Indian cinema has produced some of the most iconic and commercially successful films in the world. From emotional dramas to larger-than-life action spectacles, these movies have captured the hearts of audiences and broken box office records. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the top 15 highest grossing Indian movies of all time.
1. Dangal (2016)
Worldwide Gross: ₹2,024 crore
Dangal is a 2016 biographical sports drama based on the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler who trains his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world-class wrestlers. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Aamir Khan as Mahavir, with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra portraying Geeta and Babita respectively.
The movie follows Mahavir’s journey as he defies societal norms in conservative Haryana to train his daughters in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Through rigorous training and unwavering determination, Geeta and Babita overcome numerous obstacles to make their father proud and bring glory to India on the international stage.
Dangal was praised for its powerful performances, inspiring story, and socially relevant themes of gender equality and female empowerment. The film struck an emotional chord with audiences and became a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹2,000 crore worldwide. It is currently the highest grossing Indian film of all time and a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of the human condition.
2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,810 crore
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is a 2017 epic action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli and the sequel to the 2015 film Baahubali: The Beginning. The movie features an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, and Tamannaah, with Prabhas portraying the titular character of Amarendra Baahubali.
The film picks up where its predecessor left off, with Amarendra Baahubali’s son Mahendra Baahubali learning about his father’s legacy and setting out to reclaim the kingdom of Mahishmati from the tyrannical rule of his uncle Bhallaladeva. The movie is known for its grand scale, stunning visuals, and jaw-dropping action sequences.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was a cultural phenomenon and a landmark achievement in Indian cinema. It broke numerous box office records and became the highest grossing Indian film worldwide at the time of its release, earning over ₹1,800 crore. The film’s success showcased the technical prowess of Indian filmmakers and proved that Indian cinema could compete with Hollywood in terms of scale and spectacle.
3. RRR (2022)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,200 crore
RRR is a 2022 epic action drama directed by S. S. Rajamouli, starring Ram Charan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in lead roles. The film is a fictional story set in the 1920s, revolving around two real-life Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, and their fight against the British Raj.
In the movie, Rama Raju and Bheem become close friends without knowing each other’s true identities or intentions. However, when they discover they are on opposite sides of the fight against the British, they must confront their loyalty to each other and their cause.
RRR was praised for its grand vision, adrenaline-pumping action, and the electrifying performances of its lead actors. The film’s scale, technical brilliance, and emotional depth struck a chord with audiences, making it a massive commercial success. It grossed over ₹1,200 crore worldwide, cementing S. S. Rajamouli’s status as one of India’s most visionary filmmakers.
4. KGF: Chapter 2 (2022)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,200-1,250 crore
KGF: Chapter 2 is a 2022 Kannada-language period action film written and directed by Prashanth Neel. It is a sequel to the 2018 film KGF: Chapter 1 and stars Yash, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, and Srinidhi Shetty in prominent roles.
The movie continues the story of Rocky, a high-ranking assassin in the Kolar Gold Fields. After overthrowing the oppressive ruler Garuda, Rocky must now face new threats in the form of Adheera, Garuda’s brother, and Ramika Sen, a ruthless politician.
KGF: Chapter 2 was lauded for its stylized action, intense performances, and grand cinematography. The film’s success highlighted the growing prominence of Kannada cinema on the national stage and established Yash as a pan-Indian star. It grossed between ₹1,200-1,250 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
5. Jawan (2023)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,148 crore
Jawan is a 2023 Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Atlee and starring Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role, alongside Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, and Sanya Malhotra.
The movie follows a former army officer who seeks to avenge the death of his father, a respected scientist. As he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit, he must confront his own past and the dark secrets that threaten to destroy his family.
Jawan marked Shah Rukh Khan’s return to the action genre after a hiatus and was highly anticipated by fans. The film’s slick action sequences, emotional depth, and Khan’s powerful performance contributed to its commercial success. It grossed ₹1,148 crore worldwide, reaffirming Shah Rukh Khan’s status as one of India’s biggest superstars.
6. Pathaan (2023)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,050 crore
Pathaan is a 2023 Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Siddharth Anand, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham in lead roles.
The movie revolves around Pathaan, an exiled RAW agent, who must return to the field to thwart a terrorist group’s plans of launching simultaneous attacks on India. As he races against time, he is forced to confront his past and the choices that led to his exile.
Pathaan was praised for its high-octane action sequences, stylish cinematography, and the chemistry between its lead actors. The film’s success marked a triumphant comeback for Shah Rukh Khan and solidified his position as the “King of Bollywood”. It grossed ₹1,050 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
7. Kalki 2898 AD (2024)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,028-1,200 crore
Kalki 2898 AD is a 2024 Telugu-language science fiction film directed by Nag Ashwin, starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan in lead roles.
Set in a dystopian future, the movie follows Kalki, a genetically engineered soldier, who must save humanity from an oppressive regime that controls the world’s resources. As he uncovers the secrets behind his creation and the true nature of the regime, he must lead a revolution to free mankind.
Kalki 2898 AD was noted for its ambitious scale, stunning visual effects, and the performances of its star-studded cast. The film’s success showcased the growing ambition and technical prowess of Telugu cinema and established Prabhas as a leading figure in Indian science fiction. It grossed between ₹1,028-1,200 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
8. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Worldwide Gross: ₹969 crore
Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a 2015 Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Kabir Khan, starring Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in lead roles.
The movie tells the story of Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi, a devout Hindu, who embarks on a journey to reunite a mute six-year-old Pakistani girl with her family across the border. As he navigates the challenges posed by the India-Pakistan conflict, he learns valuable lessons about love, compassion, and the power of humanity.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan was praised for its heartwarming story, emotional depth, and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Salman Khan. The film’s message of peace and unity resonated with audiences and contributed to its commercial success. It grossed ₹969 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
9. Secret Superstar (2017)
Worldwide Gross: ₹966 crore
Secret Superstar is a 2017 Hindi-language musical drama film directed by Advait Chandan, starring Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij, and Aamir Khan in lead roles.
The movie follows Insia, a teenage girl from a conservative Muslim family, who dreams of becoming a singer. Facing opposition from her abusive father, she secretly posts her songs on YouTube under the pseudonym “Secret Superstar”, which goes viral and catches the attention of a renowned music director.
Secret Superstar was praised for its sensitive portrayal of domestic abuse, female empowerment, and the power of music to inspire change. Zaira Wasim’s performance as Insia was particularly noted for its emotional depth and authenticity. The film’s success highlighted the growing importance of content-driven cinema in India and the potential for small-budget films to make a big impact. It grossed ₹966 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
10. PK (2014)
Worldwide Gross: ₹854 crore
PK is a 2014 Hindi-language satirical comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, starring Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Sushant Singh Rajput in lead roles.
The movie tells the story of an alien who lands on Earth but loses his communication device. As he navigates the complexities of human society and religion, he befriends a journalist who helps him recover his device while questioning the very nature of faith and belief.
PK was praised for its witty and thought-provoking commentary on religion, superstition, and the human condition. Aamir Khan’s performance as the naive and curious alien was particularly noted for its humor and emotional depth. The film’s success sparked a national conversation about the role of religion in society and established Rajkumar Hirani as one of India’s most important filmmakers. It grossed ₹854 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
11. Sultan (2016)
Worldwide Gross: ₹623 crore
Sultan is a 2016 Hindi-language sports drama film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, starring Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma in lead roles.
The movie follows Sultan Ali Khan, a former wrestling champion from Haryana, who loses everything due to his arrogance and ego. As he struggles to redeem himself and win back the love of his life, he must confront his inner demons and prove himself in the ring once again.
Sultan was praised for its intense action sequences, emotional depth, and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Salman Khan. The film’s portrayal of the sport of wrestling and the challenges faced by athletes resonated with audiences and contributed to its commercial success. It grossed ₹623 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
12. Sanju (2018)
Worldwide Gross: ₹586 crore
Sanju is a 2018 Hindi-language biographical drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Indian actor Sanjay Dutt, along with Paresh Rawal, Vicky Kaushal, Manisha Koirala, and Dia Mirza in supporting roles.
The movie chronicles the life of Sanjay Dutt, from his early days in the film industry to his struggles with drug addiction, his involvement in the 1993 Bombay bombings, and his eventual redemption.
Sanju was praised for its honest and unflinching portrayal of Sanjay Dutt’s life, as well as the performances of its cast, particularly Ranbir Kapoor’s transformation into the troubled actor. The film’s success highlighted the enduring fascination with celebrity culture in India and the power of biopics to capture the public imagination. It grossed ₹586 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
13. Padmaavat (2018)
Worldwide Gross: ₹585 crore
Padmaavat is a 2018 Hindi-language epic period drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh in lead roles.
Based on the epic poem “Padmavat” by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, the movie tells the story of Rani Padmavati, the legendary queen of Mewar, and her husband Maharawal Ratan Singh. When the tyrannical Sultan Alauddin Khilji becomes obsessed with Padmavati’s beauty, he lays siege to the kingdom of Mewar, leading to a battle that will test the courage and honor of the Rajputs.
Padmaavat was noted for its grand scale, stunning visuals, and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Ranveer Singh’s menacing portrayal of Alauddin Khilji. The film’s release was marred by controversy and protests from certain groups who claimed that it distorted historical facts and insulted Rajput pride. Despite this, the film was a commercial success, grossing ₹585 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
14. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
Worldwide Gross: ₹565 crore
Tiger Zinda Hai is a 2017 Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. It is a sequel to the 2012 film Ek Tha Tiger.
The movie follows RAW agent Tiger and ISI agent Zoya, who team up to rescue a group of hostages held by a militant group in Iraq. As they navigate the dangerous terrain and confront the terrorists, they must also confront their own feelings for each other.
Tiger Zinda Hai was praised for its high-octane action sequences, exotic locations, and the chemistry between its lead actors. The film’s success cemented Salman Khan’s status as one of India’s biggest action stars and established the “Tiger” franchise as a major force in Indian cinema. It grossed ₹565 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
15. War (2019)
Worldwide Gross: ₹475 crore
War is a 2019 Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Siddharth Anand, starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff in lead roles, with Vaani Kapoor playing a supporting role.
The movie follows Khalid, a special agent, who is tasked with tracking down and eliminating his former mentor Kabir, who has gone rogue. As Khalid pursues Kabir across the globe, he uncovers a deeper conspiracy that threatens national security.
War was noted for its stylish action sequences, stunning locations, and the electrifying performances of its lead actors, particularly the dance-off between Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. The film’s success highlighted the enduring appeal of the action genre in Indian cinema and established Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff as two of India’s biggest action stars. It grossed ₹475 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
These 15 films represent the pinnacle of commercial success in Indian cinema. From emotional dramas to larger-than-life action spectacles, these movies have captured the hearts of audiences and broken box office records. They showcase the diversity and richness of Indian storytelling, as well as the technical prowess and star power of Indian filmmakers and actors.
As Indian cinema continues to evolve and push boundaries, it is likely that new films will emerge to claim their place among the highest grossing Indian movies of all time. However, the films on this list will always be remembered as landmarks in Indian cinema history, and a testament to the enduring power of movies to entertain, inspire, and unite audiences across the world.
