2021 was a challenging year for the film industry, as theaters operated at reduced capacity for most of the year. Consequently, box office numbers were lower than usual, and many big films opted for direct‑to‑OTT releases. Among theatrical releases, (Akshay Kumar) emerged as the top Bollywood hit, collecting approximately ₹295 crore worldwide.
: Directed by Aditya Chopra, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) is a romantic drama that follows the story of Raj and Simran, two young lovers from different backgrounds. With its sweeping romance, memorable characters, and iconic songs, DDLJ became a cultural phenomenon and cemented its place as one of the greatest Bollywood movies of all time.
, earning over ₹1,900 crore ($320 million), largely due to its massive success in China. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
The definitive modern romance that spent over 25 years in continuous theatrical run at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir. 2. High-Grossing Commercial Index bollywood index movie top
This historical magnum opus took over a decade to complete and remains a benchmark for cinematic grandeur. The doomed romance between Crown Prince Salim and the court dancer Anarkali features breathtaking sets, iconic Kathak dance sequences, and an unforgettable soundtrack. The Masala Masters and the "Angry Young Man"
: Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan is a historical sports drama that tells the story of a small village in colonial India, which challenges the British Empire to a game of cricket to avoid an oppressive tax. With its sweeping narrative, memorable characters, and catchy soundtrack, Lagaan became a global phenomenon and earned India its first Oscar nomination.
| Rank | Movie | Worldwide Gross (₹ Crore) | Year | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Dangal | ₹2,070.30 | 2016 | | 2 | Dhurandhar | ₹1,296.30 | 2025 | | 3 | Jawan | ₹1,160.00 | 2023 | | 4 | Pathaan | Data on record | 2023 | | 5 | Stree 2 | Data on record | 2024 | | 6 | Gadar 2 | Data on record | 2023 | | 7 | Animal | Data on record | 2023 | 2021 was a challenging year for the film
While not always topping the box office charts, 2022 was a fantastic year for critically acclaimed films that have become modern classics:
: Rani Mukerji returns as Shivani Shivaji Roy in this intense crime thriller. It currently ranks among the top 10 highest grossers with collections exceeding .
India's first nomination for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. : Directed by Aditya Chopra, Dilwale Dulhania Le
2025 was a landmark year for Bollywood, marking a resounding comeback with total collections for Hindi films reaching an astounding . This chart details the performance tiers of the year's biggest films.
(2023) : Another major entry from the YRF Spy Universe, earning ₹1,050.30 crore. Bajrangi Bhaijaan
The ultimate guide to the top movies in the Bollywood index, exploring cinema history, box office records, and cultural impact.