Salman Khan, one of the most iconic figures in Bollywood, has captured the hearts of millions with his charisma, versatility, and unique screen presence. Over his three-decade-long career, Salman has delivered numerous memorable performances that have left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. From romantic dramas to high-octane action thrillers, his films have consistently entertained and resonated with audiences. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the ten best Salman Khan movies that you must watch. These films not only highlight his incredible journey as an actor but also showcase the evolving landscape of Bollywood.
1. Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
“Maine Pyar Kiya” is a landmark film in Salman Khan’s career, marking his debut as a lead actor. Directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, this romantic musical drama tells the story of Prem and Suman, played by Bhagyashree, whose love faces numerous challenges due to social differences. The film’s simplistic yet powerful narrative, combined with memorable songs like “Dil Deewana” and “Aaja Shaam Hone Aayi,” made it a massive hit.
Salman’s portrayal of Prem, an earnest and lovable young man, won him accolades and a permanent place in the hearts of the audience. His chemistry with Bhagyashree was palpable, adding depth to their romantic journey. The film’s success established Salman as a promising newcomer in Bollywood and paved the way for his future stardom. Its themes of love, sacrifice, and familial values resonated deeply with the Indian audience, making it one of the highest-grossing films of its time. Even decades later, “Maine Pyar Kiya” remains a cherished classic, showcasing Salman Khan’s early potential and the timeless appeal of his charm.
2. Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
“Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!,” directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, is another milestone in Salman Khan’s career. This family drama, set against the backdrop of Indian wedding traditions, features Salman as Prem, a cheerful and loving younger brother who falls in love with his sister-in-law’s sister, Nisha, played by Madhuri Dixit.
The film is celebrated for its elaborate wedding sequences, soulful music, and the chemistry between Salman and Madhuri. Songs like “Didi Tera Devar Deewana” and “Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai” became instant hits, adding to the film’s charm. The narrative’s emphasis on family values, love, and relationships struck a chord with audiences, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Salman’s endearing performance as Prem solidified his position as a leading actor in Bollywood and showcased his ability to portray heartwarming, family-oriented characters with ease. “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” is not just a film but a cultural phenomenon that continues to be a favorite in Indian households.
3. Karan Arjun (1995)
“Karan Arjun,” directed by Rakesh Roshan, is an iconic film that blends elements of action, drama, and reincarnation. Salman Khan stars alongside Shah Rukh Khan as Karan and Arjun, two brothers who are brutally murdered but reincarnate to avenge their deaths and reunite with their mother.
Salman’s portrayal of Karan, the fierce and determined brother, is both powerful and memorable. The film’s gripping storyline, combined with strong performances and action sequences, made it a massive hit. Dialogues like “Mere Karan Arjun Aayenge” became part of popular culture. The chemistry between Salman and Shah Rukh, the emotional depth of the mother-son relationship, and the film’s rousing music contributed to its success. “Karan Arjun” is a testament to Salman’s versatility as an actor and his ability to deliver compelling performances in action-packed roles. It remains a cult classic in Bollywood, symbolizing the enduring appeal of the revenge drama genre.
4. Tere Naam (2003)
“Tere Naam,” directed by Satish Kaushik, is a poignant love story that showcases Salman Khan in one of his most intense roles. He plays Radhe, a troubled and aggressive young man who falls deeply in love with Nirjara, portrayed by Bhumika Chawla. The film explores themes of unrequited love, loss, and redemption.
Salman’s portrayal of Radhe is raw and heartfelt, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards. The music of “Tere Naam,” especially the title track and “Tumse Milna,” became immensely popular and added to the film’s emotional impact. The tragic love story and Salman’s powerful performance resonated with audiences, making “Tere Naam” a significant film in his career. It is often regarded as one of his best performances, demonstrating his ability to delve into complex and emotionally charged characters. “Tere Naam” remains a must-watch for fans of Salman Khan and those who appreciate intense, dramatic storytelling.
5. Wanted (2009)
“Wanted,” directed by Prabhu Deva, marks a turning point in Salman Khan’s career, establishing him as the quintessential action hero of Bollywood. In this high-octane action thriller, Salman plays Radhe, a ruthless gangster with a secret agenda. The film’s gripping storyline, combined with adrenaline-pumping action sequences and Salman’s larger-than-life persona, made it a blockbuster hit.
“Wanted” redefined the action genre in Bollywood and showcased Salman’s ability to perform intense stunts and fight sequences. His dialogue delivery, particularly lines like “Ek baar jo maine commitment kar di, phir main apne aap ki bhi nahi sunta,” became iconic. The film’s success revitalized Salman’s career and set the stage for a series of action-packed blockbusters that followed. “Wanted” is a must-watch for fans of action films and those who admire Salman’s charismatic screen presence. It remains a pivotal film that highlights his evolution as an action star.
6. Dabangg (2010)
“Dabangg,” directed by Abhinav Kashyap, introduced audiences to one of Salman Khan’s most iconic characters, Chulbul Pandey. This action-comedy film revolves around the life of Chulbul Pandey, a fearless and witty police officer in Uttar Pradesh. Salman’s portrayal of Chulbul, with his quirky mannerisms and signature swagger, became an instant hit.
The film’s catchy dialogues, like “Hum tum mein itne chhed karenge, ke confuse ho jaoge ke saans kahan se le aur paadein kahan se,” and its chart-topping music, including “Munni Badnaam Hui,” added to its mass appeal. “Dabangg” was a major commercial success, earning accolades for its entertaining storyline, action sequences, and Salman’s charismatic performance. The film’s success led to the creation of the “Dabangg” franchise, cementing Salman’s status as a leading action star. “Dabangg” is a must-watch for its blend of action, comedy, and drama, and for witnessing Salman Khan in one of his most memorable roles.
7. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
“Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” directed by Kabir Khan, is a heartwarming tale that showcases Salman Khan in a different light. He plays Pavan, also known as Bajrangi, a devout Hanuman devotee who embarks on a journey to reunite a mute Pakistani girl, Munni, with her family across the border. The film explores themes of love, humanity, and cross-border friendship.
Salman’s portrayal of Bajrangi is sincere and touching, earning him critical acclaim. The film’s narrative, combined with strong performances by Harshaali Malhotra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Kareena Kapoor, made it a huge success. Songs like “Selfie Le Le Re” and “Bhar Do Jholi Meri” became popular, adding to the film’s charm. “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” is celebrated for its emotional depth, powerful message, and Salman’s heartfelt performance. It remains one of his most beloved films, appealing to audiences of all ages.
8. Sultan (2016)
“Sultan,” directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, is a sports drama that highlights Salman Khan’s dedication and versatility as an actor. He plays Sultan Ali Khan, a wrestler who rises to fame, falls from grace, and then makes a comeback to reclaim his lost glory. The film’s narrative, which focuses on themes of perseverance, redemption, and love, is compelling and inspiring.
Salman’s physical transformation and rigorous training for the role were widely praised. His portrayal of Sultan, with its emotional and physical intensity, earned him critical acclaim. The film’s music, especially songs like “Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai” and “Jag Ghoomeya,” became chartbusters. “Sultan” was a major commercial success, resonating with audiences for its powerful storytelling and Salman’s stellar performance. It is a must-watch for its inspiring narrative and for witnessing Salman Khan’s dedication to his craft.
9. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
“Tiger Zinda Hai,” directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, is the sequel to the 2012 hit “Ek Tha Tiger.” In this action-packed thriller, Salman Khan reprises his role as Tiger, a RAW agent, who teams up with his Pakistani counterpart Zoya, played by Katrina Kaif, to rescue hostages from a terrorist organization.
The film’s high-octane action sequences, stunning visuals, and gripping storyline made it a blockbuster hit. Salman’s portrayal of the fearless and resourceful Tiger, coupled with his chemistry with Katrina, was widely appreciated. Dialogues like “Shikaar toh sab karte hain, lekin Tiger se behtar shikaar koi nahi karta” became iconic. The film’s success further solidified Salman’s status as a top action star in Bollywood. The combination of intense action, patriotic themes, and a strong narrative made “Tiger Zinda Hai” a must-watch. The film’s impressive box office performance and critical acclaim demonstrated Salman Khan’s continued dominance in the action genre and his ability to draw audiences to theaters.
10. Bharat (2019)
“Bharat,” directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, is a historical drama that spans several decades, portraying the journey of a man named Bharat (Salman Khan) against the backdrop of India’s post-independence history. The film showcases Bharat’s life from a young boy during the Partition of India in 1947 to an elderly man, capturing the significant events and personal milestones along the way.
Salman’s portrayal of Bharat, with its emotional depth and nuanced performance, received critical acclaim. The film’s narrative, interwoven with historical events, offers a poignant look at India’s evolution and the personal struggles of its people. Katrina Kaif, who plays Kumud, Bharat’s love interest, delivers a strong performance, adding to the film’s appeal. Songs like “Slow Motion” and “Chashni” became popular, enhancing the film’s entertainment quotient. “Bharat” is celebrated for its ambitious storytelling, strong performances, and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. It is a must-watch for those interested in historical dramas and for witnessing Salman Khan’s versatility as an actor.
Conclusion
Salman Khan’s filmography is a testament to his enduring appeal and versatility as an actor. From romantic dramas to high-octane action films, his movies have consistently entertained and resonated with audiences across generations. The top 10 films listed above highlight his journey and showcase some of his most memorable performances. Each movie offers a unique glimpse into Salman’s ability to captivate viewers, whether through heartfelt romance, intense drama, or thrilling action. For any Bollywood enthusiast, these films are essential viewing, not only for their entertainment value but also for understanding the impact and legacy of Salman Khan in Indian cinema. As he continues to evolve and take on new challenges, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this iconic superstar.
