Though all seven films by Karan Johar have been successful at the box office, a few have garnered slightly more affection from the audience than the rest. All of his films are listed in order of ranking.

Karan Johar is well-known and requires no introduction. A director, producer, reality show judge, talk show host, and costume designer, the individual excels in multiple fields. Nonetheless, his initial passion and most celebrated skill continue to be filmmaking.

Throughout his 25-year career, KJo has helmed seven feature films, and although a few of his projects garnered mixed feedback, audiences have consistently welcomed his creations. His directorial efforts have all been successful at the box office. Given such an impressive history, selecting the filmmaker’s finest piece could be difficult. Therefore, we are available to assist you. Here are all seven Karan Johar films, ordered from least to most impressive.

7. Student of the Year (2012)

IMDb Score: 5.3/10

Available Now: Prime Video

A showcase of elegance and style, Student of the Year acted as the springboard for upcoming talents Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra. The movie narrates the tale of a group of students at the renowned St. Teresa’s College engaging in various physical and mental challenges to secure the prized title of Student of the Year. Though the film is considered one of Karan Johar's less impressive projects, it still succeeded in earning nearly Rs. 100 crore as opposed to a budget of Rs. 59 crore and holds an IMDb rating of 5.3.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)

IMDb Score: 5.9 out of 10

Available Now: Prime Video

Plot: The poignant story of unreturned affection, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, was described as Karan’s ‘most mature film’ at that time. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Ayan, a man-child who develops feelings for Alizeh, portrayed by Anushka Sharma, the movie eloquently examines the themes of friendship and unwavering love. Including the captivating Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who portrays Saba, an older woman with whom Ayan has a brief romance after Alizeh does not return his affections. Featuring memorable tracks like ‘Bulleya,’ ‘Channa Mereya,’ and the title song, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil captivated audiences, earning nine Filmfare nominations. The movie earned more than Rs. 239 crores worldwide; nonetheless, some have criticized its storyline as overly focused on character development instead of plot, resulting in an IMDb score of 5.9.

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)

IMDb Score: 6.1/10

Available for Streaming: Prime Video

Plot: Regarded as an undervalued treasure of Karan Johar, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna faced a varied reaction at first because of its focus on marital unfaithfulness. Yet, it quickly achieved a cult following, with numerous individuals considering it a movie before its era. Featuring a remarkable ensemble of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherji, Abhishek Bachchan, and Preity Zinta, the movie centers on Dev (Shah Rukh) and Maya (Rani), who develop feelings for one another while remaining in troubled marriages with their partners, Riya (Preity) and Rishi (Abhishek). Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna ne Rs. kamaaye. 113 crores at the global box office and currently holds a rating of 6.1 on IMDb. Its hit songs like 'Mitwa' and 'Tumhi Dekho Naa' continue to occupy a unique spot in the hearts of the audience.

Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani (2023)

IMDb Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Now Available: Prime Video

Plot: KJo’s latest film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, is placed centrally on the list with an IMDb score of 6.5. Just as everyone was longing for Bollywood’s rom-com era, Karan introduced this family romantic comedy where two people from completely contrasting backgrounds and cultures fall in love and face the challenge of convincing their families to accept their relationship. The electric chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, along with the touching interactions between Shabana Azmi and Dharmendra, turned the film into a hit, generating approximately Rs. 3550 million globally.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

Currently Available: Prime Video

Plot: In 2001, Karan Johar achieved the incredible feat of uniting the remarkable cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor, creating a film that would be cherished for generations. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham narrates the tale of a family that disintegrates when their son weds a girl from a lower class, and how the younger siblings strive to bring them back together. From the movie’s sets and outfits to the music and conversations, everything has gained a cult following over time, with characters such as ‘Poo’ and Anjali turning into pop culture legends. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham earned Rs. 136 crores at the worldwide box office, a unique achievement during that period, and now holds an IMDb rating of 7.4

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

IMDb Score: 7.5/10

Available for Streaming: Prime Video

Karan demonstrated his skills as an exceptional director with his debut film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Another cult classic from the filmmaker who made the phrase 'Pyaar Dosti Hai' famous, this movie tells a tale of everlasting love, friendship, parenthood, and new beginnings. Through the tale of a widower and his eight-year-old daughter who rekindles his friendship with his college best buddy, KJo introduced a contemporary vibe to Bollywood, signaling a new era for Hindi cinema. The film's memorable lines and music remain timeless and have become essential to Indian pop culture. Garnering a 7.5 rating on IMDb, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai won all the prominent Filmfare awards at its release and earned Rs. 107 crores worldwide.

My Name Is Khan (2010)

IMDb Score: 7.9 out of 10

Streaming Status: Currently Unavailable

Plot: Just when people believed Karan Johar was limited to lavish romantic dramas, the director astonished everyone by creating My Name Is Khan, a movie centered on an autistic Muslim man battling Islamophobic prejudice following the World Trade Center attacks. The movie continues to be Karan's most celebrated work, as he skillfully dealt with a delicate topic through a captivating storyline. Working with Shahrukh for the fourth occasion, the director highlighted his strengths, with the actor excelling in his role as the motivating Rizwan Khan. Rated at 7.9, My Name Is Khan is regarded as Karan Johar's finest film, also achieving significant box office success with earnings of ₹223 crores