‘Dangal’ is a biographical sports drama movie from India, released in 2016 and directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film features Aamir Khan as Mahavir Singh Phogat, a wrestler who coaches his daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari to become India’s first world-class female wrestlers. The movie was made with a budget of Rs 70 crore (equivalent to US$8.8 million). According to various estimates, it earned approximately Rs 2,024 crore (equivalent to US$340 million) worldwide. This includes around $216.2 million from China alone. As a result, it has secured a spot among the top 20 highest-grossing foreign films in China and ranks as the third highest-grossing non-English foreign film in the country.

2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ is an epic action drama movie from India, released in 2017. It was directed by S. S. Rajamouli, who also co-wrote the film with V. Vijayendra Prasad.

After its release, the movie earned between Rs 1,737.68 to Rs 1,810.60 crore worldwide (equivalent to $256.26 to $267.01 million). This made it the highest-grossing Indian film for a short period, surpassing “PK” (2014). In its first six days, the film collected around Rs 789 crore globally. Remarkably, it became the first Indian film ever to cross the Rs 1,000 crore mark within just ten days of its release.

3. RRR

RRR, reportedly made with a budget of Rs 550 crore (equivalent to US$69 million), is the most expensive Indian film to date. It became the highest-grossing film in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, earning over Rs 405.9 crore (equivalent to US$51 million). Worldwide, the film grossed Rs 1,387.26 crore (equivalent to US$170 million), setting numerous box office records for an Indian film, including being the third highest-grossing Indian film, second highest-grossing Telugu film, and the highest-grossing Indian film of 2022. It also bagged nominations at Golden Globes and Oscars.

4. KGF Chapter 2

‘KGF: Chapter 2’ is a period-action movie from India, released in 2022. It was written and directed by Prashanth Neel and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the banner Hombale Films.

With a budget of Rs 100 crore, ‘K.G.F: Chapter 2’ stands as the most costly Kannada film ever created. It has garnered global earnings between Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,250 crore. These impressive numbers position ‘K.G.F: Chapter 2’ as the fourth highest-grossing Indian film worldwide and the second highest-grossing film within India.

5. Jawan

‘Jawan’ is a Hindi-language action thriller film from 2023, marking the Hindi film debut of director Atlee. The movie features Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role, portraying a father and son duo working together to combat corruption in society. Alongside Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone (appearing in a special role), Priyamani, and Sanya Malhotra star in supporting roles. 

Grossing over Rs 1,148.32 crore (equivalent to US$140 million), ‘Jawan’ emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the second highest-grossing Hindi film, and the fifth highest-grossing Indian film overall. The film definitely set the box office on fire.

6. Pathaan

‘Pathaan’ is an action thriller movie which was co-written and directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. 

‘Pathaan’ earned Rs 1,050.30 crore (equivalent to US$130 million) globally. This achievement places it as the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the third highest-grossing Hindi film ever, and the sixth highest-grossing Indian film of all time.

7. Animal

‘Animal’ is a Hindi-language action drama film which was directed and edited by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who co-wrote the screenplay with Pranay Reddy Vanga and Saurabh Gupta. The movie features Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri, and Babloo Prithiveeraj in the lead roles.

Earning Rs 917.76 crore (equivalent to US$110 million) globally, ‘Animal’ shattered numerous box office records for a Hindi film, both domestically and internationally. It became the third highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the fifth highest-grossing Hindi film, and the eighth highest-grossing Indian film overall. Additionally, it holds the title of being the highest-grossing A-rated Indian film and the highest-grossing movie of Ranbir Kapoor’s career.

8. Bajrangi Bhaijaan

‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ is a comedy-drama movie from India, released in 2015. It was co-written and directed by Kabir Khan.

The movie was a massive hit, making a lot of money with Rs 969 crores (equivalent to $150 million) earned globally. As of now, it stands as the 7th highest-earning Indian film and the 4th highest-earning Bollywood film.

9. Secret Superstar

‘Secret Superstar’ is a musical drama movie from India, released in 2017. It was written and directed by Advait Chandan and produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao under Aamir Khan Productions.

The movie turned out to be one of the most successful movies ever, making a whopping Rs 9.65 billion (equivalent to $154 million) worldwide, despite being made with a small budget of just Rs 150 million (equivalent to US$2.3 million).

10. Kalki 2898 AD

Kalki 2898 AD is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language epic science fiction film directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies. The star-studded cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. Inspired by Hindu scriptures, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world in the year 2898 AD. It follows a mission to protect Kalki, the unborn child of SUM-80, a lab subject, marking the beginning of the Kalki Cinematic Universe. The movie has so far collected Rs 900 crore at the worldwide box office on its 12th day.