Top 10 Salman Khan Movies
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the films that made Salman Khan the “Bhai” of Bollywood. Which film did you love starring everyone’s favorite “Bhaijaan?” Let us know in the comments.
#10: “Tere Naam” (2004)
In this romantic tragedy, Khan plays Radhe Mohan, a thug who turns over a new leaf after falling in love with Nirjara. “Tere Naam” sparked a return for Khan in a genuinely dramatic role. His character deals with a turbulent romance, opening up further conflict that ultimately destroys his life. Unlike most Bollywood films at the time, “Tere Naam” doesn’t swerve into a happy ending. Instead, viewers are made to feel the same pain that Radhe and Nirjira feel during their relationship. It’s a bleak subject matter that looks into the consequences of misguided decisions, bolstered by Khan’s performance as the main character. Since the actor later pivoted into the action genre, “Tere Naam” now stands as a reminder that he also excelled in drama.
#9: “Andaz Apna Apna” (1994)
The world first noticed Khan’s penchant for comedy with this screwball comedy. Teaming up with Aamir Khan, the duo plays a pair of slackers attempting to marry an heiress. Unfortunately, they end up way over their heads after realizing an evil gangster has the same plans. “Andaz Apna Apna” wasn't a big box office success, but has become a classic since. Fans love the chemistry between the two Khans, as well as the many quotable lines the film contains. Salman eschews his usual tough guy attitude in favor of a sillier, charming performance that has stood the test of time. It’s a breezy watch that’s perfect if you’re in the mood for belly laughs.
#8: “Karan Arjun” (1995)
Soon after “Andaz Apna Apna,” another major Khan pairing arrived – this time with Salman and Shah Rukh Khan. The two appear as the titular characters, who are brothers out for vengeance. After Karan and Arjun are killed by the menacing Thakur Durjan Singh, the protagonists are reincarnated. The sprawling story deals with the themes of revenge, justice, and familial love. While the premise might be a bit out there, the commitment from the two Khans is captivating. Salman does the brunt of the film’s action, bringing a touch of sensitivity to his character that balances the hard-hitting elements. Because of both Khans’ superstar status, “Karan Arjun” became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the ‘90s, and remains a cornerstone of Bollywood’s action genre.
#7: “Dabangg” (2010)
Speaking of action, we have “Dabangg” to thank for reinventing the genre. With a whole lot of “masala,” the film popularized item numbers and larger-than-life protagonists who defy conventional physics. “Dabangg” makes full use of Khan’s macho persona, even parodying this to ridiculous lengths. The actor plays Chulbul Pandey, a cop dealing with a number of mishaps that eventually threaten his family. “Dabangg’s” story takes a backseat to Panday’s onscreen antics, which have to be seen to be believed. The movie solidified Khan as an action icon, becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood feature of the year and winning the Filmfare Award for Best Film. Many have since replicated its style, but “Dabangg” stands firm as the trailblazer it is.
#6: “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999)
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Following the life of Aishwarya Rai’s Nandini, the story is split in two. The first centers around Nandini and Sameer’s romance, which is cut short by objections from her family. After her new husband discovers her feelings for Sameer, he decides to reunite them. Few characters required Khan to portray as much vulnerability as Sameer in this romantic drama. The actor wins the audience’s sympathy, playing a person who just can’t catch a break despite his pure heart. The film was lauded for depicting different shades of love a person can experience, with each character’s arc relatable to viewers. Along with his co-stars, Khan won critical praise for hitting emotional beats all the way from the beginning to its heartbreaking conclusion.
#5: “Tiger” Series (2012-)
Franchise movies were a rarity in Bollywood, but Khan helped establish one of its biggest ones. The “Tiger” movies feature the hero as a conflicted RAW agent who falls for an ISI spy. Instead of following the template of a standard political thriller, these films place the characters’ relationship as the main hook. Tiger, with love interest Zoya, evades capture and protects innocents, staying true to their moralities and strong sense of justice. Their love amid continual conflict is a set-up for explosive action and thought-provoking moments. Tiger connects movies in the YRF Spy Universe, showing up with the kind of “swag” that only Salman Khan can command. With an entire saga planned, the “Tiger” series continues to raise the bar with each entry.
#4: “Sultan” (2016)
Khan’s critical peak in the 2010s continued with this sports drama that details the titular character’s struggles with success. Sultan’s rise as a pehlwani wrestler takes a sharp decline after a deep personal loss destroys his life. The movie doesn’t hold back in portraying the hero at his worst, as everything around him falls apart. However, the plot picks up as the protagonist gets back on his feet to reclaim his pride. Khan’s portrayal of a heavily flawed person is remarkable for making us both resent and root for him. While “Sultan” deserves praise for its entertaining wrestling sequences, the uplifting message of never giving up is its biggest winning quality.
#3: “Maine Pyar Kiya” (1989)
Khan’s first release as a leading man remains among his very best. “Maine Pyar Kiya” doubles as both a love story and a family drama. The story revolves around the romance between Prem and Suman, whose relationship is threatened by a feud between their parents. As he sets out to prove himself, we follow Prem’s attempts to stand on his own feet to be with Suman. Before Khan was known for his badass attitude and intimidating physique, he charmed audiences with an innocent depiction of a young man in love. Audiences also appreciated the overall cast – most of the actors reunited in future movies to greater commercial success. Khan, in particular, steals the show to make us fall in “pyar” with him.
#2: “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” (2015)
Although the actor has starred in several tearjerkers, “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” is arguably the most effective. In this epic drama, Khan stars as Pawan, a devout Indian Hindu who stumbles across a mute Pakistani Muslim girl he names Munni. Due to Munni’s positive influence, Pawan grows into a more tolerant, selfless person. “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” unites borders, as two people from vastly different backgrounds end up in a surrogate father-daughter relationship. Of course, there are a lot of struggles to go through for Pawan to take Munni back home. For the many wholesome moments “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” contains, there are just as many heartbreaking scenes to watch. It’s an emotionally stirring experience that preaches harmony between people from all walks of life.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Mujhse Shaadi Karogi” (2004)
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“Wanted” (2009)
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“Hum Saath-Saath Hain” (1999)
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“Judwaa” (1997)
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“Kick” (2014)
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#1: “Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!” (1994)
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Among the highest-grossing Indian movies ever, “Hum Aapke Hain Koun” is an era-defining blockbuster. It follows the Nath family after daughter-in-law Pooja arrives to spread joy into their lives. Khan plays youngest son Prem, who falls in love with Pooja’s sister Nisha. The first half is filled with warmhearted sentiments, good-natured humor, and music-filled sequences. However, Pooja’s sudden death marks a major shift that ultimately threatens Prem and Nisha’s relationship. Even with the massive 199-minute runtime, the film grabs viewers’ attention through all the twists and turns in the protagonists’ arcs. “Hum Aapke Hain Koun” represents the best that Indian cinema has to offer. With gorgeous set pieces, memorable songs, and Khan’s infectious chemistry with Madhuri Dixit, who wouldn’t want to go “Dhiktana” with this cast?
