The latest IMDb’s list of most popular films has been surfaced, which report highlights from 25 years of Indian cinema trends and identifies the film with the biggest global impact.
Published: September 30, 2025 6:41 PM IST
The Indian film industry has produced some of the most iconic and beloved movies of the 21st century. These films have not only captivated audiences in India but have also gained international recognition. From epic historical dramas to inspiring stories of triumph, these movies have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
IMDB’s Most Popular Indian Film
One film that stands out among the rest is Rajkumar Hirani’s magnum opus, 3 Idiots. Starring Aamir Khan, this movie tells the story of three friends navigating the challenges of engineering college and finding their true passions. The film’s witty dialogue, memorable characters, and inspiring message resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of the most popular Indian films of the 21st century.
The 2009 film has achieved remarkable global popularity, ranking high in IMDb’s Top 250 films and attracting over 80% of its page views from outside India. Its global popularity rating is unmatched among Indian films, surpassing other popular films like Baahubali, Dangal, RRR, Lagaan and PK. Only a few Indian films, such as Taare Zameen Par, My Name Is Khan and The Lunchbox, have garnered significant international appeal, but none have reached 3 Idiots’ level of global recognition.
More about 3 Idiots
The film is loosely based on the novel “Five Point Someone” by Chetan Bhagat. It stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Omi Vaidya. The film’s story revolves around the lives of three friends – Rancho (Aamir Khan), Farhan (R. Madhavan), and Raju (Sharman Joshi) as they navigate the challenges of engineering college. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over Rs 460 crore worldwide. It received widespread acclaim for its witty dialogue, strong performances, and inspiring storyline.
Story Highlights
- 3 Idiots has achieved remarkable global popularity, ranking high in IMDb’s Top 250 films and attracting over 80% of its page views from outside India.
- The film tells the story of three friends navigating the challenges of engineering college and finding their true passions.
- 3 Idiots grossed over Rs 460 crore worldwide, receiving widespread acclaim for its witty dialogue, strong performances, and inspiring storyline.
- The film’s global popularity rating is unmatched among Indian films, surpassing other popular films like Baahubali, Dangal, and PK.
The enduring success of 3 Idiots is a testament to its timeless themes and memorable characters. The film’s impact extends beyond its box office performance, inspiring audiences worldwide with its message of following one’s passion and embracing individuality.
