Tamil cinema has witnessed numerous superstars over the decades, but few have maintained the consistency, charisma, and box-office dominance like Thalapathy Vijay. With a career spanning over three decades, Vijay has delivered numerous blockbusters and garnered a massive fan base not just in Tamil Nadu but worldwide. As of 2025, he remains one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema.
Here’s a look at the top 10 movies of Vijay that have defined his career and made him the superstar he is today.
1. Ghilli (2004) – The Ultimate Mass Entertainer
Directed by Dharani, Ghilli is one of Vijay’s most celebrated films. This action-packed sports drama, where he plays a kabaddi player who rescues a girl from a ruthless villain (Prakash Raj), became a cult classic. The film’s gripping screenplay, adrenaline-pumping action, and Vijay’s electrifying performance made it one of the biggest hits of Tamil cinema.
2. Thuppakki (2012) – A Stylish Action Thriller
Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, Thuppakki showcased Vijay in a new light as an intelligent and stylish army officer combating terrorism in Mumbai. The film’s “I am waiting” dialogue, coupled with intense action sequences and a gripping screenplay, made it a milestone in his career. It was also a massive box-office success.
3. Kaththi (2014) – A Socially Relevant Blockbuster
Another collaboration with A.R. Murugadoss, Kaththi had Vijay playing dual roles—one as an activist and another as a petty thief. The film’s social message on farmers’ issues, powerful dialogues, and Vijay’s impressive acting made it one of his finest performances. The film’s box-office collection reaffirmed his stronghold in the industry.
4. Mersal (2017) – The Box Office Tsunami
Directed by Atlee, Mersal was a mass-action drama where Vijay played triple roles for the first time. The film tackled corruption in the medical industry and had a strong emotional core. A.R. Rahman’s music, combined with the film’s grand visuals and Vijay’s powerful screen presence, made it a mega-blockbuster.
5. Master (2021) – Vijay vs. Vijay Sethupathi
Master, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, was a high-energy action drama featuring a gripping showdown between Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi. Vijay played a flawed, alcoholic professor who reforms juvenile delinquents. The stylish presentation, powerful dialogues, and chartbuster music by Anirudh made it an instant fan favorite.
6. Bigil (2019) – A Sports Drama with an Emotional Punch
Atlee and Vijay teamed up again for Bigil, a sports drama where Vijay played a football coach determined to uplift women’s football in India. The film balanced action, emotion, and social messaging effectively. With an inspiring story and high-production values, Bigil became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films.
7. Varisu (2023) – Family Drama Done Right
Breaking away from the usual mass-action films, Vijay starred in Varisu, a family entertainer directed by Vamshi Paidipally. The film focused on family bonds, business rivalries, and emotional drama. With a strong supporting cast and memorable songs, Varisu won hearts and performed exceptionally well at the box office.
8. Leo (2023) – A Dark and Intense Thriller
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Leo presented Vijay in a raw and intense avatar. Inspired by the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), the film was a stylish action thriller that thrilled fans with its dark and gripping narrative. Vijay’s performance, especially in the high-voltage action scenes, was highly praised.
9. Sarkar (2018) – Political Thriller with a Punch
Sarkar, another Murugadoss-Vijay collaboration, showcased Vijay as a corporate giant who enters politics to cleanse the system. The film had hard-hitting dialogues on corruption and electoral fraud, making it relevant in contemporary times. Vijay’s commanding screen presence and the powerful storyline made it a commercial success.
10. Nanban (2012) – The Feel-Good Classic
A remake of 3 Idiots, Nanban was directed by Shankar and featured Vijay in an unconventional role. Unlike his usual action-packed films, Nanban focused on friendship, education, and self-discovery. Vijay’s heartwarming performance and the film’s emotional depth made it a beloved film among audiences.
Vijay’s Legacy – The Undisputed Thalapathy of Tamil Cinema
As of 2025, Vijay continues to reign supreme at the box office and remains a phenomenon in Tamil cinema. With an impeccable mix of mass entertainers and socially relevant films, he has crafted a career that appeals to both die-hard fans and critics alike. His consistent ability to adapt, evolve, and connect with audiences is what sets him apart.
His upcoming projects remain highly anticipated, and given his track record, there is no doubt that Thalapathy Vijay will continue to deliver unforgettable performances in the years to come. His legacy as one of the greatest Tamil actors of all time is firmly cemented, and his films will be celebrated for generations.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.