Bollywood or Hindi cinema is the film industry in India that is centered in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). The word “Bollywood” comes from the blending of Bombay and Hollywood. It is interesting to note that India and not Hollywood is the highest producer of feature films, per annum.
Hindi language based cinema constitutes the highest percentage of gross box office revenue. Remember that dialogue from Vidya Balan starred Dirty Picture, “Filmein bas teen cheezo se chalti hain- Entertainment, Entertainment aur Entertainment.”
Now the question that arises is what makes Bollywood movies so entertaining? Well, the answer is the Masala movies that Bollywood loves making. Masala is an indigenous genre to Hindi Cinema. It is a mixture of various genres like drama, romance, thriller action, etc according to the taste of the audience.
Also, the mandatory presence of 3-4 blockbuster songs in between the scenes is a distinct feature of Bollywood movies. In this article, we have listed the highest-grossing Bollywood movies.
Highest Grossing, Blockbuster, All-time Hit Bollywood Movies
These all time hit, highest grossing bollywood movies topped the Bollywood blockbuster movie list. They have won the hearts and money of the audience while being played on the silver sceen. Let us begin with the list!
1. Dangal
Release Year - 2016
Box-Office Collections - INR 387.38 crore
Starring Bollywood’s very own Mr. Perfectionist aka Amir khan, who already has many movies in the Bollywood blockbuster movie list, Dangal, is the highest-grossing Indian movie of all time.
Dangal is a biopic, a story of a strict father who wanted his children to live his unfulfilled dream of becoming a national level wrestler however destiny tried to play hard when he wasn’t able to become a father to a son.
Later on, he realized that his daughters are no less than sons. (Mari choriyaan choro se kam hain ke) and from there the story of now internationally acclaimed Geeta and Babita Phogat started. It sets record as Dangal was the first Indian movie to cross 300 million dollar collection worldwide.
2. Bahubali 2 - The Conclusion
Release Year - 2017
Box-office Collections - INR 510.99 crore
Bahubali 2 is a movie filled with action scenes, beautiful effects, and visuals along with a good storyline. Directed by the exceptional S. S. Rajamouli, Bahubali 2- the conclusion takes us back into time and earns 1810 Crore Rupees at the box office. It is thus one of the highest grossing bollywood movies of all times!
The question-“Katappa ne Bahubali ko kyun mara?” from its prequel, Bahubali 1 - The Beginning, raised the curiosity of the audience to an unexceptional limit. The whole nation wanted to know the reason behind the deception of the much loved Katappa mama against Bahubali.
This curiosity factor led to many house-full shows of the movie throughout India. People rushed to cinema halls to watch the first-day first show and then gave spoilers to their friends. And this is how Bahubali 2 was one of the highest-grossing Indian movies.
3. Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Release Year - 2015
Box-Office Collections - INR 320.34 crore
An emotionally touching and heartwarming family film, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the third highest-grossing Indian movie of all time. Salman Khan played the role of Pawan popularly known as Bajrangi as he was an ardent believer of Lord Hanuman.
Destiny played a dramatic role when he met a lost Pakistani Girl who lost her power of speech. Bajrangi became Bhaijaan when he decided to send Munni Aka Harshali Malhotra to her home.
Directed by Kabir Khan, the Bollywood movie had light humor, beautiful songs,, and a great script. Complementing all of this was the acting of Salman Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Harshali Malhotra, and Kareena Kapoor. All this together made Bajrangi Bhaijaan movie grab the third place in the list of highest-grossing Indian movies of all time.
4. Secret Superstar
Release Year - 2017
Box-office Collections - INR 90 Crore
Secret Superstar is a woman oriented Bollywood melodrama. Though this movie had some minor technical faults, yet it was well received by the audience. And that is why it is counted in as one of the most successful Bollywood films on the box office, a blockbuster hit!
Secret Superstar is a story based on the life of a young girl who aspires to become a renowned singer. On her way, which is tougher than she thought, she has to deal with multiple social issues prevalent in the Indian society including gender insensitivity, domestic violence,, and discrimination.
With Zaira Wasim and Aamir Khan taking care of the lead roles, there is not doubt why the film is an all time hit and audience favorite.
5. PK
Release Year - 2014
Box-Office Collections - INR 340.8 crore
Doesn’t this blockbuster Bollywood movies list seems to have special affection for Mr Perfectionist? Yes, it does. PK is a much-celebrated movie of Amir Khan wherein he played the role of an Alien, who was left to wander on earth as the remote of his spaceship disappears.
In search of his remote, which is the key for him to return to his spaceship, he adopts the name ‘PK’ which people call him after listening to his logics. He happens to unravel the corrupt world of self-proclaimed Godmen and other saddening affairs on Earth, thus taking us on an amazing roller coaster ride.
6. Robot 2.0
Release Year - 2018
Box-office Collection - INR 519.65 crore
Rajinikanth is a personality that is unparalleled to any other. Amazing special effects and strong visuals were the biggest reason behind the success of the film, Robot 2.0. It is appreciated as one of the most successful Bollywood films on the box office for the same reason.
Although the script and storyline were highly predictable and monotonous, the presence of Rajnikant and Akshay Kumar attracted lots of audiences and rained money on the box office.
7. Bahubali 1 - The Beginning
Release Year - 2015
Box-office collection - INR 518. 94 crore
Originally shot in Tamil and Telugu, Bahubali 1 – The Beginning is a high budgeted movie with a quality star cast that includes Prabhas, Tamanna, and Anushka Shetty in main roles. After it received great appreciation in Tollywood, the movie was released in Hindi in Bollywood.
Taking us back into time by setting up the epic fictional kingdom named Mahishmati, this movie showcases great emotions and powerful storytelling. How a common man falls in love with a woman from a warrior tribe; while following her, how he happens to unveil about his royal lineage; how he becomes aware of the disturbing political affairs of the Royalty; the movie is packed with great drama.
And meeting the expectations of the makers, the bollywood movie was a blockbuster hit on the box office.
8. Sultan
Release Year - 2016
Box-Office Collections - INR 300.45 crore
The Bollywood movie Sultan is also a biopic, inspired from the real-life story of a Haryanvi wrestler Sultan and his struggle to prove himself in front of his family. If you can see the trend, Bollywood biopics (movies) are very promising as highest grossing Bollywood movies.
The movie Sultan shows the love life full of turmoil between Sultan and his wife, played by Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma respectively. It also takes us through the phase of life when Sultan is ready to do anything to become a wrestler and the effect of this on his love life.
Afterwards, he leaves no stone unturned to win back the heart of his much-loved wife. Much loved by audiences, Sultan is a soft family-oriented movie with a subtle underlying message.
9. Sanju
Release Year - 2018
Box-Office Collections - INR 342.53 crore
Again a Bollywood biopic went ahead to become a blockbuster, a very successful movie on the box office. This Bollywood movie was none other than Sanju, with Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Paresh Rawal, and Vicky Kaushal in important roles.
Based on the life of Bollywood Actor Sanjay Dutt, Sanju is a biopic that throws light on the most personal aspects of the Sanjay Dutt’s life - what all mistakes he made, what prices he had to pay, what loses he had, and how did he overcome all this?
Sanju is focused on Sanjay’s life struggles, his relationship with his parents, his drug addiction, jail terms, involvement with mafias and terrorists, and other deepest secrets of his. The movie was not only welcomed by the fans of Sanjay Dutt but also by people who never knew what was happening behind the scenes.
In fact, it was after the movie Sanju that Sanjay Dutt’s fan following grew significantly and he was again being offered roles. Not to forget, it is an all-time hit motivating story and yes, one of the highest grossing Bollywood movies ever made.
10. Padmaavat
Release Year - 2018
Box-Office Collections - INR 302.15 crore
Starring Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone in lead roles, the film Padmaavat, was an adaptation of an old Indian historic tale that revolved around Rani Padmavati. It gave rise to a lot of controversies for misleading facts, etc. and it was renamed to Padmavat due to a controversy.
Many fringe groups protested against this Bollywood movie, some protests were even violent. However, some minimal changes such as increasing the blouse length of Rani Padmavati by few inches through VFX were enough for satisfying the protestors.
These controversies increased the negative publicity of the Bollywood movie. It also promoted the film somehow. Along with the popularity of star actors Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone, and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Padmaavat was well received at the box office.
Padmavat is yet another highest grossing bollywood movie of all time. It made a good collection at Box Office making Padmavat a very successful and blockbuster Bollywood Movie.
11. Tiger Zinda Hai
Release Year - 2017
Box-Office Collections - INR 339.16 crore
Sequel to the movie Ek Tha Tiger, which gained a lot of love and appreciation from the audiences, Tiger Zinda Hai was another blockbuster Bollywood movie starring Salman Khan (Tiger) and Katrina Kaif (Zoya) in lead roles. It goes a few years ahead in time, Zoya and Tiger are married now but hiding somewhere on this earth as both RAW and ISI are hunting for them.
The movie is packed with romance, action, and thrill as we see Tiger and Zoya risking their lives for safeguarding women of their respective countries. And in the end, after they have rescued the women safely. they get lost somewhere like in the previous movie.
Once again, Tiger and Zoya are hidden, far beyond the imagination of RAW and ISI. The highest-grossing Bollywood movie, directed by Kabir Khan, left its fans in awe and awaiting for the next movie in the series.
12. War
Release Year - 2019
Box-Office Collections - INR 317.91
Starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff in leading roles, there wasn't any doubt why the Bollywood movie War will not go on to become a highest grossing, blockbuster Bollywood movie. It is an exciting action thriller, with nice twists and mystery for the audiences.
The film begins with Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), an agent in the Indian intelligence agency going rogue. His protege Khalid (Tiger Shroff) steps in to stop his killing spree and find out why he chose to betray the country. What follows next is a cat-and-mouse game with plenty of brawn on display.
Two good-looking men on the big screen, pulsating action and chase sequences really added to the movies performance on the box office. Action, style, swag and looks - that's what the blockbuster Bollywood movie is made up of!
13. Dhoom 3
Release Year - 2013
Box-Office Collections - INR 284.27 crore
Breathtaking shots with amazing cinematography and a brilliant star cast made Doom 3 join the list of highest grossing blockbuster Bollywood movies. The Bollywood crime thriller is set in Chicago, taking us through the story of a circus showman who has a grudge against banks and wants to harm them.
Yet another Amir Khan movie is here. Dhoom 3, in continuation with the movies of the Dhoom franchise movies, shows robbery done with great precision. The police is left puzzled, as despite the clues available, they are are unable to catch the person behind it.
14. Andadhun
Release Year - 2018
Box-Office Collections - INR 456.89 crores
Andhadhun, one of the biggest films for Ayushman Khurana, is gem of a script, storytelling, acting, and dialogues. You need to watch the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of its time with your ears, eyes and minds open. You will come away with your senses heightened.
Narrating the story of a blind man or someone who is actually not blind, the Bollywood movie comes packed with one twist after the other and keeps you on the edge of your seat and on your toes. The engaging Bollywood crime thriller is open to various interpretations and unpredictable from beginning to end, leaving you guessing all the time.
15. Chennai Express
Release Year - 2013
Box-Office Collections - INR 423 crores
'Kashmir tu, mai kanyakumari..' goes the popular song in the Bollywood movie Chennai Express. Starring Shahrukh Khan (Rahul) and Deepika Padukone (Meena) in lead roles, hailing from North India and South India respectively, Chennai Express is next on the list of blockbuster hits and most grossing Bollywood movies of all time.
The two distinctively opposite characters meet on the train and when Rahul tries to help the runaway bride Meena and falls prey to the wrath of her don family. The Bollywood romantic-comedy movie is packed with lots of action, savage dialogues, and unique romance. You would love to see the rather uncommon mismatch.
16. Kabir Singh
Release Year - 2019
Box-Office Collections - INR 331.24 crores
Kabir Singh, hailed as one of the best movies of Shahid Kapoor, is a romantic drama of unrequited love and the aftereffects of it. The character Kabir Singh is very influential; you may love him or hate him but you cannot ignore him.
Kabir Singh was welcomed by audiences as it was different from the stereotypical love stories that Bollywood usually portrays. It is raw, rustic, and realistic - a simple story of a madly in love college couple.
Shahid Kapoor in and as Kabir Singh can be considered the present day incarnation of Devdas. And that is why, Kabir Singh went on to become the blockbuster movie on the box office. It is one of highest grossing movies in the last 10 years in India.
17. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Release Year - 2013
Box-Office Collection - INR 261.9 crores
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, one of a kind blockbuster hit, deserves a mention in this list of highest grossing Bollywood movies. Even today, it is one movie, each of us can watch on repeat mode and wish it never ends.
It has a lively, vibrant, young, and fresh vibe that resonates that one an all. The joy runs through your mind when you cherish the golden days with your best friends while watching it. It has romance, comedy, drama, and wedding feast for all.
18. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story
Release Year - 2016
Box-Office Collection - INR 1.16 billion
If you are a die-hard fan of MS Dhoni and cricket, you are bound to love this film, MS Dhoni - The Untold Story, which respects its protagonist. It takes you through the journey of world-famous Indian skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who hails from the small town of Ranchi and dreams of playing cricket for India.
And before he is able to fulfill his dream, he undergoes a lot of trials and tests, does everything he hated doing, and fights for his dream. It is an inspiring and motivating Bollywood movie, making people believe in their dreams once again. There's no doubt why it went into becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies in India and one that instills great patriotism in we the Indians.
19. Mission Mangal
Release Year - 2019
Box-Office Collection - INR 238.80 crore
Mission Mangal, a wonderful real-life story of the Indian Space Research Organisation's Mars Orbiter Mission, has a beautiful storyline with humor, patriotism, and knowledge. The Mars Orbiter Mission was a milestone for ISRO as India as a nation was considered backward in space research and it was least expected out of India to even launch this mission.
The highest-grossing Bollywood movie shows the inspiration life of ISRO's unsung heroes, who made a brilliant team despite their shortcomings and made India's dream mission come true. As was India's interplanetary mission, the Bollywood movie Mission Mangal went ahead to be a blockbuster hit and success at the box office.
20. Super 30
Release Year - 2019
Box-Office Collection - INR 172.84 crore
Another biopic makes to the list of highest-grossing Indian movies. Super 30 is a triumphant Bollywood movie that inspires and features a winning performance from Hrithik Roshan. The film is based on the remarkable true-life story of India's genius mathematician Anand Kumar, who hails from Bihar.
Anand Kumar was forever hungry for success, and more than success for helping others succeed. He suffered a lot, but neither poverty nor criminal attacks deterred him. He goes on to become a teacher who sets an example for the whole world to see and follow.
The Bollywood movie is titled Super 30 after the initiate taken by real-life hero Anand Kumar to prepare 30 students from BPL families for JEE mains and get them to qualify the exam to study in India's prestigious institutes.
21. Gully Boy
Release Year - 2019
Box-Office Collection - INR 165.58 crore
The Bollywood blockbuster movie Gully Boy is an entertaining and engaging look at the world of Indian rappers, who are a powerhouse of talent and going ahead to create a space for themselves in the world. Starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, it is one of Zoya Akhtar’s stronger films and thus, yet another highest-grossing Indian movie.
Gully Boy movie was also India's official entry to the Oscars. The pleasing story about artistic triumph and upliftment is relatable for all artists out there. Nobody could imagine that Indian Hip-Hop could be so beautifully portrayed in an underdog movie which is though predictable, yet heart-touching and at the same time immensely motivating and energetic.
22. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
Release Year - 2015
Box-Office Collection - INR 206.63 crores
Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor starrer Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is a superb family drama filled with romance, excellent songs, fantastic sets, and locations. The story introduces us to Prem, who looks like Prince Yuvraj Vijay Singh, and replaces him just before his half-brother is set to be crowned as the king. Prem is supposed to save the kingdom and act like a prince until the real prince is healed.
In the process, Princess Maithili, who is engaged to Prince Vijay, falls in love with Prem. Being the latest movie from Rajshri Productions, it had to live up to the family movie expectations, and thus, was clean and emotional. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was released on Diwali and so gained a lot of attention.
23. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Release Year - 2016
Box-Office Collection - INR 146.64 crores
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, a Karan Johar film, has all elements that are expected in it - beautiful people, multiple locales, lavish clothes, and great music. However, what one might find difficult to accept in this movie is 'I Friend You' over 'I Love You'. It is a good watch for the romantics.
Coming to talk about ADHM becoming one among the highest-grossing Indian movies, is its reliability. To see what joy, happiness, peace, and love one can bring into someone's life when they've found their person who they can enjoy their days with, touches one and all. The movie is applicable to the modern world of dating!
24. Bajirao Mastani
Release Year - 2015
Box-Office Collection - INR 356 crores
Hailed as Sanjay Leela Bhansali's most gorgeous Bollywood movie, Bajirao Mastani is a high octane period drama with passionate romance, grand war scenes, and heart-melting tracks. It resembles the story of Salim-Anarkali from the Bollywood movie Mughal-e-Azam, who loved but couldn't be together.
When it was released, people rushed to the theatres and made it a highest-grossing Indian movie. It has substance, glory, and beauty, reflecting upon its excellent storyline, script, direction, and acting performances. Not to forget, the choreography was very extravagant and phenomenally excellent.
25. Tanhaji
Release Year - 2020
Box-Office Collection - INR 332.80 crores
Tanhaji, another period drama Bollywood movie made to the highest-grossing Indian movies list due to its impressive storyline and performances. The Bollywood blockbuster retells the story of a Maratha war-hero who changed the course of history for his king and his country.
Tanhaji is a story about the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670 around the push of the Mughal regime to expand into the south. With stunning visuals, a nice background score, and a brilliant star cast, it was well-received by the audiences.
26. Uri: The Surgical Strike
Release Year - 2019
Box-Office Collection - INR 289.68 crores
Uri: The Surgical Strike, another blockbuster Bollywood movie, is a powerful, fitting tribute to the braves of the Indian Army. It narrates the fire that was burning India when it's soldiers were martyred while sleeping and the revenge the Indian Army planned for it. The surgical strike was one of its kind, devastating the terrorist troops hiding across the border in the darkness of night, without a single casualty.
The highest grossing Bollywood movie is all about national pride without a single shot of the the Indian national flag. Scintillating, isn't it? The Bollywood movie URI highlights the thankless and selfless job the soldiers do for their country.
Above were 10 movies that performed best on the box office after release. However, it is very difficult for the actors and the director to assess if the Bollywood movie they are working on will go ahead to become a blockbuster hit or not. If you are a movie buff and loved this article please show some appreciation in the comment and reaction section below.
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