The Indian film industry has evolved into a global phenomenon, producing some of the most remarkable movies that have captivated audiences worldwide. Indian films are known for their rich storytelling, powerful performances, and stunning visuals. Over the years, several movies have crossed borders and achieved staggering box office collections worldwide. In this blog, we’ll dive into the top 20 Indian movies that made a significant impact on the global box office.
1. Dangal (2016)
Worldwide Gross: ₹2,024 Crore
A sports drama directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Dangal stars Aamir Khan and is based on the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat. The film’s touching narrative about women empowerment and the father-daughter relationship resonated with audiences globally, especially in China, contributing to its massive box office success.
2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,810 Crore
SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2 became a cultural phenomenon, breaking multiple records with its grand scale, intense storytelling, and breathtaking action sequences. This epic fantasy, starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, and Anushka Shetty, dominated the box office not only in India but across the world.
3. RRR (2022)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,250 Crore
Rajamouli strikes again with RRR, an action-packed fictional drama set during British rule. Starring Jr. NTR and Ram Charan, the film received international acclaim for its larger-than-life sequences, making it a huge box office hit worldwide, especially in the U.S. and Japan.
4. Pathaan (2023)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,050 Crore
Marking the return of Shah Rukh Khan in a full-fledged action role, Pathaan smashed box office records. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film’s high-octane action, exotic locations, and star-studded cast helped it earn massive revenue across the globe.
5. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Worldwide Gross: ₹969 Crore
Salman Khan’s emotional drama about an Indian man helping a mute Pakistani girl reunite with her family touched hearts around the world. Kabir Khan’s direction and a universal message of peace and love made Bajrangi Bhaijaan one of the highest-grossing Indian films worldwide.
6. Secret Superstar (2017)
Worldwide Gross: ₹966 Crore
Secret Superstar is a heartwarming tale of a young girl pursuing her dream of becoming a singer. Aamir Khan’s involvement and the film’s inspiring message resonated with audiences in China, where it garnered a significant portion of its worldwide gross.
7. PK (2014)
Worldwide Gross: ₹854 Crore
Another Aamir Khan starrer, PK is a satirical take on religion and human nature. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film received immense appreciation globally, particularly in China, and earned a spot among the highest-grossing Indian films.
8. 2.0 (2018)
Worldwide Gross: ₹800 Crore
This sci-fi thriller, directed by S. Shankar and starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, created a massive buzz worldwide. With groundbreaking visual effects and a gripping storyline, 2.0 showcased Indian cinema’s advancement in technology and entertained audiences globally.
9. Sultan (2016)
Worldwide Gross: ₹623 Crore
Salman Khan’s Sultan is an inspiring story of a wrestler’s rise, fall, and eventual redemption. The film’s emotional depth and Salman’s massive fan following contributed to its huge box office success across multiple countries.
10. Sanju (2018)
Worldwide Gross: ₹586 Crore
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt in Sanju was both mesmerizing and deeply moving. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this biographical drama became a box office hit, winning hearts both in India and internationally.
11. Padmaavat (2018)
Worldwide Gross: ₹585 Crore
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, Padmaavat, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor, created waves with its grandeur, direction, and powerful performances. Despite controversies, the film’s massive global collections proved its cinematic brilliance.
12. Kabir Singh (2019)
Worldwide Gross: ₹379 Crore
Starring Shahid Kapoor, Kabir Singh became a commercial blockbuster. Though it stirred debates on its controversial content, the intense drama between flawed characters connected with a large audience, helping it achieve impressive worldwide earnings.
13. K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022)
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,207 Crore
Yash’s K.G.F: Chapter 2 set new standards for action-packed Indian films. The Kannada film transcended language barriers and earned praise across the globe for its gritty storyline and jaw-dropping action sequences, solidifying its place as one of the top-grossing films.
14. War (2019)
Worldwide Gross: ₹475 Crore
Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff’s action extravaganza War became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film’s high-octane stunts, sleek direction, and star power attracted massive global attention.
15. Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022)
Worldwide Gross: ₹431 Crore
Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmāstra introduced audiences to a new kind of fantasy universe in Indian cinema. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, this visually stunning film garnered massive box office earnings, particularly for its VFX and innovative storytelling.
16. Chennai Express (2013)
Worldwide Gross: ₹423 Crore
Shah Rukh Khan’s Chennai Express is a perfect blend of action, romance, and comedy. Directed by Rohit Shetty, the film’s entertaining plotline and SRK’s worldwide appeal helped it collect substantial revenue across international markets.
17. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)
Worldwide Gross: ₹367 Crore
Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Maratha warrior Tanhaji in this historical drama resonated deeply with the Indian audience. The film’s engaging narrative and stunning visuals helped it perform well globally, making it one of the highest-grossing historical films from India.
18. Drishyam 2 (2022)
Worldwide Gross: ₹342 Crore
Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 2 continued the success of its prequel with a nail-biting narrative and brilliant performances. The thriller captivated global audiences with its suspense-filled storyline, contributing to its box office triumph.
19. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
Worldwide Gross: ₹650 Crore
The first part of Rajamouli’s Baahubali saga, Baahubali: The Beginning, laid the foundation for what would become one of India’s biggest film franchises. The film’s visual grandeur and compelling plot turned it into a global success.
20. Kabali (2016)
Worldwide Gross: ₹650 Crore
Superstar Rajinikanth’s Kabali became an international sensation, particularly in Southeast Asia. The film’s theme of rebellion and Rajinikanth’s massive fan following contributed to its impressive global box office numbers.
Final Verdict
Indian cinema’s global presence has grown exponentially in recent years. These 20 films have not only performed well domestically but have also made a significant mark worldwide. As Indian filmmakers continue to experiment with genres and push creative boundaries, the global box office is likely to see more Indian films breaking records. With compelling stories, captivating performances, and world-class production values, Indian movies are now true contenders on the global stage.
