Bollywood has always been home to a diverse range of genres, but its action films have gained a distinct identity thanks to its unique blend of intense drama and emotional narrative. Here are the top 7 Bollywood action films ever made, which have established bold benchmarks and continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences worldwide.
1. Sholay (1975) – The Cult Classic of Indian Action Cinema
Considered the greatest Bollywood film of all time, Sholay is also an important landmark in the Indian film industry. Ramesh Sippy directed the duo of Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan, who play two ex-convicts hired to protect a village from the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh. With iconic dialogues, heavy-duty action sequences, and unforgettable characters, Sholay defined the action genre for several decades.
2. Dhoom 2 (2006) – High-Octane Bollywood Action Thriller
The second film in the Dhoom franchise, Dhoom 2 brought the international action standards to Bollywood. Directed by Sanjay Gadhvi, the film starred Hrithik Roshan as a stylish thief matched with Abhishek Bachchan’s cop character. Dhoom 2 became a blockbuster hit and a game-changer in the action genre with its slick chase scenes, stunt choreographies, and exotic locations.
3. Ghajini (2008) – Psychological Action Drama with a Powerful Story
Aishwarya Rai’s Ghajini directed by A.R.Murugadoss started with a fresh narrative combining memory loss with vendetta. Very loosely inspired from Memento, the film had strong Aamir Khan bashing the bad guy in great emotional agony and brutal strength. Ghajini redefined action storytelling in Bollywood with an engaging plot.
4. Don (2006) – Stylish Remake with Slick Action Sequences
Farhan Akhtar’s Don, starring Shah Rukh Khan, took a unique approach to reimagining the 1978 classic. From sleek shooting to fast-paced car chases in Malaysia, the film showcased SRK in a stylish guise as an anti-hero. It proved that remakes could be fresh without losing an element of powerful action.
5. War (2019) – Top Grossing Action Film with Stunning Visuals
War was a visual spectacle, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film featured the intrigue of spies intermixed with thrilling action, from duels on snowy mountain tops to chase scenes on motorbikes. Its immense popularity made it one of the highest-grossing Bollywood action films.
6.Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) – Patriotic Action-Drama at Its Best
Known mostly for its love story, Gadar, especially during the scenes showing Indo-Pak conflict, gave hard core action. Sunny Deol’s now famous hand-pump scene made a cult of its own, marking an indelible imprint into the history of Bollywood action.
7. Pathaan (2023) – Record-Breaking Spy Action Blockbuster
Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, turned the box office inside out, earning over ₹1,000 crore worldwide. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the action-packed spy thriller featured gravity-defying stunts, intense hand-to-hand combat scenes, and breathtaking visuals. Powered by Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, Pathaan redefined what a modern Bollywood movie could achieve in terms of scale and international appeal.