10 Best Varun Dhawan Movies and Where to Watch Them

If you like watching movies with multiple couples (think Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna) with their tragic love stories filled with heartbreak and betrayal, then Kalank may be a niche pick for you. Though the film does feel overly dramatic and extra slow in certain scenes, costumes and sets wise, it is absolutely stunning visually. Varun plays Zafar, a brooding blacksmith in pre-Independent India, who falls in love with Roop (Alia Bhatt), a woman who’s already married. 

If you loved the mood and atmosphere of other tragic grandeur movies like Bajirao Mastani or Devdas, then Kalank falls under the same category. The movie is much weightier than the grounded Sui Dhaaga, but even if it misses the mark a lot of the times, Kalank is still a fascinating watch with a music album where every track is beautiful.

JugJugg Jeeyo is like a big, fat Indian wedding come to life. Varun plays Kukoo, a man whose marriage with his childhood sweetheart is on the brink of breaking down, while at the same time, sitting in the front row as he watches his dad cheat on his mom. If you enjoy movies that are packed with family drama, heavy topics, and emotional layers, like Dil Dhadakne Do, then this one is for you. 

Though the movie amps up the theatrics, and I felt the resolution was a bit too rushed, it’s a classic Karan Johar movie, so dance numbers and weddings are a given, while also imparting the lesson of unlearning what we think relationships should look like. If Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania grew up and evolved, we’d get JugJugg Jeeyo. 

Speaking of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, it's next on our list. The movie was marketed as a modern Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge-esque rom-com, and honestly, it kind of delivers. This second collaboration between Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt after Student of the Year brings silliness, warmth, and playfulness to their pairing that wasn’t seen in their former film. The movie leans into the “fighting for your love” trope in a way that feels comfortable and rewatchable, so if you love movies that offer the “romance with drama” genre on a platter, then you’ll enjoy HSKD. 

The ending does feel a bit too tidy and predictable, but that’s just how Bollywood does things. Movies like Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana or Band Baaja Baaraat offer similar vibes that you’ll love. Compared to Badrinath Ki Dulhania, which tackles more important topics like dowry and sexism, HSKD is softer; Varun Dhawan plays the guy who’d do anything for his love, and that’s the kind of person you’d want to introduce to your parents. 

Have you been missing the old-school comedies Bollywood used to make, like Housefull and Golmaal, where the focus is on a ridiculous plot, over-the-top humour, and flashy dance numbers? If the answer is yes, but you haven’t watched Main Tera Hero yet, then you absolutely should as soon as possible. Directed by his dad David Dhawan, Varun plays Sreenath Prasad, who travels to Thailand to rescue his girlfriend from a mafia boss. Why did the guy kidnap her in the first place? It’s a whole thing that can only be explained by watching the movie, trust us. 

Main Tera Hero is a pure Bollywood entertainer, and Varun plays his most unhinged character yet. Unlike Badlapur or October, there’s no emotional depth in this movie, but that’s what makes it charming. If you want a film like Partner or Chashme Baddoor (also David Dhawan’s concoctions), where you can switch off your brain and just enjoy the ride, then Main Tera Hero is the ideal next choice. 

Are you a fan of Twilight and wished you could see a Bollywood movie with mythological creatures? Well, you’ve stumbled upon the right movie. Part of the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe, Bhediya is a film about Bhaskar (Varun Dhawan) who gets bit by a werewolf-like creature, slowly turning him into one as well. 

It’s weird and it’s fun, but also surprisingly layered. Not only does Varun commit to the role, but the VFX is pretty impressive as well. If you’re a fan of horror-comedies like Stree or Bhool Bhulaiyaa, then this is a movie people of all ages will enjoy. 

Teen angst, love triangles, competitive games, and a rich school set up, Student of the Year is a movie wrapped in a Chanel jacket. In his debut movie, Varun Dhawan plays Rohan, a wealthy spoilt brat with daddy issues (ironically, this is exactly what audiences thought he was like in real life.) Despite it being his first movie, critics praised his comic timing and charisma, immediately earning him a wide fan following. 

As it’s a college-friendship-rivalry movie, it doesn’t dig too deep, but there are enough emotional stakes to keep you entertained. That said, young adults would enjoy it more than mature viewers, who might find it basic and lacking substance. If you liked movies with drama, dance, and friendship like Mohabbatein or Ishq Vishk, you’ll like Student of the Year as a lighthearted (yet slightly cringey) watch. 

Sui Dhaaga gives Varun his most subdued role as Mauji, a working class tailor. If you like watching movies about small town stories and rooting for the underdog characters, then you’ll appreciate Sui Dhaaga. The movie lies somewhere in between Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Padman, where the plot tackles social issues, but in a more subtle way.

Sui Dhaaga isn’t a fast paced movie or a laugh-out-loud entertainer like Main Tera Hero, but it contains Varun’s (and co-star Anushka Sharma) most understated and underappreciated performances yet. If you like quieter movies with relevant messages like The Lunchbox or Swades, then you’ll enjoy Sui Dhaaga as well. 

For people who like movies that are entertaining yet make you think, Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a great choice. Also a part of Shashank Khaitan’s Dulhania series, Badrinath Ki Dulhania once again pairs Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt opposite each other. Varun plays Badri, a small-town guy who transforms from a sexist man to an open minded person, largely thanks to Vaidehi, the woman he loves. 

The movie is, at its core, a rom-com, but it also talks about topics like toxic masculinity, outdated gender roles, and how true love isn’t about control. If you liked movies that spoke up about crucial issues like JugJugg Jeeyo and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, then you’ll love Badrinath Ki Dulhania. The film calls out Badri blatantly and helps him grow, making this a film a must-watch not only for Varun’s fans, but for viewers in general.

Varun Dhawan plays Dan, a character that is completely on the opposite spectrum of his high-energy persona in Main Tera Hero or Judwaa 2. The movie is introspective and chooses emotional storytelling over dramatic confessions of love. The movie doesn’t have a happy ending in a traditional sense (spoiler!) and deals with themes of loss and grief. 

Though it talks about morose topics like death, its subtle storytelling does give the viewer a renewed sense of hope by the end. If you liked contemplative movies like Masaan, then October brings a story about finding purpose and connection to the forefront and does it in a mature yet impactful way. 

Badlapur is one Varun Dhawan movie that really brought his acting chops into the spotlight. While he received accolades for his characters in October and Badrinath Ki Dulhania, his character in Badlapur broke the mold of the “silly goof” persona he had going on. Varun plays Raghu, a man who seeks revenge after the murder of his wife and child. The intense and violent movie offers no neat closure and also contains some graphic scenes, making this a movie for mature audiences only. 

His dark portrayal of a grieving man consumed by hate is a stark contrast to the happy-go-lucky roles Varun has played in Student of the Year or Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. Badlapur is number one on our list because this isn’t just Varun’s best performance, it also cemented his place as a serious actor in mainstream Bollywood. If I were to recommend that you watch only one Varun Dhawan film, let it be this one.