Emraan Hashmi is often dubbed the "Serial Kisser" of Bollywood because of his notorious kissing scenes in the early 2000s, a time when intimate scenes were a rarity in Bollywood. But other than his on-screen kisses, Hashmi has carved out a distinctive niche in the Indian film industry through his versatile acting and choice of unconventional roles.
Check out our guide detailing his career and find out where to stream some of Emraan Hashmi's best movies using platforms like Netflix, Prime Video and more!
From Murder to The Dirty Picture: Which Emraan Hashmi movies should I watch first?
Emraan Hashmi's career took off with his debut in Footpath (2003), but it was his role in Murder (2004) that firmly established him as a leading actor. The film, a bold erotic thriller, showcased Hashmi’s ability to carry complex characters with intense emotions. His performance as a troubled lover in Murder was a hit, leading to a string of similar roles in movies like Zeher (2005) and Kalyug (2005), where he continued to explore the themes of passion and betrayal.
In Gangster (2006), Emraan Hashmi portrayed a conflicted gangster torn between love and crime. The film’s gritty narrative and Hashmi’s raw performance earned him recognition as a versatile actor capable of handling diverse genres. This success was followed by Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (2010), where Hashmi played a charming underworld don on the rise. His portrayal of the character added depth and nuance to the film’s narrative, further solidifying his reputation as a powerful performer.
Emraan Hashmi’s career saw a significant shift with The Dirty Picture (2011), where he played a supporting role opposite Vidya Balan. The film, a biographical drama about a controversial actress, allowed Hashmi to demonstrate his range beyond the typical romantic leads, showcasing his talent in a more nuanced, supporting role.
Another notable performance came in Shanghai (2012), where Emraan Hashmi took on a more serious, socially relevant role in a political thriller. His portrayal of a man caught in the crosshairs of political corruption and social upheaval was a departure from his usual fare and highlighted his versatility.
Emraan Hashmi's inclination towards dark, intense roles continued with Ek Thi Daayan (2013) and Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015), where he navigated the realms of supernatural horror and tragic romance, respectively. In Tum Mile (2009) and Jannat (2008), he further showcased his ability to blend romance with drama, demonstrating his range as an actor who could balance commercial appeal with critical acclaim.
In recent years, Hashmi has ventured into various genres, including Chehre (2021), a courtroom drama, and Tiger 3 (2023), a high-octane action film. His role in Tigers (2022) as a salesman caught in a moral dilemma marked another milestone, portraying a man grappling with ethical conflicts in the pharmaceutical industry.
Why is Shanghai the best Emraan Hashmi movie to watch?
Shanghai allowed Emraan Hashmi to break typecast by choosing a gritty supporting role instead of the charming leading man he was so used to playing. This Dibakar Banerjee-directed neo-noir revolves around the aftermath of a political activist’s assassination and the chaos that follows. Hashmi plays a streetsmart informant alongside an ensemble that includes Kalki Koelchin and Abhay Deol. It is a gripping nail-biter of a political thriller that is better than anything else that Hashmi has done.
Where can you watch the best Emraan Hashmi movies online?
The list below gives you all the options and offers to stream, buy or rent the best movies starring Emraan Hashmi in India!
