Bollywood’s Highest Grosser of the Year: 1989 – 2015

2015 is coming to an end and it’s Salman Khan yet again who has topped the Highest Grosser of the Year for a record 9th time (10 if Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, where he had a supporting role, is included in the list).

Nearly 300 Hindi films release every year and only one film tops them all. In today’s times, it takes a combination of good content, a major superstar and a genre with universal appeal for a film to generate more than Rs 250 / 300 crore at the box office.

Salman SRK Aamir Hrithik Sunny

The biggest grosser of the year is also the film that has widely been accepted and brings the maximum number of people to theatres. In this day and age, with prices of movie tickets soaring, piracy increasing and various options for entertainment (like television and video-sharing websites), it’s tough to bring audiences to theatres.

Hence, topping the ‘biggest grosser list’ is nothing short of a major achievement. Below we have compiled a list of the highest grossing films from 1989 to 2015.

SalmanAamirSRKHrithikSunny
Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989)Dil (1990)DDLJ (1995)Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (2000)Border (1997)
Saajan (1991)Raja Hindustani (1996)Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)Koi Mil Gaya (2003)Gadar (2001)
Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994)Ghajini (2008)Devdas (2002)Dhoom 2 (2006)
Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999)3 Idiots (2009)Veer Zaara (2004)
No Entry (2005)Dhoom 3 (2013)Om Shanti Om (2007)
Dabangg (2010)PK (2014)
Bodyguard (2011)
Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
  • Salman Khan has delivered the highest number of ‘highest grossers of the year’ 9 times since 1989, which also happens to be the year he made his debut. His best years are between 2010 – 2012, when he managed to beat his contemporaries for three continuous years. In 2015, he topped the list once again after making way for Aamir Khan in 2013 and 2014.
  • But there is one special record that not many others can boast of. Salman is the ONLY superstar who has two ‘biggest grossers of the decade’. Maine Pyaar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hai Kaun were the biggest grossers of the 80s and 90s respectively. The 2000s belonged to Aamir, as 3 Idiots was the highest grosser of the previous decade.
  • Apart from the 5 biggest hits of the year to his credit, Shah Rukh Khan has given the 2nd biggest hits of the year for a record 8 times – Deewana (1991), Karan Arjun (1995), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001), Kal Ho Na Ho (2003), Main Hoon Na (2004) and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008). He has also consistently made it to the Top 5 since his debut in 1992.
  • Salman has delivered Top 2 biggest grossers of the year four times. Hum Saath Saath Hain and Biwi No. 1 in 1999, Bodyguard and Ready in 2011, Ek Tha Tiger and Dabangg 2 in 2012, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo in 2015.
  • 2006 belonged to Hrithik Roshan as Dhoom 2 and Krrish were the 1st and 2nd biggest hits of the year respectively. Hrithik has also ruled the box office in 2000 (Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai) and 2003 (Koi Mil Gaya).
  • Ajay Devgn has three 2nd biggest grosser of the year to his credit. Phool Aur Kaante in 1991, Pyaar to Hona Hi Tha in 1998 and Golmaal 3 in 2010.
  • Akshay Kumar has never delivered the highest grosser of the year so far in his career, but came close as many as 4 times. Mohra in 1994, Welcome in 2007 were the 2nd biggest hits while Singh is King and Rowdy Rathore came 3rd in 2008 and 2012 respectively. He would have probably topped the list in 2007, if Taare Zameen Par did not release on the same day.
  • Hrithik and Salman are the only big stars to deliver the biggest grosser of the year with their debut films.
  • Among the top stars, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor are yet to deliver the year’s biggest grosser, something that Sunny Deol managed twice with Border (1997) and Gadar (2001).
  • In terms of footfalls, Salman topped the 1980s (Maine Pyaar Kiya) and 1990s (Hum Aapke Hain Kaun). Gadar was the most watched movie of 2000’s, a film that sold many more tickets than 3 Idiots.
  • In the current century, when Aamir Khan made it to the top of the list, he not only delivered the highest grosser of the year, but also the highest grosser of all time. Ghajini, 3 Idiots, Dhoom 3 and PK were the highest grossers of the year, highest grossers of all time and All Time Blockbusters.
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203 Comments

  • and what about all time highest grosser
    aamir- 3 (ghajni,3 idiot,dhoom 3,pk)
    salman -1(HAHK)
    hritik- 1(dhoom-2)
    sunny deol-1 gadar
    srk-1 CE only for 5-6 month

    aamir the ace of bollywood

  • I want Raees to get Eid next year and then see if Salman’s Sultan can defeat Raees.

    SRK got an Eid release in 2013,CE did exceptionally well..It has more footfalls than Salman’s Kick,ETT and Dabangg and only less than an acclaimed film like Bajrangi.
    But he was a bit unlucky as two highly anticipated films Krrish 3 n D3 released that year.

    And let me say it again,Xmas and Eid are much bigger holidays than Diwali.
    Even a film like Dilwale is holding so well coz people are in the mood of party,and this continues till the New Year.

  • Bajirao Mastani has an outside chance of emerging 2nd highest grosser of the year as adv booking for tomorrow is better than friday and saturday

  • My money is on Mohenjo Daro for 2016. It’ll be the highest grosser. That genre has got a big boost from Baahubali and now Bajirao Mastani.

    I hope Rustom doesn’t release on the same day.

  • Dangal will start as a favourite of HGOTY 2016 as Xmas is pretty much the best period and Aamir’s choices are exceptional too.
    But If Raees gets a solo release on Eid,It will definitely give a good competition.

    But then when will Sultan release????

    Also I m not writing Mohenjodaro off,if clash gets averted who knows it could surprise everyone with films like Bajirao n Bahubali doing really well.

  • I think 2016 will be tough to find out
    Either it’s going to be dangal or may be Mohanjo daro who knows…
    Sultan tough task due to clash but sultan will cross 200 cr despite clash
    Shivaay also face clash… Adhm will be disaster infront of shivaay
    According to me it’s top grossing of 2016 will be dangal or mohanjo daro

  • @babaji so isn’t it a shame that even in this Christmas period ur akki couldn’t deliver a hit- Tees Maar Khan ;)

  • Hats off for d 3 khans!!!

    Indicine Salman had a guest appearance not supporting!!

    Now big time Salute to Salman Khan!!
    Magnificent achievement HONESTLY!!

    I don’t care whether Ajay did not deliver the highest…seeing his name immediately after the Khans in these records shows how far he has attained!!

    NB… Indicine watch out som school boys will now say why ddnt you put superstar tag for their fans and why Ajay name above…..???

    Huge Credit to Sunny Deol,!!

    Story of d day belongs to…. SALMAN!!!

  • • When it comes to an actor then 1st thing comes in mind is his ‘ACTING’ & ‘Movies’ & it’s a known fact that SRK is incomparable & unmatchable when it comes to ACTING/MOVIES/PERFORMANCE that’s the reason he has highest filmfare award ever (followed by Legends like Dilip Sahab & Amitabh Bachchan ) for his iconic performance as a best actor/Villains as well as for best movies !

    1st ) Total Film fares award of Shah Rukh Khan : 8 for best performances ( same like Dilip Kumar, though SRK has 9, is a ahead if we including Critics Award for best actor ) .

    2nd ) Total Film-fares of Aamir Khan : 2 for best performance .

    3rd ) Total Film-fares of Salman : 0 . as he is yet to give good performance to prove he’s an actor.

    • & The Second thing comes to mind is STARDOM : when we talk about actors/Stars & to know about stardom we look at openings records of their films .

    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 12 times . 2nd ) Salman Khan : 5 times . 3rd ) Aamir Khan : 4 times . (INDIA)
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 11 times . 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 4 times . 3rd ) Salman Khan : 3 times . (WW)
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 9 times . 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 2 times . 3rd ) Salman khan : 1 time . (OS)

    ( SRK also has a record of giving opening records for a *whole decade* too.. Salman also had but in terms of giving flops for a decades ;) same case for his fellow aamir Khan ) .

    • All 3 Khans movies that broke opening records both in India and overseas at once Since 2000.

    1) Shah Rukh Khan : 5 Times. 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 1 times & 3rd ) Salman Khan : 0 time .

    • & The 3rd thing is no. success films in INDIA, Worldwide & Overseas .

    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan’s total success films : 28 . ( success percentage :- 70.59 % ) in India .
    2nd ) Salman Khan’s total success films : 19 Hits . ( success percentage :- 44.75 % ) in India .
    3rd ) Aamir Khan’s total Success films : 13 . ( Success percentage :- 48 % ) in India .

    • No. of success films in Worldwide & Overseas of all 3 Khans .

    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 29 overseas . 2nd ) Salman Khan : 12 in OS . & 3rd ) Aamir : 10 in OS .
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 27 Worldwide. 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 10 in WW . & 2nd ) Salman : 10 in WW .

    • & 4th is no. of flops & disasters films of all 3 Khans in India .

    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 15 . 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 20 . 3rd ) Salman Khan : 38 . ( Flops ) .
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 0 . 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 3 . 3rd ) Salman Khan : 4 . ( disasters ) .

    • All time blockbusters of all 3 Khans in INDIA, Worldwide & Overseas till * 2014 * .

    1st ) Aamir Khan : 4 in India . 2nd) Shah Rukh Khan : 2 in India 3rd) Salman Khan : 2 in India .
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 10 in OS . 2nd) Aamir Khan : 3 in OS & 3rd) Salman Khan : 1 in OS .
    1st) Shah Rukh Khan : 6 in WW . 2nd) Aamir Khan : 3 in W-W & 3rd ) Salman Khan 2 in W-W .

    • Blockbusters of all 3 Khans in INDIA, Worldwide & Overseas till *2014 & lead roles only* .

    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 7 in India . 1st ) Salman Khan : 7 in India . & 3rd ) Aamir Khan : 5 in India .
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 8 in WW . 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 3 WW & 3rd ) Salman Khan : 1 WW .
    1st) Shah Rukh Khan : 20 in OS . 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 4 in OS . & 3rd ) Salman Khan 1 in OS .

    • Same year’s Blockbusters given by Khans in INDIA, Worldwide & Overseas .

    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 2 times . 2nd ) Salman Khan : 2 times . & 3rd ) Aamir : 0 time . (INDIA)
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 1 time . 2nd ) Salman Khan : 0 time & 3rd ) Aamir : 0 time . (Worldwide)
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 3 times . 2nd ) Salman Khan : 0 time . & 3rd ) Aamir : 0 time . (Overseas)

    • HGOTY of all Khans In INDIA, Worldwide & Overseas * till 2014 & main lead roles only *.

    1st ) Aamir Khan : 6 . 2nd ) Shah Rukh Khan : 5 in India . 2nd ) Salman Khan : 5 in India .
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 10 Worldwide . 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 6 WW . 2nd) Salman Khan : 6 WW .
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 15 in OS . 2nd ) Aamir khan : 3 in OS . 3rd ) Salman Khan : 1 in OS .

    • All time highest Grossers of all Khans in INDIA , Worldwide & Overseas .

    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 4 . 1st ) Aamir Khan : 4 . 3nd ) Salman Khan : 1 . (INDIA)
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 4 . 1st ) Aamir khan : 4 . 3rd ) Salman Khan : 1 . (Worldwide)
    1st ) Shah Rukh Khan : 6 . 2nd ) Aamir Khan : 3 . 3rd ) Salman Khan : 1 . (Overseas)

    • Most No. of top 2 highest grossers of the years given by Khans in INDIA , Worldwide & Overseas .

    1 ) SRK : 2 times in 1995/2004 . 1st ) Salman : 2 times in 2012/1999 . 3rd ) Aamir : 0 time . (INDIA)
    1 ) Shah Rukh Khan : 4 times . 2nd ) Salman : 2 times & 3rd ) Aamir Khan : 0 times . (Worldwide)
    1 ) Shah Rukh Khan : 7 times . 2nd ) Salman Khan : 0 times & 3rd ) Aamir : 0 time . (Overseas)

    • No. of years that all time top actors stayed at the top in INDIA . Among Khans . ( acc to BOI )

    1) Shah Rukh Khan : 16 times/years . 2nd ) Salman Khan 5 times/years & 3rd Aamir Khan : 0 time .

    See the difference ! To be Honest i even feel shame taking these small actors’ name with such a big star like SRK, who can be compared only with actors like Dilip Kumar & Amitabh Bachchan in India.. though he is a way ahead than any Indian & Indian star be it Dilip Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan as SRK’s fame, popularity, stardom & admiration is not just restricted in his own country only, but it is internationally, in all over the World which is incomparable & unmatchable……..!!

    Proud to be a fan of SRK.. Proud to be a fan of self-made star/Inspiration & greatest actor ever.

  • “History will repeat…like 2013.
    Salman failed to beat 3Idiots & Srk-Rohit film did it.

    Now again Salman failed to beat PK & Srk-Rohit film will repeat history….

    Dilwale will be first 350crs film..”

  • Great article @indicine team, it’s the BEST Bollywood oriented website

    Now coming to the article inshort I just want to say

    SALMAN MEANS BOLLYWOOD

    BIGGEST MEGASTAR EVER

    27th December is just 3 days away

  • Next year is may be the toughest fight of all. 2016 will be with all big stars and big films with big budgets.
    Hrithik and Aamir are returning after giving 2015 a miss. And assuming Mohenjo-Daro and Dangal get solo release one expects either of 2 to be highest grosser of 2016.

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