IMDb Has Crowned This Movie As The Most Popular Indian Film Of The 21st Century!

While Bollywood superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor continue to rule the box office with their blockbusters, one actor’s film has managed to outshine them all. This particular film didn’t just break records in India, it redefined Indian cinema’s global identity. It has become the most-watched and most-loved Indian film of the 21st century, winning hearts across continents and reappearing in global trends year after year. The superstar behind this cinematic phenomenon is none other than Bollywood’s Mr Perfectionist, Aamir Khan, an actor who has consistently surprised audiences with meaningful storytelling and flawless performances. Among his many hits, one film stands out as a global cultural milestone: Rajkumar Hirani’s 2009 classic 3 Idiots. According to the latest IMDb report, 3 Idiots has been declared the most popular Indian film from 2000 to 2025, based on viewership and engagement from IMDb’s 250 million monthly users. The film currently holds the 85th spot on IMDb’s Global Top 250 list, the highest rank ever achieved by an Indian movie. The data reveals that 3 Idiots earned this position through immense global engagement, particularly from non-Indian viewers. Its availability on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime further expanded its reach, making it a timeless international favourite. Based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone, 3 Idiots follows the story of three friends navigating life, pressure, and purpose at an engineering college. Aamir Khan’s portrayal of the free-spirited Rancho, a rebel who challenges the education system, became iconic. The film also stars R. Madhavan (Farhan), Sharman Joshi (Raju), Kareena Kapoor Khan (Pia), Boman Irani (Virus Sir), and Omi Vaidya (Chatur ‘Silencer’), each delivering memorable performances. The film received both critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing over Rs 200 crore in India and more than Rs 400 crore worldwide, becoming Bollywood’s highest-grossing movie at the time. It also won six Filmfare Awards, including Best Film. Interestingly, 3 Idiots outperformed other internationally recognised Indian films such as Taare Zameen Par, My Name Is Khan, Monsoon Wedding, and The Lunchbox, all of which had IMDb scores below 60. The cross-cultural emotional appeal of 3 Idiots and Aamir Khan’s storytelling finesse have made him one of India’s true global stars. This was the second collaboration between Aamir Khan and director Rajkumar Hirani, following their earlier success Lage Raho Munna Bhai. Once again, the duo proved that powerful storytelling combined with a socially relevant message can create cinematic magic. Fans continue to celebrate 3 Idiots online, with one user writing on X (formerly Twitter): “3 Idiots isn’t just a film, it’s an emotion!” 3 Idiots became a global phenomenon, capturing hearts not just in India but across countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and throughout the Middle East. In fact, it became the highest-grossing Indian film ever in China — a testament to its universal appeal. At the box office, the film collected over Rs 400 crore worldwide, making it Bollywood’s biggest success at the time. Its memorable dialogues — from “All is well” to “Don’t chase success, develop your abilities and success will follow you” — continue to inspire, especially among the youth. The film’s brilliance was further recognised with six Filmfare Awards, including Best Film. But beyond numbers and accolades, 3 Idiots endures because it speaks to everyone; questioning the education system, addressing parental expectations, and shedding light on mental health, making it a story that resonates across generations. Fifteen years later, 3 Idiots continues to inspire, entertain, and connect with audiences across the globe, proving that great stories truly transcend borders.