Ranbir Kapoor, the fourth-generation actor from the legendary Kapoor family, has become one of the most acclaimed stars of Indian cinema. Over the years, he has mastered both art and entertainment, winning hearts with roles that range from emotional depth to effortless humor. His expressive eyes, natural charm, and fearless choice of scripts have made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
Since his debut in Saawariya in 2007, Ranbir has built a filmography filled with characters that reflect human emotions in all their shades. He has earned four Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and numerous accolades for his versatility. Each film he takes on seems to add another layer to his craft.
This feature takes a detailed look at Ranbir Kapoor’s top 10 movies, exploring how each one showcases his growth as an actor and his unmatched ability to connect with audiences.
The Legacy of the Kapoor Family and Ranbir’s Contribution
The Kapoor family has shaped the identity of Indian cinema for more than nine decades. From Prithviraj Kapoor’s pioneering work in theater and early films to Raj Kapoor’s timeless vision as an actor and filmmaker, the family created the foundation of modern Bollywood. Shammi Kapoor brought energy and charm to the screen, while Shashi Kapoor carried the family’s grace into global cinema. Rishi Kapoor continued that tradition with unmatched versatility, defining romance for a generation.
Ranbir Kapoor inherited this rich cinematic heritage yet carved his own identity through performances that combine heart, depth, and contemporary realism. He carries forward the family’s storytelling spirit while redefining it for a new era. His roles in Rockstar, Barfi!, and Sanju show his understanding of emotion and artistry, bridging the gap between classic and modern cinema. Through his craft, Ranbir has ensured that the Kapoor name remains both respected and relevant.
Rockstar
Director Imtiaz Ali
Co-stars Nargis Fakhri, Shammi Kapoor
Few films have captured the rise and fall of an artist as poignantly as Rockstar. Ranbir Kapoor plays Janardhan Jakhar, a naive college boy who dreams of becoming a music icon. As he transforms into the intense and broken Jordan, Ranbir delivers one of the most passionate performances of his career.
Imtiaz Ali’s storytelling and A. R. Rahman’s soulful music create an atmosphere where love, pain, and fame collide. Ranbir perfectly embodies Jordan’s torment, showing how success can feel hollow without emotional fulfillment. His body language, facial expressions, and silence speak louder than words in several scenes.
Critics hailed Rockstar as a milestone in Indian cinema. It won multiple awards, including Filmfare Best Actor and Critics’ Choice Best Actor for Ranbir. The film’s emotional complexity and haunting soundtrack still resonate deeply. It stands among Ranbir Kapoor’s best movies, marking his evolution into a mature performer.
Barfi
Director Anurag Basu
Co-stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ileana D’Cruz
In Barfi!, Ranbir Kapoor proved that great acting does not need dialogue. Playing Murphy “Barfi” Johnson, a deaf and mute young man with a mischievous smile, he expressed joy, sadness, and mischief with remarkable ease.
Anurag Basu created a world filled with color and warmth, where emotions were louder than words. Ranbir’s performance reflected innocence and resilience, while his chemistry with Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D’Cruz added emotional layers. His expressions alone carried scenes of heartbreak and humor, reminding audiences of classic silent cinema artistry.
The film’s gentle narrative, Pritam’s timeless music, and strong performances made Barfi! both a commercial success and a critical favorite. It remains one of Ranbir Kapoor’s hit movies, known for its sincerity and charm. The film continues to be celebrated for showing how kindness and love transcend barriers of speech and sound.
Sanju
Director Rajkumar Hirani
Co-stars Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala
Sanju brought Ranbir Kapoor one of the most challenging roles of his career. Portraying actor Sanjay Dutt, he delivered a performance that was physically, emotionally, and psychologically demanding. His transformation into Dutt was so convincing that audiences often forgot they were watching a biopic.
Rajkumar Hirani’s storytelling balanced humor and heartbreak, exploring the actor’s personal and professional struggles. Ranbir portrayed every phase of Dutt’s life with depth, showing both his vulnerability and resilience. His ability to transition between despair, rebellion, and self-discovery was widely praised.
The film became the highest-grossing Hindi movie of 2018 and earned Ranbir his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Sanju remains one of Ranbir Kapoor’s blockbuster movies, blending commercial cinema with human emotion.
Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year
Director Shimit Amin
Co-stars Prem Chopra, Gauahar Khan
In Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year, Ranbir Kapoor stepped away from glamour to play Harpreet Singh Bedi, a sincere young man trying to find his place in the corporate world. The story reflects integrity, persistence, and quiet confidence.
Shimit Amin directed this realistic workplace drama with subtle humor and empathy. Ranbir’s understated acting made Harpreet relatable and inspiring. His portrayal of a man who starts his own ethical sales venture in a corrupt environment carried honesty and dignity.
Although the film did not make huge profits at release, it found appreciation later for its sincerity. Over time, Rocket Singh became one of the Ranbir Kapoor best movies, admired for its moral message and realistic depiction of corporate life.
Animal
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Co-stars Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna
Animal presented Ranbir Kapoor in an entirely different light. Playing Arjun, a man driven by love, rage, and emotional scars, he gave a performance that was both disturbing and powerful. The film explored the fragile bond between father and son while delving into themes of violence and redemption.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s direction emphasized intensity and emotion. Ranbir carried the film with raw energy, showing vulnerability beneath aggression. Critics may have debated the story’s tone, but his acting remained the film’s strongest element.
The songs, particularly Satranga and Papa Meri Jaan, highlighted the emotional turmoil of the character. Animal became a massive box-office hit and earned Ranbir another Filmfare Best Actor award. The film remains one of Ranbir Kapoor’s hit movies that divided opinion yet showcased his unmatched commitment to every role.
Wake Up Sid
Director Ayan Mukerji
Co-stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Supriya Pathak
Wake Up Sid perfectly captured the confusion and beauty of growing up. Ranbir plays Siddharth Mehra, a privileged yet aimless young man who learns responsibility through experience. His journey of self-discovery mirrors the struggles of an entire generation searching for purpose.
Ayan Mukerji’s direction combined light humor with emotional warmth. Ranbir’s transformation from a careless boy to a mature adult felt genuine and effortless. His chemistry with Konkona Sen Sharma brought authenticity and comfort to the story.
The music, visuals, and natural storytelling made the film memorable. Wake Up Sid continues to be one of Ranbir Kapoor’s top 10 movies, valued for its relatability and modern sensibility.
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani
Director Rajkumar Santoshi
Co-stars Katrina Kaif, Darshan Jariwala
In Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Ranbir Kapoor proved his skill in comedy. He portrayed Prem, a happy-go-lucky young man who believes in love’s selflessness. The film’s mix of humor, romance, and chaos made it an instant entertainer.
Rajkumar Santoshi created a film full of energy and charm. Ranbir’s comedic timing, expressions, and innocence made Prem unforgettable. His chemistry with Katrina Kaif and the heartfelt moments between laughter made the story stand out.
Songs like Tera Hone Laga Hoon and Tu Jaane Na became chartbusters, strengthening the movie’s legacy. It remains one of Ranbir Kapoor’s best movies for those who enjoy his lighter, more playful performances.
Tamasha
Director Imtiaz Ali
Co-stars Deepika Padukone, Piyush Mishra
Tamasha is among Ranbir Kapoor’s most introspective films. As Ved, a man trapped between societal pressure and creative desire, he captured the struggle of identity and emotion with rare sensitivity.
Imtiaz Ali’s storytelling encouraged reflection and honesty. Ranbir portrayed Ved’s transformation from a man pretending to fit in to one embracing his true self. His breakdown scene remains one of the most powerful in his career. Deepika Padukone brought depth as Tara, whose love helps Ved rediscover his individuality.
Although the film received mixed reactions initially, it later achieved cult status. Tamasha is now seen as one of the Ranbir Kapoor top 10 movies, admired for its emotional truth and thought-provoking message.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Director Ayan Mukerji
Co-stars Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kalki Koechlin
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani became more than a film; it became a cultural moment. Ranbir plays Kabir “Bunny” Thapar, a traveler who values freedom but eventually realizes the importance of relationships and home.
Ayan Mukerji directed this film with warmth and vibrancy. Ranbir’s performance blended charisma with depth, making Bunny both relatable and aspirational. His chemistry with Deepika Padukone brought emotional balance to the story, while the friendship among the characters gave it heart.
The songs, including Kabira, Badtameez Dil, and Ilahi, captured the spirit of adventure and nostalgia. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani remains one of the Ranbir Kapoor blockbuster movies that connects with audiences year after year.
Raajneeti
Director Prakash Jha
Co-stars Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif
Raajneeti presented Ranbir Kapoor in a gripping political drama inspired by The Mahabharata. He played Samar Pratap, a man drawn into the ruthless world of politics after his father’s death.
Prakash Jha’s film explored ambition, morality, and power with strong performances across the cast. Ranbir balanced restraint with intensity, portraying Samar’s evolution from an idealistic scholar to a calculating strategist. Sharing the screen with actors like Ajay Devgn and Nana Patekar, he held his own with confidence and precision.
The film became one of the biggest successes of 2010 and earned critical acclaim for its layered writing and direction. Raajneeti is counted among Ranbir Kapoor’s best movies for its intelligent storytelling and commanding performances.
Honourable Mentions
Ranbir Kapoor’s career also includes several other notable performances. Bachna Ae Haseeno showcased his effortless charm in romance. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil revealed his emotional vulnerability in love. Brahmāstra Part One Shiva introduced audiences to a new cinematic universe where fantasy met emotion. Each of these films adds to his growing legacy as a performer who takes risks and remains authentic to his craft.
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FAQs
Q1 What are the top 10 movies of Ranbir Kapoor?
The list includes Rockstar, Barfi!, Sanju, Wake Up Sid, Tamasha, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Rocket Singh, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Animal, and Raajneeti.
Q2 Which Ranbir Kapoor performance is most appreciated?
Rockstar is often regarded as his most emotional and powerful performance.
Q3 Which films earned him Filmfare Awards?
Rockstar, Barfi!, Sanju, and Animal brought him Best Actor honors.
Q4 Which Ranbir Kapoor movies achieved major box-office success?
Sanju, Animal, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Brahmāstra are among his top-grossing releases.
Q5 Who are the directors he frequently collaborates with?
Ayan Mukerji and Imtiaz Ali are his most frequent collaborators, creating some of his best work.
Q6 What was Ranbir Kapoor’s first film?
Saawariya, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was his debut in 2007.
Q7 Which of his films has the most memorable soundtrack?
Rockstar and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani are widely recognized for their music albums.
Q8 What are Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming projects?
Ramayana and Animal Park are two of his confirmed upcoming films.
Q9 Has Ranbir Kapoor acted in regional cinema?
No, he primarily works in Hindi films but enjoys a nationwide following.
Q10 Which movies highlight his best comic timing?
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Bachna Ae Haseeno show his natural humor and effortless presence.
Conclusion
Ranbir Kapoor’s journey in cinema reflects courage, emotion, and a deep understanding of storytelling. Each film showcases his ability to adapt, learn, and express the human experience through a variety of characters. From the passion of Rockstar to the innocence of Barfi! and the reflection in Tamasha, he continues to define what versatility truly means.
His performances remind audiences that acting is about truth, empathy, and the courage to explore new paths. Every movie in this list is a reminder of why Ranbir Kapoor stands as one of India’s finest talents.
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