One of the big names in Indian commercial cinema, Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, or Akshay Kumar, has been dominant in Bollywood for more than 20 years now. He rules the genre of comedy in Bollywood like a true king. And as far as action is concerned, actors half his age might not be able to do some stunts as he does. He has perfected the art of combining social messages with commercial movies in the last few years. This National award-winning actor never fails to entertain. Let’s have a look at some of the best movies of Akshay Kumar that you need to watch if you haven’t already watched these movies multiple times!
1. Hera Pheri
Who doesn’t know about this movie? C’mon. It was here that we were introduced to the character of Raju, the hilarious conniving and scheming tenant of Babu Bhaiya who is bent upon making the life of his co-tenant Shyam a living hell. Although Akshay had performed comic roles in the past, it was in this movie that he matured as a comedian, and how!
2. Special 26
A group of con artists poses as CBI officers and executes raids on the houses of businessmen and politicians in order to steal their black money. And yeah, they have the real CBI chasing after them. It is based on the real-life Opera House Heist of 1987 which remains unsolved to date.
3. Rustom
Need I mention that Akshay Kumar won his first National Award for the lead role that he played in this movie? No? You already know? Okay. Akshay played the role of a navy officer named Rustom in this movie, whose wife had an extramarital affair with a businessman.
4. Gold
This movie is a saga of the supreme dominance of the Indian hockey team in the Olympics before and after the Indian Independence. Akshay played the role of the manager of the Indian hockey team, Tapan Das, with utmost sincerity.
5. Welcome
There’s not one actor in this movie whose comic timing is not on point. From Nana Patekar to Anil Kapoor, even Mallika Sherawat! But the person who steals the show is Akshay Kumar, with his oh-so-hilariously funny and innocent portrayal of the character of Rajeev whose maternal uncle wants him to get married into a decent family but ends up in the likes of gangsters.
6. Pad Man
Based on a real story, the movie is about the journey of a man who goes above and beyond to provide low-cost, hygienic sanitary pads to women in villages. In a society that is still puddled with so many prejudices, myths, and ignorant assumptions about the menstrual cycle, this movie is a ray of hope.
7. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
Another gem of a movie that talks about a very important social issue, the lack of proper toilets in households across the country. A man’s wife decides to divorce him as his house doesn’t have a washroom, even in this day and age.
8. Namastey London
This movie is one of the most underrated romantic dramas of all time. It is just like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, but more realistic and entertaining. And yes, the songs are just too good to be true.
9. Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Akshay plays the role of an eccentric psychiatrist in this psychological horror comedy film, and man, does he do a great job! This movie will make you roll on the floor laughing, trust me.
10. Mohra
Mohra is one of the most popular movies of Akshay Kumar. Okay, to jog your memory, this is the movie with songs like, “Tu cheez badi hai mast mast” and “Tip tip barsa paani“. Did that help?
11. Airlift
The movie is based on the 1990 escape of the Indians living in Kuwait after Iraq invaded Kuwait. Akshay plays the role of a successful businessman whose life is turned upside down after the invasion and he strives to keep his family and others safe till they manage to reach India.
12. Sangharsh
We can agree that Akshay Kumar is no Anthony Hopkins, but he does a decent job in portraying the role of this genius prisoner who helps a CBI officer track down a serial killer. This movie is an often ignored gem.
13. Kesari
It is based on the famous Battle of Saragarhi, where 21 Sikh soldiers fought against an army of 10000 Pashtun invaders with sheer bravery. Akshay Kumar plays the role of Havildar Ishar Singh, the man who led this brave regiment during the battle.
14. Ajnabee
Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of the very grey character of Vikram Bajaj in this 2001 suspense thriller is one of his best performances to date.
15. Baby
Baby is one of the best spy thriller movies ever made in India and Akshay just makes it better. This action-packed thrill ride is highly entertaining.
Notable mentions: Housefull, Bhagam Bhag, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Chandni Chowk to China
With this, we have come to an end of the list of some of the best movies of Akshay Kumar. Which of these movies do you like the best? Do let us know in the comments section. For more such movie recommendations, do check out our Bollywood section.