Some days just feel like a drag, don’t they? When little stresses pile up, and the air doesn’t feel right, you need something to lift your mood and make you smile again. And Bollywood has been known to be delivering for a long time now.
Bollywood is globally known for its vibrant and spectacular stories brimming with heart. Over the decades, Indian filmmakers have mastered the art of translating compelling stories, catchy music, lavish visuals, and memorable dialogues into instant mood boosters. These feel-good flicks are perfect pick-me-ups for when you are having a bad day.
From energetic numbers to romantic flights of fantasy, these movies will drive you to a world of possibilities. They remind you of love, friendship, and hope in life’s joyful moments. Whether you're laughing out loud at the main characters getting into comical mischief and mistaken identities or swooning as years of longing finally culminates into a forever or cheering for the underdog as he follows his dreams, these Bollywood movies will give you smiles that reach your eyes and lighten your heart.
Wallowing in woe simply won't do when such wonderful delights await you. So grab some popcorn and set for an evening to cloud the blues away and unwind. Here goes.
21 Baadshah (1999)
You ever feel like wanting to run away from it all to a world full of mischief? Well, this 1999 comedy is your ticket to laugh-out-loud land. Baadshah follows Raj, a small-time detective waiting for the one case that makes him the best. For now, he is just drifting from one amusing situation to another with his goofy group of friends. But when the opportunity to escort a hostage back home arises, Raj gets pulled into a bigger, more dangerous scheme. Played by Shah Rukh Khan, Raj is all about having a good time. Even when matters are complicated, his over-the-top personality, slapstick humor, and cheesy dialogue make you smile.
20 3 Idiots (2009)
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, 3 Idiots defined college life, friendship, ideas of innovation, and following one’s dreams. It chronicles the journey of three engineering students – Rancho, the rebellious but brilliant vagabond, Raju, the paranoid and ambitious overachiever, and Farhan, the socially awkward and misplaced guy. They drift apart after college, and years later, Farhan and Raju are set to find Rancho, whose entire existence seems to have been a lie. The story is told as a narration by one of the friends while they are on the road. With impressive performances and a friendship that is tested by heartbreak and tragedy, 3 Idiots makes for an unforgettable tale.
19 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)
Forget fairytale romances and meeting your prince charming, and embrace realistic love in all its quirky splendor. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is a unique romantic comedy that pairs the charming SRK with the delightful Anushka for a delightfully crazy ride. Their characters are polar opposites, and getting married to one another may never have crossed their minds, but love springs from the most unexpected places. Surinder is a simple and uncomplicated man, while Tani is an exuberant and carefree girl. To get Tani’s attention, Suri gets a makeover, and eventually wins her over. There are no stereotypes or drama here – just two lovable characters and a funny, heartfelt, and fresh story of love.
18 Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Dil Chahta Hai is a celebration of life’s finest joys and an exploration of its deepest sorrows. It follows three childhood friends, Akash, Siddharth, and Sameer, as they graduate from college and leave their easy-going youth to experience things that will profoundly transform them. For friends who have always been together, its strange when suddenly one is moving out of the country to take over the family business, one is drowning in his passion of art and navigating an unconventional romance, while one refuses to grow up and spends all his energy into wooing a girl. Farhan Akhtar’s direction takes a humorous, honest, and important look at relationships in the modern world in this bittersweet gift of a movie.
17 Jab We Met (2009)
UTV Motion Pictures
Meet Aditya Kahsyap, a headstrong playboy with a world that is crashing down around him. His father has recently passed, leaving a million-dollor business to handle, and his girlfriend is marrying another man. When he can’t take anymore, he ups and gets on a train. There, he meets Geet Dhillon, a bubbly Punjabi girl with boundless positivity and thrill-seeking heart who is just returning home from college. Their journey takes a surprising turn when they enter a crazy adventure and Geet helps Aditya rediscover love, hope, and dreams he though were long lost. Jab We Met is a vivacious and delightful movie that will fill your soul and warm your heart.
16 Do Dooni Chaar (2010)
Do Dooni Chaar is a charming little slice of life that will make you smile, groan, relate, and feel. The movie follows a middel class family, the Duggals, who desperately want to have a better life. But how do they achieve it? Santosh Duggal, the head of the family, is a school teacher who barley gets paid enough, and the kids are still young and aimless. Yet, it is up to Mr. Duggal to cease the dram and buy the family a new car. Starring Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, the movie is an honest portrayal of class struggle and chasing what you deserve. Archit Krishna and Aditi Vasudev also give brilliant performances as two children navigating their lives, getting into trouble, and learning from thier mistakes. Overall, a very lighthearted and hilarious movie that also sevres as a deeply moving experience.
15 Queen (2014)
Coming of age doesn’t get any better than a female protagonist breaking the norm and setting out on her own. Directed by Vikas Bahl, Queen is the story of Rani, a dreamy girl who gets dumped right before her marriage. After being crushed, she decides to embrace the pain and goes on her honeymoon alone. Kangana Ranaut lights up the screen with her feisty character and takes us on the journey of acceptance and self-discovery. She tackles endless obstacles, pushes herself to try new things, and also breaks down in the process. But it is all a part of growing up. Queen allows you to have a good time from start to finish.
14 The Lunchbox (2013)
This gentle gem tells the tale of two strangers whose paths cross through an honest mix-up, finding solace and meaning amidst the charming chaos of Mumbai. In The Lunchbox, Irrfan Khan plays Saajan Fernandes, a widowed accountant who is about to get retirement. Nimrat Kaur plays Ila, a young housewife whose marriage has fallen into a monotonous routine. One day a tiffin carrier mistakenly delivers the lunchbox meant for Ila’s husband to Saajan. From there begins an unlikely platonic friendship with the two writing letters to each other. A lovely equilibrium develops as they share food, loneliness, and longing, reminding us of love’s ability to nourish the soul.
13 Hasee Toh Phasee (2014)
Hasee Toh Phasee is a sparkling and adorable romantic comedy following the trials of Nikhil, an unambitious goofball, and Karishma, his girlfriend and the girl he wishes to marry. The two are dealing with family and society’s expectations, when Meeta, Karishma’s younger sister returns from Japan and wants to reunite with the family. As Nikhil is tasked with taking care of Meeta, he starts to spend time with her and falls in love with her quirks, her sincerity, and her smarts. Their whimsical little world is full of heart and tender humor, buzzing with song and desire. Hasee Toh Phasee is an ode to following your heart and loving freely.
12 Cocktail (2012)
Imtiaz Ali weaves magic again with this beautiful story of three friends cruising through relationships and heartbreak in London. Meera is a reserved and recently despairing new-girl in town. When a chance meeting makes her stumble into party-girl Veronica, she takes her offer to share an apartment and the two strike an earnest friendship. Saif Ali Khan plays Gautam, Veronica’s boyfriend who is a suave and carefree charmer. Things become chaotic when Gautam develops feelings for Meera. Cocktail is as sentimental as it is flashy, making for a quintessential summer fling of a film that leaves you buzzed with possibility.
11 Welcome (1999)
Welcome is a bold and ticklish comedy that sneaks up on you and charms your socks off with its refreshing honesty and uproarious humor. The movie follows Rajiv, a sincere young man who belongs to an upright and honorable family. In contrast, Uday Shetty and Majnu Shetty are two brothers with a bad reputation and one wish – to marry their sister off into a good family. When Rajiv’s uncle rejects the proposal, the Shettys go to unimaginable lengths to make it work. The movie is made of an all-star cast including Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Pateker, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, Feroz Khan, and Ranjeet, and each of them are spectacular in their roles.
10 Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)
PVR Pictures
Jai and Aditi have engraved their names in Bollywood when it comes to defining the coming-of-age genre. They appear as two carefree souls and best friends drifting through life with their eccentric group of friends. Both single and unaware of thier feelings, they decide to find a soulmate for each other. And finally, the lines between friendship and something more begin to blur, leading to a satisfying ending. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is the kind of movie you’d want to put on to feel uplifted and hopeful, while still reminiscing about the joys of being young.
9 Wake Up Sid (2009)
Written and directed by Ayan Mukerji Wake Up Sid is a coming-of-age comedy drama about Sid, a lazy but likable young man who rediscovers his passion and dreams after life hits him with a rude awakening. Ranbir Kapoor’s charming character has recently graduated and is quite comfortable with the silver spoon in his mouth. But when his father forces him to join the family business, he gives up the privilege and moves in with Aisha, an ambitious new girl in the city. While life was a breeze for Sid, Aisha found happiness in the little things. Their differences now only draw them closer but allow Sid to step out of his cocoon and transform. Utterly rewatchable, Wake Up Sidis perfect for any day.
8 Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani celebrates youth, romance, and adventure in one full swing. Ranbir Kapoor appears as Kabir “Bunny” Thapar, a lively playboy stuck in his own groove while chasing his dreams of becoming a travel photographer. Deepika Padukone’s Naina is a geek, buried in her books, aspiring to become a doctor. The two meet at a trekking trip to Manali, accompanied by Aditi and Avi. Their vibrant time leads to feeling new emotions, but they part ways only to reunite 20 years later. Whether it is the catchy numbers or the entire bad-boy-good-girl trope, the movie remains utterly frothy and freewheeling throughout, delivering exactly what is promises.
7 Dear Zindagi (2016)
No other movie has represented mental health issues and seeking help better than Dear Zindagi does. The movie created an uproar among a youth that longs to be heard and understood. Alia Bhatt delivers a contained powerhouse performance as Kaira, a young cinematographer muddling through life with a heavy heart. Her life has lacked the nurture and embrace of a parental figure, which reflects in her relationships. But she is never able to fully address the issue until she begins therapy. Jug, played perfectly by Shah Rukh Khan, is her quirky and charming psychologist. He helps shed her baggage and accept the joy she deserves once more. The movie is an ode to healing, perhaps one of the most important trope cinema can capture.
6 Qarib Qarib Singlie (2017)
Qarib Qarib Singlle is an unconventional romantic comedy that tackles the idea of a budding situationship between two adults. The movie follows Yogi and Jaya, two polar opposite people who meet each other through a dating app. After meeting for a couple times, they embark on an unusual road-trip to meet Yogi’s ex-girlfriends. Director Tanuja Chandra is careful with her characters, portraying them as mature and resolved people navigating life with patience and wisdom. It is refreshing to see their bond unravel as they take on this fun ride and offer a ton of heart and humor.
5 Hera Pheri (2000)
Hera Pheri is a classic comedy that redefined slapstick humor and nonsensical storylines. The story follows the ridiculous adventures of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao – a trio of two tenants and their landlord – as they stumble from one disaster to another in their desperation to become rich. After a ransom call peaks their interest, they devise a plot to claim the ransom. Akshay Kumar cruises in with his perfect comedic timing to match Sunil Shetty’s hilarious dialogue delivery and Paresh Rawal’s over-the-top antics. The movie is a laugh riot from start to finish, and is immensely enjoyable and endlessly rewatchable.
4 Zindagi na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Buddy adventures always call for a feel-good escapism. This one, directed by Zoya Akhtar, takes us on a journey alongside three relatable yet irresistiby quirky friends, Arjun, Kabir and Imraan. Set against the exotic and picturesque views of Spain, where the trio decides to live their life to the fullest right before Kabir is getting married, the movie is funny and heartwarming. From learning how to skydive to participating in the adrenaline-fueling bull race to falling in love with the scuba instructor, Zindagi na Milegi Dobara is painfully poignant and absurdly comedic. You enter the story smiling, stay smiling and emerge with a heart full of joy, nostalgia, and newfound inspiration to embrace life’s little imperfection.
3 Break Ke Baad (2010)
A romantic drama that is way ahead of its time, Break Ke Baad follows the story of a Abhay and Aaliya, two adults who have been friends and sometimes more for over a decade. But Aaliya has commitment issues. She doesn’t flinch when Abhay announces that he’s moving to Asutralia, but the news of his marriage finally brings her to her senses. Imran Khan plays Abhay with a subtle appeal and unfaltering optimism, while Deepika Padukone brings the layers of cynicism and sorrow built over years of nurturing her fears. The couple reflects every second relationship we watch today so it is interesting to see them discover light and after once more.
2 Hindi Medium (2017)
This comedy-drama follows the story of a young couple craving a good education for their child in a city obsessed with English medium schools. Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar deliver powerful performances as a loving though unconventional couple who refuse to compromise their values for societal pressures. Raj Batra is a well-established store owner who doesn’t dream of much, and his wife Meeta is a woman with progressive views and big plans for their daughter. Their struggle to her with privilege that is believed to be reserved for the elite leads them to go to great lengths. Always heartwarming and filled with witty dialogues that keep you chuckling, Hindi Medium leaves an important message.
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