Top 10 Indian Bollywood Movies: Must-Watch Films of All Time

Bollywood, the heart of Hindi-language cinema, has produced a treasure trove of films loved by audiences worldwide for their creativity, cultural depth, and unforgettable storytelling. With its blend of music, dance, drama, and action, Bollywood outshines other entertainment industries both in terms of quantity and quality.

If you’re wondering which film to dive into, you’re in the perfect place. We’ve curated a list of the top ten Indian Bollywood movies spanning romance, action, and drama, all of which have left a lasting impact on audiences across generations.

So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let the magic of Bollywood whisk you away to a world of entertainment and nostalgia!

List of Best Indian Bollywood Movies

1: Sholay (1975)

Date of Release: August 15, 1975

Director: Ramesh Sippy

Cast: Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri and Amjad Khan

Producer: G. P. Sippy

Budget: $360,242

Box Office Collection: $4 Million (Estimated)

Sholay is an iconic action-adventure film starring Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan as Veeru and Jai, two bandits hired by a retired police officer to capture a notorious criminal responsible for the brutal murder of his family. The film’s memorable dialogues and iconic characters have had a solid impact on Indian popular culture, influencing countless memes and becoming a part of everyday vernacular.

At the time of its release, Sholay became India’s highest-grossing film and held that title until Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! (1994). In 2002, it was ranked number one in the British Film Institute’s poll of the “Top 10 Indian Films of All Time” and was named the Best Film of 50 Years at the 50th Filmfare Awards in 2005. This recognition cements Sholay as a timeless classic among Indian Bollywood movies, a film that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

2: Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

Date of Release: August 5, 1960

Director: K. Asif

Cast: Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, and Durga Khote

Producer: K. Asif

Budget: $126,506 – $180,723

Box Office Collection: $1.33 million (Estimated)

Mughal-e-Azam is a monumental Indian historical drama that tells the poignant love story between Mughal Prince Salim and the court dancer Anarkali, a romance that leads to a dramatic father-son conflict. Inspired by the 1922 play Anarkali by Imtiaz Ali Taj, the film’s development began in 1944 under the direction of K. Asif.

Upon its release, Mughal-e-Azam shattered box office records, becoming the widest-released Indian film of its time. Praised for its grandeur, meticulous attention to detail, and the stellar acting of its cast, the film enjoyed an extended theatrical run. It surpassed Mother India (1957) to become the highest-grossing Hindi film, a title it held until Sholay (1975). Mughal-e-Azam received numerous accolades, including a National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards, further solidifying its place as a cinematic masterpiece in Indian film history.

3: Mother India (1957)

Date of Release: October 25, 1957

Director: Mehboob Khan

Cast: Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, and Raaj Kumar

Producer: Mehboob Khan

Budget: $72,290 (Estimated)

Box Office Collection: $963,855 (Estimated)

Mother India is a remake of the director Mehboob Khan’s earlier film Aurat (1940), telling the gripping story of a poverty-stricken village woman who struggles in upbringing of her sons and survives against the oppressive forces of a money-lender. This epic Indian drama became one of the most expensive productions of its time, and it went on to earn record-breaking revenue. The film stands as a cornerstone in Indian cinema, symbolizing the essence of motherhood and resilience.

Mother India was widely appreciated and dubbed into various European languages, including Spanish, French, and Russian. In 2010, it was ranked 80th in Empire magazine’s list of “The 100 Best Films of World Cinema.” It is also one of three Hindi-language films featured in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. Notably, Mother India made history as the first Indian film to be in the list of nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, cementing its legacy as a landmark in global cinema.

4: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Date of Release: October 20, 1995

Director: Aditya Chopra

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol

Producer: Yash Chopra

Budget: $481,927

Box Office Collection: $1.23 million

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) is a beloved musical romance that tells the story of two young non-resident Indians who fall in love while on a vacation in Europe with their friends. The film is celebrated for its compelling chemistry between the leads and its focus on strong family values, which resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

Ranked 12th in the British Film Institute’s list of the top Indian films of all time, DDLJ has earned a lasting place in cinema history. It is also one of the three Hindi films featured in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. The film has garnered numerous accolades, including the National Film Award and a record-breaking 10 Filmfare Awards, making it one of the most awarded films in the history of the prestigious ceremony.

5: Pyaasa (1957)

Date of Release: February 22, 1957

Director: Guru Dutt

Cast: Guru Dutt, Mala Sinha, Waheeda Rehman, Rehman, and Johnny Walker

Producer: Guru Dutt

Box Office Collection: $348,795

Pyaasa is a poignant drama that explores the protagonist’s relationships with Gulabo, a woman who supports him in his pursuit of poetry, and his former lover, Meena, who helps him get his work published. The film delves into the success of his poetry and his evolving romantic relationship with Gulabo. It was both a commercial success and widely praised for its technical brilliance, compelling storytelling, and romantic idealism.

In the 1980s, Pyaasa gained international recognition when it was released in Europe. In 2005, it made history by becoming the only Hindi film featured in Time magazine’s list of “The 100 Greatest Films of All Time,” cementing its place as one of the soulful and beloved romantic Indian Bollywood movies.

6: Guide (1965)

Date of Release: February 9, 1965

Director: Vijay Anand

Cast: Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman

Producer: Dev Anand

Box Office Collection: $72,290

Guide is an Indian bilingual romantic drama film adapted from R. K. Narayan‘s 1958 novel The Guide. This Bollywood movie was released in the US also. The story centers on an ex-tour guide who, by a twist of fate, is mistaken for a sage by a group of villagers. As he reflects on his past, he loses his love in pursuit of spiritual wisdom. The film was widely acclaimed for the powerful performances of Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman, as well as the iconic score by S. D. Burman.

Upon its release, Guide was a box-office success and gained significant recognition. In 2012, Time magazine ranked it #4 in its list of “Best Bollywood Classics.” The film won numerous accolades, including seven Filmfare Awards and the BFJA Award for Best Music Director (Hindi), solidifying its status as one of Bollywood’s cult classics.

7: Deewaar (1975)

Date of Release: January 24, 1975

Director: Yash Chopra

Cast: Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Nirupa Roy, Neetu Singh, Parveen Babi, Iftekhar, Madan Puri, Satyen Kappu, and Manmohan Krishna

Producer: Gulshan Rai

Budget: $160,000

Box Office Collection: $900,000

Deewaar is a gripping action-crime film set in Mumbai that follows the story of two impoverished brothers who, facing legal challenges, end up on opposite sides of the law. The film explores the strained relationship between them against the backdrop of socio-political turmoil. It was lauded for its compelling story, powerful script, memorable music, and standout performances by Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Nirupa Roy.

Deewaar left a lasting impact on Indian cinema with its anti-establishment themes and Bachchan’s portrayal of the iconic anti-hero vigilante, helping solidify his status as the ‘Angry Young Man’ of Bollywood. The film has been ranked among the Top 25 Must-See Bollywood Films by India Times and is one of the three Hindi-language films featured in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, cementing its place as a classic in Indian cinema.

8: Lagaan (2001)

Date of Release: June 15, 2001

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker

Cast: Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Paul Blackthorne

Producer: Aamir Khan and Sanjay Dayma

Budget: $3 million

Box Office Collection: $8 million(Estimated)

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is a musical sports drama set in 1893 during British colonial rule in India. The story revolves around a village in Central India, struggling with high taxes and a devastating drought, that is challenged by a British Indian Army officer to a cricket match as a wager to avoid paying taxes. The villagers, unfamiliar with the game, must learn cricket and defeat the British to secure their future.

The film garnered widespread acclaim for its direction, Aamir Khan’s outstanding performance, memorable dialogues, soundtrack, and anti-imperialist themes. Lagaan became the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2001 and earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was also the only Indian film to be included in Channel 4’s 50 Films To See Before You Die, ranking at #14, further cementing its place as one of the most iconic Indian Bollywood movies.

9: Pakeezah (1972)

Date of Release: February 4, 1972

Director: Kamal Amrohi

Cast: Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar, and Raaj Kumar

Producer: Kamal Amrohi

Budget: $150,289 – $180,346

Box Office Collection: $723,008 (Estimated)

Pakeezah is a musical romantic drama that tells the poignant story of Sahibjaan, a tawaif based in Lucknow. The film is renowned for its luxurious sets, sophisticated costumes, and its portrayal of the Muslim social genre, making it a milestone in Indian cinema. Meena Kumari’s performance, particularly in her final role, garnered critical acclaim, solidifying her as one of the most iconic heroines in Hindi cinema.

Directed by Kamal Amrohi, Pakeezah helped cement his reputation as a prominent filmmaker in Bollywood. The film’s soundtrack became one of the highest-selling Bollywood albums of the 1970s, further enhancing its legacy. Recognized as one of the greatest works in Indian cinema, Pakeezah was included in the British Film Institute’s poll of the ten greatest Indian films in 2007, ensuring its timeless status in cinematic history.

10: Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)

Date of Release: May 27, 1977

Director: Manmohan Desai

Cast: Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Parveen Babi, Shabana Azmi, Nirupa Roy, Pran, and Jeevan

Producer: Manmohan Desai

Box Office Collection: $1.87 million (Estimated)

Amar Akbar Anthony is a timeless classic in Indian Bollywood movies that tells the heartwarming and comedic story of three brothers who are separated and adopted by different religious families during childhood. The film seamlessly blends action, comedy, drama, and a powerful message of unity, making it a beloved favorite that continues to captivate audiences for decades.

The movie gained widespread acclaim for its memorable songs, iconic one-liners, and the standout performances of its cast. Upon its release, it became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1977 at the Indian box office. In 2023, Time Out ranked it #10 in their list of “100 Best Bollywood Movies,” solidifying its place as a cultural milestone in Indian cinema.