Movies showcase the mirror of society, culture, and mindsets of people. It has the power to influence the audience and leaves an impact on the lives of viewers. It is the perfect way to convey your message to the society through visual art. When we talk about the movies, you just can’t miss mentioning the Indian cinema which is known as Bollywood. It is the largest film producing industry in the world with more than 100 films every year. Ever since the beginning of Bollywood with the first silent feature film named Raja Harish Chandra by Dadasaheb Phalke, this industry has come a long way.
Here is the list of not 5, 10 or 20, but 35 movies which must be in your watch list. Why these must be in your list, well keep reading the blog you will get the answer.
This list contains movies from all genres and generations. So, sit tight and unfold the list of top 35 movies of Bollywood.
- Sholay
This 1975, drama of Indian cinema is the perfect example of Bollywood brilliance. It has everything which should be in a movie. Apt amount of action scenes, humor, songs, dialogues, love stories, twist and bond between two orphans. The dialogues of this movie are still famous among movie lovers. The characters of Jai-Veeru, Thakur, Basanti, and iconic Gabbar made a huge impact on people.
- Mother India
Mother India was made in 1957, it is the first-ever movie which was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the respected Oscars. The story perfectly fits in the shoes of poor Indian farmers who were struggling to survive in independent India. It shows the hardship of a mother who was forced to work in farmland to survive. The characters are so intense and the circumstances are so grand; be it the tragedy, the drama, the vendetta or the sacrifice; everything felt so real and larger than life.
- Anand
It is considered as the best performance of the superstar Rajesh Khanna. Anand was made in 1971, it is the story of a man who came to know about his cancer disease. The movie was released in the time when having cancer was the guarantee of death. But this man took this in a positive way and his attitude towards death and the cancer made an impact on the audience. The moral of this movie is; you should live happily and enjoy every second of life without worrying about death. You can live even when you know death is near.
- Mughal-e-Azam
This period movie is set in the sixteenth century when Mughals was ruling India. It is the story of Mughals’ famous ruler Akbar and his prince Saleem, who undesirably fell for a dancing slave named Anarkali. The story of their battle, struggle and crave for acceptance from the society made this one a masterpiece of Indian cinema. This movie showed the potential of Indian filmmakers and their cinematic view.
- Pakeezah
The story of a courtesan and dancer with a pure heart who’s willing to live a simple and ordinary life. She found the men and married to him, but soon she found herself unworthy for her husband and run away. The story is all about the struggle of a woman who craved for the acceptance of the society, and the ups and downs in her life. The emotions she felt during this was heart touching.
- Pyaasa
Pyaasa is another masterpiece from the Indian cinematic universe. The story of a struggling poet, a writer who faced constant rejection gets support from a prostitute. Guru Dutt’s acting and direction were appreciated by the audience and critics. Moreover, the songs composed by SD Burman shows the power of music and proved why the 70’s is called the golden age of Indian cinema.
- Guide
This Dev Ananad starring movie is based on the novel Guide written by R. K Narayan. The story of a guide who fell in love with the customer named Rossie played by Waheeda Rahman. The twist and tales in their life and breaking taboos of society made this movie an instant hit at the box office. Again, S.D Burman showed his master-piece.
- Lagaan
The Aamir Khan (the perfectionist of Bollywood) starter movie is based on the nineteenth century. The story of a small town named Champaner and their farmers who’re struggling to live under the British rule. Moreover, the taxes “Lagaan” imposed on the farmers made it worst. The longing to get freed from the taxes and brave decision of standing for the rights have made this movie a masterpiece.
- Andaz Apna Apna
This movie is acclaimed as a cult classic in the genre of comedy. However, it failed miserably at the box office, but over time’s viewers acknowledged it worth and understand the humor of two well-known actors who had shared the screen for the first time.
- Dil Chahta Hai
This movie was released in 2000, it showed the urban culture of society. The story portrayed the tussle of 3 best friends who used to enjoy life to the fullest but the situation turned down the things dramatically. It was an instant hit at the box office and loved by the critics as well.
- 3 Idiots
Again the Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan hit the list with his most acclaimed movie 3 idiots. The movie is based on the life of three students who took admission into India’s best engineering institute. Then how the pressure of study and becoming successful in life haunted the students has been shown in this movie. This movie questioned the process of the education system.
- Amar Akbar Anthony
This was the perfect family drama movie, released in 1977, starring the top actors of that time following Amitabh Bachan, Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor and in female leads Parveen Babi, Neetu Singh, and Shabana Azmi.
- Bombay
Bombay is based on the riots of 1992 in Mumbai. Story of a Hindu man and Muslim women who fell for each other and moved to Mumbai (that time Bombay) and get settled. But the unexpected turns in the city due to riots landed them into the most extreme situation of their life. The music of A.R Rahman was the soul of this movie.
- Awaara
This 1951 drama was the landmark in Bollywood cinema. It is considered as the best movie starring actor Raj Kapoor.
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Story of three friends who went through life crises, plans to go on a trip. This film focuses on the life of various aspects and especially convey the message “you only live once so live it to the fullest.”
- Gol Maal
This Hrishikesh Mukherjee directorial is the cult comedy movie made in 1979. It was highly popular among every generation for the story, dialogue and the characters played by Amol Paleker. The blend of drama, epic confusion, and a joyful ending gives you a feeling of satisfaction.
- Hera Pheri
No movie list could be completed without mentioning the Hera Pheri. This comedy movie is one of the most loved Bollywood films released in 2000. The story of three unemployed men and the problem of money and situations turned into laughter riots.
- Chak De! India
Chak de! India was the first-ever movie made on Indian women’s hockey team. Story of a women’s hockey team struggling to get its feet into the cricket dominating nation. The role of hockey coach played by Shahrukh khan was the soul of this movie, he gave life to every emotion in this movie.
- Black
An emotional story of a young blind, deaf and mute girl played by Rani Mukherjee, met with the teacher (played by Amitabh Bachchan) who brought the light in her dark world. This emotional tale is full of ups and downs and gives you an overview of the life of a physically challenged person.
- Mera Naam Joker
This Raj Kapoor movie defines the meaning of life and changes our perspective towards the hurdles and disappointments in life. It is one of the best examples of Bollywood creativity.
- Rockstar
Story of a boy who struggled to find his passion in his life, met with a girl who changed his life completely. The story seems ordinary but the acting, performance, storytelling and music grabbed the attention of the audience. It showcases that, there is no better way to express love and pain than music.
- Swades
Swades is an apt example of how a simple and plain movie can impact the audiences. This Shahrukh Khan Starrer movie is quite special in many aspects.
- Ye Jawani h Diwani
This Ranbir Kapoor film is more of a self-discovering journey than a movie. This movie teaches that you should not be running behind happiness, there is no such place where happiness exist rather than yourself.
- Dhoom
Every scene of this 2004 action-thriller gives Goosebumps. The cat and mouse race between police and the robbery gang on the high-tech bikes made it special.
- Barfi
Our words tell about personality, knowledge, and wisdom. With it, we can describe ourselves in a better way and communicate with the people. But what if we don’t have a voice? Yeah, Barfi is the story of mute and deaf boy whose way of living even with the deficiencies inspires us to live life in a better way.
- Bajrangi Bhaijaan
It is considered as the most heartfelt performances of Salman khan. In this movie, the story and the performance of the actors hit the right chord. It showcases the Indo-Pak relationship in a decent manner.
- Pink
Pink is a movie that showcases the narrow mentality of society towards women. A tale of three female friends whose life got shattered after an incident. It is one of the best women-centric movies made in Bollywood. It gives a clear message; everyone has the same right to live life, no one can judge you based on your appearance and activities. It is rightly said that a girl’s No means No.
- Queen
Queen is the critically acclaimed movie. A jilted girl decided to fulfill her dream of a honeymoon in Europe alone. Kangana Ranaut played this role in an epic manner which helped her to bag the national award for this role.
- Rang De Basanti
Rang De Basanti is an offbeat Bollywood movie that will make you recall the long-forgotten tale of freedom fighters in the country.
- Taare Zameen Par
This movie conveys a special message; every child is special. We don’t just impose our perception on them. A half glass of water looks half empty to some and half full to others, but both are right in their way. It’s just a matter of perception.
- Bhag Milkha Bhag
This real-life based movie gives goosebumps and inspires you to move forward.It displays How life can be unfair to anyone and still he/she fights to overcome the hurdles. It motivates us to fight for what we want, no matter how hard situations stand against us.
- Veer-Zara
This Yash Chopra movie is the tale of love, pain, and sacrifice. An emotional journey of love and sacrifice that how love can be selfless. Moreover, the songs of this movie has a special place among the audience.
- Hum Aapke Hain Koun
Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit starrer movie is the perfect family movie. It showcases the actual lifestyle of Indian families, their love, bond, and celebrations. A must watch movie which highlights the core value of Indian culture.
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
The battle between choosing family responsibility and self-happiness, this epic drama is considered as the best romantic movie of all time in Bollywood. Every single dialogue and song of this movie set the benchmark for other movies.
- Damini
The Sunny Deol, Rishi Kapoor, and Meenakshi Seshadari starrer movie is a brilliant piece of film-making. It focused on the sensitive issues of rape with the minors. How the pain and agony of victims was suppressed for the sake of social reputation.
