By Indian cinema is one of the world’s most prolific film industries, producing thousands of films across multiple languages each year. Among these, a select group has achieved extraordinary commercial success, breaking box-office records and captivating global audiences. The List of Highest-Grossing Indian Films highlights the films that have earned the most revenue worldwide — a mix of dramatic dramas, larger-than-life epics, cultural sensations, and action spectacles.
At the top of the global box office rankings stands Dangal, a film that not only dominated domestic screens but also achieved phenomenal international success, especially in China. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Aamir Khan, the film tells the true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat training his daughters to compete at the highest levels, defying societal norms and expectations. Dangal’s worldwide gross is reported between ₹1,968 crore and ₹2,200 crore, securing its place as the highest-grossing Indian film ever. Its appeal lies in its emotional storytelling, inspirational arc, and universal themes of perseverance and family.
Following closely is the historical epic Baahubali 2: The Conclusion — a spectacular sequel directed by S.S. Rajamouli. Before Dangal overtook it, Baahubali 2 was the first Indian movie to cross the ₹1,000 crore mark worldwide. Known for its grand scale, breathtaking action, and mythic narrative, it energized Indian cinema’s global ambitions, proving that regional language films could compete with the biggest international blockbusters. Its worldwide performance is emblematic of how epic storytelling and technical excellence can resonate across cultures.
In recent years, Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 has emerged as one of the essential additions to this elite list. The sequel to the original Pushpa: The Rise taps into rugged charm, rustic narrative, and electrifying musical energy. With worldwide revenue that places it among the top grossers in Indian cinema history, Pushpa 2 reflects how contemporary franchises and charismatic performances can command mass audiences.
Another major milestone in Bollywood’s box-office history is Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan. Reported to have grossed around ₹1,148 crore to ₹1,159 crore worldwide, Jawan is an action-packed thriller combining mass entertainment with a dose of social commentary, propelling it to one of the highest positions on the list.
Similarly, Pathaan sits near the top with earnings exceeding ₹1,050 crore globally. Another Shah Rukh Khan starrer, this spy action thriller marked the superstar’s triumphant return to the big screen after several years, helping the film resonate with both domestic and international audiences.
Diverse in genre yet united by box-office strength, titles like Animal and Bajrangi Bhaijaan also feature among the top earners. Animal blends family drama with intense emotional beats, while Bajrangi Bhaijaan, starring Salman Khan, is remembered for its powerful message about humanity and goodwill that transcended language barriers. Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s commercial success reflects the enduring strength of feel-good narratives with universal appeal.
Beyond entertainment value, the list of highest-grossing Indian films illustrates important trends within Indian and global film markets. Films like Dangal benefitted significantly from international markets such as China, where Aamir Khan’s films often achieve exceptional reception. These overseas collections sometimes surpass domestic earnings, highlighting the broader global footprint Indian cinema now commands.
Another noteworthy aspect is the diversity of language and regional cinema represented in the overall highest-grossing Indian films when considering domestic charts. While the global top positions are often dominated by Hindi films (Bollywood), Telugu cinema — especially titles like Baahubali 2 and Pushpa 2 — has demonstrated robust international performance. Films from other languages such as Kannada (Kantara) and Tamil (2.0) also perform impressively in domestic markets, underscoring the rich linguistic tapestry of Indian film.
For decades, Indian film box-office rankings reflected domestic trends, with classics gradually giving way to modern blockbusters. Earlier milestones, such as films crossing ₹100 crore worldwide, were significant landmarks — evolving into benchmark achievements like the ₹1,000 crore club. These shifts represent both inflationary box-office growth and evolving audience access, including digital and international markets.
Financial success is not the only metric of cultural impact, but it often correlates with widespread audience engagement. Films like Dangal ignited conversations around gender equality and sports, while Baahubali 2 invigorated global enthusiasm for Indian mythic cinema. Pushpa 2, Jawan, and others demonstrate how star power and franchise potential continue to draw massive crowds — especially in an era where streaming platforms amplify visibility beyond theatrical runs.
In summary, the list of highest-grossing Indian films captures masterpieces of storytelling that transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. From dramatic sports biopics to epic sagas and action thrillers, these films reveal the potentials of Indian cinema on a global scale. Their box-office achievements reflect both commercial success and the dynamic evolution of Indian film audiences worldwide — a testament to the industry’s creativity, resilience, and international appeal.
