The Best Bollywood Movies That’ll Sweep You Away
There’s so much more to this genre than musical numbers (though we love those, too!).
Whether you're new to Indian cinema or are simply looking to catch up, we've gathered together a list that will help you navigate some of the best Bollywood movies. A portmanteau of "Hollywood" and "Bombay," the genre refers specifically to the Hindi-language sector of India's massive film industry centered in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). This list combines the classics to more current favorites that include high-profile stars like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, as well as leading men like the so-called "Khans of Bollywood," who draw audiences out in droves. In fact, one movie on this list is so timeless that it stayed in theaters for 23 years! Ranging from crime thrillers like Andhadhun to sweet rom-coms with epic dance breaks (looking at you, Badhaai Ho), our list of top Bollywood movie picks has something for everyone.
Thappad
Thappad is a gripping social drama that confronts the patriarchy, and what happens when a woman refuses to submit to it. Amrita's (Taapsee Pannu) world and sense of self crumbles after her husband Vikram (Pavail Gulati) slaps her at a party, in front of their family and friends.
Monsoon Wedding
Mira Nair's film was an international hit when it came out in 1995. The movie proves that at a single wedding, there's enough drama and life to fuel a movie—if not an entire long-running TV show. Sit back and enjoy this infectiously joyous comedy.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge played in a famous Mumbai theater for 1,200 weeks, or approximately 23 years. That means that several generations grew up watching the love story. Called the ultimate Bollywood rom-com, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is about a young man and woman who meet while inter-railing in Europe. The movie catapulted Shah Rukh Khan to fame.
Queen
If you're looking for an empowered heroine to root for, look no further. Queen is the story of a 24-year-old woman (Kangana Ranau) who, upon being dumped by her fiancé, goes on a honeymoon by herself. The 2014 feel-good movie is about a love affair, of sorts—between a woman and the big world.
Article 15
Deemed a movie that "everyone in India needs to see" when it came out in 2019, Article 15 is an unflinching look at India's still-present caste system. The crime drama, which is loosely based on a true story, follows a police officer reluctantly investigating the disappearance of three young women from a lower caste.
Jodhaa Akbar
If you have time on your hands and a hankering for a historical romance, then Jodhaa should be your pick. The modern classic finds inspiration in the marriage between a Mughal empire Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and Rajput princess Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). What begins as a strategic alliance becomes a marriage of equals.
Devdas
Devdas has been done before, actually—the famous 2002 movie is the third Hindi remake, and has been made 12 times in total. Here's the plot: In the early 1900s, Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan) returns to India after a decade in London, expecting to marry Paro (Aishwarya Rai), his childhood best friend. Their socioeconomic differences keep them apart. Expect dance numbers, elaborate sets, and India's most famous stars at the top of their game.
The Sky Is Pink
Priyanka Chopra Jonas headlines this utterly emotional 2019 movie, with a premise that makes us tear up just in recalling it. The film is narrated by Aisha Chaudhary (Zaira Wasim), a teenage girl who recently passed away of a terminal illness. She tells the story of her parents' relationship and their struggle with their daughters' illness. As if that weren't sad enough, The Sky Is Pink is based on a true story.
Gully Boy
Executive produced by Nas, Gully Boy tells the story of Murad Ahmed (Ranveer Singh), a 22 year old college student, who lives in the slums of Mumbai and has a passion for hip-hop. It’s inspired by real life hip-hop stars, Divine and Naezy, who took India by storm when they released their first viral video, “Mere Gully Mein," on YouTube in 2015. Ranveer Singh also takes your breath away with every song.
Bombay
Take a history lesson with this 1995 movie about the 1992 Bombay riots, a dark moment in India's history. The melodrama follows a Hindu man and his Muslim bride in a city being torn apart by religious violence. Technically, the blockbuster was made in Tamil, and dubbed in Hindi.
Ankur
The first film by acclaimed director Shyam Benegal, Ankur is a work of India's art house cinema—also called "parallel cinema." It's about Surya (Anant Nag), son of a landlord, who is drawn to a servant, Lakshmi (Shabana Azmi), and then abandons her after she becomes pregnant. The movie is grounded within a complicated web of power and social issues while providing an indictment of society itself.
Lust Stories
A solid choice for your next girl's night in, this tells four separate stories of women who are exploring their sensuality. The tales are directed by some of the best directors in Bollywood, so you know you’re in for a treat.
Pad Man
If you loved the Oscar winning documentary, Period. End of Sentence, you’ll enjoy this movie inspired by the real-life “Pad Man," Arunachalam Muruganantham. In a society where even the concept of discussing sanitary pads is considered taboo, Laxmi sets out to create his own, cheaper version of the feminine product.
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Andhadhun
This crime thriller is the movie we didn’t know we wanted but one we definitely needed. While trying an unorthodox approach to his music, piano player, Akash (Ayushmann Khurrana) falls into deep trouble when he becomes implicated in actor's murder. The flick will have you at the edge of your seat, trying to figure out what comes next, but you won’t be successful.
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga
Finally, a mainstream Indian film about LGBT issues. This story revolves around a young woman struggling to open up about her sexuality due to her traditional, conservative family. This upbeat romance will absolutely make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with love.
Badla
Amitabh Bachchan aka the Robert De Niro of Bollywood, and the incredible Taapsee Pannu team up once again for this epic mystery crime movie. It’s all about Badal solving the murder mystery of who killed and framed Naina for her lover’s death. It has major Gone Girl vibes, if you like that sort of thing.
Padmaavaat
Bollywood’s favorite couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh team up once again with director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali for this masterpiece. It focuses on an eccentric ruler who travels a long distance to (essentially) kidnap the beautiful Rajput Queen, Padmavati. If you’ve seen Bhansali’s Ram Leela or Bajirao Mastani, you can expect the same level of aesthetic that transports viewers centuries into the past. As usual, Singh and Padukone deliver awe inspiring performances.
Badhaai Ho
Badhaai Ho tells the story of a middle-aged couple who find themselves unexpectedly expecting. It tackles the issue that sexuality is often shamed in Indian culture, with a sense of humor.
Mulk
Based on harrowing real life events, this story focuses on a Muslim family, whose son, an ISIS terrorist, was caught and executed. The family was put on trial for terrorism, without any legitimate evidence. This intense film comes at an important time as tensions between Hindus and Muslims continue to rise in India.
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Love Per Square Foot
After struggling to get their own places as single people, young professionals, Sanjay (Vicky Kaushal) and Karina (Angira Dhar), decide to get fake married to secure the apartment of their dreams. The story highlights how difficult it is to find housing in Mumbai without loans and a spouse, which has forced folks into shifty schemes like this one.
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