The Best Irrfan Khan Movies

Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Irrfan Khan Movies
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This is a tribute to the extraordinary body of work left behind by the great Irrfan Khan. His performances have been mesmerizing audiences for over 30 years, and his impact on Indian cinema will never be forgotten. From poignant dramas to lighthearted rom-coms and everything in between, this list celebrates some of his best films and showcases why he is one of Bollywood's most beloved stars.

These movies are special because they capture so much more than just entertainment. Through complex characters, powerful themes, stunning visuals and nuanced storytelling, these films tell stories that resonate far beyond India's borders. They challenge viewers in thought-provoking ways while exposing them to new cultures and perspectives - something that few other films can accomplish as successfully as Khan's work does.

At its core, this list is a celebration of what makes Irrfan Khan such an iconic actor: his unique ability to bring characters alive with intensity and emotion while connecting with global audiences no matter their cultural background or language barriers. He truly was a legend whose loss has been felt around the world — but thankfully we can always revisit his incredible legacy through these amazing movies.

Ranked by
  • Paan Singh Tomar
    1
    Irrfan Khan, Mahi Gill, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
    190 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Tigmanshu Dhulia
    Paan Singh Tomar is a 2012 Indian biographical film based on the true story of the athlete Paan Singh Tomar. A soldier in the Indian Army, he wins a gold medal at the Indian National Games, but is ...more
  • Life of Pi
    2
    Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu
    130 votes
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Ang Lee
    After deciding to sell their zoo in India and move to Canada, Santosh and Gita Patel board a freighter with their sons and a few remaining animals. Tragedy strikes when a terrible storm sinks the ...more

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  • Slumdog Millionaire
    3
    Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal
    99 votes
    • Released: 2008
    • Directed by: Danny Boyle
    As 18-year-old Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) answers questions on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," flashbacks show how he got there. Part of a stable of young thieves after their ...more

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  • Life In A... Metro
    4
    Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Shiney Ahuja, Irrfan Khan
    80 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Anurag Basu
    Talented dancer Shikha has sacrificed her education and possibilities for the sake of her marriage and young daughter, but now finds herself in a burnt-out relationship. While her husband's ...more

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  • Maqbool
    5
    Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan, Om Puri
    94 votes
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Vishal Bhardwaj
    Maqbool is a 2003 Indian crime drama film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and starring Pankaj Kapoor, Irfan Khan, Tabu and Masumeh Makhija in an adaptation of the play Macbeth by Shakespeare. The plot of ...more
  • The Namesake
    6
    Kal Penn, Tabu, Irrfan Khan
    45 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Mira Nair
    After moving from Calcutta to New York, members of the Ganguli family maintain a delicate balancing act between honoring the traditions of their native India and blending into American culture. ...more

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