The Most Popular Bollywood Film, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the film you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 23, 2024 06:51
In a world brimming with cinematic tales, knowing which Bollywood film has captivated the hearts of audiences can be a delightful quest. Such rankings not only guide new viewers towards highly recommended watches but also spark lively debates and discussions among cinema enthusiasts.
By participating in the voting process, fans contribute to a dynamic, real-time list that reflects widespread preferences and changing trends in Bollywood cinema. Each vote helps ensure that the list remains accurate and representative of the current popular consensus, making it a crucial tool for both seasoned cinephiles and newcomers eager to dive into Bollywood.
What Is the Most Popular Bollywood Film?
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165votes
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Aditya ChopraThis film is considered a classic and is still popular today. It features Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol and tells the story of two young Indians who fall in love while traveling through Europe. It has been playing in a Mumbai cinema for over 25 years, making it the longest-running film in Indian history.Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) is a popular Bollywood film that falls under the genre of romance and drama. It tells the tale of Raj and Simran, two young individuals from different backgrounds who meet and fall in love while traveling in Europe. However, Simran's family has already arranged her marriage to someone else, and they must navigate the challenges of cultural differences and societal expectations to fight for their love and win over her family's approval.- Release Date: 20th October 1995
- Director: Aditya Chopra
- Producer: Yash Chopra
- Lead Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol
- Music: Jatin-Lalit
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232votesThis action-adventure film is considered one of the greatest Bollywood films of all time. It features Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra and tells the story of two criminals who are hired to capture a ruthless bandit. It has become a cultural phenomenon and has been referenced in many other films, TV shows, and songs.Sholay is a Hindi action-adventure film released in 1975. It is considered one of the most popular films in the history of Indian cinema. The movie tells the story of two criminals who are hired by a retired police officer to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh. Filled with action, drama, and memorable dialogues, Sholay remains an iconic film that has left a lasting impact on Bollywood.
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Running Time: 195 minutes
- Language: Hindi
- Release Date: 15th August 1975
- Music Director: R.D. Burman
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37votes
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Karan JoharThis family drama features an all-star cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hrithik Roshan. It tells the story of a wealthy family and the conflicts that arise when the eldest son falls in love with a woman from a lower social class. It was a huge commercial success and is still popular today.Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a popular Bollywood film that was released in 2001. It is a family drama and romance movie directed by Karan Johar.- Release Date: 2001
- Genre: Family Drama, Romance
- Director: Karan Johar
- Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor
- Language: Hindi
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414votes
3 Idiots (2009)
Rajkumar HiraniThis comedy-drama features Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, and tells the story of three friends who attend an engineering college together. It tackles issues such as education and the pressure to succeed, and has become a favorite among audiences of all ages.3 Idiots is a popular Bollywood film released in 2009. It is a comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, based on the novel 'Five Point Someone' by Chetan Bhagat. The film stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi in lead roles, with Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani in supporting roles. 3 Idiots revolves around the story of three friends' journey through engineering college, exploring themes of friendship, education, and societal pressures.- Release Date: December 25, 2009
- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- Running Time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Language: Hindi
- Budget: INR 55 crore
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56votesThis sports drama is set in colonial India and follows a group of villagers who challenge their British rulers to a game of cricket in order to avoid paying taxes. It features Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh and was a massive success both in India and abroad. It was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.Lagaan (2001) is an Indian epic sports drama film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. It tells the story of a group of Indian villagers who challenge the British Raj in a game of cricket as a way to avoid paying an unjust tax called 'lagaan'. The film explores themes of unity, courage, and the power of determination.
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Language: Hindi
- Running Time: 224 minutes
- Release Date: 15 June 2001
- Music: A.R. Rahman
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610votes
Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)
Yash ChopraThis musical romance features Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Karisma Kapoor, and tells the story of a dance troupe preparing for a big show. It was a commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) is a Bollywood romantic musical film. It is a love triangle story set in the world of dance and theater. The film explores the concepts of love, friendship, and destiny. It features captivating dance sequences and soulful songs that became instant hits.- Release Date: 31 October 1997
- Genre: Romantic Musical
- Director: Yash Chopra
- Producer: Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra
- Lead Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Karisma Kapoor
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78votesThis romantic drama features Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, and tells the story of a man with a terminal illness who tries to bring happiness to those around him. It was a commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) is a Bollywood romantic drama film. It explores themes of love, friendship, and following one's heart. The film's narrative revolves around Naina, a pessimistic young woman living in New York City, whose life changes when she meets Aman, a cheerful and compassionate man who helps her discover the joy of living. As Naina navigates her complicated feelings for Aman, she is also caught in a love triangle involving her best friend Rohit. The film beautifully portrays the emotions, struggles, and triumphs of its characters.
- Release Date: 28th November 2003
- Duration: 186 minutes
- Language: Hindi
- Country: India
- Music: Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
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86votes
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Karan JoharThis romantic comedy-drama features Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, and tells the story of two friends who fall in love after the death of one's spouse. It was a commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Film Providing Popular and Wholesome Entertainment.Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) is a Bollywood romantic drama film that follows the story of two best friends, Rahul and Anjali, who reunite after several years and discover their true feelings for each other. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and second chances.- Release Date: 16 October 1998
- Director: Karan Johar
- Producer: Yash Johar
- Writer: Karan Johar
- Music: Jatin-Lalit
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98votes
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
S. S. RajamouliThis epic action film is one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. It features Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, and Anushka Shetty, and tells the story of a young man who discovers his true identity and sets out to fight for his people. It was a massive success both in India and abroad and spawned a sequel.Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) is an epic Indian historical fiction film directed by S. S. Rajamouli. It is the first installment in the two-part film series and is considered one of the most popular Bollywood films. The movie revolves around the story of Mahishmati Kingdom and the rivalry between two brothers, Baahubali and Bhallaladeva, for the throne. Filled with grandeur, action sequences, and visual effects, Baahubali: The Beginning captured the imagination of audiences worldwide.- Release Year: 2015
- Genre: Action, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Language: Telugu, Tamil
- Runtime: 159 minutes
- Budget: ₹180 crores (US$25 million)
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular South Indian movie
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Telugu movie
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107votes
Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Directed by Kabir KhanThis drama features Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and tells the story of a man who sets out to reunite a young Pakistani girl with her family. It was a commercial success and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) is a Bollywood film that tells the story of a man named Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi (played by Salman Khan), also known as Bajrangi, who embarks on a mission to reunite a lost Pakistani girl, Munni (played by Harshaali Malhotra), with her family in Pakistan. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles as he navigates through political boundaries and cultural differences. The film explores themes of love, compassion, and the power of human connection.- Release Date: July 17, 2015
- Duration: 163 minutes
- Language: Hindi
- Country: India
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular film
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Box office collectionOne of the primary indicators of a popular Bollywood film is its box office collection. The higher the revenue, the more popular the movie is likely to be among the audience.
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Critical acclaimThe opinions of professional film critics and their ratings play a significant role in determining the popularity of a movie. Movies with high ratings from critics are generally considered top-quality films.
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Audience responseWord of mouth and public opinion also play a crucial role in determining a film's popularity. Positive feedback from viewers on social media platforms, film forums, and other internet communities helps to boost a film's ranking.
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Awards and nominationsThe number of awards and nominations a movie receives is also a reflection of its popularity. Movies with multiple awards and nominations are highly regarded in the film industry.
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Cast and crewA movie's popularity can be significantly impacted by the presence of well-known and popular actors, directors, and other crew members. This can attract a wider audience to watch the film.
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Music and soundtrackA movie's soundtrack and its hit songs can also contribute to its popularity. Music can play an essential role in capturing an audience's attention, and songs that become chart-toppers can boost a movie's overall ranking.
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Genre and themeThe genre and theme of a movie are essential factors to be considered while ranking its popularity. A film belonging to a popular genre or having a universally appealing theme is likely to draw a larger audience.
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Marketing and promotional campaignsA strong marketing and promotional campaign can influence a film's popularity. The more visible and well-promoted a movie is, the greater the chances are of it gaining audience interest.
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Social and cultural impactA film's popularity can also be measured by the social and cultural impact it creates. If a movie resonates with the audience and generates discussions and debates, it is likely to be more popular.
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Longevity and legacyA movie that has remained popular and relevant over time is considered a classic and can be ranked higher in popularity. Its continued presence in popular culture through references, remakes, or adaptations is a testament to its enduring appeal.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Bollywood film. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or film is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1298 views
- 162 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each film once every 24 hours. The rank of each film is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular bollywood film
Bollywood cinema, also known as Hindi cinema, is the largest film industry in India and one of the most prolific in the world. It is known for its vibrant musical numbers, larger-than-life characters, and emotional storylines. The term "Bollywood" is a portmanteau of Bombay (the former name of Mumbai) and Hollywood, reflecting the industry's roots in the city's film studios in the 1930s. Over the years, Bollywood has produced countless classic films that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. From romantic dramas to action-packed blockbusters, Bollywood films have a wide appeal and continue to be a major part of Indian culture. With so many beloved films to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which one is the most popular. That's where StrawPoll comes in – our platform allows users to vote and share their opinions on the best Bollywood films of all time.
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