Bollywood, or Hindi, films are rapidly gaining popularity around the world, with Asian and Brown cultures becoming mainstream in the last few years. Bollywood empire began in his 1930s and since then has produced some of the greatest love stories, dramas and epics in cinema history.
There are some must-see titles for Bollywood lovers as well as beginners looking to step into the magical world of Hindi cinema. From period dramas to epic romances, these films all feature compelling plot lines, compelling characters and soundtracks that linger in the audience’s minds.
Ten Mughal-E-Azam is a legendary historical romance
1960
This ’60s masterpiece is a cinematic milestone for many reasons. At the time, it had an unprecedented budget, elaborate sets modeled after the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar, stories of fact and legend.
Mughal-e-Azam It depicts the ill-fated love story of Emperor Akbar’s son Salim and court dancer Anarkali, which the emperor could not stand to see. Anarkali and Salim try their best to keep their love alive, but they are doomed from the start. With a black-and-white version and a recently colored version, even if it’s a historically inaccurate film, its magnificence is worth seeing at least once.
9 Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is full of iconic scenes and songs
1995
Starring the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge One of the greatest musical romances of all time. With the breathtaking Swiss Alps and London as a backdrop, Raj and Simran meet early on, leading to an epic love story that takes her back to the beautiful Indian state of Punjab.
Simran is engaged to someone else, so Raj needs to get his parents’ approval and work hard to call off the wedding before he loses the love of his life. DDLJit is still playing in several theaters in India, making it the longest-running film in history.
8 Rang De Basanti is a touching tale of rebellion with a reason
2006
A group of students’ lives change when they meet Sue, a young filmmaker who wants to shoot a documentary about India’s revolutionary freedom fighters. While filming the movie, this motley crew found their patriotism growing when a friend’s fiancée fell prey to corruption within the government.
Lang de Basanti It’s a movie that really inspires people to learn and fight for what’s right. It has inspired not only Indian cinema but also young people with its message. What’s more, it was a beautifully crafted cinematic piece with immense gravity.
7 Gully Boy is a solid, realistic depiction of the Bombay hip-hop scene
2019
Bombay’s burgeoning rap scene is beautifully captured in the global rise of hip-hop culture. gully boyTwo young men from the slums of Dharavi, Murad and his friend MC Shah, have an uphill battle for fame and greatness in the music industry.
Family opposition, along with Murad and MC Sher’s poverty, make a music career a difficult undertaking. Well-written characters and realistic rap lyrics are the main highlights of the film, and Murad’s success is an interesting one. Gully Boy is a great movie about music and cities.
6 Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Teaches the Importance of Family
2001
Bollywood is known for family movies, but few can match it Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. The film follows the journey of three generations of the wealthy Raichand family and focuses on the estrangement of the eldest son of the family, Rahul, due to his choice of partner. The ensuing reunion is catalyzed by his younger brother Rohan, who travels to London to mend family ties.
A star-studded ensemble cast of Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and many more perform astonishing. It is a work that warms your heart when you see it with your loved ones.
Five Wake up Sid!A touching youth story
2009
Bollywood fans looking for tender coming-of-age movies on Netflix will find comfort and motivation in Sid Mehra’s quest for self-actualization. Young, callous and rich, Sid is happy but without direction in her life.
Sid’s world falls apart when his father cuts him off, forcing him to find his passion and create something of his own. Then Cid slowly gets back on his feet. He turns to his photography and in breathtaking light he captures the seven islands.
Four 3 Idiot is a poignant comedy
2009
Indian academia is a fierce affair, three idiots The story of three friends attending a prestigious engineering school, blending humor and reality. High expectations, parental hopes, and rat-racing pressures let these friends down, but a moderate amount of comedy makes this movie great.
three idiots It’s one of those rare movies that gets points while making the audience laugh. The masterpiece of Rajkumar Hirani is rotten tomato.
3 Jindagi Na Miregi Dovara captures the interesting family dynamics
2011
In this buddy road comedy-drama, three childhood friends reunite after years away for a bachelor party in Spain. As you traverse the country’s scenic countryside, old rivalries come to the fore and new loves blossom. Each character chooses an activity to do for others, finding unexpected catharsis in their journey.
Zindagi Na Miregi Dovara It walks the fine line between being open-minded and being emotional, successfully achieving both. Musical breaks at the right points keep the movie engrossed until the end.
2 Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India shows India’s tenacity under British India
2001
Actor Aamir Khan, Lagaan It depicts a small British Indian village struggling to pay unreasonably high agricultural taxes.When They Protest, British Army Agree to Abolish Lagaan — Under the condition that they beat them in a cricket match.
The only problem is that the villagers know nothing about cricket. Still, they learn the game with diligence and persistence, leading to engaging matches between the villagers and their oppressors.
1 Omkara Adapts Shakespeare Perfectly
2006
Adapted from a play by William Shakespeare Othello, Omkaraz The dark and suspenseful direction coupled with solid performances make it one of the best iterations of the play. A gripping tale of crime, caste, love and tragedy set in the small town of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, India.
The film is recommended for mature audiences because of its dark themes and violence.The lead actors playing Omi, Langda, Dolly, and Kesu are praised for their career-defining work in cinema.
