What are the best Bollywood films of all time?

In assessing the greatest Bollywood films of all time, it is essential to consider the distinct periods and criteria of cinema.

T
By The Indian Post Live
Published Mar 17, 2026, 5:26:00 AM
Bollywood
Bollywood
@ Freepik

Throughout its history, Bollywood has produced exceptional films that have garnered immense praise from audiences. These films represent a unique blend of box-office success and cultural impact; moreover, lists of top-rated films—compiled by leading Indian rating agencies using various sources—are constantly evolving.

Highest-Rated Films

Among the highest-rated Bollywood films—specifically those rated by IMDb—are titles such as 12th Fail (2023). This film carved a special place for itself in the hearts of the audience and is poised to continue inspiring the nation's youth to strive for excellence for years to come. Next on the list is Gol Maal (1979)—a comedy film that achieved immense popularity and acclaim during its era.

These constitute the top 10 films that have consistently held the distinction of being the highest-rated films of all time.

  1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
  2. The Godfather (1972)
  3. The Dark Knight (2008)
  4. The Godfather Part II (1974)
  5. 12 Angry Men (1957)
  6. Schindler's List (1993)
  7. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
  8. Pulp Fiction (1994)
  9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
  10. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Box Office Collection Giants

When the conversation turns to box office collections, Dangal (2016) is the first film that comes to mind; indeed, Bollywood has set numerous such records, surpassing and leaving behind many previous benchmarks.

These are the top films that currently stand as the highest-grossing movies of all time.

  1. Dangal – ₹2,000+ crore
  2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (Hindi version included) – ₹1,800+ crore
  3. Jawan – ₹1,160+ crore
  4. Pathaan – ₹1,050+ crore
  5. RRR (Hindi version included) – ₹1,200+ crore worldwide
  6. KGF: Chapter 2 (Hindi version included) – ₹1,200+ crore worldwide
  7. Secret Superstar – ₹900+ crore
  8. Bajrangi Bhaijaan – ₹910+ crore
  9. Animal – ₹900+ crore
  10. PK – ₹850+ crore
Fan's Favorite Films

There are certain movies that may not generate massive box-office collections, yet they succeed in carving a permanent niche for themselves in the hearts of the audience.

These are the top 10 movies that have consistently reigned supreme in the hearts of the people—films that remain widely watched and cherished even today.

  1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
  2. Sholay
  3. 3 Idiots
  4. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
  5. Bajrangi Bhaijaan
  6. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
  7. Lagaan
  8. Dangal
  9. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
  10. Andaz Apna Apna
Source
imdb
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