Top 20 Highest Grossing Films in Indian Cinema History
Indian cinema has witnessed an extraordinary transformation over the last decade, with films crossing language barriers and achieving massive worldwide box-office success. From grand historical epics and action spectacles to emotional dramas and pan-Indian entertainers, Indian films are now competing on a truly global scale.
The rise of pan-India cinema, combined with large-scale productions, powerful storytelling, and expanding international markets, has helped several Indian films create historic box-office records. Movies from Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema have all contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Here’s a look at the top 20 highest-grossing films in Indian cinema history based on worldwide box-office collections.
1. Dangal (2016) – ₹1,968–2,054 Crore
Language: Hindi
Starring Aamir Khan, Dangal remains one of the biggest milestones in Indian cinema history. Based on the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, the film achieved phenomenal success globally, especially in China.
Its emotional storytelling, inspiring sports drama, and strong performances made it a worldwide sensation.
2. Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026) – ₹1,852.44 Crore
Language: Hindi
The action-thriller starring Ranveer Singh became one of the biggest box-office phenomena ever seen in Bollywood. Packed with large-scale action, emotional drama, and commercial entertainment, the film shattered multiple records worldwide.
3. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) – ₹1,810.43 Crore
Language: Telugu
Directed by S. S. Rajamouli, Baahubali 2 changed Indian cinema forever. The epic conclusion to the Baahubali saga delivered grand visuals, emotional storytelling, and iconic action sequences.
The famous question “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” became a nationwide cultural phenomenon.
4. Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) – ₹1,642–1,800 Crore
Language: Telugu
Allu Arjun returned as Pushpa Raj in this highly anticipated sequel. The film dominated the global box office with powerful action, mass moments, and chartbuster music.
The movie further established Telugu cinema’s dominance in pan-Indian markets.
5. Dhurandhar (2025) – ₹1,350.83–1,428 Crore
Language: Hindi
The original Dhurandhar film laid the foundation for one of Bollywood’s biggest action franchises. Its success helped the sequel become an even larger worldwide blockbuster.
6. RRR (2022) – ₹1,300–1,387 Crore
Language: Telugu
Another masterpiece from S. S. Rajamouli, RRR starring N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan became a global sensation.
The film gained international recognition for its action choreography, emotional storytelling, and the Oscar-winning song “Naatu Naatu.”
7. KGF: Chapter 2 – ₹1,200–1,250 Crore
Language: Kannada
Yash’s larger-than-life performance as Rocky Bhai turned KGF: Chapter 2 into a pan-Indian blockbuster.
The film elevated Kannada cinema onto the global stage with its stylish action and powerful visuals.
8. Jawan (2023) – ₹1,148.32 Crore
Language: Hindi
Directed by Atlee, Jawan featured Shah Rukh Khan in a mass-action role that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The film blended social themes, action, and emotional drama into a major commercial success.
9. Pathaan – ₹1,050.30 Crore
Language: Hindi
Pathaan marked Shah Rukh Khan’s grand comeback to the big screen. The spy-action thriller became one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films and expanded the YRF Spy Universe further.
10. Kalki 2898 AD (2024) – ₹1,042–1,100 Crore
Language: Telugu
A futuristic science-fiction epic starring Prabhas, Kalki 2898 AD impressed audiences with ambitious visuals, mythology-inspired storytelling, and large-scale world-building.
11. Animal (2023) – ₹917.82 Crore
Language: Hindi
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal starring Ranbir Kapoor became a major blockbuster due to its intense emotional conflict and action-driven narrative.
12. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) – ₹900.90–969.06 Crore
Language: Hindi
Salman Khan delivered one of his most emotional performances in this heartwarming drama about humanity and cross-border friendship.
13. Stree 2 (2024) – ₹874.58 Crore
Language: Hindi
The horror-comedy sequel became a surprise box-office giant with its humor, supernatural elements, and strong audience word-of-mouth.
14. Secret Superstar (2017) – ₹858.43–966 Crore
Language: Hindi
This emotional musical drama became hugely successful internationally, especially in China, thanks to its inspirational story and emotional depth.
15. Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025) – ₹850–852 Crore
Language: Kannada
The prequel to Kantara expanded the mystical folklore-based cinematic universe and achieved massive box-office success with audiences worldwide.
16. Chhaava – ₹797.34–809 Crore
Language: Hindi
This historical action drama impressed viewers with large-scale war sequences, emotional storytelling, and powerful performances.
17. PK (2014) – ₹750.60–769.89 Crore
Language: Hindi
Aamir Khan’s satirical comedy-drama explored religion and humanity through a unique science-fiction concept, becoming one of India’s most celebrated commercial successes.
18. 2.0 (2018) – ₹699.89–800 Crore
Language: Tamil
Starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, 2.0 showcased groundbreaking visual effects and large-scale science-fiction storytelling in Indian cinema.
19. Gadar 2 (2023) – ₹691.08 Crore
Language: Hindi
The sequel to the cult classic Gadar revived nostalgia and patriotism, helping it become one of the biggest Hindi hits of 2023.
20. Sultan (2016) – ₹615.71–623.33 Crore
Language: Hindi
Salman Khan’s sports drama combined wrestling, emotional redemption, and commercial entertainment, making it a major worldwide success.
Conclusion
The list of highest-grossing Indian films reflects the incredible growth of Indian cinema on the global stage. Films from Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil industries have successfully crossed regional boundaries and attracted audiences worldwide.
From emotional dramas like Dangal and Bajrangi Bhaijaan to massive action spectacles like RRR, KGF: Chapter 2, and Pushpa 2, Indian cinema continues to evolve with bigger stories, larger productions, and international recognition.
As pan-Indian filmmaking continues to rise, future blockbusters are likely to push box-office records even further, proving that Indian cinema has become one of the most powerful entertainment industries in the world.
