IMDb recently revealed its list of the top 250 highest-rated Indian movies of all time, and to everyone’s surprise, the film on top is 12th Fail, featuring actor Vikrant Massey. Released in 2023 and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the movie has captured audiences’ hearts, standing out in a list filled with Bollywood heavyweights and timeless classics.
The 12th Fail tells an inspiring story about a young man struggling to pass his exams and chase his dreams. It garnered immense love from viewers, pushing it to the top of the IMDb charts, surpassing even the most well-known films from Bollywood superstars. The film’s success reflects Massey’s acting prowess and the strong storyline that resonated with audiences across India.
Not the Usual Khan or Kapoor Film on Top
Unlike what many would expect, the top-rated film is not a typical Khan or Kapoor movie but one led by Vikrant Massey. This has surprised many cinema enthusiasts, given the dominance of Bollywood’s biggest stars in such lists. Massey’s raw and heartfelt performance in 12th Fail has struck a chord with the audience, pushing it ahead of major blockbusters like Dangal and 3 Idiots.
Over 8.5 Million Votes on IMDb
IMDb’s list was compiled based on audience ratings, and the 250 films together received over 8.5 million votes. This shows the wide range of preferences among Indian moviegoers, with the list showcasing not only recent hits but also timeless classics and regional gems.
The list includes an array of films from various genres, periods, and languages. Fans of South Indian cinema will be happy to see films like Kantara and Manichitrathazhu ranked high. Classics such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and Pather Panchali also make their mark, reminding viewers of the richness of Indian cinema.
Top 20 Movies in the list.
1. 12th failed
2. Gol Maal (old 1979)
3. Nayakan
4. Maharaja
5. Apur Sansar
6. Ambe Shivam
7. Periyarum Perumal
8. 3 Idiots
9. home
10. Manichitrathazhu
11. Black Friday
12. Kumbalangi Nights
13. Rocketry: The Numby Effect
14. 777 Charlie
15. Kiridam
16. Near Kancharapalem
17. Stars on the ground
18. Sandesham
19. Dangal
20. Missing Ladies
A Strong Presence of Regional Cinema
In addition to Bollywood hits, the IMDb list highlights the power of regional cinema. Movies like Periyarum Perumal, Kumbalangi Nights, and 777 Charlie stand tall alongside mainstream Hindi films. This emphasizes the increasing appeal of regional films, which are making a strong impact on the global stage.
Moreover, five films from 2024 alone, including Maharaja, Lapata Ladies, and Manjummal Boys, made it to the Top 250 Club. This showcases the continuous evolution of Indian cinema, with new films breaking into the top ranks every year.
Satyajit Ray’s Classic Still Going Strong
The oldest film in the top 250 is Satyajit Ray’s masterpiece Pather Panchali, which was released in 1955. Including such a timeless classic alongside newer films is a testament to Ray’s enduring influence on Indian cinema. His work inspires filmmakers even today, with Pather Panchali securing a strong place among modern hits.
Mani Ratnam and Anurag Kashyap Shine
Mani Ratnam emerges as the director with the most films on the IMDb list, with seven of his movies cutting. Following closely is Anurag Kashyap, whose six films also feature in the list. Notably, several sequels also find their place, with franchises like Drishyam (Hindi and Malayalam), KGF, and Baahubali proving that audiences still love well-executed sagas.
A Celebration of Indian Cinema
This special list was launched by IMDb to celebrate its Instagram account reaching 250,000 followers. Along with the list, a poster featuring glimpses of all 250 films was released, offering fans a visual treat. The list is a celebration of the diverse, rich, and evolving landscape of Indian cinema, bringing together films from various eras, regions, and languages under one platform.
