Shah Rukh Khan films classic old

Your Ultimate Guide to Shah Rukh Khan’s Best Movies

The veteran actor’s best performances, ranked

Shah Rukh Khan films classic old

In the world of Bollywood, few actors command as much respect as Shah Rukh Khan. Known fondly as SRK, he stands as one of India’s most celebrated movie stars, with a career spanning decades and still going strong.

 

With over 90 films to his name, narrowing down his finest performances is no easy task—but we’ve taken on the challenge. From the 90s to today, here’s our list of Shah Rukh Khan’s most iconic films.

Dil Se – 1998

Two decades since its release, ‘Dil Se’ is still one of SRK’s best films. The romantic thriller, which sees the Bollywood actor play a journalist who falls in love with a woman—who doesn’t share the same feelings—is said to be inspired by the seven layers of love as defined by ancient Arabic literature. 

Chak De India – 2007

Shah Rukh Khan might be best known, and loved, for his love interest roles, but the veteran actor killed it when he played a hockey coach in ‘Chak De India’. The film follows the story of the coach, who trains the Indian women’s national hockey team, as he defends his loyalty to his nation after a scandal that tainted him as a traitor. 

My Name is Khan – 2010

Once again straying away from his traditional roles in romantic dramas, SRK’s role in ‘My Name is Khan’, tackles issues of terrorism, racism, islamophobia and mental illness. The film, which is set in San Francisco, follows the life of Rizwan, a man who moved to America just before the 9/11 attacks. 

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge – 1995

Nothing beats a good classic, and Dilwale ‘Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ is the ultimate Bollywood classic. The film is, of course, your typical love story, in which a young man moves back to India to profess his love to a woman. 

Swades – 2004

This 2004 film is a cult classic. Some might even argue that it’s SRK’s best acting performance. The film tells the story of a scientist who returns to India alongside his nanny on a mission to discover his roots.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

In Bollywood, family dynamics often form the heart of the drama, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G) is a perfect example of this. Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Rahul Raichand, represents the modern-day scapegoat, a person who is disowned by his father for choosing love over tradition, yet remains steadfast in his loyalty and affection toward his family. Rahul’s emotional resilience and ability to forgive, despite being rejected by his father, reflect a kind of moral strength that is often missed in today’s world.

Devdas (2002)

If it weren’t for the intense drama and those sweeping, emotional moments, Bollywood wouldn’t have us all obsessed. Devdas has all the Bollywood flair—stunning visuals, a heart-wrenching storyline, and an iconic soundtrack. In this film, Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of a tragic hero spiraling into self-destruction due to unrequited love, and his performance cemented his name as one of the greatest actors in the industry. Bringing to life one of India’s most celebrated literary characters, Shah Rukh Khan’s chemistry with Aishwarya Rai as Paro, his lost love, adds to its global success.

Baazigar (1993)

Shah Rukh Khan Baazigar (1993)

At the time of its release, Baazigar was considered avant-garde in Bollywood, introducing a new type of protagonist that broke away from conventional heroes motivated by moral righteousness. In Baazigar, Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of a dark and vengeful anti-hero, determined to seek revenge for his father’s downfall. The film’s famous line, “Kabhi kabhi kuch jeetne ke liye kuch harna padta hai” (Sometimes, to win, you have to lose something), remains iconic in Bollywood today.

Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

SRK plays Aman, a terminally ill man who selflessly tries to bring two people together. As Aman hides his illness from Naina and Rohit, the story becomes more poignant. Much like the addictive nature of Turkish dramas, Kal Ho Naa Ho captivates audiences, even though its image quality may seem dated to modern viewers. Its perfect blend of romance, comedy, and heartbreak keeps viewers hooked, no matter how many times they watch it.

Don (2006)

Shah Rukh Khan don film

Keen to break away from his usual romantic roles, SRK embraced the challenge of playing a sleek, action-packed character in Don. This movie added new depth to his career, allowing him to showcase his versatility by mastering the role of a ruthless and cunning criminal mastermind. Not only did this performance mark a pivotal moment for Shah Rukh Khan, but the film also redefined the Bollywood anti-hero by blurring the lines between a charming villain and an innocent man caught in a dangerous game.

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