A Must-Watch List for Every Movie Lover
India has one of the largest and most diverse film industries in the world. From Bollywood to South Indian cinema, Indian movies are loved not only in India but also across the globe. Indian films are known for their powerful stories, emotional depth, music, action, and strong cultural connection. Over the years, many movies have become extremely popular due to their storytelling, performances, and box office success.
In this article, we explore the Top 10 Most Popular Movies in India that have left a lasting impact on audiences and continue to be widely watched on TV and OTT platforms.
1. RRR (2022)
RRR is one of the most popular Indian movies ever made. Directed by S. S. Rajamouli, this Telugu film gained massive popularity across India and internationally. The movie is a fictional story based on two Indian freedom fighters and is known for its grand action sequences, emotional moments, and stunning visuals. The song “Naatu Naatu” became a global hit and even won an Oscar, bringing worldwide recognition to Indian cinema.
Why popular?
- Grand action sequences
- Strong patriotic theme
- International recognition
2. Baahubali: The Beginning & Baahubali: The Conclusion
The Baahubali series completely changed the scale of Indian filmmaking. With its epic story, grand sets, and high-quality VFX, the movie attracted audiences from every part of India. Prabhas’s powerful performance and the mystery around the character of Baahubali made these films unforgettable. Even years after release, Baahubali remains one of the most talked-about Indian movies.
Why popular?
- Epic storyline
- High-budget visuals
- Iconic characters
3. KGF Chapter 1 & Chapter 2
KGF became a sensation, especially among young audiences. The movie tells the story of Rocky, a powerful gangster rising from poverty to rule the gold mines. Yash’s intense acting, powerful dialogues, and background music played a huge role in the film’s popularity. KGF Chapter 2 broke several box office records and proved the strength of South Indian cinema in the Hindi belt.
Why popular?
- Strong hero elevation
- Stylish action scenes
- Memorable dialogues
4. Dangal (2016)
Dangal is one of the most inspiring movies in Indian cinema. Based on the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, the film shows how a father trains his daughters to become international wrestling champions. Aamir Khan’s performance, along with the emotional storyline, made Dangal extremely popular among families. It also became one of the highest-grossing Indian films worldwide.
Why popular?
- Inspiring real-life story
- Family-friendly content
- Strong social message
5. Pathaan (2023)
Pathaan marked the grand comeback of Shah Rukh Khan after a long break. This high-octane action thriller became a massive box office success. The movie features intense action, stylish presentation, and a strong spy-universe storyline. Pathaan’s success proved Shah Rukh Khan’s unmatched popularity and brought audiences back to theatres in huge numbers.
Why popular?
- SRK’s comeback
- High-octane action
- Spy universe concept
6. Pushpa: The Rise (2021)
Pushpa became a cultural phenomenon after its release. Allu Arjun’s unique style, dialogue delivery, and body language made the character of Pushpa Raj extremely popular. Songs like “Srivalli” and “Oo Antava” went viral on social media. The movie’s raw action and realistic portrayal of red sandalwood smuggling impressed audiences across India.
Why popular?
- Powerful performance by Allu Arjun
- Catchy songs
- Raw action and style
7. 3 Idiots (2009)
3 Idiots is one of the most loved Bollywood movies of all time. The film focuses on friendship, education pressure, and the importance of following one’s passion. With a perfect mix of comedy, emotion, and social message, 3 Idiots connected deeply with students and parents alike. Even today, the movie remains relevant and widely watched.
Why popular?
- Relatable story
- Strong emotional connect
- Evergreen comedy
8. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)
Gadar is a cult classic in Indian cinema. Set during the India-Pakistan partition, the movie tells a powerful love story combined with patriotism. Sunny Deol’s intense performance and iconic dialogues made the film extremely popular. Even decades after its release, Gadar continues to have a strong fan following.
Why popular?
- Deshbhakti theme
- Powerful dialogues
- Emotional love story
9. Jawan (2023)
Jawan showcased Shah Rukh Khan in a powerful double role. The movie combined mass entertainment with social issues like corruption and justice. With high-energy action scenes and emotional moments, Jawan became one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema history. Its strong message and stylish presentation attracted audiences of all age groups.
Why popular?
- Strong social message
- Mass action scenes
- Double role of SRK
10. Drishyam (2015)
Drishyam is known for its brilliant storytelling and suspense. The movie revolves around a common man who goes to extreme lengths to protect his family. With its intelligent screenplay and unexpected twists, Drishyam kept audiences engaged till the very end. Both the Malayalam and Hindi versions became hugely popular.
Why popular?
- Brilliant suspense
- Strong screenplay
- Family-oriented thriller
Conclusion
Indian cinema offers something for everyone—action, drama, romance, comedy, and inspiration. The movies listed above are not only popular but also represent the best of Indian storytelling. Whether you are a fan of Bollywood or South Indian films, these movies deserve a place on your watchlist. If you want to understand why Indian cinema is loved worldwide, watching these films is a great start.