Shah Rukh Khan, affectionately known as SRK or King Khan, is one of the most iconic and influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. Over his illustrious 30+ year career, he has starred in some of the biggest blockbusters and most beloved films. Here we take a look at SRK’s 10 highest grossing movies worldwide.
1. Jawan (2023)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1160 crores
Jawan, directed by Atlee Kumar, is currently SRK’s highest grossing film of all time with a massive worldwide collection of ₹1160 crores. The action thriller features Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role as Vikram, a former RAW agent, and his son Azad. The film follows Azad’s quest for revenge against the people who wronged his father and his family. Jawan also stars Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi and Deepika Padukone in pivotal roles.
The film opened to record-breaking numbers and sustained extremely well, becoming the highest grossing Indian film of 2023. SRK’s star power, the intriguing premise, spectacular action sequences and the ensemble cast were the major draws. Jawan is not only SRK’s biggest hit, but also one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
2. Pathaan (2023)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1055 crores
Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand, marked SRK’s explosive comeback after a 4-year hiatus. The spy action thriller features Shah Rukh Khan as Pathaan, an exiled RAW agent who must take down a former RAW agent-turned-rogue (played by John Abraham) and stop his nefarious plans. Deepika Padukone plays the female lead.
Pathaan took an earth-shattering opening and went on to become the highest grossing Hindi film worldwide at the time of its release. The film was praised for its stylish action, exotic locales, SRK’s charismatic performance and sizzling chemistry with Deepika. It also features a much talked-about cameo by Salman Khan. Pathaan’s mega success reignited SRK’s box office dominance.
3. Dunki (2023)
Worldwide Gross: ₹454 crores
Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, stars Shah Rukh Khan as Hardayal “Hardy” Singh Dhillon, a Punjabi man who runs an immigration racket helping people illegally enter the UK. However, his life takes a turn when he falls in love with a police officer (played by Taapsee Pannu) investigating his case.
While Dunki received mixed reviews and faced stiff competition from Salaar, it still went on to gross ₹454 crores worldwide, becoming a solid hit. The film was appreciated for SRK’s earnest performance, the quirky humor and the heartfelt emotional moments. Dunki proved that the SRK-Hirani combo could translate into box office gold.
4. Chennai Express (2013)
Worldwide Gross: ₹422 crores
Chennai Express, directed by Rohit Shetty, was a comedy action romance that paired SRK opposite Deepika Padukone. SRK played Rahul, a 40-year-old bachelor, who unwittingly gets embroiled with a South Indian don’s daughter (Deepika) while on a train journey to immerse his late grandfather’s ashes.
The film was a massive commercial success, breaking multiple box office records at the time. It collected ₹422 crores gross worldwide, becoming the second highest grossing Hindi film at the time after 3 Idiots. The SRK-Deepika pairing, the humor, the action and the catchy songs worked wonders with audiences.
5. Happy New Year (2014)
Worldwide Gross: ₹397 crores
Happy New Year, directed by Farah Khan, featured SRK as Charlie, the leader of a motley group of losers who plan to rob a high-profile diamond while participating in a dance competition. The ensemble heist comedy co-starred Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood and Vivaan Shah.
Happy New Year set multiple records in its extended opening weekend, taking one of the biggest openings for a Hindi film at the time. Despite the mixed reviews, the film went on to gross ₹397 crores worldwide, emerging as a major hit. The starry ensemble, the lavish songs, the humor and the emotional moments appealed to audiences.
6. Dilwale (2015)
Worldwide Gross: ₹388 crores
Dilwale, directed by Rohit Shetty, saw SRK reunite with Kajol after a gap of 5 years. The romantic action comedy revolved around the star-crossed love story of Raj (SRK) and Meera (Kajol) and the conflict between their respective siblings played by Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon.
While the film received mixed reviews, it took a big opening and grossed ₹388 crores worldwide, becoming the second highest grosser of 2015 after Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The SRK-Kajol chemistry, the younger pair of Varun-Kriti, the action, songs and emotional moments helped the film succeed commercially, especially overseas.
7. Raees (2017)
Worldwide Gross: ₹285 crores
Raees, directed by Rahul Dholakia, was a period crime action thriller that featured SRK in the title role of a bootlegger who rises to become a powerful crime lord in 1980s Gujarat. Nawazuddin Siddiqui played the righteous cop tasked with bringing him down. Mahira Khan played SRK’s love interest.
The film grossed ₹285 crores worldwide despite clashing with Hrithik Roshan’s Kaabil. Although it received mixed reviews and was termed an underperformer considering its high costs, Raees was a success. SRK’s intense performance, the gritty action, the period setting and the chartbuster songs were appreciated.
8. Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)
Worldwide Gross: ₹235.7 crores
Jab Tak Hai Jaan was the last film directed by the legendary Yash Chopra before his death. The romantic drama saw SRK play Samar, an ex-army officer suffering from amnesia. The film follows his love story with Meera (Katrina Kaif) in the past and Akira (Anushka Sharma) in the present.
JTHJ grossed ₹235.7 crores worldwide, emerging as a hit. The film was praised for its old-world romance, the performances of the lead trio, the emotional depth, Gulzar’s poetry, AR Rahman’s music and Yash Chopra’s swan song. It swept the music awards that year.
9. My Name is Khan (2010)
Worldwide Gross: ₹224.4 crores
My Name is Khan, directed by Karan Johar, featured SRK in one of his most acclaimed roles as Rizwan Khan, an autistic Muslim man who embarks on a journey across America to meet the US President and tell him that he is not a terrorist.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing ₹224.4 crores worldwide. SRK’s sensitive portrayal, his chemistry with Kajol, the film’s emotional depth and social message were highly praised. MNIK won several awards and was screened at international film festivals.
10. Ra.One (2011)
Worldwide Gross: ₹206.73 crores
Ra.One, directed by Anubhav Sinha, was an ambitious superhero sci-fi film that featured SRK in a double role as both the superhero G.One and his creator Shekhar. Kareena Kapoor played the female lead while Arjun Rampal played the villain.
The film was one of the most expensive Indian films at the time. Despite the mixed reviews, it grossed ₹206.73 crores worldwide, becoming a hit. The visual effects, action, SRK’s performance and Akon’s music were the highlights. Ra.One won the National Film Award for Best Special Effects.
These 10 films showcase the unparalleled box office power and longevity of Shah Rukh Khan. Even after 3 decades, he continues to deliver some of the biggest hits in Indian cinema. With highly anticipated films like Tiger 3, Dunki 2 and Pathaan 2 in the pipeline, SRK is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. He remains the undisputed King of Bollywood.
Which of these SRK hits is your favorite? Comment below and let us know!
