The Best 40+ Bollywood Action Movies
- 1N.T. Rama Rao, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgan
SS Rajamouli's magnum opus RRR (2022) features an ensemble cast including Jr. NTR, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, and Ajay Devgn in a fictionalized account of the lives of two Indian freedom fighters - Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju - who come together to fight against the tyranny of colonial rule and oppression. Boasting jaw-dropping visuals, breathtaking stunts, and captivating storytelling; this film promises to be an epic adventure that pushes the boundaries of Bollywood action cinema to new heights.
- 2Dharmendra Deol, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini
Sholay, a legendary Bollywood action film, boasts an ensemble cast that includes Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bhaduri. Released in 1975 and directed by Ramesh Sippy, the movie revolves around two criminals hired to capture a ruthless bandit named Gabbar Singh. The film's perfect blend of action, drama, and romance has secured its place in the annals of Indian cinema history. Intense fight scenes coupled with memorable dialogues make Sholay an all-time classic.
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- 3Salman Khan, Anupam Kher, Sonakshi Sinha
Dabangg showcases Salman Khan in his iconic role as Chulbul Pandey – a fearless yet corrupt police officer who takes on criminals without any fear or favor. Directed by Abhinav Kashyap and released in 2010, this action-packed blockbuster is fueled by its larger-than-life protagonist backed by an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack. With high-octane stunts and gripping storytelling, Dabangg remains one of the most celebrated Bollywood action films.
- 4Amrish Puri, Om Puri, Sunny Deol
Sunny Deol gives a powerhouse performance in Rajkumar Santoshi's 1990 directorial debut Ghayal - a gritty tale of vengeance where a boxer must exact retribution from those who wronged him and his family after being framed for murder by a powerful businessman played by Amrish Puri. With its hard-hitting storyline interspersed with realistic fight scenes showcasing Deol's physical prowess, Ghayal set new benchmarks for Bollywood action movies in its era.
- 5Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Pran
Amitabh Bachchan shines as the charismatic anti-hero in the 1978 action thriller Don. Directed by Chandra Barot, this film is centered around a lookalike who must assume the identity of a dreaded crime lord after his untimely death to dismantle his organization from within under police surveillance. With edge-of-the-seat suspense and intense chase sequences bolstered by Bachchan's commanding screen presence, Don remains a watershed moment for Bollywood action movies.
- 6
Don 2
Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik RoshanIn Farhan Akhtar's 2011 sequel to his successful reboot of Don (2006), Shah Rukh Khan returns as the eponymous crime lord, now seeking to expand his empire across Europe while outwitting law enforcement agencies hot on his heels. Don 2 combines superb cinematography with nail-biting action sequences featuring car chases and heists that keep viewers glued to their screens till the very end.
- 7Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia, Vinod Khanna
In the 2009 film Wanted, Prabhudheva directs Salman Khan as Radhe – an undercover cop tasked with infiltrating a dangerous criminal underworld to bring down its notorious kingpin played by Prakash Raj. Filled with non-stop twists and explosive stunts choreographed masterfully throughout its running time, Wanted revitalized the action genre in Bollywood and reinforced Khan's status as a bankable action star.
- 8Sunil Shetty, Tabu, Sunny Deol
J.P. Dutta's 1997 war epic Border is based on the real-life Battle of Longewala during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Boasting an ensemble cast that includes Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Shetty, and Akshaye Khanna, this intense film captures the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers defending their nation against all odds. Depicting visceral combat scenes and heartfelt emotional moments alike with equal aplomb, Border remains a touchstone for Indian wartime cinema.
- 9Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Shilpa Shetty Kundra
Shah Rukh Khan delivers one of his most memorable performances as an anti-hero in Abbas-Mustan's 1993 suspense thriller Baazigar. The movie follows Khan's character plotting revenge against a ruthless business magnate responsible for ruining his family. With its taut screenplay, unexpected twists, and thrilling action sequences, Baazigar remains a standout film in the Bollywood action-thriller genre.
More Baazigar- #43 of 133 onThe 100+ Best Bollywood Movies
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- 10Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee Gulzar, Shashi Kapoor
Released in 1980 and directed by Ramesh Sippy, Shaan tells the story of two brothers who are framed for crimes they didn't commit by a criminal mastermind known as Shakaal (played brilliantly by Kulbhushan Kharbanda). Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor play the titular siblings with impeccable chemistry while delivering knockout action scenes deftly integrated into an engaging narrative. This high-octane thrill ride etched itself into the pantheon of great Bollywood action movies.
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- 11Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan
Dhoom 2, directed by Sanjay Gadhvi and released in 2006, is an adrenaline-pumping heist film featuring Hrithik Roshan as an elusive international thief pursued by a relentless cop played by Abhishek Bachchan. With death-defying stunts executed flawlessly by Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan playing his seductive partner-in-crime, Dhoom 2 raised the bar for Bollywood action movies with fast-paced chases, high-tech gadgets, and stunning visuals.
More Dhoom 2- #66 of 133 onThe 100+ Best Bollywood Movies
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- 12Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan
Based on a real-life police operation against gangsters holed up in a Mumbai apartment complex in 1991, Shootout at Lokhandwala is an intense crime drama helmed by Apoorva Lakhia and released in 2007. The riveting plot features Vivek Oberoi as the notorious gangster Maya Dolas alongside Sanjay Dutt and Amitabh Bachchan as police officers seeking to bring him down. Showcasing raw firepower and brutal confrontations blended seamlessly into a gripping narrative sprinkled with powerful performances makes this film one of the most compelling Bollywood action movies ever made.
- 13
Ghajini
Aamir Khan, Asin, Tinnu AnandWith Aamir Khan at the helm portraying an amnesiac avenging his lover's murder in A.R. Murugadoss' 2008 Hindi remake of his Tamil hit Memento-inspired film Ghajini, it was bound to be a spectacular experience. The breathtaking stunts, brutal fight scenes, and captivating storytelling made Ghajini one of the most successful action movies in Bollywood history.
- 14
Singham
Sachin Khedekar, Ajay Devgan, Kajal AggarwalDirected by Rohit Shetty and starring Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham, an honest small-town cop who takes on the corrupt system in his own unique way - Singham (2011) packs a punch with high-octane car chases, explosive stunts, and larger-than-life characters that have become synonymous with Shetty's brand of cinema. Bolstered by Devgn's commanding screen presence and powerful dialogue delivery, Singham remains an indispensable entry in any list of top Bollywood action films.
- 15Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kajol
Karan Arjun, directed by Rakesh Roshan and released in 1995, brings together two of Bollywood's biggest superstars - Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan - as reincarnated brothers seeking revenge for their unjust deaths in a previous life. With its blend of high-voltage action sequences, supernatural elements, and family drama, this film is an entertaining roller-coaster ride that has endured the test of time to become a cult classic among Indian moviegoers.
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- 16Amrish Puri, Ameesha Patel, Sunny Deol
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) ranks as one of the most successful Indian movies of all time due to its potent mix of romance, patriotism, and high-octane action sequences. Directed by Anil Sharma and starring Sunny Deol as a truck driver who falls in love with a Pakistani girl played by Amisha Patel amid the turmoil surrounding India's partition, this film offers an engrossing storyline backed by power-packed performances that resonate with audiences even today.
- 17Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Naseeruddin Shah
Directed by Rajiv Rai and released in 1994, Mohra features Akshay Kumar as an ex-convict seeking redemption who becomes embroiled in a web of crime, corruption, and revenge involving a conniving businessman played by Naseeruddin Shah. With Sunil Shetty and Raveena Tandon providing strong supporting performances alongside Kumar's action-hero avatar, Mohra remains a fan-favorite among Bollywood enthusiasts for its gripping storyline and memorable action set-pieces.
More Mohra- #83 of 133 onThe 100+ Best Bollywood Movies
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- 18Amitabh Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Akshay Kumar
Vipul Amrutlal Shah's 2002 crime thriller Aankhen combines an intriguing premise - bank robbery orchestrated by three blind men - with electrifying performances from Amitabh Bachchan as their vengeful mentor and Akshay Kumar as his reluctant accomplice. Showcasing tense heist scenes interspersed with moments of dark humor against a backdrop rife with double-crosses and ulterior motives, Aankhen offers viewers an invigorating take on the classic heist genre.
- 19Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Rekha
Rakesh Roshan's superhero extravaganza Krrish (2006) is a pioneering entry in the Indian cinematic universe featuring Hrithik Roshan as Krishna Mehra - an ordinary man who discovers he possesses extraordinary powers inherited from his alien father. Combining dazzling visual effects with breathtaking stunts executed flawlessly by Roshan, Krrish set a benchmark for Indian superhero movies and captured the imagination of audiences worldwide.
- 20Vijay, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar
Prabhudheva's 2012 blockbuster Rowdy Rathore stars Akshay Kumar in a dual role – as a small-time conman and a fearless cop – who takes on an evil crime lord portrayed by Nasser. A high-energy action entertainer packed with gravity-defying stunts, catchy music, and rib-tickling humor, Rowdy Rathore showcases Kumar's versatility as an actor and remains one of the most successful Bollywood action films of recent times.
- 21Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Madhavi
Karan Malhotra's 2012 remake of the cult classic 1990 film starring Amitabh Bachchan sees Hrithik Roshan delivering a stellar performance as Vijay Dinanath Chauhan – a man seeking revenge for his father's murder by the hands of Kancha Cheena (played menacingly by Sanjay Dutt). With intense drama, electrifying fight scenes, and Priyanka Chopra adding her charm to this powerful saga of vengeance, Agneepath is a riveting cinematic experience that has earned its place among Bollywood's finest action films.
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- 22Katrina Kaif, Bipasha Basu, Saif Ali Khan
Directed by Abbas-Mustan and released in 2008, Race is a fast-paced thriller filled with deceit, treachery, jaw-dropping twists, and visually stunning car chases set amidst the backdrop of high-stakes horse racing. Featuring an ensemble cast including Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, and Katrina Kaif, this film is a testament to the prowess of Bollywood in delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment replete with high-octane action.
- 23Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, John Abraham
Abbas-Mustan returns to direct this 2013 sequel to their successful heist film Race (2008), which sees Saif Ali Khan reprising his role as Ranvir Singh – now on a mission to exact vengeance for his lover's murder while navigating through an underground world replete with treachery, greed, and intrigue ably supported by John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, and others. With its visually stunning locales, heart-stopping stunts, and adrenaline-charged car chases; Race 2 offers viewers an engaging rollercoaster ride that keeps them on their toes throughout.
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- 24Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha
Arbaaz Khan dons the directorial hat for this 2012 sequel to the hit film Dabangg (2010), which sees Salman Khan reprising his role as the irreverent cop Chulbul Pandey facing off against an ambitious politician played by Prakash Raj. With its mix of death-defying stunts, pulsating chase sequences, and witty dialogues delivered with aplomb by Khan, Dabangg 2 continues to entertain fans of Bollywood action cinema.
- 25Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan
Rajkumar Santoshi's star-studded police drama Khakee (2004) is centered around a team of officers led by Amitabh Bachchan who are tasked with transporting a deadly terrorist - portrayed menacingly by Ajay Devgn - across the country amidst numerous obstacles and betrayals along the way. Featuring powerful performances from Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan alongside Bachchan's commanding screen presence amidst explosive action sequences make Khakee a must-watch for fans of nail-biting thrillers.
- 26Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Rimi Sen
Yash Raj Films' adrenaline-infused blockbuster Dhoom (2004), directed by Sanjay Gadhvi and introducing John Abraham as the suave, motorcycle-riding thief Kabir, took Bollywood action to new heights with its slick production values and thrilling chase sequences. Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra shine as the cop-duo tasked with apprehending Abraham's character, while Esha Deol and Rimi Sen provide the glamour quotient in this fast-paced and exhilarating ride through Mumbai's criminal underworld.
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- 27Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman, Rishi Kapoor
Manmohan Desai's 1983 action-comedy Coolie is defined by Amitabh Bachchan's iconic portrayal of Iqbal – a humble porter who becomes entangled in an elaborate web of crime, deceit, and revenge. Featuring dramatic confrontations between Bachchan and his adversaries played by Kader Khan and Shakti Kapoor along with trademark humor interspersed throughout the narrative, Coolie exemplifies Bollywood's flair for blending high-octane action with emotional storytelling.
- 28Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Kalabhavan Mani
S. Shankar's sci-fi extravaganza Enthiran (2010) sees Rajinikanth playing dual roles as Dr. Vaseegaran - a brilliant scientist who creates a humanoid robot named Chitti that looks like him - but eventually malfunctions when it starts developing human emotions leading to destructive consequences. Packed with jaw-dropping visual effects, spectacular action set-pieces involving futuristic technology, and a pulsating soundtrack composed by A.R. Rahman, Enthiran is a landmark achievement in Indian cinema.
- 29Akshay Kumar, Shakti Kapoor, Johnny Lever
The film that launched Akshay Kumar's career as an action superstar, Khiladi (1992) is directed by Abbas-Mustan and sees Kumar playing the role of Raj Malhotra – a college student caught up in a dangerous game of completing tasks to win money while also being implicated in murder cases. Replete with suspenseful plot twists, gravity-defying stunts, and engrossing drama, Khiladi remains an influential milestone in the evolution of Bollywood action cinema.
- 30
Khiladi 786
Akshay Kumar, Asin, Paresh RawalAshish R Mohan's 2012 comedy-action film Khiladi 786 stars Akshay Kumar as Mansukh – a bumbling matchmaker who tries to unite two warring mafia families by arranging the marriage of their children played by Asin and Rahul Singh. Packed with gravity-defying stunts, hilarious antics, and memorable dialogues; this light-hearted entertainer is a fitting addition to Kumar's iconic Khiladi series.
