IMDb reveals the most anticipated Indian films 2026: With several big-budget films lined up for release, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years for Indian cinema. Adding to the excitement, IMDb has released its list of the Most Anticipated Indian Movies for the second half of 2026, offering a glimpse into the films audiences around the world are most eager to watch.
The rankings are based on page views from IMDb’s global audience of more than 250 million monthly visitors, making the list a reflection of audience curiosity rather than box office projections or critics’ opinions. The biggest surprise this year is that Shah Rukh Khan’s King, one of Bollywood’s most talked-about upcoming releases, did not make the top three.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Part 1 claims the No. 1 spot
Topping the list is Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Part 1, director Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic. The first instalment is expected to chronicle Lord Rama’s exile, the abduction of Sita and the events leading to his battle against Ravana. The project is planned as a two-part cinematic saga, with Part 1 scheduled to release during Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.
At No. 2 is Alia Bhatt’s Alpha, the first female-led film in the Yash Raj Films Spy Universe. Directed by Shiv Rawail and produced by Aditya Chopra, the spy thriller also stars Sharvari and Anil Kapoor, with Hrithik Roshan expected to make a special appearance. The film is slated to hit theatres on July 3. Coming in third is Yash’s Toxic, one of the most awaited pan-India films of the year.
Shah Rukh Khan’s King lands at No. 4
Despite enormous anticipation surrounding the project, Shah Rukh Khan’s King occupies the fourth position on IMDb’s list. The action thriller marks Shah Rukh’s return to the big screen after three years and reunites him with Deepika Padukone after their successful collaborations in films such as Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Happy New Year, Pathaan and Jawan. It also marks his first full-fledged film alongside daughter Suhana Khan.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, King is widely reported to draw inspiration from the 1994 French classic Léon: The Professional, with Shah Rukh reportedly playing a seasoned assassin who becomes the protector of a young girl. The film is currently scheduled for a Christmas 2026 release.
Which other films made IMDb’s Top 20?
The remainder of the top 10 features several high-profile releases from across Indian cinema. Ajay Devgn’s Dhamaal 4 takes the fifth spot, followed by Drishyam 3 at No. 6. Vishwanath & Sons ranks seventh, while Mirzapur: The Movie and Haiwaan secure the eighth and ninth positions respectively. Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha rounds out the top 10. The list continues with Awarapan 2, Ikka, Arasan, Khalifa, I’m Game, Ranabaali, Shakti Shalini, Idhayam Murali, Sigma and Vvan – Force of the Forest.
Reflecting the growing diversity of Indian cinema, the rankings span five languages, including 12 Hindi films, four Tamil titles, two Malayalam films, one Telugu film and one Kannada release.
As audiences count down to a packed release calendar, IMDb’s rankings underline the scale of anticipation surrounding Indian cinema in 2026. While King may have missed the top three, the race for audience attention is only just beginning, and the box office could tell a very different story once these films finally reach theatres.
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Shiwani works as a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX, covering the entertainment beat. With a strong background in media, she is a true cinema buff who loves keeping up with the latest in pop culture and lifestyle trends. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Shiwani followed her passion and pursued a Master’s in Journalism from IIMC, choosing the road less travelled.
