Hindi Movies You Can Watch Again and Again

Named "Bollywood" by movie enthusiasts, the Hindi-language moving picture manufacture accounts for a major portion of the global moving-picture show space and continues to grow with each championship it pumps out. Bollywood beats out Nigeria's Nollywood likewise every bit America's Hollywood to be the world's largest flick industry in terms of output and reach, with its content appealing to moviegoers in every corner of the earth. Just what is it exactly that makes Bollywood so epic; its films and so special? Some argue that at that place'due south a tried-and-true formula to any quality Bollywood film: swoon-worthy romance, swelling soundtracks, ridiculously attractive lead characters, and plot twists that you can meet coming from a mile away. Others say that Bollywood's secret is far simpler—it'south simply a damn skilful fourth dimension from beginning to end.

Either way, these films are well worth the two-plus hours you'll probably have to block off in your day to watch them (Bollywood movies are notoriously long). Whether you're a fan of romance, tragedy, or comedy, there's definitely a film for you in this colorful world. Beneath, a list of Bollywood staples that you lotneed to add to your scout listing,from epic historical dramas to kickass activity movies.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

You tin't talk virtually Bollywood without mentioningDilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. The 1995 classic is widely considered the gilt standard for Bollywood rom-coms, featuring a cheeky Shah Rukh Khan and starlet Kajol (and her signature unibrow) as two immature people who fall in beloved on a backpacking trip beyond Europe.

Pyaasa (1957)

This 1957 musical romance is a classic. The story follows Vijay, an unsuccessful poet who is mistakenly assumed expressionless when a homeless man he gave his coat to is murdered. After his "death," Vijay's poems are published—and wildly popular.

Insaf Ka Tarazu (1980)

Insaf Ka Tarazu translates to "the residuum (or scale) of justice" and the movie dives deep into what justice is and how to strike that balance. In this intense drama, a wealthy man named Ramesh meets a beauty queen named Bharti, who he invites onto his yacht. After, Bharti accuses Ramesh of sexually assaulting her, just he'southward exonerated. When he's murdered 2 years later on, Bharti is arrested for the criminal offense and put on trial herself.

Dear Aaj Kal (2020)

Information technology's advisable that this romantic movie was released on Valentine's Solar day. The drama follows a young couple named Zoe and Veer who meet in a bar and have an instant connection only struggle to move forwards in their relationship every bit their careers and life plans continue pulling them apart.

Veer-Zaara (2004)

This 2004 flow drama tells the story of star-crossed lovers Veer, an Indian Air Forcefulness officer, and Zaara, the daughter of a Pakistani politician. Their 22-twelvemonth love story is full of courage, cede, and, of course, lots of edge-of-your-seat drama.

Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)

If you like your crime dramas dark and twisty, thenMrs. Serial Killer is for y'all. The premise: A a man is arrested (and mayhap framed) for a serial of savage murders. His pregnant wife decides to prove he's innocent by committing a copycat criminal offence while he's in custody. Foolproof, right?

Fanaa (2006)

For a thriller with more romance, try 2006'sFanaa, nearly a flirtatious tour guide named Rehan who meets and starts a relationship with a blind (but very contained) Kashmiri woman named Zooni. The twist: This isn't the first fourth dimension Rehan and Zooni have met...or dated. Turns out, Rehan is an insurgent behind a series of terrorist attacks, including one seven years prior that he used to fake his own death and leave Zooni the start.

Panga (2020)

This inspirational sports film takes place in the world of Kabbadi, a popular contact sport in India. The movie follows Jaya Nigam, a former Kabbadi champion who quit the sport after the nascency of her son, but regrets walking away. With help and support from her now 7-twelvemonth-old son and a former teammate, Jaya trains, gets back into shape, makes her comeback, and eventually wins the Kabaddi loving cup for team India.

Mother Republic of india (1957)

This epic drama focuses on an impoverished woman who is forced to care for her ii sons solitary while surviving threats from a nefarious money-lender when her hubby leaves the family unit in disgrace. At the time information technology was made,Mother Bharatwas one of the near expensive Hindi movies ever made and is considered one of the most revered movies in Bollywood history.

Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

This moving-picture show has it all. It's a romantic one-act. Information technology'south a drama. It'due south a heartfelt coming-of-age movie.Dil Chahta Hai, which won the National Pic Laurels for All-time Feature Film in Hindi, tells the stories of three college friends as they try to navigate life and love after graduation.

The Lunchbox (2013)

The Lunchboxis one of those beautifully touching movies that tells a story you lot didn't know y'all desperately needed until you've seen it. In the moving-picture show, a woman named Ila tries to rekindle the spark in her marriage by preparing a special lunch for her (non-then-keen) husband. The programme goes amiss, however, and the tiffin ends up in forepart of an hating widower instead. When her husband doesn't mention his special meal, Ila adds a annotation to the next lunch she prepares (which also goes to said widower) and an unlikely friendship is built-in.

Lagaan (2001)

"Lagaan" translates to "Agricultural Revenue enhancement," only don't let that put you off. Only within the genius that is Bollywood could a movie about a town outraged by an unprecedented tax increase as well be this genuinely engrossing and earn an Oscar nom. It doesn't hurt that the villagers finish upwards playing a game of cricket against the British army officers for the rightnot to pay it.

Sholay (1975)

This action-adventure Bollywood offering is a classic. The plot revolves around a retired police force chief who sets out to catch a dastardly thief—with the aid of 2 lesser criminals.

Jab We Met (2007)

If yous dearest a good quirky-girls-saves-a-guy rom-com, thenJab We Met deserves a spot on your watchlist. The movie tells the story of heartbroken businessman Aditya who meets spirited woman Geet on a train and ends up sucked into her whirlwind of a life, including a trip to meet her family and the chance to tag along for her elopement with her undercover boyfriend.

Lust Stories (2018)

Much sexier than many of the other titles on this list and inside Bollywood in general,Lust Stories is an anthology motion picture most four vastly unlike sexual situations, including an inappropriate student-teacher interaction, a maid's secret desire, the broken trust between a married couple, and one woman's awkward experience with a vibrator. Stream the steamy film on Netflix today.

Queen (2014)

When shy Rani Mehra gets left at the altar on her hymeneals twenty-four hour period, she shocks her conservative family and friends by turning what was supposed to be a romantic honeymoon for two into an ambitious solo trip.

Barfi! (2012)

Ready to cry, express joy, and then weep a little more?Barfi! is about the misadventures of a happy-become-lucky human who makes the most of life. The film stars Bollywood favorites Ranbir Kapoor as Barfi and Priyanka Chopra as his beloved interest Jhilmil, a immature woman on the autism spectrum.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Lifelong best friends Imran, Arjun, and Kabir finally make good on their pact to travel to Espana, but interpersonal conflict threatens to upend their vacation and their friendship.

Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

Hrthrik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai lead this 2008 romance pic about the marriage of convenience turned passionate dearest affair betwixt a Rajput princess and a Mughal king that is jeopardized by the threat of a looming religious state of war.Jodhaa Akbar will make you believe in love again—trust me.

Mary Kom (2014)

Priyanka Chopra stars in this inspirational sports film every bit the existent-life boxing icon Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte, who went from farming the fields of Manipur to fighting in the ring. Eventually, she became a 6-time World Amateur Battle champion.

Haider (2014)

Haider takes the well-known William Shakespeare playHamlet and lets the tragedy play out in a totally unlike yet equally grim setting: in the centre of the Kashmir conflicts of 1995.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

What do you lot get when you lot take some of Bollywood's most prolific actors (Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, and Kareena Kapoor) and put them all in 1 movie most a well-off, prominent family in Delhi struggling to maintain its legacy?Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, that's what. The family unit drama is a heartbreaking story about the ties that bind usa simply can also break u.s.. And it's then, so, so good.

Khoobsurat (2014)

A career-driven only socially awkward concrete therapist gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she's hired by the Rajasthan royal family to nurse the king back to health. Nonetheless, she gets thrown off her game past the presence of the family's extremely hot prince and his snobbish mother. Romantic shenanigans and misunderstandings ensue, and honestly, what else would nosotros expect from a Disney movie?

3 Idiots (2009)

This coming-of-age dramedy follows three engineering students' trials and tribulations, offering a tongue-in-cheek critique of the state of the Indian education organization and the stress it creates.

Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

Activity icon Salman Khan plays an Indian secret agent nicknamed "Tiger" who is sent to Ireland on a mission to keep tabs on a renowned scientist suspected may exist aiding the defence force strategies of Pakistan.

Devdas (2002)

Shah Rukh Khan (told y'all he'd appear on this list a lot) takes on the titular office of Devdas, a man who returns to India afterwards previously leaving the country to study law in England. His forbidden love leads him to a boxing with alcoholism that impacts the lives of the people who he loves nigh.

Hichki (2018)

In that location'due south only been one thing challenging aspiring teacher Naina's dream of landing a job at the high school she in one case attended: her Tourette'southward syndrome. And fifty-fifty when Naina is able to finally get a instructor, her troublemaking class presents a new issue, making her wonder if her dreams actually are within reach.

Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003)

A case of mistaken identity leads to beloved in this romantic comedy starring Bollywood heavyweights Hrthrik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor. (Note: Pay no attention to the animated talking parrot that shows up from time to time—2003 was a whole different mood.)

Neerja (2016)

Model-turned-flight attendant Neerja Bhanot comes face up to face up with a grouping of terrorists intent on hijacking her flight. The motion-picture show is based on the true story of the Abu Nidal System's hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986.

Bajirao Mastani (2015)

When Peshwa Bajirao (Ranveer Singh) falls for Mastani (Deepika Padukone), the daughter of a Rajput king, despite already being married to Kashibai (Priyanka Chopra) an ill-fated love triangle forms altering the very form of their lives. Fun fact:Bajirao Mastanialsomarks Singh and Padukone'southward second onscreen romance afterward starring together inRam Leela in 2013; the 2 actors tied the knot IRL in 2018!

Dhoom ii (2006)

In one of those rare cases where the sequel surpasses the original,Dhoom two is believed by many to be the best film in theDhoom franchise (which, by the way, is the second largest Bollywood moving-picture show franchise in terms of box-office revenue). ThinkFast and Furious, but in Hindi and topped with lively musical numbers.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019)

LGTBQ narratives are slowly but surely making their way into mainstream Bollywood cinema, andEk Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is helping lead the way. The heartwarming film depicts a closeted adult female's journey to personal liberty and her fight for acceptance from her traditional family.

Babysitter (2011)

Lovely Singh is assigned to be the bodyguard for Divya, the beloved daughter of a national politico with many enemies, but things get complicated when Lovely finds himself falling in dearest on the chore. At that place are cool fight sequencesand fun trip the light fantastic breaks in this 1—we love duality!

The White Tiger (2020)

Based on Aravind Adiga'sNew York Times bestselling volume past the same name, this Netflix drama follows Balram (Adarsh Ghourav) a driver to a wealthy family, who is coerced into taking the autumn for one of their crimes. Ultimately, the motion picture, executive produced by Priyanka Chopra, grapples with the cycle of poverty, power, and self-preservation.

The Muddy Moving-picture show (2013)

This musical drama, loosely based on the life of Silk Smitha, an Indian actress known for erotic roles, is equal parts bold and wildly entertaining. Actress Vidya Balan was critically praised for her work in the pb role.

Is Love Enough? Sir (2018)

Get the tissues set. Rohena Gera's poignant and heartbreaking film examines complex beloved, grade divides, and personal ambition. In the moving picture, a young widow, hired as a housekeeper, and the wealthy, unmarried man she works for fall in love.

Saina (2021)

We STAN an inspiring, goose-bump-inducing female-led sports flick. This biopic, starring Parineeti Chopra, dives into the life of Saina Nehwal an Indian professional badminton player who is a former world number one.

Thapped (2020)

After her seemingly perfect husband Vikram (Pavail Gulati) slaps her at a party, Amrita (Taapsee Pannu) begins to realize all of the micro-sexism she's faced at his hands throughout their spousal relationship. The moving-picture show follows her equally she bravely takes on the patriarchy and fights for the respect she'due south owed.