Shah Rukh Khan's action thriller King has taken the top spot on IMDb's list of most anticipated Indian films for 2026. The ranking comes from page views by more than 250 million monthly visitors to the site from around the world. This shows strong global interest in the movie ahead of its release next year.
Background
Shah Rukh Khan has long been one of India's biggest film stars. People call him the King of Bollywood for his work in over 100 movies. He has won many awards, including 14 Filmfare Awards. His recent films like Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki from 2023 did very well at the box office and with fans everywhere.
King marks another big project for Khan. It is directed by Siddharth Anand, who also made Pathaan and Fighter. The story follows a mentor and his disciple on a tough journey. They face big dangers and harsh places, testing their skills to stay alive. Khan plays the mentor, with his daughter Suhana Khan acting alongside him for the first time. Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan also star in key roles. The film comes from production houses Marflix and Red Chillies Entertainment, which Khan owns.
IMDb puts out these lists based on what users do on the site. They look at how many times people visit movie pages. This gives a real sense of what films fans are excited about. For 2026, King beat out other big Indian movies like K.G.F: Chapter 3, which landed at number six. The list covers films from different parts of India, showing the wide range of stories coming soon.
Khan's career started in the late 1980s with TV shows like Fauji and Circus. He moved to films in the early 1990s with roles in movies like Deewana and Darr. Over the years, he has played heroes, lovers, fathers, and even darker characters. Films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Chak De! India became huge hits. More recent action films like Jawan, where he played dual roles, brought him new fans and his first National Film Award for Best Actor.
Key Details
The IMDb list ranks King as the most anticipated Indian film of 2026. It is an action thriller in Hindi. Siddharth Anand directs and co-writes with Sujoy Ghosh. The cast includes Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, and Suhana Khan. Production is underway, with a planned release in 2026.
Plot and Cast
The basic story has a mentor guiding a young disciple through a dangerous adventure. They push their limits in tough spots against heavy odds. Khan's role as the mentor fits his image as a strong guide figure, seen in past films like Chak De! India. Padukone, who worked with him in Pathaan, returns for this project. Bachchan, a friend and co-star from past movies, adds to the mix. Suhana Khan's debut with her father adds a family touch that fans have waited for.
"King is about survival and bonds tested in the wild. Shah Rukh brings the fire as always." – Siddharth Anand, Director
Anand has a track record with high-energy action. His films feature big stunts and fast stories that pull in crowds. King builds on that, with early buzz from a title reveal video on IMDb.
How the List Works
IMDb tracks real user activity. Over 250 million people visit each month. The more views a film's page gets, the higher it ranks. This method shows true excitement, not just guesses. King led the pack, followed by other action films and dramas. It points to fans wanting more thrillers like Khan's recent successes.
Khan's draw goes beyond India. His movies play in theaters across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Jawan and Pathaan broke records overseas. This list ranking shows that pull continues into 2026.
What This Means
King topping the list signals big expectations for Indian cinema next year. It shows action thrillers with stars like Khan can grab global eyes. More people outside India seek out these films, mixing local stories with universal themes like survival and family ties.
For Shah Rukh Khan, this adds to his strong run. After a few years away from the spotlight, his 2023 releases brought him back on top. King could keep that going, especially with Suhana joining him. It might open doors for her in the industry.
The film industry in India keeps growing. Lists like this help studios see what works. High rankings mean more money for marketing and wider releases. Other films on the list, like K.G.F: Chapter 3, will push hard too, making 2026 a busy year for viewers.
Fans have already added King to watchlists. Over 1,700 users marked it on IMDb. Talks online show excitement for the mentor story and action scenes. As production moves forward, updates will keep the buzz alive.
This ranking also highlights India's film mix. From South Indian action like K.G.F to Bollywood thrillers, tastes vary. But Khan's film leading means his style resonates wide. It sets up a year where Indian movies could reach even more screens worldwide.
