Bollywood Blockbusters: The Top 20 Bollywood Movies
Culture & Entertainment
By Supreet Kaur
Movies have also been an important part of our lives. They not only shape our opinions but also help us learn a lot of things about different aspects of life and society, be it romance, thrill, action, drama, emotions, historical stories, sports, science fiction, and whatnot.
If you are also somebody who is a narrative enthusiast and looking for suggestions for must-watch movies that help you learn and grow at the same time, then you are at the right place. Here, I am going to suggest the must-watch movies of Bollywood — the all-time films that never go out of trend or memory either.
Sholay ( 1975 )
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I am very sure that you must have heard these two dialogues: “Jo darr gaya, samjho marr gaya” or “Kitne aadmi the”. These come from the iconic movie Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy, about two friends, Jay and Veeru, who were hired by a retired police officer, Thakur Baldev Singh, to kill Gabbar Singh, who once killed the policeman’s family.
This movie portrays the bond between two friends, how they save each other in hard times irrespective of themselves, and how justice is always served at the end, but maybe at a heavy cost.
Dilwale dulhaniya le jayenge ( 1995 )
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If you are also somebody who loves romanticising their life and is a little dramatic and delusional at the same time, then this is the go-to movie for you. DDLJ is all about love, romance, and drama. It is about a village girl who falls in love with an NRI boy, and how they both continue their love story under the nose of the girl’s father and, in the end, keep their promises and get together.
Kabhi khushi kabhi gham ( 2001 )
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One of the famous iconic movies of Karan Johar is Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. It is the kind of movie that you watch when you want to feel everything at once. It’s dramatic, glamorous, emotional, and unapologetically grand.
Beneath the designer outfits and big musical numbers is a simple story about family, ego, and love that refuses to fade. If you enjoy tense emotions, iconic songs, and stories about coming back home, this one never disappoints.
Devdas ( 2002 )
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Devdas isn’t just a love story — it’s a slow-burning tragedy about love, ego, and missed chances, about the kind of love that comes back too late.
Every frame feels rich and dramatic, but underneath the grandeur is a painfully human story of regret.
Lagaan ( 2001 )
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Lagaan is an inspiring sports drama set in colonial India, where a small village challenges British rulers to a cricket match to escape heavy taxes. Blending patriotism, emotion, and teamwork, this film turns a simple game into a powerful symbol of hope and resistance.
Moreover, it was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, becoming only the third Indian film, after Mother India and Salaam Bombay!, to receive that honour. Its nomination brought global recognition to Indian cinema and remains a proud milestone in Bollywood history.
3 IDIOTS ( 2009 )
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Are you also somebody who misses college? Or maybe someone who questioned the pressure of marks, rankings, and success at some point?
3 Idiots feels personal because it speaks to that exact phase of life — friendship, ambition, confusion, and figuring out who you really are.
With unforgettable dialogues and performances that still feel relevant, 3 Idiots isn’t just a movie about college life — it’s a story about choosing curiosity over fear and learning over comparison.
Taare Zameen Par ( 2007 )
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Education has always been an important part of one’s life, but it never questions the challenges many children face. This movie argues about the pressure children face while being in the rat race. The movie is about a young boy, Ishan, who struggles in school and is misunderstood by everyone, including his own parents. When a compassionate teacher enters his life, he begins to see the world differently.
Zindagi na milegi dobara ( 2011 )
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We often think that travelling brings us closer to ourselves, but does it always serve the purpose? Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara answers these questions beautifully. The film shows how a simple vacation turns into a journey of self-discovery through honest conversations, moments of fear and courage, and friends opening up about their insecurities along the way.
Yeh jawaani hai deewani ( 2013 )
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We always say opposites attract, and this movie actually proves it. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is the story of a young boy, Bunny, who is a carefree wanderlust soul. On one of his trips he meets Naina, a reserved and disciplined girl. They fall in love, but cannot be together because both have different goals in life. Years later, destiny brings them together again after a long wait.
Dhoom 2 ( 2006 )
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If you like action and thrill, then this is the ‘it’ movie for you. Dhoom 2 shows how a thief moves ten steps ahead of the police and is always successful in his heists. The story becomes more interesting when another unexpected thief enters the picture.
Jab we met ( 2007 )
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The very popular trend on Instagram right now is main character energy, and Geet fits this trend perfectly. She is someone who romanticises her life, lives for experiences, and somehow falls into the trap of the wrong guys. On the other hand, Aditya is the kind of person who is very quiet and emotionally lost but gradually rediscovers himself when he meets Geet.
Rockstar ( 2011 )
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If you are looking for a movie that is passionate about art and love, then this is the go-to movie. Rockstar tells the story of an ordinary college guy who is passionate about music and how he falls in love, then struggles to find his identity and win his battles in love.
Queen ( 2013 )
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In today’s generation, we often underestimate women who lead a simple life, assuming they are not very modern. This movie highlights the dignity of women and shows how a woman can be homely and modern at the same time.
Queen is an inspiring and empowering movie that celebrates a journey of self-discovery and independence .
Mr India ( 1987 )
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We often think that if we had superpowers, how life would have been. This movie brings that idea to life through a device that makes an individual vanish and showcases the life of an ordinary man who tries to do good for society by protecting innocents from criminals and fighting against a ruthless villain, Mogambo.
This movie is a mix of humour, action, and thrill.
Hera Pheri ( 2000 )
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Few Bollywood comedies have achieved the cult status of Hera Pheri. The film revolves around three financially struggling men whose lives take an unexpected turn when a wrong phone call connects them to a kidnapping ransom.
Hoping to make quick money, they get caught in a series of chaotic and hilarious situations.
With unforgettable characters, brilliant comic timing, and endlessly quotable dialogues, the film remains one of the most iconic and widely loved comedy films in Hindi cinema.
Lage raho munna bhai ( 2006 )
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What would happen if a small-time gangster suddenly started following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi?
Lage Raho Munna Bhai explores this unusual idea through humour and heartfelt moments. As Munna begins applying Gandhian values like truth, patience, and non-violence to everyday problems, his actions create both chaos and meaningful change.
Entertaining yet thoughtful, the film shows how simple acts of honesty and kindness can still make a powerful difference.
Chak de! India ( 2007 )
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If you’re looking for an uplifting sports drama, Chak De! India is a must-watch. Centered on the Indian women’s team, it tells a story of grit, teamwork, and redemption.
Shah Rukh Khan delivers a powerhouse performance as the coach who inspires his team to overcome societal prejudices and personal setbacks. With electrifying matches and emotional highs, this film is perfect for anyone craving motivation, passion, and a celebration of unity in sp
Om shanti om ( 2007 )
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If you are in the mood for a glamorous Bollywood spectacle, Om Shanti Om is a must-watch. Set in the glitzy world of 1970s Bollywood, it blends romance, comedy, action, and reincarnation in a larger-than-life story.
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone light up the screen with charisma and energy. Packed with catchy songs, dramatic twists, and heartfelt moments, this film is a perfect mix of nostalgia, entertainment, and cinematic magic.
Gadar: Ek prem katha ( 2001 )
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For those who think love is blind and that one should pursue it no matter what, this is the movie that shows how a brave Sikh man rescues a Muslim girl from the violent riots of Partition. They eventually fall in love against all the norms of the Hindu–Muslim divide and, after many struggles and challenges, finally manage to marry each other.
The lunchbox ( 2013 )
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If you are looking for a heartfelt slice-of-life film, The Lunchbox is a beautiful pick. Set in Mumbai, it tells the story of an accidental lunchbox delivery that sparks a tender connection between two strangers.
With extraordinary performances by Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur, the movie explores different aspects of life. It is the right suggestion for someone who likes intensity portrayed in a simple manner.
Conclusion
These are some of the movies that have played an important role in shaping many aspects of life for Indians. They influence our opinions and sometimes even our expectations. While enjoying entertainment, it is important to understand the difference between reality and fiction. The films mentioned above are some recommendations that one should watch, as they offer deeper insights into the seriousness, fun, drama, love, and academia of life.
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Supreet Kaur is an emerging author writing for Indian New Statement Magazine, recognised for her thoughtful perspective on lifestyle, youth culture, fashion, and emotional wellbeing. She explores how fashion acts as a powerful form of self-expression and cultural storytelling, reflecting the evolving identity of modern Indian youth. With a strong interest in content creation and digital storytelling, she brings a fresh, relatable voice to her work. Supreet believes writing should create emotional connections, encourage reflection, and celebrate individuality while staying rooted in culture and mindful living.
