The Indian film industry, a vibrant powerhouse of storytelling, produces more films than any other country in the world. From high-octane action blockbusters to epic period dramas, Indian cinema has captivated audiences not just domestically but also on a global scale. A film’s box office collection is often seen as a key measure of its success and reach. This 2022 list compiles the highest-grossing Indian movies of all time, celebrating the films that have created history at the box office with their worldwide collections.
Quick Answer
As of 2022, the highest-grossing Indian movies of all time are dominated by epic action and drama films. The top films by worldwide box office collection include ‘Dangal’ (approx. ₹2,024 crore), ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ (approx. ₹1,810 crore), and the recent blockbusters ‘RRR’ (approx. ₹1,200 crore) and ‘K.G.F: Chapter 2’ (approx. ₹1,250 crore).
The Rise of Pan-Indian Cinema
A significant trend in recent years has been the phenomenal success of films from South Indian film industries—particularly Telugu and Kannada cinema—across all of India and internationally. Movies like ‘Baahubali’, ‘K.G.F’, and ‘RRR’ were dubbed in multiple languages and marketed as ‘pan-Indian’ films. This strategy has broken down regional barriers, proving that a compelling story and grand spectacle can appeal to audiences everywhere. The list of the highest-grossing Indian movies is no longer dominated solely by Bollywood; it is a testament to the diverse and powerful storytelling emerging from all corners of the country.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Indian Movies (Worldwide Collections as of 2022)
Here is the definitive list of the films that have conquered the global box office.
1. Dangal (2016)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹2,024 Crore
Starring Aamir Khan, this biographical sports drama tells the inspiring true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trained his daughters to become world-class champions. While a massive hit in India, ‘Dangal’s’ position at the top is largely due to its unprecedented, record-shattering success in China, where it became a cultural phenomenon.
2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹1,810 Crore
The epic conclusion to S.S. Rajamouli’s magnum opus, this Telugu film mesmerized the nation and answered the question that had gripped India for two years: “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” Its grand visuals, mythic storytelling, and powerful emotions created a cinematic experience like no other.
3. K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹1,250 Crore
This Kannada action film, starring Yash as the charismatic anti-hero Rocky Bhai, became a sensation for its stylish action sequences, powerful dialogues, and swagger. It cemented the arrival of the Kannada film industry on the pan-Indian stage.
4. RRR (2022)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹1,200 Crore
Another masterpiece from S.S. Rajamouli, this fictional tale of two real-life Indian revolutionaries was a global spectacle. ‘RRR’ wowed audiences worldwide with its breathtaking action, emotional core, and the Oscar-winning song “Naatu Naatu”.
5. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹969 Crore
This heartwarming cross-border drama starring Salman Khan won hearts for its emotional story of a simple Indian man’s journey to reunite a mute Pakistani girl with her family. Like ‘Dangal’, it also had a very successful run in China.
6. Secret Superstar (2017)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹967 Crore
A small film with a big heart, this Aamir Khan production told the story of a young girl who aspires to be a singer, overcoming societal and family restrictions. Its phenomenal success was, once again, driven by an emotional connection with the Chinese audience.
7. PK (2014)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹832 Crore
A satirical comedy-drama starring Aamir Khan as an alien who gets stranded on Earth, ‘PK’ questioned religious dogmas and superstitions in a thought-provoking yet entertaining way. It was a huge commercial and critical success.
8. 2.0 (2018)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹800 Crore
A visual effects-heavy sci-fi extravaganza and a spiritual successor to ‘Enthiran’, this Tamil film starred the legendary Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar. It was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, known for its grand scale and social message about technology.
9. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹650 Crore
The film that started the pan-Indian phenomenon. The first part of the Baahubali saga introduced audiences to the epic world of Mahishmati and set the stage for its record-breaking sequel.
10. Sultan (2016)
Approx. Worldwide Gross: ₹623 Crore
Starring Salman Khan, this sports drama told the story of a middle-aged wrestler’s comeback journey. The film was praised for its blend of action, romance, and emotion.
Box Office Collection Table (Worldwide Gross)
| Rank | Movie Title | Year | Primary Language | Approx. Worldwide Gross (₹ Crore) |
| 1 | Dangal | 2016 | Hindi | 2,024 |
| 2 | Baahubali 2: The Conclusion | 2017 | Telugu | 1,810 |
| 3 | K.G.F: Chapter 2 | 2022 | Kannada | 1,250 |
| 4 | RRR | 2022 | Telugu | 1,200 |
| 5 | Bajrangi Bhaijaan | 2015 | Hindi | 969 |
Why do some movies perform so well in China?
The Chinese film market is massive, and a successful release there can dramatically boost a film’s worldwide collections. Indian films with strong emotional cores and relatable human stories, like ‘Dangal’ (empowerment) and ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ (human connection), have resonated deeply with the Chinese audience, leading to extraordinary box office numbers.
Mistakes and Misconceptions about Box Office Numbers
- Ignoring Inflation: This list is based on absolute numbers. If adjusted for inflation, classic blockbusters from the past like ‘Sholay’ and ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ would also feature as some of the highest-grossing films. You can read more about the famous dialogues from Sholay that made it a timeless hit.
- Confusing Gross with Net Collection: Gross collection is the total amount earned from ticket sales. Net collection is what’s left after deducting entertainment tax. The figures reported are almost always gross collections.
- Trusting Unverified Sources: Box office tracking in India can be complex. Always refer to reputable trade analysts and media houses for the most accurate figures.
Conclusion
The list of the highest-grossing Indian movies as of 2022 is a celebration of cinematic excellence and audience appreciation. It showcases a clear trend towards grand, spectacle-driven films and stories that have a universal emotional appeal. The phenomenal success of regional films on a national and global scale marks a new, exciting chapter in Indian cinema, promising even more diverse and groundbreaking content in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first Indian movie to gross ₹100 crore?
The 2008 film ‘Ghajini’, starring Aamir Khan, is widely credited as being the first Indian movie to officially cross the ₹100 crore mark in domestic net collections, creating the now-famous ‘100 Crore Club’.
How important is the overseas market for Indian films?
The overseas market is extremely important, especially for big-budget films. Countries with a large Indian diaspora, such as the USA, UK, Canada, and the UAE, are major revenue contributors. As seen with ‘Dangal’, a breakout success in a non-traditional market like China can elevate a film to an entirely new level.
Are Bollywood films the only high-grossing films in India?
No, not anymore. While Bollywood (Hindi cinema) has historically dominated the box office, the trend has shifted dramatically. As the list shows, films from the Telugu (‘Baahubali 2’, ‘RRR’) and Kannada (‘K.G.F: Chapter 2’) industries are now among the top earners, proving that films from all over India can achieve massive success.
Does a high box office gross mean a film is good?
Not necessarily. Box office success indicates that a film has been widely watched and has massive popular appeal. While many high-grossing films are also critically acclaimed, some may be ‘masala’ entertainers that connect with the audience but may not be favoured by critics. It’s a measure of commercial success, not always of artistic merit.
Which actor has the most films on the highest-grossing list?
Aamir Khan has a remarkable presence on this list, with films like ‘Dangal’, ‘Secret Superstar’, and ‘PK’ achieving massive success, largely boosted by their performance in China. Salman Khan and actors from the Baahubali and KGF franchises also feature prominently.