Top 25 Best Telugu Movies of All Time

Telugu film industry is one of the biggest film industries in India. The Telugu film industry or “Tollywood” as it is popularly called, has produced some of the most expensive and highest-grossing movies. In this article, we list the 25 best Telegu movies of all time which has been loved by both audience and the critics.

Over the last few years, Telugu movies has started getting viewership from all across to the globe and no more limited to the regional movies. Therefore, most of the superhit Telugu movies dubbed in Hindi to get wider reach & bigger box office collection. If you too love entertaining movies and have not explore Telegu movies till now, here is the list of best 25 Telegu movies of all time to begin with. What more are you waiting for?

Best Telugu Movies of all time –

1. Mayabazar (1957)

IMDb rating: 9.1/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Cast: N.T. Rama Rao, S.V. Ranga Rao, Savitri

“Mayabazar” is a classic Indian movie based on a story from the Mahabharata. It tells the love story of Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, and Sasirekha, the daughter of Balarama. Balarama wants to marry Sasirekha to Duryodhana’s son, Lakshmana Kumar, for political reasons. To stop this, her aunt Subhadra and uncle Krishna ask Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima, for help. Ghatotkacha uses his magical powers to create funny illusions and disguises to bring the lovers back together. The film mixes fantasy, romance, and comedy. It covers themes of love, loyalty, and the victory of good over manipulation. With its memorable characters and impressive visual effects for its time, “Mayabazar” is a timeless classic in Indian cinema.

2. Pathala Bhairavi (1951)

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Genre: Action, Adventure

Cast: N.T. Rama Rao, S.V. Ranga Rao

“Pathala Bhairavi” is a famous Telugu fantasy film. It follows Thota Ramudu, a brave gardener’s son who loves a princess. To win her hand, he must gather great wealth. At the same time, an evil sorcerer who worships the goddess Pathala Bhairavi plans to use Ramudu for his dark magic. Ramudu doesn’t know this and sets off on a dangerous adventure. He faces mystical creatures, challenges, and illusions. With his cleverness, bravery, and some divine help, he defeats the sorcerer and comes back victorious. The film mixes folklore, devotion, heroism, and fantasy, making it one of the most iconic films in Telugu cinema history.

3. Sankarabharanam (1979)

IMDb rating: 8.9/10

Genre: Drama, Music, Romance

Cast: J.V. Somayajulu, Manju Bhargavi, Tulasi

Sankarabharanam is a poignant Telugu musical drama that beautifully portrays the decline of classical Indian music in the face of Western influence. The story revolves around Sankara Sastry, a highly respected Carnatic musician, who is deeply saddened by the younger generation’s disregard for tradition. A young woman named Tulasi, born to a devadasi (temple dancer), becomes devoted to Sastry’s music and holds him in great reverence. Despite facing social stigma and hardships, she raises her son with love for classical music. Years later, her son becomes a gifted singer and pays tribute to Sastry’s legacy, symbolizing the revival of traditional values. The film highlights themes of devotion, sacrifice, and cultural preservation, enriched with timeless classical compositions.

4. Shiva (1989)

IMDb rating: 8/10

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

Cast: Nagarjuna Akkineni, Amala Akkineni, Raghuvaran

“Shiva,” directed by Ram Gopal Varma, is an important Telugu action drama set in a college. It mixes student politics with strong social themes. The story follows Shiva, a brave and principled student who attends a college filled with political violence and gangs led by a local goon named Bhavani. As Shiva becomes a student leader, he fights against Bhavani’s harsh control over the campus. This conflict grows beyond the college, showing the connections between crime and politics. With exciting action, emotional depth, and a powerful background score, “Shiva” changed Telugu cinema with its real-life portrayal, technical skill, and bold storytelling.

5. Sagara Sangamam (1983)

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Genre: Drama, Musical

Cast: Kamal Haasan, Jaya Prada, Sarath Babu

“Sagara Sangamam,” directed by K. Viswanath, tells the moving story of Balachandran “Balu” (played by Kamal Haasan), a very talented Kuchipudi dancer. After his mother dies and he faces several tragic events, Balu struggles both personally and professionally. Once full of promise, he falls into obscurity and survives by teaching dance. He deals with feelings of bitterness and loss. Balu’s life connects with Madhavi (Jaya Prada), a classical singer stuck in a loveless marriage. Recognizing her talent and pain, Balu becomes her mentor and close friend. He helps her grow as an artist while also reigniting his own passion for dance.

6. Geethanjali (1989)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Cast: Nagarjuna Akkineni, Girija Shettar, Vijayakumar

Genre: Drama, Romance

“Geethanjali” is a touching romantic drama directed by Mani Ratnam, featuring Nagarjuna and Girija. The story follows Prakash, a young man who has terminal cancer and feels hopeless. He meets Geethanjali, a cheerful girl who helps him see the beauty in life and love. Sadly, Geethanjali is also fighting a terminal illness. Their love grows strong despite knowing their time together is short. This makes the film a moving and unforgettable story about love, loss, and cherishing every moment.

7. Donga Donga( 1993)

IMDb rating: 7.1/10

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

Cast: Prasanth, Anand, Heera Rajgopal

Donga Donga (also called Thiruda. Thiruda in Tamil) is an exciting action-adventure heist film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film tells the story of two small-time thieves, Kadhir and Azhagu, who accidentally get caught up in a big robbery involving stolen government money. During their adventure, they meet a mysterious woman named Rasathi. Together, they go on a thrilling journey filled with chases, funny moments, and surprising twists. With a unique musical score by A.R. Rahman and a stylish style, this film is a cult classic that mixes crime, comedy, and action.

8. Annamayya (1997)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Cast: Nagarjuna Akkineni, Suman, Bhanupriya

“Annamayya” is a biographical film about the 15th-century saint-poet Annamacharya, who devoted his life to Lord Venkateswara. The story starts in heaven, where Lord Vishnu sends Annamayya to Earth to share his devotion through music. Annamayya is born into a noble family. He grows from a carefree youth into a spiritually awakened person who dedicates himself to composing and singing hymns for the Lord. The film shows his divine music, heartfelt performances, and spiritual journey, highlighting his role as one of the greatest composers in Indian devotional history.

9. Indra (2002)

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Genre: Action, Drama

Cast: Chiranjeevi, Sonali Bendre, Aarthi Agarwal

“Indra” is an action-drama film about Shankar Narayana, a soft-spoken man living in Varanasi who hides a tough past. He was once Indrasena Reddy, a fearless leader in Rayalaseema involved in factional violence. After experiencing a tragic betrayal and loss, he becomes a peace-loving person who wants to stop the violence in his homeland. The film features strong emotions, intense action, and a standout performance from Chiranjeevi. “Indra” tells the story of a man who gives everything to bring peace to his people.

10. Pokiri (2006)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Cast: Mahesh Babu, Ileana D’Cruz, Prakash Raj

“Pokiri” is an action-thriller about Pandu, a bold hitman who works for the mafia. He follows his own rules and is willing to kill. As the story progresses, we learn that he is actually an undercover cop trying to take down the criminal world. The film features sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and a memorable performance by Mahesh Babu. “Pokiri” has become a cult classic and has influenced action films in Telugu cinema.

11. Magadheera (2009)

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy

Cast: Ram Charan, Kajal Aggarwal, Dev Gill

“Magadheera” is an action-romance film about reincarnation. The story follows Harsha, a bike stuntman who starts to have strange flashbacks from a past life. He learns that he was once a brave warrior named Kaala Bhairava, who loved a princess named Mithravinda. Their love ended sadly 400 years ago because of betrayal and jealousy. In the present, fate brings Harsha and Mithravinda together again. Harsha must fight to protect their love and settle unfinished business from the past. With stunning visuals, strong drama, and deep emotions, “Magadheera” tells a timeless story of love and destiny.

12. Eega (2012)

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama

Cast: Sudeep, Nani, Samantha Ruth Prabhu

“Eega” is a unique revenge thriller. It tells the story of Nani, a man killed by a businessman named Sudeep. Sudeep is jealous and obsessed with a woman named Bindu. After his death, Nani is reborn as a housefly, called “eega” in Telugu. He wants to take revenge on Sudeep. Even though he is small, the housefly uses cleverness and determination to annoy and eventually defeat Sudeep. The film is known for its creativity, strong emotions, and impressive visual effects, making it a significant film in Indian cinema.

13. Manam ( 2014)

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

Cast: Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni

“Manam” is a touching fantasy drama about reincarnation and love that lasts forever. The story starts with a tragic car accident that kills a young couple. Years later, their grown son sees a young couple who look exactly like his parents. As the story continues, it reveals how the characters’ souls are reborn and find each other in different lives. With emotional twists, humor, and heartfelt moments, “Manam” shows that love goes beyond time and death.

14. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)

IMDb rating: 8/10

Genre: Action, Drama

Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty

“Baahubali: The Beginning” is about a young man named Shivudu who has great strength and discovers he is of royal blood. He climbs a waterfall to follow his destiny and learns about the kingdom of Mahishmati and a brave warrior named Amarendra Baahubali. The story shows in flashbacks how Bhallaladeva, Baahubali’s cousin, betrayed and killed him. The film ends with a surprising question: “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?”

15. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Genre: Action, Drama

Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty

“Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” tells the story of Amarendra Baahubali. He is named king but is later removed due to palace politics and betrayal. Amarendra falls in love with Devasena and marries her, which angers the royal family. Bhallaladeva and Sivagami manipulate Kattappa into killing Baahubali under royal orders. The story then returns to the present, where Mahendra Baahubali, also known as Shivudu, seeks revenge for his father’s death. He defeats Bhallaladeva and restores justice to the kingdom.

16. Jersey (2019)

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Genre: Drama, Sports

Cast: Nani, Shraddha Srinath, Sathyaraj

“Jersey” is about Arjun, a skilled cricketer who stops playing at the height of his career. Years later, he struggles to find a job and support his son. In his mid-thirties, he decides to return to cricket. Despite facing age, criticism, and personal challenges, Arjun works hard to earn a spot on the state team—not for fame, but to grant his son’s wish. The story highlights love, sacrifice, and second chances.

17. Arjun Reddy (2017)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Genre: Action, Drama, Romance

Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, Shalini Pandey, Jia Sharma

Arjun Reddy is a talented but hot-headed surgeon. He falls in love with Preethi, a calm and shy junior. When her family separates them because of caste differences, Arjun turns to alcohol and drugs to cope. Despite being a successful surgeon, his personal life falls apart. Over time, he realizes he must face his past and grow emotionally. In the end, he learns that Preethi still loves him, and they get back together, finding healing and redemption.

18. C/o Kancharapalem (2018)

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Genre: Drama

Cast: Radha Bessy, Subba Rao Vepada, Praneeta Patnaik

This is a 2018 slice-of-life anthology film written and directed by Venkatesh Maha. The plot follows four unconventional love stories in parallel, all set in the neighborhood of Kancharapalem. The film received positive reviews from the audience and the critics. The film features a cast of over 80 non-actors, most of them native to Kancharapalem, a neighborhood of Vishakapatnam.

19. Rangasthalam( 2018)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Genre: Action, Drama

Cast: Ram Charan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Aadhi

*Rangasthalam* is set in a rural village in Andhra Pradesh during the 1980s. The story follows Chitti Babu, a young man who is hearing-impaired but full of life. His brother, Kumar Babu, comes back from abroad and decides to stand up against the corrupt village president who takes advantage of the people. Together, they fight for justice, but their actions lead to shocking results. The film combines rural charm with important social issues and strong emotions. A big twist changes the story into a revenge drama. Ram Charan delivers a powerful performance, and the raw visuals and engaging direction create an emotional experience. The film has been successful both critically and at the box office.

20. Mahanati ( 2018)

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Genre: Biography, Drama

Cast: Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salman, Samantha Ruth Prabhu

“Mahanati” is a biographical drama about the famous South Indian actress Savitri. The story begins as a journalist looks into her life after she falls into a coma. Savitri starts with humble beginnings and becomes one of the most beloved actresses in Indian cinema. Her romance with actor Gemini Ganesan brings both glamour and sadness to her life. Despite her success, she faces personal betrayals, battles alcoholism, and deals with financial problems. The film ends with her untimely death, showing the pain behind her fame. Keerthy Suresh’s strong performance as Savitri has received much praise.

21. Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama

Cast: Allu Arjun, Pooja Hedge, Tabu

Bantu, played by Allu Arjun, grows up in a loving middle-class family but faces constant criticism from his father. As an adult, he works as a travel company manager and falls in love with his boss, Amulya, portrayed by Pooja Hegde. He learns that he and Raj, played by Sushanth, were switched at birth by his jealous father, Valmiki, played by Murali Sharma. Valmiki did this to give his biological son a better life. To fix this, Bantu enters the rich Vaikuntapuram household. He deals with emotional betrayals and helps the family heal their broken relationships. The film mixes comedy, romance, drama, and catchy music, leading to critical acclaim and great box office success.

22. Vakeel Saab (2021)

IMDb rating: 7.0/10

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Nivetha Thomas, Anjali

This Telugu film is based on *Pink*. It features Pawan Kalyan as a lawyer who defends three women accused of crimes they did not commit. The story talks about how society views women’s safety and consent. Pawan’s character fights for justice and stands up against unfair treatment of women. His strong speeches in court challenge traditional views about women. The film mixes legal drama with emotional storytelling. It highlights Pawan Kalyan’s popularity while also delivering an important message about social issues. The movie sparked discussions on gender justice and is one of his most significant works, though some critics felt it focused too much on the hero’s physical appearance.

23. Uppena (2021)

IMDb rating: 6.5/10

Genre: Action, Drama, Romance

Cast: Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi Shetty, Vijay Sethupathi

Aasi is a humble fisherman from Uppada who falls in love with Bebamma (Sangeetha), the sheltered daughter of a powerful zamindar named Raayanam. Their love faces strong resistance because of their different caste and class backgrounds. Raayanam cares about family honor and strongly opposes their relationship. He even uses violence to keep them apart. Despite this, Aasi and Bebamma’s bond grows, and they enjoy joyful moments by the sea, which represents their love. When Raayanam finds out their secret, tragedy strikes, leaving Aasi heartbroken. To protect Bebamma, Aasi helps her escape in a dramatic turn of events. The film ends on an emotional cliffhanger, showing the difficult struggles of love, honor, and defiance.

24. RRR (2022)

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Genre: Action, Drama

Cast: N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgan

RRR is an action-drama movie set in British India during the 1920s. It is based on the true stories of two freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. The story centers on Bheem, a tribal warrior who tries to rescue a girl kidnapped by the British governor. Ram, a loyal British officer, has a secret plan of his own. Despite their opposing goals, Bheem and Ram develop a strong friendship without knowing each other’s true identities. As their missions intersect, they face betrayal and heartbreak, leading to intense action. When the truth comes out, they decide to team up and start a rebellion against British rule. The film combines themes of patriotism, friendship, and sacrifice with thrilling action for an epic viewing experience.

25. Pushpa: The Rise Part-1 (2021)

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

Cast: Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna

Pushpa Raj is a brave worker in the red sandalwood smuggling trade. He starts as a daily wage laborer and becomes a powerful leader of a smuggling syndicate through his cleverness and boldness. Although people look down on him because of his illegitimate birth, he fights for respect and power. With his friend Kesava, Pushpa takes on risky missions, outsmarts other smugglers, and gains control of the trade. He falls in love with Srivalli, a village girl, and wins her heart. However, as Pushpa’s power grows, his superiors start to plot against him. In the end, Pushpa shows his strength, but he faces a new challenge when a ruthless police officer named Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat arrives. The film ends with a tense confrontation, setting the stage for the next part of Pushpa’s story.

26. Pushpa: The Rule (2024)

IMBD rating: 6.1

Genre: Action, crime, drama, thriller

Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari (plus Sunil, Rao Ramesh)

After rising to power in the red sandalwood smuggling syndicate, Pushpa Raj becomes a symbol of rebellion for the people. The sequel intensifies the conflict between Pushpa and Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, who is now determined to crush Pushpa’s empire. As Pushpa gains public support, his enemies close in, leading to high-octane action and mind games. Themes of power, loyalty, and identity dominate the narrative. The film explores Pushpa’s transformation from a smuggler to a people’s hero. Political conspiracies and betrayals add layers to the story. The battle for supremacy becomes personal, paving the way for an explosive climax.

27. Kalki 2898 AD (2024)

IMBD rating:

Genre: Sci-fi, action

Cast: Prabhas (as Bhairava), Amitabh Bachchan (as Ashwatthama), Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani

*Kalki 2898 AD* is set in a future where society is unequal and chaotic. A powerful elite controls a crumbling world, while the prophecy of Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu, gives hope to those who suffer. The film follows a mysterious warrior, played by Prabhas, who is meant to awaken and bring balance back to the world. The story combines advanced technology, ancient secrets, and spiritual prophecies. Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone play important roles that add depth to the story. The narrative connects the past and the future, highlighting the battle between good and evil. In humanity’s darkest hour, Kalki rises to become a savior.

28. Hanu-man (2024)

IMBD rating: 7.7

Genre: Action, adventure

Cast: Teja Sajja (as Hanumanthu), Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Vinay Rai, Samuthirakani, Vennela Kishore 

In a small village called Anjanadri, a man named Hanumanthu gains the powers of Lord Hanuman by accident. With these powers, he fights villains who threaten his town and its people. The film mixes traditional mythology with superhero themes in a rural setting. As new enemies appear, Hanumanthu learns the importance of courage, responsibility, and devotion. His growth mirrors the divine powers he has gained. The film also introduces other god-like characters in a shared universe called the Prashanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU). Filled with action, emotion, and respect for culture, *HanuMan* is a modern superhero origin story.

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