Shah Rukh Khan, affectionately known as SRK or King Khan, is one of the biggest superstars in Bollywood history. While he is best known for his romantic roles, Shah Rukh has also starred in many excellent action films over his illustrious career. His charisma, intensity and sheer star power allow him to convincingly pull off the role of an action hero.
If you’re an SRK fan looking for an adrenaline rush, here are the 12 best Shah Rukh Khan action movies you absolutely must watch:
1. Pathaan (2023)
Pathaan is SRK’s grand return to the big screen after a 4-year hiatus, and what a comeback it is. The film follows Pathaan, an exiled RAW agent, who must take on a former RAW agent and his private terror organization that is planning an attack on India. With jaw-dropping action sequences, exotic international locales, and SRK’s magnetic screen presence, Pathaan is a true visual spectacle. The film also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.
Shah Rukh underwent a major physical transformation for this role, sporting six-pack abs at the age of 57. His dedication shows in every frame as he performs daredevil stunts and intense fight scenes with panache. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, breaking numerous box office records. It is the highest-grossing Indian film of 2023 so far.
2. Don (2006)
Don is a slick remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan cult classic of the same name. SRK steps into the iconic role of Don, a ruthless crime boss. When Don is killed in a police encounter, his look-alike Vijay is recruited by the police to impersonate Don and infiltrate the gang. However, things take a turn when the lines between Vijay and Don start to blur.
SRK is in top form here, portraying both the characters of Don and Vijay with ease. He brings a sense of unpredictability and manic energy to Don, while also portraying the vulnerability of Vijay. The film’s stylized action sequences, with SRK donning leather jackets and sleek shades, are a treat to watch. Don was a big hit and spawned a sequel, Don 2.
3. Main Hoon Na (2004)
Main Hoon Na marked the directorial debut of Farah Khan. The film follows Major Ram Sharma who goes undercover as a college student to protect his general’s daughter from a rogue soldier. SRK’s character is a charming goofball who romances his chemistry teacher (Sushmita Sen) while also kicking some serious butt.
The film is an entertaining mix of action, comedy, romance and drama. SRK displays his flair for comedy and impresses with some stylish stunts and fight scenes. The film’s patriotic undertones and the emotional story of Ram reconnecting with his estranged family struck a chord with audiences. Main Hoon Na was one of the highest grossing films of 2004.
4. Raees (2017)
In Raees, SRK plays Raees Alam, a shrewd bootlegger whose business is challenged by a tough cop (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). The film is set against the backdrop of prohibition in Gujarat. As Raees becomes more powerful, he starts to believe his own myth, leading to his downfall.
SRK delivers a powerful performance as the morally ambiguous Raees, depicting both his ruthlessness and his humanity. The film features some well-choreographed action sequences as Raees takes on his rivals and the police. Raees was praised for its gritty realism and SRK’s commanding screen presence. It was a commercial success and one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2017.
5. Dilwale (2015)
Dilwale is an action romantic comedy that reunites SRK with Kajol, one of his most iconic on-screen pairings. SRK plays Raj, a mechanic with a mysterious past, who falls in love with Meera (Kajol). However, their families have a bitter history that threatens to tear them apart.
The film features some thrilling action scenes, especially a car chase sequence on the streets of Bulgaria. SRK looks dashing in his action avatar and shares crackling chemistry with Kajol. While the film received mixed reviews, it was a major commercial success, partly driven by the nostalgia of seeing SRK and Kajol together on screen after a long time.
6. Ra.One (2011)
Ra.One is an ambitious sci-fi superhero film with SRK in the lead. He plays a gaming programmer who designs a motion sensor-based game in which the antagonist (Ra.One) is more powerful than the protagonist (G.One). When Ra.One enters the real world, the programmer must become G.One to defeat him.
The film was a passion project for SRK and features cutting-edge visual effects and action sequences. SRK underwent extensive training to perform the stunts and action scenes. While Ra.One received mixed reviews for its story, it was praised for its technical wizardry and SRK’s sincere performance. The film was a financial success and won a National Film Award for Best Special Effects.
7. Karan Arjun (1995)
Karan Arjun is a classic masala action film that stars SRK and Salman Khan as brothers who are killed by a ruthless landlord and are reborn to avenge their deaths. The film is remembered for its iconic dialogues, the hit songs, and the camaraderie between SRK and Salman.
SRK plays Arjun, the more impulsive and aggressive of the brothers. He undergoes a dramatic transformation from a fun-loving village boy to a brooding action hero. The film has some well-executed action scenes and benefits from the star power of its two leads. Karan Arjun was a major commercial success and cemented SRK’s position as an action star in the 90s.
8. Jawan (2023)
Jawan is one of SRK’s most anticipated upcoming films. It is an action thriller written and directed by Atlee. SRK plays a double role, as father and son, in the film. The father is a former military officer who is in jail, while the son becomes a vigilante to clear his father’s name.
The film is said to be based on a real incident where a pediatrician was imprisoned after 60 children died, despite the government being responsible. SRK’s look in the film, with bandages on his face, has created a lot of buzz. Jawan also stars Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi and is expected to be a high-octane action entertainer.
9. Baadshah (1999)
Baadshah is an action comedy that stars SRK as a bumbling private detective who gets embroiled in a high-profile murder case. He must use his wits and combat skills to clear his name and catch the real culprit. The film is a fun, entertaining ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
SRK is in his element as the goofy but endearing detective. He pulls off the action and comedy scenes with equal ease. The film has some well-choreographed fight scenes and chase sequences. Baadshah was a box office hit and is considered one of SRK’s most enjoyable action comedies from the 90s.
10. Chennai Express (2013)
Chennai Express is an action romantic comedy that was one of the biggest hits of SRK’s career. He plays Rahul, a 40-year-old bachelor, who embarks on a journey to immerse his late grandfather’s ashes. On the way, he meets and falls in love with a feisty South Indian girl (Deepika Padukone) and gets caught up in a dangerous feud with her family.
The film has a good blend of action, comedy, and romance. SRK looks stylish in the action scenes and shares a sparkling chemistry with Deepika. The film was shot extensively in South India and captures the local flavor well. Chennai Express broke several box office records upon release and was one of the highest-grossing Indian films at the time.
11. Happy New Year (2014)
Happy New Year is a heist action comedy that features an ensemble cast led by SRK. He plays Charlie, a street fighter who assembles a group of misfits to pull off a daring diamond heist during a dance competition in Dubai. The film is a fun, larger-than-life entertainer with some thrilling action set pieces.
SRK undergoes a physical transformation for the role and looks convincing as a tough guy. He also shows off his dancing skills in some elaborate song sequences. The film’s lavish production design and international locations add to its visual appeal. Happy New Year was a major commercial success globally and was praised for its entertainment value.
12. Dil Se.. (1998)
Dil Se.. is a romantic thriller that features SRK in one of his most intense roles. He plays Amar, a radio journalist who falls in love with a mysterious woman (Manisha Koirala) who is later revealed to be a suicide bomber. The film is set against the backdrop of the insurgency in Northeast India.
SRK delivers a passionate performance as a man torn between his love and his duty. The film has some stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by A.R. Rahman. While the film’s dark subject matter and tragic ending made it a commercial failure at the time, it has since been reassessed as a groundbreaking film in SRK’s career. The film’s iconic song “Chaiyya Chaiyya”, featuring SRK dancing on top of a moving train, is one of the most memorable moments in Bollywood history.
These are just some of the best Shah Rukh Khan action movies that showcase his versatility as an actor. From gritty thrillers to masala entertainers, SRK has done it all in his career spanning over three decades. His dedication to his craft, his incredible screen presence, and his ability to connect with the audience make him a true superstar.
Whether he is playing a tough guy or a romantic hero, SRK brings his own unique charm and intensity to every role. He has constantly reinvented himself over the years and has never shied away from taking risks. His action films are a testament to his willingness to push boundaries and try new things.
If you’re an action movie buff or an SRK fan, these films are a must-watch. They offer a perfect blend of thrills, drama, romance, and comedy that is the hallmark of a good Bollywood action film. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the magic of Shah Rukh Khan on screen!
