Akshay Kumar stands as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and enduring stars, with a career spanning more than three decades. From his breakthrough in action-packed “Khiladi” roles to his ventures into comedy, socially relevant dramas, and biographical films, Akshay has mastered a unique ability to connect with a diverse audience base.
Beginning his career as an action hero with films like Khiladi (1992), Akshay quickly rose to fame with his martial arts skills and charismatic presence. But what sets him apart is the way he transitioned to various genres, from comedy classics like Hera Pheri to thought-provoking social dramas like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
Akshay’s sheer dedication to his roles and his knack for timing and expression has earned him countless awards and a massive fan following.
Top Best Hindi Akshay Kumar Movies
1. 2.0 (2018)
-
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
-
Box Office: ₹744.78 crore worldwide
-
Why It’s the Best: Akshay plays the menacing antagonist Pakshi Rajan opposite Rajinikanth’s robot hero. This film features groundbreaking VFX and social commentary on technological misuse and environmental damage, proving Akshay’s ability to shine in unconventional roles.
2. Housefull 4 (2019)
-
Genre: Comedy
-
Box Office: ₹296 crore worldwide
-
Why It’s Successful: A reincarnation comedy mixing past and present-day antics, showcasing Akshay’s comic timing and ensemble synergy. Its lighthearted entertainment value and commercial appeal made it a blockbuster.
3. Good Newwz (2019)
-
Genre: Comedy Drama
-
Box Office: ₹316 crore worldwide
-
Theme: In vitro fertilization mishaps and modern parenting challenges. Akshay’s comic performance blends humor with socially relevant storylines, illustrating his adaptability.
4. Mission Mangal (2019)
-
Genre: Drama/History
-
Box Office: ₹290 crore worldwide
-
Synopsis: Based on India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, the movie celebrates scientific achievement with a strong ensemble cast including Akshay as the lead scientist. It’s inspiring and patriotic.
5. Sooryavanshi (2021)
-
Genre: Action
-
Box Office: ₹293 crore worldwide
-
Highlights: Part of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, Akshay’s portrayal of ATS Chief Sooryavanshi brings high-octane action with a mass appeal and patriotic themes.
6. Kesari (2019)
-
Genre: War Drama
-
Box Office: ₹208 crore worldwide
-
Why It Stands Out: Based on the Battle of Saragarhi, Akshay delivers an intense and emotional performance as Havildar Ishar Singh. The film is a tribute to Sikh valor and was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
7. OMG – Oh My God! (2012)
-
Genre: Satire/Drama
-
Box Office: ₹132 crores worldwide approx.
-
Significance: Akshay plays a shopkeeper who fights against religious superstitions, offering strong social commentary that sparked conversations and remains relevant.
8. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017)
-
Genre: Social Drama
-
Box Office: ₹134 crore India net approx.
-
Why It’s Important: Tackling open defecation and sanitation issues in rural India, Akshay’s role blends social responsibility with engaging storytelling, inspiring societal change.
9. Airlift (2016)
-
Genre: Thriller/Drama
-
Box Office: ₹228 crore worldwide
-
Plot: Based on real-life events of the mass evacuation of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War. Akshay’s restrained and intense portrayal was widely praised.
10. Rowdy Rathore (2012)
-
Genre: Action Comedy
-
Box Office: Approx ₹198 crore worldwide
-
Popularity: A masala film blending action and comedy with mass appeal, solidifying Akshay’s position as a pan-India star.
Akshay Kumar’s Range: Genre-wise Breakdown
Action & Thriller
Khiladi series, Baby, Gabbar is Back, Special 26, Rustom—showcasing physicality and suspense.
Comedy & Family Entertainers
Hera Pheri series, Welcome, Singh is Kinng, Kesari (also war-drama with emotional elements).
Socially Relevant Films
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man, OMG – films with social messages meshed with entertainment.
Historical & Biographical
Kesari, Airlift, Gold—celebrations of India’s history and patriotism through compelling cinema.
Cultural and Box Office Impact
Akshay Kumar’s films have consistently acted as crowd-pullers, blending entertainment with social awareness. His mass appeal combined with smart picks of scripts has kept him relevant for over 30 years. His earnings and box office performance reflect Bollywood’s evolving trends and audience interests.
Awards and Recognition
Akshay holds several Filmfare awards and National Film Awards, underscoring his critical acclaim alongside commercial success. His contribution to Hindi cinema has been recognized with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award.
FAQs: Popular Questions About Akshay Kumar’s Best Movies
Q1. Which is Akshay Kumar’s highest-grossing movie?
2.0 is his highest-grossing movie with over ₹740 crore worldwide.
Q2. What kind of roles does Akshay prefer?
He has done action, comedy, social dramas, and historical films, showing great versatility.
Q3. Is Akshay Kumar known for socially relevant films?
Yes. Films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man, and OMG address social issues.
Q4. Which Akshay movie is best as a family entertainer?
Hera Pheri series and Singh is Kinng are perfect family comedies.
Q5. Has he worked in Hollywood?
No, Akshay primarily works in Hindi and Indian cinema.
Q6. How successful is Akshay Kumar in Bollywood?
He is among the top highest-paid and most successful actors with a consistent box office record.
Q7. Does Akshay do his own stunts?
Yes, especially in his action films, Akshay often performs his own stunts.
Q8. What was Akshay Kumar’s debut film?
Saugandh (1991) was his first Bollywood film.
Q9. Which Akshay Kumar film has the best critical acclaim?
Rustom, Airlift, and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha have received critical praise.
Q10. Which film should I watch first to know Akshay’s style?
Hera Pheri for comedy or Rowdy Rathore for action are great starters.
Conclusion
Akshay Kumar’s journey in Bollywood is a testament to his adaptability, commitment, and understanding of audience pulse. His best Hindi movies represent a spectrum of genres that entertain, inspire, and provoke thought. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of an action thriller, the laughter in a comedy, or the heart in a social drama, Akshay delivers consistently. For both new and seasoned fans, exploring his filmography offers an inside view of Bollywood’s evolution through the lens of one of its biggest stars.