The 50 Highest-grossing Indian Movies Of All Time
The Indian film industry has become one of the most dynamic entertainment ecosystems in the world. From small-scale productions in regional languages to grand cinematic spectacles, India’s movie business has evolved into a cultural and economic powerhouse. Over the decades, it has embraced technological innovation, ambitious storytelling, and global distribution, ensuring that Indian films are now watched, loved, and celebrated worldwide.
The journey from modest productions in the mid-20th century to today’s multi-billion-rupee blockbusters showcases the transformation of India’s cinematic identity. The 50 highest-grossing Indian movies reflect not only commercial success but also the diversity of genres, cultures, and emotions that make Indian cinema unique. They have redefined what audiences expect from storytelling, visuals, and performances while setting new records across global markets.
How Indian Films Broke Records
The last two decades have been pivotal in reshaping how Indian movies perform at the box office. With expanded international releases, online ticketing, and digital marketing, the reach of Indian films has never been greater. These films have broken linguistic and regional barriers, uniting audiences under the universal appeal of emotion, drama, and entertainment.
Titles like “Dangal,” “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,” and “RRR” have rewritten history with their astronomical collections. Their success reflects the audience’s appetite for visually grand and emotionally powerful storytelling. The combination of cinematic artistry and mass appeal has made these movies not just Indian hits but global sensations.
1. Dangal (2016)
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Aamir Khan, “Dangal” is a biographical sports drama inspired by the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters. It became the highest-grossing Indian film ever, earning more than ₹2,000 crore worldwide, particularly dominating in the Chinese market. The film’s emotional depth, realistic portrayal, and social relevance helped it transcend borders.
“Dangal” is more than a box office success; it’s a cinematic statement about perseverance and empowerment. Its blend of strong performances and relatable storytelling elevated it to legendary status in Indian cinema history.
2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
S.S. Rajamouli’s “Baahubali 2” changed the way India viewed large-scale filmmaking. The epic narrative, visual grandeur, and striking performances by Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, and Anushka Shetty made it a cinematic milestone. It crossed ₹1,800 crore globally, setting a benchmark for visual storytelling in Indian cinema.
The film’s success lies in its universal appeal — a mixture of mythology, fantasy, and emotion that resonated with audiences from every region. It also showcased how Indian filmmakers could compete with Hollywood blockbusters in terms of scale and spectacle.
3. RRR (2022)
“RRR,” directed by S.S. Rajamouli, brought together Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in an epic tale of friendship, rebellion, and sacrifice. Combining historical fiction with intense drama, it became a global phenomenon, winning an Oscar for Best Original Song. Its worldwide gross exceeded ₹1,200 crore.
“RRR” exemplifies the international recognition of Indian cinema’s creativity and ambition. With its breathtaking visuals and emotionally rich narrative, it elevated the reputation of Indian blockbusters to new heights.
4. KGF: Chapter 2 (2022)
Prashanth Neel’s “KGF: Chapter 2” expanded the legacy of Kannada cinema and turned Yash into a pan-Indian superstar. The film’s gritty style and high-octane action sequences helped it gross over ₹1,200 crore worldwide. Its bold narrative about power and ambition made it a cultural phenomenon.
The film’s massive success reflected the rise of regional cinema in the national spotlight. It proved that powerful storytelling and compelling characters could transcend linguistic barriers.
5. Jawan (2023)
Directed by Atlee and starring Shah Rukh Khan in dual roles, “Jawan” became one of Bollywood’s biggest hits. Combining emotional depth with thrilling action, it grossed more than ₹1,100 crore globally. The film explored themes of justice and social responsibility, resonating strongly with modern audiences.
“Jawan” also marked a shift toward socially conscious mainstream cinema. It blended entertainment with commentary, making it both commercially and critically successful.
6. Pathaan (2023)
Shah Rukh Khan returned to the big screen with “Pathaan,” an action-packed spy thriller that redefined Bollywood’s action genre. Directed by Siddharth Anand, it earned over ₹1,000 crore globally. With high production value and international settings, it cemented SRK’s comeback as the “King of Bollywood.”
The film’s stylish presentation, along with its patriotic undertones, captivated both domestic and international audiences, proving that Bollywood can deliver Hollywood-level spectacle.
7. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Kabir Khan’s heartwarming drama “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” told the story of a man helping a mute Pakistani girl reunite with her family. Starring Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra, the movie grossed over ₹900 crore worldwide. It touched audiences with its universal themes of kindness and humanity.
Its emotional resonance made it one of the most beloved films in Indian cinema. Critics praised its sincerity, and audiences appreciated its heartfelt storytelling.
8. Secret Superstar (2017)
Aamir Khan’s production “Secret Superstar” became an unexpected hit, particularly in China, where it grossed nearly ₹900 crore. The film, centered on a young girl aspiring to become a singer, struck a chord with global audiences for its inspirational narrative.
It proved that emotional stories grounded in reality can perform as well as action blockbusters. The film’s simplicity and heartfelt message set it apart in an industry often dominated by spectacle.
9. PK (2014)
Rajkumar Hirani’s “PK” combined humor, satire, and social commentary in a way that only Indian cinema can. Starring Aamir Khan as an alien questioning societal norms, it grossed over ₹800 crore worldwide. Its unique narrative and emotional depth made it one of the most discussed films of the decade.
The movie’s blend of wit and introspection inspired debates about faith, humanity, and progress, making it one of India’s most influential cinematic works.
10. 2.0 (2018)
Starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, “2.0” was India’s most expensive film at the time of its release. Directed by Shankar, it combined advanced visual effects with a socially conscious message about technology and the environment. It earned over ₹750 crore worldwide.
The film’s cutting-edge VFX and massive scale set new benchmarks for Indian science fiction. It also highlighted the growing intersection between entertainment and social responsibility.
11. Sultan (2016)
Ali Abbas Zafar’s “Sultan” starred Salman Khan as a wrestler fighting to regain his pride and love. The movie grossed more than ₹620 crore worldwide, combining sports drama with romance and emotion. Its depiction of resilience and redemption resonated deeply with viewers.
“Sultan” was praised for its strong performances and high production value. It successfully blended entertainment with a human story, securing its place among India’s highest-grossing films.
12. Sanju (2018)
“Sanju,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani, told the turbulent life story of actor Sanjay Dutt. With Ranbir Kapoor’s transformative performance, the film grossed over ₹586 crore globally. It stood out for its storytelling depth and emotional range.
The film explored fame, failure, and forgiveness in a way that connected powerfully with audiences. Its box office success reaffirmed Hirani’s reputation for crafting commercially viable yet meaningful cinema.
13. Padmaavat (2018)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s visually stunning “Padmaavat” starred Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. Despite controversies, it became a massive hit, earning over ₹585 crore globally. Its grandeur and epic storytelling captivated millions.
“Padmaavat” redefined historical dramas in Indian cinema with its breathtaking visuals and powerful performances. The movie exemplified how visual art and storytelling can coexist harmoniously.
14. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
The sequel to “Ek Tha Tiger,” this Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif-starrer combined high-stakes espionage with thrilling action. The film grossed over ₹570 crore worldwide, reaffirming the superstar’s box office dominance.
The movie’s scale, cinematography, and global locations made it an audience favorite. It marked a milestone in Bollywood’s modern action era.
15. Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022)
Mani Ratnam’s historical epic “Ponniyin Selvan: I” adapted Kalki Krishnamurthy’s classic Tamil novel. With an ensemble cast including Vikram and Aishwarya Rai, it grossed around ₹500 crore. The film celebrated Tamil culture and heritage.
Its attention to detail and grandeur set a new benchmark for regional cinema. It showcased how literature and cinema can merge to create timeless art.
16. Pushpa: The Rise (2021)
Allu Arjun’s “Pushpa” brought Telugu cinema into the national spotlight. Directed by Sukumar, it grossed ₹480 crore worldwide. Its blend of action, style, and music turned it into a pop culture sensation.
The character Pushpa became an icon of rebellion and confidence. The film’s dialogues and music captured the public imagination, fueling massive fan engagement.
17. The Kashmir Files (2022)
Vivek Agnihotri’s “The Kashmir Files” dramatized the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. The film earned over ₹340 crore worldwide despite its low budget. It sparked national conversations about history and identity.
Its success demonstrated the growing appetite for politically and socially charged cinema. The film proved that strong narratives can succeed without big budgets or stars.
18. Gadar 2 (2023)
Sunny Deol returned as Tara Singh in “Gadar 2,” directed by Anil Sharma. The film revived the 2001 classic and earned over ₹680 crore worldwide. Its nostalgic appeal drew multigenerational audiences.
The combination of patriotic emotion and family drama made it a crowd favorite. “Gadar 2” bridged the gap between traditional and modern filmmaking sensibilities.
19. Drishyam 2 (2022)
Ajay Devgn’s “Drishyam 2,” a sequel to the 2015 hit, blended suspense and emotion masterfully. It grossed over ₹340 crore globally. The film’s tight screenplay and strong performances were widely acclaimed.
It reaffirmed the power of intelligent storytelling in mainstream cinema. “Drishyam 2” proved that sequels can be both commercially and critically successful.
20. Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022)
Ayan Mukerji’s ambitious fantasy film “Brahmāstra” starred Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. It grossed over ₹430 crore worldwide, marking a major visual effects milestone for Bollywood.
Though polarizing in reviews, the film represented a bold experiment in blending mythology and modernity. It laid the foundation for a potential cinematic universe inspired by Indian lore.
21. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)
Om Raut’s historical action drama starred Ajay Devgn as Maratha warrior Tanhaji Malusare. It grossed ₹360 crore worldwide, combining nationalism with visual grandeur.
Its strong storytelling and technical finesse made it one of the most memorable historical dramas of recent years.
22. Kabir Singh (2019)
Shahid Kapoor’s intense performance as a flawed surgeon drove “Kabir Singh” to earn ₹380 crore globally. The film stirred debate for its themes but became a cultural talking point.
Its success reflected the changing audience appetite for bold, character-driven narratives.
23. Chennai Express (2013)
Rohit Shetty’s “Chennai Express,” starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, grossed over ₹420 crore worldwide. It combined humor, romance, and action in trademark Bollywood fashion.
The film’s colorful energy and music made it a pan-Indian celebration of fun and love.
24. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Ayan Mukerji’s youth drama “YJHD” explored friendship and dreams, grossing ₹320 crore. Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s chemistry became iconic.
The movie resonated with young audiences for its relatable themes of ambition and belonging.
25. Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus “Bajirao Mastani” grossed ₹360 crore. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s passionate performances brought history alive.
The film’s lavish visuals and haunting music made it a cinematic classic.
26. Dhoom 3 (2013)
The third installment of the “Dhoom” franchise starred Aamir Khan in a dual role. It grossed ₹540 crore worldwide, becoming a record-setter for its time.
Its mix of action, emotion, and stylish visuals made it a blockbuster hit.
27. War (2019)
Starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff, “War” was a high-adrenaline action film that earned ₹475 crore globally. It redefined Bollywood action with sleek execution.
The film’s visual quality and choreography set a new standard for spy thrillers.
28. Kick (2014)
Salman Khan’s “Kick” was a mass entertainer that collected ₹380 crore. With its catchy music and vibrant storytelling, it became a major commercial success.
It reinforced Salman Khan’s star power in the 2010s’ blockbuster era.
29. PK (2014)
“PK”’s international success reaffirmed Indian cinema’s storytelling power. Its ₹800 crore collection remains among the highest in Bollywood history.
The film’s impact continues to influence socially aware narratives.
30. Vikram (2022)
Kamal Haasan’s action thriller “Vikram” grossed ₹430 crore, revitalizing Tamil cinema. Its layered storytelling and stylish execution appealed to a broad audience.
It proved that age is no barrier to cinematic innovation.
31. Leo (2023)
Starring Vijay and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, “Leo” grossed over ₹600 crore worldwide. Its dark themes and intense action captivated fans.
The film strengthened Tamil cinema’s global appeal and narrative ambition.
32. Jailer (2023)
Rajinikanth’s “Jailer” combined humor and action to deliver a ₹600 crore global hit. It appealed to multiple generations of fans.
The movie’s success reaffirmed Rajinikanth’s enduring charisma and commercial magnetism.
33. RRR (2022)
“RRR”’s global success pushed Indian cinema onto the world stage. Its ₹1,200 crore collection redefined epic filmmaking.
The film remains a symbol of Indian storytelling excellence.
34. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
The first part of Rajamouli’s saga grossed ₹650 crore. It introduced audiences to a cinematic universe that blended mythology with innovation.
It laid the groundwork for its record-breaking sequel.
35. Dilwale (2015)
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s reunion in “Dilwale” brought nostalgia and romance to audiences, grossing ₹400 crore.
Its global fan following reinforced Bollywood’s emotional resonance abroad.
36. Bharat (2019)
Salman Khan’s “Bharat” chronicled a man’s life alongside India’s evolution. It earned ₹325 crore, mixing emotion and patriotism.
The film’s heartfelt narrative appealed to family audiences.
37. Kalank (2019)
Despite mixed reviews, “Kalank” grossed ₹150 crore. Its elaborate visuals and star-studded cast made it a visual treat.
The film reflected Bollywood’s continued interest in historical romance.
38. Raees (2017)
Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of a smuggler earned ₹281 crore globally. “Raees” mixed crime drama with emotional complexity.
Its dialogues and performances made it memorable among SRK’s late-2010s releases.
39. Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019)
Chiranjeevi’s period drama grossed ₹240 crore, celebrating a Telugu freedom fighter. Its scale and authenticity impressed audiences.
The movie stood out for its patriotism and production design.
40. Veer-Zaara (2004)
Yash Chopra’s cross-border romance remains timeless. It grossed ₹230 crore globally, driven by its emotional storytelling and music.
The film epitomized Bollywood’s golden era of love and sacrifice.
41. My Name Is Khan (2010)
Karan Johar’s drama starred Shah Rukh Khan as Rizwan Khan, a man with Asperger’s syndrome navigating post-9/11 America. It grossed over ₹226 crore worldwide. The film combined romance, social commentary, and emotional storytelling.
Its heartfelt narrative and powerful performances resonated globally, making it one of Bollywood’s most influential international hits.
42. Barfi! (2012)
Anurag Basu’s romantic comedy-drama starred Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. It earned ₹175 crore globally, winning praise for its charming characters and unique story. The film celebrated love, innocence, and human connection.
“Barfi!” was lauded for blending humor and emotion seamlessly, highlighting the universal appeal of well-crafted Movie Characters.
43. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, this biographical sports drama followed the life of athlete Milkha Singh. Starring Farhan Akhtar, it grossed ₹180 crore worldwide. Its inspirational story captured the essence of determination and national pride.
The movie’s authentic performances and emotional depth made it a standout in Indian sports cinema, motivating audiences across generations.
44. Andhadhun (2018)
Sriram Raghavan’s thriller starred Ayushmann Khurrana as a blind pianist caught in a web of crime. The film earned ₹171 crore globally. Its inventive plot and dark humor captivated critics and audiences alike.
“Andhadhun” showcased the potential of intelligent, content-driven cinema to achieve commercial success in India and internationally.
45. Pad Man (2018)
R. Balki’s socially conscious comedy-drama featured Akshay Kumar as a man tackling menstrual hygiene taboos. It grossed ₹175 crore worldwide. The film mixed humor with a meaningful message, appealing to a broad audience.
“Pad Man” proved that socially relevant topics could be presented entertainingly, inspiring discussions while achieving box office success.
46. Baaghi 2 (2018)
Directed by Ahmed Khan, this action thriller starred Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani. It earned ₹258 crore globally, thanks to high-octane stunts and mass appeal. Its blend of action, romance, and emotion drew fans nationwide.
“Baaghi 2” reinforced the popularity of action-packed Movie Genre films in modern Bollywood.
47. Don 2 (2011)
Farhan Akhtar’s “Don 2” featured Shah Rukh Khan in a slick action-crime saga. The film grossed ₹256 crore worldwide. Its stylish execution and suspenseful narrative made it a fan favorite.
The movie demonstrated Bollywood’s capability to produce high-quality action thrillers with pan-Indian appeal.
48. Krrish 3 (2013)
Rakesh Roshan’s superhero film starred Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra. It grossed ₹393 crore globally. Combining action, special effects, and family drama, it resonated with audiences of all ages.
“Krrish 3” proved that Indian superhero cinema could match international spectacle while retaining emotional depth.
49. Saaho (2019)
Prabhas starred in this pan-Indian action thriller directed by Sujeeth. With ₹433 crore worldwide, it became one of the highest-grossing multilingual films. Its sleek action sequences and high production value drew large audiences.
“Saaho” exemplified India’s growing ability to create visually ambitious films that appeal across regional boundaries.
50. RRR (2022) – Reaffirmed
Although already listed among the top 10, “RRR”’s immense impact warrants reaffirmation. Its ₹1,200 crore worldwide gross illustrates the unprecedented global reach of Indian cinema. With groundbreaking action and emotional storytelling, it redefined blockbuster expectations.
“RRR” remains a symbol of Indian cinema’s international prestige and creative potential, inspiring future filmmakers to aim for global excellence.
Conclusion
The 50 highest-grossing Indian movies of all time represent more than commercial victories — they symbolize a cultural evolution. Each film contributes to a broader narrative of creativity, resilience, and innovation. Together, they illustrate how Indian cinema has moved from regional screens to international acclaim.
As India continues to expand its cinematic horizons, audiences can look forward to more masterpieces that blend storytelling artistry with universal appeal. The box office is only the beginning — the real success lies in the emotional connection that Indian films forge with the world.
