaiarasan
Director – Pa. Ranjith
Genre – Drama

Pa. Ranjith's Madras, which features on the list of the Best Tamil Movies on Hotstar, delves into the politics behind a seemingly ordinary wall that holds immense power and authority in North Madras. The film's unique take on a socio-political issue has earned praise for delivering a compelling story without coming across as preachy propaganda. Madras stands out as a film that offers a potential solution to a real-world problem and is a must-watch.

8. Vazhakku Enn 18/9

Starring – Urmila Mahanta, Manisha Yadav
Director – Balaji Sakthivel
Genre – Crime Thriller

Vazhakku Enn 18/9, a National award-winning crime drama, weaves two distinct stories set in contrasting societies. Jothi, a maid working in Aarthi's house, is attacked with acid by Dinesh, meant for Aarthi. The incident changes the course of their lives and that of Velu, who works in a roadside shop. Director Balaji Sakthivel, known for his realistic storytelling, raises the bar by using digital cameras and songs without music. The film's impactful narrative is propelled by the lively performances of the young and talented cast. Vazhakku Enn 18/9 is undoubtedly one of the Best Tamil Movies on Hotstar that portrays exceptional cinema.

9. Thegidi

Starring – Ashok Selvan & Janani Iyer
Director – P. Ramesh
Genre – Neo-noir Mystery Thriller

P. Ramesh's debut film, Thegidi, is a captivating thriller that maintains a focused plot throughout. The protagonist, Vetri, who works at a detective agency, discovers that his clients are dying under mysterious circumstances. The rest of the movie is about how he unravels this mystery, which also happens to involve his girlfriend. The well-crafted characters, dialogues, technical aspects, and musical score make Thegidi stand out. This fast-paced investigation ends on an engrossing note and is definitely one of the Best Tamil Movies available on Hotstar.

10. Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum

Director & Star – Myskkin
Genre – Neo-noir Action Thriller

Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum (A Wolf and a Lamb) is a neo-noir thriller directed by Myskkin that stands out as a masterpiece of independent cinema. The film follows Vishnu (played by Shri), a medical student who saves the life of a stranger (played by Myskkin) and finds himself protecting a family despite the stranger being pursued by the police as a criminal.

Myskkin's unique style of storytelling keeps the audience engaged throughout, with the true motivation of the stranger being revealed only in the climactic chase. The film is elevated by Maestro Ilaiyaraja's exceptional music, which captures the quiet intensity of the night. Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum is a must-watch for all movie buffs and easily one of the Best Tamil Movies on Hotstar.

11. Sathuranga Vettai

Starring – Natraj & Ishaara Nair
Director – H. Vinoth
Genre – Heist / Thriller

The plot of Sathuranga Vettai revolves around a smart criminal named Gandhibabu (played by Natraj) who deceives people and steals their money using his cunning tactics disguised as an honest person. The movie gained widespread attention for its well-crafted screenplay and dialogues, earning its debut director H. Vinoth significant praise. Given its relatable theme, the movie's portrayal of robberies would resonate with most viewers. It is undoubtedly one of the Best Tamil Movies available on Hotstar.

12. Vikram Vedha

Starring – R. Madhavan & Vijay Sethupathi
Director – Pushkar & Gayathri
Genre – Action-Thriller

Vikram vedha a masterpiece in Kollywood, draws its inspiration from the Indian folktale Baital Pachisi. The movie centers around the pursuit of Vijay Sethupathi, a sharp gangster, by R. Madhavan, a police inspector. After Vedha surrenders himself, he narrates three stories to Vikram, who then must decide what he would have done in each situation, blurring the lines between good and evil. With exceptional acting, outstanding technicalities, and an intense background score, Vikram Vedha is one of the most exceptional crime thrillers ever produced in Kollywood, with deeply layered and well-crafted characters, and is one of the Best Tamil Movies on Hotstar.

13 Vikram

Starring – Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil
Director – Lokesh Kanagaraj
Genre – Action-Thriller

Lokesh Kanagaraj's Vikram, which features Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil, Vijay Sethupathi and Suriya in prominent roles, is a highly successful Tamil film available on Hotstar. The movie employs various storytelling techniques such as multiple narratives and meta moments, as it follows an undercover police officer's investigation into a string of police officials' murders by a group of masked men.

14 Kolaigaran

Starring – Arjun, Vijay Antony
Director – Andrew Louis
Genre – Thriller

Kolaigaran is a gripping tale about a man who ventures into the perilous criminal underworld to unravel a mystery. With Arjun Sarja delivering an outstanding performance, the movie boasts a compelling plot and well-crafted characters that will captivate audiences from start to finish. The cinematography is also top-notch, elevating the movie's overall impact. This film is a must-watch for those who love stories filled with action, adventure, and intrigue.

15 Kalyana Samayal Saadham

Starring – RS Prasanna & Lekha Washington
Director – RS Prasanna
Genre – Romance

Kalyana Samayal Saadham, helmed by RS Prasanna, offers a humorous take on the concept of marriage. The movie chronicles the journey of two individuals who are brought together by their families' arrangement. RS Prasanna and Lekha Washington deliver captivating performances, and the storytelling approach is both charming and delightful, leaving viewers with a heartwarming and pleasant feeling long after the movie ends. It's no surprise that this movie is considered one of the best Tamil movies on Hotstar.