Best Bollywood movies of all time: From Mughal-E-Azam to Mother India

Known to churn unique stories for the masses, Bollywood keeps experimenting with themes time and again. Yet, the charm of some movies remains forever. Here's a list of must-watch Hindi films.

Lagaan, Sholay, Dil Se

For over the past 100 years, from comedy drama to drama, action, and romance, there is something for everyone. But, of course, there are some timeless Hindi classics that you can watch at any given time. Here’s a compilation of best Bollywood movies all time that were, are, and will continue to be hits such as Sholay, Deewar, Lagaan, and more.

Top Bollywood movies of all time that have turned into cult-classics

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a popular musical romance film that tells the story of Anjali, Rahul, and Tina as they navigate through college and adulthood. Anjali has feelings for her best friend Rahul, who is in love with Tina. Years later, after Tina's sudden passing, Rahul and Tina's daughter tries to bring her father and Anjali together. The film, directed and written by Karan Johar, and produced by Yash Johar under Dharma Productions, stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukherji in the lead roles, with Salman Khan making a special appearance. Sana Saeed also has a supporting role in the film.

OTT Platform: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Don (2006)

Don is a 2006 action thriller film directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment. It is a remake of the 1978 film of the same name, directed by Chandra Barot and featuring Amitabh Bachchan in the main role. The story revolves around Don, a notorious criminal mastermind portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, who leads an international drug cartel. The narrative unfolds as Don is chased by law enforcement agencies across different countries. However, after Don is presumed deceased in a police operation, a doppelganger named Vijay is groomed to assume Don's identity to delve into the criminal underworld and gather intelligence on his associates.

OTT Platform: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a romantic drama film directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar under Dharma Productions. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Kalki Koechlin. The movie follows the lives of four main characters - Kabir "Bunny" Thapar (played by Ranbir Kapoor), Naina Talwar (played by Deepika Padukone), Aditi Mehra (played by Kalki Koechlin), and Avi (played by Aditya Roy Kapur). The film explores their journey from college to adulthood, delving into themes of love, friendship, ambition, and self-discovery. The story kicks off with a group of friends gathering for a wedding years after their college days. Naina, a reserved and diligent student, reconnects with Bunny, her past classmate.

OTT Platform: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

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Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a film that follows the story of three childhood friends - Kabir, Arjun, and Imran - who embark on a bachelor trip to Spain. Directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment, the movie stars Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, and Kalki Koechlin in key roles. As the friends navigate personal challenges during the trip, they ultimately find themselves on a journey of self-discovery and renewed friendship.

OTT Platform: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Chupke Chupke (1975)

Chupke Chupke is a popular Indian comedy movie from 1975, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and produced by N.C. Sippy. The film stars Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash, and Asrani in important roles. The plot follows a newly married couple, Professor Parimal Tripathi (Dharmendra) and his wife Sulekha (Sharmila Tagore). Parimal, a botany professor, decides to prank his wife's family by pretending to be a driver named Pyaremohan Illahabadi. He gets his friend Sukumar Sinha (Amitabh Bachchan) to help him with the elaborate joke.

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

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Mother India (1957)

Starring Sunil Dutt and Nargis in lead roles as Birju (younger son) and Radha (mother), respectively, director Mehboob Khan's film is the tale of Radha (Nargis), a poor villager who, without her husband (Raaj Kumar), struggles to raise her sons (Rajendra Kumar and Sunil Dutt). She survives in the face of various obstacles, including a crafty moneylender (Kanhaiya Lal). The film's title was chosen to refute the mockery of Indian culture seen in American writer Katherine Mayo's controversial book Mother India, published in 1927. At the time, it was the most expensive Indian film ever made; it also made more money than any other Indian film before it. The movie is regarded as a cultural classic and is one of the best films of all time.

Where to watch: YouTube, Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Mughal-E-Azam (1960)

K. Asif’s epic historical romantic drama starring Prithviraj Kapoor (Emperor Akbar), Dilip Kumar (Salim), Madhubala (Anarkali), and Durga Khote (Maharani Jodha Bai), centres on an alleged affair between Salim (who later became Emperor Jahangir), a royal prince, and Anarkali, a court dancer. This results in a difference of opinion that leads to a war between a father and son. After many financial and logistical hurdles, the film was released and is still remembered for its opulent sets, massive battle sequences which included hundreds of real elephants, intricate costumes, timeless musical composition, and realistic performances. No sooner had the black and white film been released in theatres in August 1960 that it became a glittering box office success. It remained the highest grossing film for 15 years.

Also Read: Dilip Kumar - Madhubala starrer Mughal-E-Azam now turned into a Broadway-style musical

Where to watch: ZEE5

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Padosan (1968)

A feel-good romantic comedy, Padosan, starring Sunil Dutt, Saira Banu, Mehmood, Kishore Kumar, Om Prakash, and Keshto Mukherjee, was a remake of the Bengali film Pasher Bari. This timeless classic follows the life of a modest villager (Sunil Dutt, aka Bhola), who, despite his vow of celibacy, develops feelings for his new neighbour (Saira Banu, aka Bindu). He takes the help of his musical theatre friends to win over his lady love, resulting in hillarious outcomes.

The film’s songs, namely Mere Samnewali Khidki Mein, Main Chali Main Chali, Ek Chatur Naar Karke Sringar, Bhai Battur and Kehna Hai Kehna Hai, became immensely popular and continue to be hummed by people even today. Musical maestro RD Burman was the man behind these hit songs.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Sholay (1975)

Ramesh Sippy's Sholay is the story of two criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), and their adventures after they are hired by a retired police officer, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), to catch the notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Jaya Bachchan (Radha) and Hema Malini (Basanti) play Jai and Veeru’s love interests in the movie that also starred A.K. Hangal, Leela Mishra, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Asrani, and Mac Mohan in pivotal roles.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra's Sholay would have been panned if there were online reviews back then: Mukesh

Filmed in Karnataka’s Ramanagara over 2.5 years, Sholay is considered one of the greatest and most impactful Hindi films ever made. Positive word-of-mouth advertising contributed to the film’s box office success, and it ran for more than five years at Mumbai's Minerva theatre, breaking the record for the number of consecutive screenings in numerous theatres throughout India.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Dil Se.. (1998)

The film features Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala in the lead roles. The film follows Amar (Shah Rukh Khan), a journalist, falling for a mysterious woman who does not reciprocate his feelings. However, when Amar later prepares to get married, the woman shows up at his door for help. Preity Zinta makde her film debut with this and played a supporting role. Directed by Mani Ratnam, the film's soundtrack album is composed by A. R. Rahman.

Where to watch: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Deewaar (1975)

This film has an ensemble cast of Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi, Iftekhar, Madan Puri, Satyen Kappu and Manmohan Krishna. Yaah Chopra's Deewaar is about two destitute brothers who fight to survive in Mumbai's slums after their father's misguided idealism betrays their family. They find themselves on different sides of the law. The wall that emerges between the two brothers, who are torn apart by fate and circumstances during a period of socio-political unrest, is symbolised by the word deewaar, which means 'wall'.

Where to watch: ZEE5

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Bandit Queen (1994)

Based on Mala Sen’s book, India's Bandit Queen: The True Story of Phoolan Devi, director Shekhar Kapur's film starred Seema Biswas in the titular role. Phoolan Devi, a woman from a lower caste who is subjected to prejudice and sexual assault in her community, ends up becoming a respected gang boss after of some circumstances force her to choose a life of crime. The movie received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie and Best Direction in 1994.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Andaz Apna Apna (1994)

Another ensemble cast film starring Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapoor, Paresh Rawal (in a double role) and Shakti Kapoor in pivotal roles, Andaz Apna Apna is the story of Amar (Aamir Khan) and Salman Khan (Prem), two men from middle-class families with big dreams. They meet Teja (Paresh Rawal), a local criminal, and compete to win over Raveena's affections, the daughter of a multi-millionaire. Despite being a moderate box office success, the movie went on to become a cult classic. On the sets, there would be nonstop laughter. According to an Indian Express interview given by Rajkumar Santoshi, the cameraman would tremble with laughter while filming the sequences since there was so much giggling. The cameraman would sway and so would the camera

Where to watch: YouTube, Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)

Written and directed by Sooraj Barjatya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! was adapted from Rajshri Studio's earlier film Nadiya Ke Paar (1982), which was based on the Hindi novel Kohbar Ki Shart by Keshav Prasad Mishra. The film, which starred Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan, honours Indian wedding customs by telling the tale of a married couple and their families' relationship. It is about giving up your love for the sake of your family.

Where to watch: ZEE5, Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)

Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) starred Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as two young NRIs, Raj and Simran, who fall in love while travelling through Europe with friends. Raj makes an effort to win Simran's family over so that they can get married, but Simran's father has already offered her hand to a friend's son. Filmed in September 1994 through August 1995 in Switzerland, London, and India, DDLJ picked up the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment in addition to 10 Filmfare Awards, which at the time was the most for a single film. It is the longest-running film in history, since it is still played at Mumbai's Maratha Mandir.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Lagaan (2001)

The story of Lagaan, which is set in 1893 in Central India during the late Victorian era of British colonial rule, centres on the village residents. After years of drought and exorbitant taxes, the villagers accept a challenge from a British Indian Army officer to a game of cricket in order to evade paying their taxes. They must endure the difficult challenge of picking a game that they are unfamiliar with and compete to win against expert players. Starring Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh in lead roles, it marked Aamir Khan’s foray into film production and was a resounding success.

Where to watch: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Black (2005)

The narrative of deaf and blind Michelle (Rani Mukerji) and her relationship with her teacher Debraj (Amitabh Bachchan), an ageing alcoholic teacher who also eventually gets Alzheimer's disease, is told in director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film. Appreciated for its direction, story, screenplay, dialogues, cinematography, production design, costumes and performances, the film won three awards at the 53rd National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film in Hindi and Best Actor (Amitabh Bachchan). It is somewhat of a classic due to masterful acting, dramatic tension, and storytelling method on the one hand, and its visually stunning appeal and skillful marriage of form and emotion on the other.

Where to watch: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Rang De Basanti (2006)

Rang De Basanti, which was primarily shot in New Delhi, tells the tale of a British film student who goes to India to capture the lives of five Indian revolutionary movement freedom fighters. She inspires five young men to fight against the corruption in their government by befriending them and casting them in a film. In addition to garnering praise from critics and winning the National Film Award for Best Popular Film, the movie was also nominated for a 2007 BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Although it did not result in a nomination for either award, the movie was selected as India's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. Two of the songs from the well-received AR Rahman soundtrack were shortlisted for the Academy Awards.

Where to watch: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Jab We Met (2007)

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film is largely set in Mumbai, Bhatinda, and Shimla. It narrates the tale of Aditya Kashyap (Shahid Kapoor), a brokenhearted businessman who boards a train and meets Geet Dhillon (Kareena Kapoor Khan), a chatty Punjabi girl. Geet and Aditya set off on a trek to her home together, missing their train, and what happens next is a love that transforms them both. Irshad Kamil wrote the lyrics for the songs, which were composed by Pritam. Aditya and Geet's dialogues, the beautiful locations and the songs made Jab We Met so adored and appreciated. No wonder, it gives all the feel-good feelings if you watch it any day even years after its release.

Where to watch: YouTube, Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

English Vinglish (2012)

Sridevi plays Shashi Godbole in the movie, a modest business owner who makes sweets and snacks. In order to gain self-respect and stop her husband and daughter from making fun of her poor English, Shashi enrols in an English-speaking course. After a 15-year break following Judaai (1997), Sridevi made her screen comeback in this movie, which also stars Adil Hussain, Priya Anand, and French actor Mehdi Nebbou. And it is one of the most loved Hindi films. It is a cult classic because of its original plot, superb direction, emotional impact, cultural significance, and Sridevi's endearing and motivating performance.

Where to watch: ZEE5, Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)

Featuring an ensemble cast including Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, Richa Chadda, Huma Qureshi, and Tigmanshu Dhulia in key roles, the film revolves around the coal mafia of Dhanbad and the underlying power struggles, politics, and vengeance between three crime families. The tale takes place over 68 years, from 1941 to 2009. Over time, the movie has developed a sizable cult following thanks to its dark humour, innovative soundtrack, and realistic filmmaking technique that had never been seen in a Bollywood production.

Where to watch: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

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