A Rh-catalyzed annulation between 2-aryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazoles and α-aroyl sulfoxonium ylides was developed, affording a series of benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines in moderate to excellent yields. This procedure proceeded with the sequential ortho-C–H functionalization and cyclization, representing a facile and straightforward pathway to access such frameworks.