Whether you’re a hardcore fan going back decades or an amateur just discovering the magic of Hindi cinema, Bollywood movies have something for everyone. The classics have covered seemingly every genre imaginable – from timeless romances and beloved musicals to intense thrillers and rip-roaring comedies. And even as filmmaking evolved throughout the years, with new techniques and ideas enhancing the cinematic experience, the classics remind us how Bollywood has had a distinct knack for compelling stories backed by charming performances that entertain audiences from around the world even today.
In this list, we will be highlighting some of the definitive Bollywood movies that are worth your time. Covering classics from different eras and genres to give fans with varying interests a taste of the best that Indian storytelling has to offer. This is no laundry list of popular choices, but one that focuses on time-tested favorites whose impact still resonates with audiences. These films fit into the broader tents when it comes to storytelling, direction, music, and acting, which is how they have collectively made their mark on cinema.
Wondering what ties these classics together? The fact that these stories tap into timeless these we all recognize: the joy and heartbreak of love, the power of family and community, the struggle for freedom and agency, and social realism at a time defined by lack, the human search for meaning amid life's challenges. So whether you only ever enjoy one genre or are willing to sample them all, these definitive Bollywood movies remain well worth your time.
20 Pyaasa (1957)
Considered a timeless classic of Indian cinema, Pyaasa follows the story of Vijay, a young poet struggling to gain recognition for his writing in a world that values materialistic success over art. When he meets Gulabo, a beautiful and pragmatic woman, it feels like there’s finally some hope for him. Like love may stir his sinking soul. Things get muddled when another lady love from the past and her present husband get involved in Vijay’s life, leading his poems to get published, but at the cost of his own sanity. With evocative black-and-white cinematography and memorable songs by Hemant Kumar and Mohammed Rafi, Pyaasa explores the emotional hardships of pursuing one’s passions in a world that refuses to be sympathetic. Under Guru Datt’s direction, the movie highlights the power of true love and artistic expression.
19 Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
The movie that gave us numerous songs, quotable-to-date poetry, and two of the most iconic couples in the history of Bollywood romance, Kabhi Kabhie, revolves around Amit and Pooja, young and in love, as they visualize an entire future ahead of them. But Pooja’s parents are against their union, and the two decide to go separate ways. Spanning two decades and portraying two generations, the film gets pretty sentimental when they cross paths thanks to the intertwined lives of their children. Directed by Yash Chopra, the movie presents a snapshot of life’s bittersweet moments, its complexities, and how the easiest romances of youth develop into the most complicated pasts once you’re older. Overall, the thoughtful character study makes it a must-watch for fans of subtle cinema.
18 Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
Entering a rather progressive era for the genre, Maine Pyar Kiya is a musical romance that launched the career of superstar Salman Khan. The story revolves around Prem, a fun-loving yet adorably bashful boy, and his budding romance with the outspoken Suman. Despite interference from their families and a handful of misunderstandings, Prem and Suman’s genuine affection towards one another soon blossoms into an all-consuming love. When push comes to shove, Prem is determined to prove his worth and win his love over. The movie is filled with catchy songs and charming performances from the leads as well as supporting actors. Maine Pyaar Kiya brings an endearing innocence to the boy-meets-girl tales and leaves the audience with a hopeful feeling about love.
17 Aashiqui (1990)
As far as musical romances go, Aashiqui set a milestone for all the films that came after. The movie begins with Rahul Roy, a struggling musician who is charged with creating foul disturbances in public, being taken to the police station, where he meets Anu Varghese, an aspiring model who’s there for another small issue. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s gritty music scene, the movie features intense visual detail, with the characters being as nuanced as they are rough around the edges. With hit songs by Nadeem–Shravan and incredibly powerful performances from Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal in their early roles, Aashiqui explores the sad, desperate, turbulent, yet very intoxicating experience of young love. The film helped redefine romance as a major genre in the 1990s.
16 Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Shah Rukh Khan’s ever-lasting glory anchored Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge so fiercely that it became the longest-running movie ever made. The story centers around two young protagonists who meet and fall in love after a chance encounter during a tour of Europe. Raj is a carefree, quite affluent, second-generation NRI, and Simran is a goody-two-shoes who is already spoken for. But love acts against the norm. When they return home, tradition and parents threaten to keep their love on the brink. Like every Bollywood movie, DDLJ also has some fantastic tracks, and the European filming locations act as a colorful backdrop for the flourishing tale. Overall, the movie remains the definitive example of Bollywood's unique mix of romance, family drama, and musical escapism, cementing its status as an all-time classic of Indian popular cinema.
15 Padosan (1968)
Held up by Kishore Kumar’s mesmerizing music and iconic performance, Padosan is a musical comedy that stays true to the era with its hilarious hijinks and innocently sympathetic story. Newcomer Bhola gets off on the wrong foot with his beautiful neighbor Bindu. But when he realizes he may have a thing for her, he tries various tactics to win her affection. Bindu, however, seems to show interest in somebody else. Naturally, much music and comedy ensue. The movie featured comic geniuses like Mehmood and the charming Sunil Dutt, along with the beautiful face of the film, Saira Banu. Padosan combines physical comedy, witty wordplay, and a song-and-dance routine to deliver loads of laughs and heart.
14 Gol Maal (1979)
Perhaps the one comedy classic with practical jokes that are still funny and relevant, Gol Maal tells the tale of Ramprasad, who has just started a new job with Bhavani, an eccentric boss who frowns upon employees with multidimensional interests. One day, Bhavani catches Ramprasad playing hockey, which forces the latter to lie about having a twin named Lakshmanprasad. Now that he’s playing himself as well as his outdoorsy lookalike, real chaos begins. Gol Maal is a quintessential Bollywood comedy – full of puns, comic characters, cultural in-jokes, and madcap situations. Lead actors Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt are at their finest in this fantastic Hrishikesh Mukherjee direction that touches upon themes of hidden identities and the impossibility of pleasing overbearing bosses. Relatable much?
13 Satte Pe Satta (1982)
Blending genres like action, romance, and comedy, this family drama launched the careers of many aspiring actors. Satte Pe Satta follows seven orphaned brothers, named according to the days of the week, living on a farm. Having never had a single interaction with women, these young fellas are inherently set in their habits and lifestyle. When the oldest brother, Ravi, falls in love with Indu, a nurse, marries her and brings her home, the uncivilized younger brothers cause trouble. But she can fix them, right? With a stellar comic cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Amjad Khan, Shakti Kapoor, and Sachin, Satte Pe Satta presents a parade of comic scenarios as well as a heartwarming picture of what a family looks like at its very core, despite being made of opposites.
12 Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986)
Directed by Basu Chatterjee, Chameli Ki Shaadi takes the delicate subject of India’s cast system and churns a hilarious, simple, and highly sophisticated story that remains a hit with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The movie centers around Charandas, an amateur wrestler so devoted to the sport he vows not to court or marry until the age of forty. But when he stumbles upon Chameli, the bubbly daughter of a coal depot owner, who is obsessed with the idea of marriage, his interests shift. The differences in backgrounds and expectations lead to uproarious misunderstandings. With brilliant performances from Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh, the movie highlights the humor that takes birth when ideals of romance collide against the backdrop of complex social constraints. Almost too real in its depiction, Chameli Ki Shaadi still handles matters with grace.
11 Chachi 420 (1997)
If you’re a fan of Mrs. Doubtfire, you are definitely going to enjoy Chachi 420. A stark adaptation of the Hollywood classic, the plot stays somewhat the same. A divorced man disguises himself as a nanny to spend more time with his little daughter. But his ruse attracts the attention of his father-in-law and even lures unwanted gazes from others surrounding him, threatening his carefully crafted facade. Directed by and starring Kamal Hassan in multiple roles, the movie has become a memorable comic breakthrough of the 1990s. From hilarious situations, adorable cat-and-mouse chases, and foot-tapping musical sequences, including the iconic Macarena dance, Chachi 420 pinpoints the absurdity in hiding one’s true self while demonstrating how parental love ultimately triumphs over all.
10 Deewaar (1975)
The early ‘70s were an explosive and unruly time for India, and Deewaar depicts the same by fusing a beautiful study of two impoverished brothers who, after being betrayed by their erring father, choose to live their lives on their own contrasting terms. While Vijay walks the path toward crime, Ravi joins the police force. With a poignant portrayal of sibling rivalry between the two, their collision course leads to a thunderous confrontation, leaving Ravi to pick sides between family and duty. Deewaar practically introduced the “angry young man” genre through intense action scenes, complex rageful characters, and Amitabh Bachchan's iconic performance as the violent gangster. Moreover, the movie employs heightened action to explore the conflicted brotherhood as well as the corrosive effects of poverty and injustice on the human soul.
9 The Burning Train (1980)
Among the most exciting thrillers set on trains, The Burning Train set a wave a adrenaline and shiver of anxiety through the audience with its vivid portrayal of the calamity. The action-packed, high-octane film starts off as a guileless train journey, with the Super Express on its inaugural path from New Delhi. Being Vinod’s dream project, the country’s fastest passenger train obviously had rivals. So when a deadly bomb threatens passengers on the moving train, a fearless officer and his team must get together and devise a plan to disable it before the clock runs out. Considering the era, The Burning Train provided a refreshing take on action and commercialized them as entertainers. It also popularized stuntwork and special effects in Hindi cinema through an engaging, tightly-knit plot, exhilarating train sequences, and Dharmendra's charismatic heroics.
8 Agneepath (1990)
Revenge stories are all about going big or going home, and in Agneepath, Amitabh Bachchan certainly goes big. As Vijay, all he wants is vengeance against Kancha, the gangster who ruthlessly murdered his father and destroyed his family. Fifteen years after the event, on his path toward restoring his lost honor and faith in humanity, Vijay goes to massive lengths for justice. Agneepath features some of the most brutal and intense violence scenes seen in the history of Bollywood cinema. It also depicts how the need for retaliation corrodes the human soul. An official remake of the film was also made in 2012, but this version has the kind of action choreography and emotion that is unbeatable. Plus, Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, and Danny Denzongpa give performances that still enthrall viewers.
7 Khal Nayak (1993)
Khal Nayak is another definitive movie when it comes to action films with a tinge of drama and romance. The plot goes like this: A respected cop, Ram, finally succeeds in capturing a dangerous criminal, Ballu, who has been on the run for years. Having had charges like theft and murders, Ballu’s notoriety has been heard of almost everywhere. Also, he has a knack for getting away with those. So, when he escapes the hold of Ram, the inspector’s girlfriend steps in to save the day and ends up complicating matters further. Khal Nayak established a sizzling chemistry and showcased the dancing prowess of Sanjay Dutt alongside Madhuri Dixit's unmatched grace. From heart-thumping action sequences, evergetic dialogue delivery, and awe-inspiring stunts, the movie told a complex story of law, ethics, and morality and became a massive hit in no time.
6 Karan Arjun (1995)
Even after nearly two decades, Karan Arjun ranks among the most successful action films in Bollywood history thanks to its mix of pulse-pounding action and intense family drama. The movie follows Karan and Arjun, two brothers killed at birth who were reincarnated as adults in different parts of the country, with one motive – to avenge their parents’ death. The movie, in all its scenic glory, comes with soulful music, spectacular visuals, resonant emotion, and powerhouse performances from Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Moreover, director Rakesh Roshan adds a lot of campy fun between the brothers to never let the entertainment dissolve, with most of the thrill coming from unnecessary rifles shooting in the air, over-the-top action, and a captivating screenplay.
5 Boot Polish (1954)
This definitive classic, directed by Prakash Arora, is a poignant and inspirational tale of love and hope. Boot Polish follows two orphan siblings who are forced to beg on the streets of Bombay for survival. They somehow manage to get around by shining shoes and to scramble for survival until one is separated from the other due to devastating reasons. In standard Raj Kapoor fashion, the movie is high on melodramatic pathos, and there are quite a few ballets portraying the same. Simple yet powerful, the movie brought social realism to Indian cinema through the depiction of urban poverty and the indomitable human spirit. The cold actors themselves shine in their roles, with one of them receiving a special mention at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.
4 Mother India (1957)
After an unending era of colonization, Mother India came as a metaphor to represent the country suffering the aftermath and building itself back up after its Independence in 1947. The movie is about Radha, a village woman who struggles to raise her children amid poverty and tragedy in rural India. To push her down is Sukhilala, a greedy capitalist. Mother India explores the roles of womanhood and motherhood through an epic and intimate lens in this story of sacrifice, hardship, and perseverance. Nargis gives an unforgettable performance as the resolute matriarch wielding unconditional love with her unfaltering spirit, reflecting care, and blessing the town with tough wisdom. Gorgeous costumes, famous melodies, and panoramic landscapes continue to make the movie legendary, and it still ranks among the all-time Indian box office hits.
3 Mera Naam Joker (1970)
A peculiar masterpiece by Raj Kapoor, Mera Naam Joker relies on the philosophy that the show must go on. Picturing a sweeping picture of show business, the movie follows Raju, brilliant as a clown in a circus, who struggles to balance his love of performance with real-life responsibilities and the weight of many a heartbreak. The movie tells a deeply moving, honest human story of artistic yearning, crippling family dynamics, and conflict with the self through the eyes of a circus clown. Magnificent in scope yet very realistic in emotion, the film Raj Kapoor's boundless comic genius alongside his depth as a sensitive actor and director. Though commercially unsuccessful, Mera Naam Joker remains a powerful character study of the sacrifices required to live one's dream.
2 Anand (1971)
Melancholic and charming at the same time in its tone, Anand is a movie directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee about a terminally ill man who decides to live life to the fullest before his time on Earth runs out. Meanwhile, his doctor, Bhaskar, is touched by his optimism and struggles to cope with losing his patient. The story, which goes beyond the limitations of human thinking, acts as a profound meditation on the value of connection and the meaning of life itself. There is something truly appalling about seeing a cheerful man brushing off the idea of death. Featuring career-defining performances by Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, the film proved Hindi cinema could explore philosophical questions with depth, humor, and compassion.
1 Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
It is impossible to place Amar Akbar Anthony in one genre. The movie, written by Kader Khan, is rightly called a masala film because of how it blends action, comedy, drama, music, and a tad bit of suspense. The movie follows the journeys of three brothers, separated at birth, who reunite as adults in the most hilarious situation. The movie places a comedic spin on the trend of lost and found siblings and the idea of chosen family as it uses lighthearted laughter and melodious songs to explore deeper truths. Showcasing vivid costumes, memorable diction, vibrant choreography, and outstanding performances by some of the biggest stars ever, the film ranks among the most beloved entertainers in Bollywood history.
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