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The Telugu film industry, popularly known as Tollywood, has grown into one of India’s most powerful storytelling hubs. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling blockbusters, Telugu movies have something for everyone – family entertainment, emotion, action, and inspiration.
Whether you’re exploring the best Telugu movies of all time or looking for some recent Telugu movies to binge-watch, this list brings together the perfect mix of cinematic brilliance and timeless appeal.
Let’s explore the top Telugu movies that showcase the magic of Tollywood.
A Complete Telugu Movies List You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
Director: S. S. Rajamouli | Starring: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia
No Telugu movies list is complete without Baahubali: The Beginning. This epic saga redefined Indian cinema’s global image. The story follows Shivudu, who uncovers his royal heritage and sets out to avenge the wrongs of his kingdom.
Why Baahubali Movie Should Watch:
- Grand visuals and breathtaking action sequences.
- A powerful story of heroism and justice.
- S. S. Rajamouli’s world-class direction.
This masterpiece placed Telugu movies on the world map, becoming a symbol of Indian cinematic excellence.
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2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Director: S. S. Rajamouli | Starring: Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati**
The second part of the Baahubali saga answers the legendary question – Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali? With a perfect blend of emotion, drama, and action, this film shattered every box office record.
Why Baahubali 2 Watch:
- Larger-than-life visuals and VFX.
- Emotional storytelling and epic conclusion.
- One of the best Telugu movies of all time.
Baahubali 2 made Telugu movies a household name across India and beyond.
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3. RRR (2022)
Director: S. S. Rajamouli | Starring: Ram Charan, Jr. NTR, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn**
RRR is an unforgettable cinematic experience that took the world by storm. Set in pre-independence India, it tells the fictional story of two freedom fighters, Bheem and Ramaraju, who become brothers before turning rivals.
Why RRR Watch
- Oscar-winning song “Naatu Naatu.”
- Unmatched action and emotional intensity.
- A visual masterpiece representing Indian pride.
This film’s success brought Telugu movies global recognition, proving that Tollywood can rival Hollywood in scale and storytelling.
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4. Arjun Reddy (2017)
Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga | Starring: Vijay Deverakonda, Shalini Pandey**
A modern classic, Arjun Reddy follows the life of a passionate but flawed surgeon struggling to overcome heartbreak. The film became a cultural phenomenon and was later remade in multiple languages.
Why Arjun Reddy Watch
- Bold storytelling and raw emotions.
- Vijay Deverakonda’s breakthrough performance.
- Changed the way Telugu movies portrayed romance.
It’s one of the top Telugu movies that redefined modern character-driven cinema in India.
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5. Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)
Director: Trivikram Srinivas | Starring: Allu Arjun, Pooja Hegde, Tabu**
This family entertainer perfectly blends humor, emotion, and music. The story revolves around Bantu, who learns that he was switched at birth and decides to claim the life that was rightfully his.
Why Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo Watch
- Family-friendly with heartwarming storytelling.
- Chart-topping songs like “Butta Bomma.”
- Allu Arjun’s charismatic performance.
This film is among the best Telugu movies that balance mass entertainment with a strong message about love and relationships.
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6. Mahanati (2018)
Director: Nag Ashwin | Starring: Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu**
Mahanati is a biopic about the legendary actress Savitri, who ruled South Indian cinema in the 1950s–60s. Keerthy Suresh’s stunning portrayal earned her a National Award.
Why Mahanati Watch
- Emotional, inspiring, and beautifully crafted.
- Stunning period recreation of classic Telugu cinema.
- Perfect for fans of true stories.
Mahanati stands tall among Telugu movies to watch for its emotional depth and historical accuracy.
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7. Eega (2012)
Director: S. S. Rajamouli | Starring: Nani, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Sudeep**
One of the most creative Telugu movies, Eega tells the story of a man reincarnated as a housefly to avenge his death. It’s fun, unique, and packed with humor and imagination.
Why Eega Watch
- Unconventional yet emotionally satisfying story.
- Brilliant direction and visual effects.
- A mix of fantasy, love, and revenge.
This film showed that Telugu movies can be both experimental and entertaining.
8. Geetha Govindam (2018)
Director: Parasuram | Starring: Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna**
A romantic comedy with a charming storyline, Geetha Govindam became a massive success. The chemistry between the leads and the humor made it one of the best Telugu movies for all audiences.
Why Geetha Govindam Watch
- Family-friendly and light-hearted.
- Fun dialogues and excellent music.
- Perfect weekend entertainer.
This one stands out in the Telugu movies list for its clean humor and lovable characters.
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9. Jersey (2019)
Director: Gowtam Naidu Tinnanuri | Starring: Nani, Shraddha Srinath**
Jersey is a heartfelt sports drama about a failed cricketer who tries to make a comeback to fulfill his son’s wish.
Why Jersey Watch
- Emotional and inspiring storytelling.
- Nani’s brilliant performance.
- A perfect family watch.
It’s one of the best movies that beautifully combines sports, sacrifice, and fatherhood.
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10. Rangasthalam (2018)
Director: Sukumar | Starring: Ram Charan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu**
Set in the 1980s, Rangasthalam is a rural political drama filled with emotion and action. Ram Charan’s powerful performance made it one of the top Telugu movies in modern cinema.
Why Rangasthalam Watch
- Excellent cinematography and rural setup.
- Gripping performances and story.
- Memorable soundtrack by Devi Sri Prasad.
It’s an essential part of any movies list thanks to its strong social message and raw realism.
11. Pushpa: The Rise (2021)
Director: Sukumar | Starring: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil**
Pushpa became a global sensation with its unforgettable dialogues, music, and style. The story of Pushpa Raj, a smuggler who rises from nothing, resonated with audiences worldwide.
Why Pushpa Watch
- Allu Arjun’s career-best performance.
- Blockbuster songs like “Srivalli.”
- Raw and gritty action sequences.
Among recent Telugu movies, Pushpa stands out as one of the most entertaining and impactful films of the decade.
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12. C/o Kancharapalem (2018)
Director: Venkatesh Maha | Starring: Subba Rao Vepada, Radha Bessy**
This small-budget gem tells four stories of love across different ages, castes, and classes. It’s one of the most heartfelt and artistic Telugu movies ever made.
Why C/o Kancharapalem Watch
- Simple yet deeply emotional storytelling.
- Realistic characters and setting.
- Unique narrative structure.
It’s among the best Telugu movies for viewers who love meaningful, slice-of-life cinema.
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FAQs About Telugu Movies
Q) What Are the Best Telugu Movies to Watch?
A) Some of the best Telugu movies include RRR, Baahubali, Pushpa, and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.
Q) Which Are the Most Recent Telugu Movies?
A) Pushpa: The Rise, Kantara (Telugu Dub), and Hi Nanna are among the recent Telugu movies gaining massive popularity.
Conclusion
From historical epics like Baahubali to emotional dramas like Jersey, the best Telugu movies continue to entertain millions with their creativity and emotion. Tollywood has proven that its stories can move audiences not just in India but around the world.
Whether you’re exploring classics or , this list of best Telugu movies has something for everyone – drama, action, romance, and unforgettable music.
So grab your popcorn and start your next movie marathon with these top Telugu movies that showcase the magic and pride of Indian cinema!
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