Top 15 Highest-Grossing Indian Movies of All Time
All-Time Box Office Hits in India: A Journey Through Cinema's Greatest Successes
Indian cinema has always been a cornerstone of entertainment, capturing the hearts of millions. Over the years, countless films have released and created waves at the box office, some reaching unimaginable heights.
The box office collection of these films is often seen as a testament to their popularity and cultural impact. In this article, we will take a look at the top films that have made history at the Indian box office, along with the factors that contributed to their success.
1. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is undoubtedly one of the biggest films in Indian cinema. This epic action film became the highest-grossing Indian film of all time, smashing box office records across the globe.
The movie's grand scale, gripping storyline, stunning visuals, and memorable characters played a massive role in its success. Not only did it dominate in Hindi-speaking regions, but its appeal reached international audiences as well.
Box Office Collection: ₹1,810 crore (approx.)
2. Dangal (2016)
Aamir Khan's Dangal took the Indian film industry by storm and earned massive success, both in India and internationally. The film, based on the true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, resonated with audiences on an emotional level.
With its heartwarming story, superb performances, and inspiring message, Dangal was a huge hit, becoming one of the highest-grossing films worldwide.
Box Office Collection: ₹2,024 crore (approx.)
3. KGF: Chapter 2 (2022)
KGF: Chapter 2 continues the success story of the KGF franchise, with Yash’s performance as Rocky Bhai becoming iconic. The film’s high-octane action, powerful dialogues, and suspenseful storyline created a massive buzz.
Released in multiple languages, KGF 2 became a pan-India success, appealing to fans across different states. The film's immense popularity helped it break several box office records, making it one of the top contenders in Indian cinema.
Box Office Collection: ₹1,250 crore (approx.)
4. RRR (2022)
Another magnum opus from S.S. Rajamouli, RRR brought together two of South India’s biggest stars, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan. Set in the 1920s, the film combines patriotism, action, and larger-than-life drama to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Its popularity spread like wildfire, and the film’s stunning visuals and powerful storytelling attracted a global audience.
Box Office Collection: ₹1,200 crore (approx.)
5. Secret Superstar (2017)
While not as action-packed as other blockbusters, Secret Superstar earned massive success at the box office due to its emotional story and the stellar performance of Zaira Wasim. The film, about a young girl who dreams of becoming a singer, had audiences cheering for its inspirational message. Aamir Khan’s involvement in the film also added to its success.
Box Office Collection: ₹977 crore (approx.)
6. Robort 2.0 (2018)
Starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, 2.0 is the sequel to the 2010 film Enthiran. Directed by Shankar, the film features groundbreaking visual effects and action sequences that made it a visual treat for moviegoers. Its massive budget and grand scale, along with a strong fan following, helped it achieve remarkable success both in India and overseas.
Box Office Collection: ₹800 crore (approx.)
7. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
The first part of the Baahubali franchise, Baahubali: The Beginning set the stage for the epic saga that would later become one of the most successful franchises in Indian cinema. Its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and gripping story helped it make a huge impact at the box office, setting the groundwork for the sequel.
Box Office Collection: ₹650 crore (approx.)
8. PK (2014)
Aamir Khan’s PK was not just a box office success but also a film that sparked many important discussions on religion, societal norms, and human values. The movie’s quirky and bold approach resonated with audiences, and its engaging storyline made it a major hit in both urban and rural areas.
Box Office Collection: ₹792 crore (approx.)
9. Sultan (2016)
Salman Khan’s Sultan took the audience on a journey of a wrestler's life, combining action, drama, and romance. The film's portrayal of strength, struggle, and ambition resonated with millions of people. Its box office performance was phenomenal, making it one of the highest-grossing films of its time.
Box Office Collection: ₹623 crore (approx.)
10. Sanju (2018)
Based on the life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, Sanju showcased the struggles and ups and downs in Dutt's personal and professional life. The film was widely praised for Ranbir Kapoor’s incredible performance, and it managed to connect with both urban and rural audiences, making it a commercial success.
Box Office Collection: ₹586 crore (approx.)
11. Baaghi 3 (2020)
The Baaghi franchise, led by Tiger Shroff, has always been a hit with action lovers. Baaghi 3, the third installment of this high-octane action series, was no different. With intense fight sequences, a gripping storyline, and Tiger Shroff’s action-packed performance, the film became one of the top-grossing films in 2020 despite the pandemic disruptions.
The mass appeal and fan following for Tiger Shroff helped push this movie into the list of all-time highest-grossing films.
Box Office Collection: ₹273 crore (approx.)
12. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela was a vibrant mix of romance, drama, and action, with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone delivering fantastic performances.
Set against a backdrop of passionate love and family rivalry, this visually stunning film captured the audience’s attention and created a storm at the box office. The chemistry between the leads and Bhansali’s impeccable direction helped the film break records.
Box Office Collection: ₹211 crore (approx.)
13. Kabir Singh (2019)
A remake of the Telugu film Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh starred Shahid Kapoor in the title role and was one of the biggest blockbusters of 2019. The film’s raw, intense portrayal of love, pain, and obsession resonated with young audiences, making it a rage across India. Despite mixed reviews for its controversial themes, the film’s huge commercial success was undeniable.
Box Office Collection: ₹379 crore (approx.)
14. Chennai Express (2013)
Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starred in Chennai Express, a romantic action-comedy directed by Rohit Shetty. The film had the perfect mix of comedy, action, romance, and South Indian flavor, which made it a massive hit across India and abroad. The film's infectious music, iconic dialogue delivery by SRK, and entertaining storyline helped it top the box office charts.
Box Office Collection: ₹423 crore (approx.)
15. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)
A historical drama based on the life of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior turned out to be one of the biggest surprises in recent times. Ajay Devgn’s stellar performance, breathtaking action sequences, and the film's portrayal of historical valor captured the audience’s imagination. Released in early 2020, it was one of the few films that managed to do well before the pandemic brought cinemas to a halt.
Box Office Collection: ₹368 crore (approx.)
Why These Films Are So Successful
The success of these films is a result of multiple factors working in harmony. Here are a five reasons why these films became blockbusters:
(i) Star Power: Many of these films feature popular actors like Aamir Khan, Rajinikanth, Salman Khan, and Yash, whose fan following ensured a strong initial response.
(iii) Engaging Storylines: A good story that resonates with the audience is key to a film's success. Whether it's an epic action film, a real-life inspired story, or a socially relevant message, these films kept viewers hooked.
(iv) Global Appeal: Movies like Dangal and Baahubali went beyond regional audiences and found fans internationally. The reach of Indian films is no longer limited to the domestic box office.
(v) Strong Marketing: With the help of social media and extensive promotional campaigns, these films managed to stay in the public eye and generated excitement before and after their release.
(vi) High-Quality Production: Stunning visuals, cutting-edge technology, and world-class cinematography also played a massive role in their success. Films like Baahubali and 2.0 set new benchmarks for Indian cinema.