44 Karan Johar Movies That Are Must-Watch

Karan Johar or KJo, is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter, and costume designer who is primarily known for his work in Bollywood. He is the son of producer Yash Johar and Hiroo Johar.

Karan Johar started his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, he played the role of 'Shrikant' in the 1989 Doordarshan Serial Indradhanush. He made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hein in 1998.

Apart from directing, Karan has also produced movies with a unique blend of romance and comedy. Today he is one of the leading director-producer in Hindi cinema.

Here’s a list of 44 Karan Johar movies directed/produced by him that you can watch if you haven’t seen any of his work before. Enjoy!

1. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Karan Johar made his directorial debut with this rom-com drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji. The movie has an amazing plot, some great performances, fantastic music and stands out from those typical Bollywood love stories! A true classic and a must-watch.

2. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

This movie by Karan Johar is one of the best melodramatic Hindi films ever made. K3G has a star cast which has Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

The film is about relationships in a family is a mixture of comedy, romance, and drama. Karan has done a great job and K3G is an example of what a good director can do. Worth watching!

3. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

It is one of the best Hindi movies ever made. Written and produced by Karan Johar, the movie stars Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan in lead roles. It’s a beautiful movie and a heartbreaking one.

Kal Ho Naa Ho teaches you to cherish everything you have in life today because who knows.....tomorrow may never come! A must-watch.

4. Kaal (2005)

Produced by Karan Johar, this movie stars Ajay Devgan, John Abraham, Vivek Oberoi, Esha Deol, and Lara Dutta in lead roles. Kaal is a stimulating movie crammed with tons of suspense and action.

5. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)

A movie that tells the story about the reality within a society. Written, directed, and produced by Karan Johar, the movie stars Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherji, Preity Zinta, and Kiron Kher in lead roles.

Karan has done a great job in portraying problems in relationships in a very sensitive way through this film. KANK is a mixture of emotions, comedy, brilliant performances, great music, and many more.

The movie might be a little long but it’s worth the watch!

6. Dostana (2008)

Produced by Karan Johar, Dostana is one of the funniest Bollywood movies that you’ll ever come across. The movie stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles. The movie does show a Gay relationship but it does not tackle the sensitive aspect of it. Dostana is a great watch and will guarantee a lot of laughter!

7. Kurbaan (2009)

Written and produced by Karan, this movie deals with the topic of ‘Global Terrorism’. Starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in lead roles, the movie initially portrays a love story but then it turns into a social film.

Kurbaan is a brilliant and breathtaking movie and easily Saif’s best performance to date. A must-watch that shouldn’t be missed.

8. Wake Up Sid (2009)

Produced by Karan Johar and directed by Ayan Mukherjee, this movie is one of the most eye-pleasing movies in Bollywood. Wake Up Sid tells the story of a young spoiled brat who has no ambitions in life. But then he finds his true passion and leads an independent life!

The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma in lead roles. It’s a touching story and a beautiful one. A must-watch!

9. My Name Is Khan (2010)

One of Karan Johar‘s best work to date! Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles, My Name Is Khan tells the story of Muslim people living in the US before and after the 9/11 attacks.

Directed by KJ, this movie will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with SRK‘s character and will go down as one of the best movies ever to be made in Bollywood. Don’t miss it!

10. I Hate Luv Storys (2010)

Produced by Karan Johar, I Hate Luv story is a humorous modern-day love story. Starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles, this movie can keep you entertained for a couple of hours with its good songs and comedy.

11. We Are Family (2010)

Starring Arjun Rampal, Kajol, and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles, this movie is the remake of the 1998 film, Stepmom and carries a lot of emotions related to motherhood. Produced by Karan Johar, We Are Family is an emotional and good family drama that is worth watching.

12. Agneepath (2012)

One of Hrithik Roshan‘s best performances to date as he carries the whole movie on his muscular shoulders! Produced by Karan Johar, Agneepath is a fascinating tale of moral redemption.

The movie also stars Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt, and many more. It’s a perfect mixture of emotions, love, action, and romance. A must-watch!

13. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)

Produced by Karan Johar, this movie is not one of those Bollywood love stories but is a heartwarming tale with friendship as its backdrop. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu stars Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in the lead role. With some great music and light-hearted comedy, the movie is very refreshing. Go watch!

14. Student of the Year (2012)

Written, directed, and produced by KJo, SOTY tells the story of three friends and how they influence each other to win the annual ‘Student of the Year’ competition.

This movie also marks the debut of Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra. Overall SOTY is a one-time watch and you won’t be disappointed.

15. Bombay Talkies (2013)

This movie is about four directors narrating four different short stories. The film opens with KJo’s segment, ‘Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh’ which explores the hypocrisy surrounding homosexuality and stars Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, and Saqib Saleem.

This is probably Karan’s most serious piece of movie-making. A must-watch!

16. Gippi (2013)

Produced by Karan, this movie draws your attention to the important phase in a child’s growth that should be dealt with patience and love. Gippi is a girl’s movie all the way and is unique from all the stereo-typed movies. Worth watching!

17. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Produced by Karan Johar, YJHD is one of those movies that you’ll remember for a very long time. With the iconic pairing of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, this movie is a complete entertainer.

The movie is a take on the lives of youngsters and their dreams and madness. The movie also stars Aditya Roy Kapoor and Kalki Koechlin as supporting actors.

Highly recommended to all the youngsters out there!

18. Gori Tere Pyaar Mein (2013)

A complete family entertainer that you can watch with your friends and family. Produced by Karan, the rom-com stars Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in lead roles.

Gori Tere Pyaar Mein gives you a portrayal of the weddings and culture in Tamil Nadu. If you’ve had a bad day, please do watch this movie. It’s fun, vibrant, and honest!

19. Hasee Toh Phasee (2014)

Produced by Karan Johar, this rom-com stars Parineeti Chopra and Sidharth Malhotra in lead roles. It is a perfect mixture of emotions, love, and laughter. Hasee Toh Phasee is different with some powerhouse performance and good humor. A film that is worth watching!

20. 2 States (2014)

Based on Chetan Bhagat’s book of the same name, 2 States is a beautifully crafted love story of two people from two different states and two different cultures. Produced by KJo, the movie stars Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor in lead roles.

Amrita Singh, Ronit Roy, Revathi, and Shivakumar gave some brilliant performances as parents. 2 States is entertaining, engaging, and a mix of emotions.

A must-watch!

21. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014)

Produced by Karan, this movie is a tribute to the cult classic ‘Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge’. Starring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in lead roles, this movie is a romantic comedy with some comedy, drama, and amazing music. A one-time watch!

22. Ungli (2014)

Starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda, Sanjay Dutt, and many more in lead roles, this movie tackles the issue of citizens standing up against corruption in our country. Produced by Karan Johar, Ungli is highly entertaining and a great watch!

23. Brothers (2015)

A family drama as well as a sports drama. Produced by Karan Johar, Brothers is the remake of the Hollywood movie Warriors. Starring Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra in lead roles, the movie is a mixture of emotions, drama, love, and fights. Especially the fight sequences are really good. Worth a watch!

24. Shaandaar (2015)

Produced by Karan Johar, Shaandaar is one of the best romantic comedies that you’ll see. The movie stars Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Pankaj Kapoor in lead roles and they give out the finest performances.

It will make you laugh like crazy. Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a comedy with some heart-touching scenes!

25. Kapoor & Sons (2016)

A pure family drama! Produced by Karan Johar, Kapoor and Sons tell the story of two brothers who come back home and re-kindle with their dysfunctional family.

The movie stars Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, and Ratna Pathak Shah in lead roles. Kapoor and Sons is a mixed bag of emotions with some strong performances. It’s a must-watch and if possible watch it with your family.

26. Baar Baar Dekho (2016)

A good attempt towards making something different. Baar Baar Dekho is different from that regular Bollywood romance movies as it focuses on the after-marriage part of a relationship. Produced by Karan, the movie stars Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. A heart-touching one. Please do watch!

27. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)

Written, Directed, and produced by Karan Johar, this movie is for all those who’ve gone through unrequited or one-sided love. The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles.

The movie has some brilliant acting, great dialogues and is fantastically musical. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is by far one of Karan Johar’s best films to date!

28. Dear Zindagi (2016)

Co-produced by Karan, this movie stars Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan in lead roles. Dear Zindagi tells the story of a girl who’s on a quest to solve her problems in life and in that journey, she meets a psychologist who then helps her out.

This movie will touch your soul and aspire you to fight your demons. It’s an inspiring and beautiful cinematic experience.

Highly recommended!

29. Ok Jaanu (2017)

A remake of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ok Kanmani’, the movie portrays a breezy youthful romance. Produced by KJo, the movie stars Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor in lead roles. Both of them together turn the movie into a tale that’ll bring a smile to your face. AR Rahman’s music adds a positive vibe to the movie.

30. Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017)

A perfect mixture of romance, comedy, and drama. Produced by Karan, the movie stars Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in lead roles. Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a slap to those communities that believe girls can’t work and only belong to the kitchen. Overall it’s a family entertainer!

31. Ittefaq (2017)

Produced by KJo, Ittefaq is the remake of the 1969 film of the same name. The movie stars Siddharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, and Akshaye Khanna in lead roles. It’s a thriller that delivers a lot of suspense and will keep you at the edge of your seats.

32. Lust Stories (2018)

Four directors portray the thoughts and desires of women of wanting a meaningful and fulfilling relationship. Karan’s part of the movie stars Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal and is the most entertaining of the lot. It touches on themes like orgasms and sexual fulfillment.

Overall Lust Stories is a fine chapter in Indian Cinema.

33. Raazi (2018)

Produced by Karan Johar, the movie stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. Based on a true story, Raazi is the story of an Indian spy who gets married to a Pakistani military officer. The movie is one of the best female-centric Bollywood movies. It’s inspiring and will leave you spellbound. A must-watch!

34. Dhadak (2018)

Produced by KJo, this movie is the official remake of the Marathi movie ‘Sairat’. Marking the debut of Ishaan Khattar and Janhvi Kapoor, Dhadak is entertaining, with true-life reflections and a social message.

35. Simmba (2018)

Starring Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan in lead roles, Simmba it’s an absolute joyride and a family entertainer. Directed by Rohit Shetty and produced by Karan Johar, the movie is a mixed bag for comedy and action with a good storyline. Ranveer’s never-ending energy makes Simmba worth a watch!

36. Kesari (2019)

Kesari starring Akshay Kumar is a tribute to the bravery of the Sikh soldiers who shed their blood for our motherland in the Battle of Saraghari.

This is probably one of Akshay Kumar’s best performances to date as he lived the character throughout the movie without flaws. Produced by KJo, Kesari is an emotional action-drama and a must-watch!

37. Kalank (2019)

Produced by Karan Johar, and with a star cast of Madhuri Dixit, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditya Roy Kapur, Kalank is an epic love story that is deeply moving and visually stunning. If not for the story watch it for the brilliant filmmaking and performances by the cast.

38. Student of the Year 2 (2019)

Starring Tiger Shroff, Aditya Seal, and debutants Tara Sutaria and Ananya Pandey in lead roles, SOTY 2 produced by Karan have high school drama and cool stuff to keep you going. If you’re a fan of Tiger’s flying kicks, this is the one for you!

39. Drive (2019)

Produced by Karan’s production house Dharma Production, Drive stars late Sushant Singh Rajput and Jacqueline Fernandez in lead roles. The action-drama is a complete entertainer. Drive was released on Netflix.

40. Good Newwz (2019)

Produced by Karan Johar, this movie is a blend of a good script, great direction, entertainment, laughter, and emotions. Starring Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Kiara Advani in lead roles, Good Newwz is a complete family entertainer which will give laugh-out-loud moments in plenty.

Do watch it!

41. Ghost Stories (2020)

A horror film, divided into four segments directed by Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee, Zoya Akhtar, and Anurag Kashyap. Ghost Stories is the third film by the four directors after Bombay Talkies and Lust Stories. The movie was released on Netflix on January 1, 2020.

42. Sooryavanshi (2021)

Co-produced by Karan Johar, Sooryavanshi is an upcoming action film directed by Rohit Shetty. Starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles, the movie was initially set to release in March 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

43. Brahmastra (2021)

Written and Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar, Brahmastra is an upcoming fantasy film starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy, and Nagarjuna Akkineni.

44. Liger (2021)

An upcoming sports-action film co-produced by Karan Johar. Starring Vijay Deverakonda, and Ananya Pandey in lead roles, the film is set to release on 9 September 2021.

If you’re bored, or if you’ve had a really bad day, watch any of these movies. Some of the movies mention in the list are mood-lifters and can keep you engaged for a certain time.

Now grab a bowl of Popcorn, Nachos, or any other snacks, sit with your family, and enjoy these Karan Johar Movies. Also if you’ve found this article interesting and informative, make sure to share it with a friend or a family member. Enjoy!

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