The Thinking Star and His Cinematic Legacy
Aamir Khan is more than just a Bollywood actor he’s a cinematic institution. Often hailed as “The Thinking Star,” Aamir has spent over three decades reshaping Indian cinema, one meaningful role at a time. With every project, he challenges conventions, explores bold themes, and delivers performances that linger long after the credits roll.
In this article, we take a closer look at every Aamir Khan film, ranking them from unforgettable blockbusters to hidden gems. Whether you’ve followed his journey from the beginning or are just diving into his filmography, this guide offers a thoughtful roadmap through his remarkable career.
Why Rank Aamir Khan’s Films?
Over the course of a career that spans genres, decades, and generations, Aamir Khan has brought to life an incredible range of characters from starry-eyed romantics and fearless revolutionaries to devoted fathers and even an alien with a message. This ranking aims to:
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Highlight his most critically acclaimed and culturally impactful films
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Shine a light on underrated gems that may have flown under the radar
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Trace the evolution of Indian cinema through the lens of Aamir’s transformative journey as an artist
Ranking Criteria
We’ve evaluated Aamir Khan’s films based on the following:
- Narrative Strength and Performance Quality
- Critical and Audience Reception
- Cultural and Social Impact
- Box Office Success and Rewatch Value
Top Tier: The Blockbusters That Shaped Bollywood
1. Lagaan (2001)
A historical sports drama that made it to the Oscars. Set during British colonial India, this epic combines patriotism, cricket, and storytelling excellence. ⭐ Why it stands out: Stellar direction, gripping story, memorable music. 🎯 Legacy: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.
2. Dangal (2016)
An empowering biopic of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters. Aamir’s physical and emotional transformation is remarkable. 📈 Box Office: Became the highest-grossing Indian film globally at the time. 💡 Social Impact: Changed perceptions of women in sports.
3. 3 Idiots (2009)
A satirical take on India’s rigid education system, combining humor with emotional depth. 📚 Message: Follow passion, not pressure. 🎓 Cultural relevance: Still used as an educational reference.
4. Taare Zameen Par (2007)
A directorial debut that explored the emotional struggles of a dyslexic child. ❤️ Emotive and educational. 🎬 Achievement: Set a new benchmark for family-friendly social drama.
5. Rang De Basanti (2006)
A revolutionary film blending the past and present, inspiring youth activism. ⚡ Theme: Patriotism through self-discovery and sacrifice. 📢 Cultural Legacy: Sparked real-life student movements.
Middle Tier: Excellent Films with Flaws
6. PK (2014)
A daring and humorous critique of blind faith and religious dogma. 👽 Aamir plays an alien with childlike innocence. 🔍 Divisive yet thought-provoking.
7. Sarfarosh (1999)
An intense crime drama exploring terrorism and cross-border politics. 🕵️ Smart script and powerful performances. 🎖️ Still relevant in today’s sociopolitical climate.
8. Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
A modern tale of friendship and adulthood that redefined youth-centric cinema in India. 🎶 Stylish and relatable. 🧳 Perfect for young adults navigating life transitions.
9. Fanaa (2006)
A romantic tragedy wrapped in a political thriller. 🌨️ Great chemistry with Kajol. 🧨 Plot twist adds emotional punch.
10. Ghajini (2008)
A psychological action thriller with a revenge-driven protagonist suffering from short-term memory loss. 💪 Physically intense performance. 🧠 Remake of a Tamil hit, yet stands tall on its own.
Hidden Gems: Films That Deserve More Love
11. Dhobi Ghat (2010)
A poetic indie film about loneliness, art, and connection in Mumbai. 🎨 Aamir plays a reclusive painter. 🏙️ Slow-paced, artistic, and intimate.
12. The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005)
A period drama about India’s first freedom fighter. ⚔️ Great intent, somewhat uneven execution. 📖 Historically significant and visually rich.
13. Mann (1999)
An emotional romantic drama that’s often overlooked. 🌊 Inspired by a classic Hollywood love story. 💔 Aamir’s sincerity makes it worth a watch.
Lower Tier: Early Attempts and Missed Opportunities
14. Mela (2000)
A campy action-drama that failed both critically and commercially. 🎡 Somewhat redeemed by its catchy music. 😅 Now a guilty pleasure for some fans.
15. Aatank Hi Aatank (1995)
An unoriginal gangster flick that mirrors The Godfather. 🔫 Overly derivative. 🪦 Largely forgotten.
16. Tum Mere Ho (1990)
A supernatural love story involving snakes—yes, snakes. 🐍 One of Aamir’s least successful films. 👎 A bizarre attempt at mixing fantasy and romance.
Notable Mentions You Shouldn’t Miss
- Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) His breakout romantic tragedy that made him a teen heartthrob overnight. 💔 The Romeo and Juliet of Bollywood.
- Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) A school sports drama that became a cult classic. 🚴♂️ Still relatable for its themes of identity and determination.
- Andaz Apna Apna (1994) Initially a flop, now one of the most quoted comedies in India. 😂 Timeless humor and perfect comic timing.
Aamir Khan’s Cinematic Journey Through the Decades
Ranking Aamir Khan’s films is, in many ways, like revisiting the evolution of Indian cinema itself. From heartfelt teenage romances to powerful social commentaries, Aamir has consistently used his stardom to tell stories that matter. Whether he’s challenging the education system, questioning blind faith, or portraying the quiet strength of fatherhood, every performance is infused with thoughtfulness and intent.
For newcomers, this list offers a perfect entry point into his body of work. And for long-time fans, it’s a nostalgic reminder of how Aamir has kept raising the bar—both as a performer and as a storyteller with a purpose.
FAQ: Every Aamir Khan Movie Ranked
1. What is Aamir Khan’s best movie of all time?
Lagaan, 3 Idiots, and Dangal are widely regarded as his top films due to their storytelling, cultural impact, and global reach.
2. Are there any underrated Aamir Khan films worth watching?
Absolutely. Dhobi Ghat, Mann, and The Rising are lesser-known gems that offer unique experiences.
3. What was Aamir Khan’s debut film?
His breakout lead role was in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), which launched his superstar career.
4. Has Aamir Khan ever directed a movie?
Yes, he directed Taare Zameen Par (2007), a critically acclaimed film focused on children with learning disabilities.
5. Where can I watch Aamir Khan’s movies online?
His films are available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, depending on your region.