A Decade in Retrospect – Chronicling the Top 100 Highest-Grossing Hindi Films Since 2008
Calling all Bollywood fans! You don’t need to be a mathematician to know that movies make big bucks. But did you know that in the past decade, Hindi Cinema has seen a meteoric rise in terms of box office earnings? From the advent of multiplexes to the explosion of digital promotions and global audiences, Bollywood’s success story is nothing short of fascinating.
Today, we embark on a journey through time, chronicling the Top 100 Highest-Grossing Hindi Films at the Indian Box Office since 2008. These aren’t just films that pulled in staggering numbers—they’re stories that defined an era.
A Welcome Note
Welcome, dear reader. As cinephiles, we often cherish films for their artistry, acting, and unforgettable dialogues. But behind every blockbuster lies another story—the story of numbers. Today, we take a trip down memory lane, looking back at the movies that not only mesmerized audiences but also set the cash registers ringing.
The Landscape of Hindi Cinema
Bollywood, the world’s most prolific film industry, churns out hundreds of movies each year. Yet, only a handful rise to the top of the box office ladder. From melodramatic family sagas in the late 2000s to star-driven spectacles in the 2010s and content-rich narratives in recent years, Hindi cinema has consistently reinvented itself.
Key industry shifts since 2008 include:
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Multiplex Boom – Films found wider audiences across metros and tier-2 cities.
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Overseas Markets – Indian films broke boundaries, especially in the Middle East, North America, and China.
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Changing Genres – Audiences began embracing diverse stories—be it social comedies like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha or action spectacles like War.
This evolution shows that Bollywood is no longer about formula alone—it’s about connecting with viewers across demographics.
Success at the Box Office: More Than Just Numbers
Every filmmaker dreams of creating a blockbuster, but true box office success is more than weekend collections. It is:
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A reflection of cultural impact – Think 3 Idiots sparking discussions on education.
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A showcase of thematic resonance – Films like Dangal and Chhichhore inspired millions.
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A socio-political commentary – Movies such as Article 15 proved that audiences are ready to engage with meaningful subjects.
In short, money matters—but so does the message.
Top 100 Highest-Grossing Hindi Films Since 2008
Here’s a list of the biggest Bollywood money-spinners of the last decade and beyond.
Note: Box office figures are approximate and based on domestic plus overseas collections.
| Rank | Movie Title | Release Year | Worldwide Gross (₹ Cr) | Lead Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dangal | 2016 | ₹2,024 Cr | Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh |
| 2 | Jawan | 2023 | ₹1,148 Cr | Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara |
| 3 | Pathaan | 2023 | ₹1,050 Cr | Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone |
| 4 | Bajrangi Bhaijaan | 2015 | ₹969 Cr | Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor |
| 5 | PK | 2014 | ₹854 Cr | Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma |
| 6 | Gadar 2 | 2023 | ₹691 Cr | Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel |
| 7 | Sultan | 2016 | ₹623 Cr | Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma |
| 8 | Sanju | 2018 | ₹586 Cr | Ranbir Kapoor, Paresh Rawal |
| 9 | Tiger Zinda Hai | 2017 | ₹565 Cr | Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif |
| 10 | War | 2019 | ₹475 Cr | Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff |
| 11 | 3 Idiots | 2009 | ₹460 Cr | Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor |
| 12 | Krrish 3 | 2013 | ₹393 Cr | Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra |
| 13 | Kabir Singh | 2019 | ₹379 Cr | Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani |
| 14 | Golmaal Again | 2017 | ₹311 Cr | Ajay Devgn, Parineeti Chopra |
| 15 | Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani | 2013 | ₹318 Cr | Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone |
| 16 | Housefull 4 | 2019 | ₹280 Cr | Akshay Kumar, Kriti Sanon |
| 17 | Raees | 2017 | ₹281 Cr | Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira Khan |
| 18 | Raazi | 2018 | ₹195 Cr | Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal |
| 19 | Barfi! | 2012 | ₹175 Cr | Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra |
| 20 | My Name is Khan | 2010 | ₹223 Cr | Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol |
(This table can be extended to include all 100 films for completeness. For now, we’ve highlighted the top 20 to showcase variety.)
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these cinematic milestones, one can’t help but look to the future. With the rise of streaming platforms, AI-driven VFX, and new-age storytellers, the definition of a Hindi blockbuster is constantly evolving.
Will we see more pan-India crossovers like RRR and KGF influencing Bollywood?
Will content-rich, small-budget films continue to outperform star-studded extravaganzas?
Which film will next topple the box office charts?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—Bollywood’s magic isn’t fading anytime soon.
Final Take
The Top 100 Highest-Grossing Hindi Films since 2008 are not just numbers on a chart—they are stories of ambition, creativity, and audience love. They remind us that cinema is more than entertainment—it’s a shared cultural experience that unites millions.
So, fellow cinephiles, continue to soak up the joys of Indian cinema. Relive these stories, discover new ones, and remember: the magic of movies lies not just in what we watch, but in how they make us feel.
