Kareena Kapoor Khan doesn't just act in movies; she creates cultural resets. Think about it. When Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham dropped in 2001, every girl in India suddenly wanted to be "Poo." It wasn't just a character. It was a whole vibe. But if you look at the kareena kapoor film list, you'll realize she’s much more than just the "it girl" of the early 2000s. She’s a survivor.
She’s spent over 25 years in an industry that loves to chew up and spit out actresses the moment they turn 30. Instead, she’s out here in 2026, headlining thrillers and leading massive heist comedies like Crew.
The Experimental Era and the Turning Point
Most people remember the big hits, but the real ones know her career actually took a massive turn around 2004. Before that, she was stuck in a loop of "bubbly girl" roles that weren't doing her any favors. Then came Chameli.
Honestly, playing a street-smart sex worker was a huge gamble for a Kapoor. But it paid off. It showed she had grit. If you’re digging through her filmography, you can't skip the mid-2000s. It’s where she stopped being a star-kid and started being an actor.
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Daniel LaBelle? The Real Story Behind the Viral Sprints
- Refugee (2000): The debut. Raw, earthy, and totally different from the glamour she’d later be known for.
- Chameli (2004): The performance that silenced the critics. No makeup, just pure talent.
- Omkara (2006): Her portrayal of Dolly Mishra was haunting. It’s arguably one of the best Shakespearean adaptations in Bollywood.
Then, of course, there’s Jab We Met. 2007 changed everything. Geet Dhillon is basically the blueprint for the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" in India, but with actual substance. You’ve probably seen the "Main apni favorite hoon" clips a million times, but the second half of that movie is where the real acting happens.
The Blockbuster Years (And Why They Matter)
Between 2009 and 2015, Kareena was everywhere. She was the lucky charm for the Khans. If you look at the commercial kareena kapoor film list, the numbers are staggering. We’re talking 3 Idiots, Bodyguard, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
Wait, though. It wasn't all just "heroine roles" in big male-led films.
💡 You might also like: Harry Enten Net Worth: What the CNN Data Whiz Actually Earns
Even in a movie like 3 Idiots, her Pia was the emotional anchor. And let’s not forget Heroine (2012). It was messy, sure, but her performance as a crumbling superstar was intense. She didn't hold back.
The 2010-2020 Decade Highlights
- 3 Idiots (2009): A global phenomenon. She played the doctor who dared to love the rebel.
- Golmaal 3 (2010): Proved she could do slapstick comedy just as well as the guys.
- Talaash (2012): This one is underrated. Her role as Rosie was ethereal and tragic.
- Udta Punjab (2016): She played Dr. Preet Sahni, a stark contrast to the chaos around her.
- Veere Di Wedding (2018): A massive win for female-led cinema.
The Bebo Renaissance: 2020 to 2026
Lately, she’s been making moves that feel very deliberate. She isn't chasing the 200-crore club anymore, though she still lands there occasionally. She's looking for stories. Jaane Jaan on Netflix was a masterclass in subtlety. No "Poo" energy there—just a tired, protective mother with a dark secret.
And then we have The Buckingham Murders. She didn't just act in it; she produced it. It’s a gritty detective drama that looks nothing like a typical Bollywood film.
📖 Related: Hank Siemers Married Life: What Most People Get Wrong
In 2024, she gave us Crew, which was a total blast. Watching her, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon pull off a heist reminded everyone that women-led films can be huge box-office draws. As we move into 2026, the buzz is all about Daayra, her upcoming crime thriller with Meghna Gulzar. Rumor has it, it’s going to be one of her most intense roles yet.
What Most People Miss About Her Filmography
People love to talk about her "star power," but they forget her range. She’s one of the few actors who has worked with everyone from Govind Nihalani to Rohit Shetty. That’s a wild spectrum.
She can do Dev, a serious political drama about the Gujarat riots, and then turn around and do Kambakkht Ishq. Is every movie a masterpiece? No. But the kareena kapoor film list is a map of how to survive in Bollywood. She adapts. When the industry shifted toward streaming, she pivoted beautifully with Jaane Jaan.
Quick Reference: Must-Watch Career Milestones
| Film | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Refugee | The start of the journey. |
| Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham | Created the "Poo" phenomenon. |
| Omkara | Proved her dramatic weight. |
| Jab We Met | Her most iconic character. |
| Talaash | A layered, supernatural performance. |
| Crew | Proved her box-office pull in 2024. |
The Next Steps for a Bebo Marathon
If you're looking to really understand why she's still the queen of the hill, don't just watch the hits. Start with Chameli to see her break the "glam girl" mold. Follow it up with Omkara for the sheer tragedy. Then, hit Jab We Met for the serotonin boost.
Finish your marathon with her recent work like Jaane Jaan or The Buckingham Murders. It shows the evolution from a girl who wanted to be famous to a woman who is a serious artist. Keep an eye out for Daayra later this year—it’s expected to be a major contender during awards season.