Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry, is renowned for its epic romances, grand dramas and edgy movies that will remain with you long after the credits have rolled.
If you’re a fan of these films, we’ve curated the top 10 that every film buff must watch at least once in their life. Each classic Bollywood film offers an unforgettable experience with captivating romance, stunning music and larger-than-life heroes. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences!
1. Dhoom 1
Dhoom modernizes the classic cops and robbers tale, bringing it into the 21st century with fast bikes, intense action sequences and an exhilarating narrative that will leave you gasping for air.
A sophisticated band of robbers has taken over the city, giving police department nightmares. They come like wind and disappear on their hi-tech bikes – the fastest machines in town!
2. Sholay
Ramesh Sippy directed this film which featured Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra in lead roles. It was released on August 15, 1975.
Sholay is a beloved classic that has been hailed as the first mega blockbuster of Indian cinema. It boasts an engaging storyline and memorable dialogues.
3. Udaan
Udaan is an inspiring story of hope and dreams. It follows a man as he strives to bring air service to everyone but encounters roadblocks along the way, as well as opportunistic people.
Suriya is an inspiring entrepreneur who epitomizes the strength of determination and willpower to make their goals a reality. His emotions run deep, his drive unwavering, and the journey has its share of highs and lows along the way.
4. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge is one of India’s iconic films, telling a timeless tale of love, arranged marriages and family values that has resonated with audiences around the world. A timeless classic that has endured through pop culture transformations and remains popular to this day.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol star in this romantic comedy as a couple who must overcome their families and friends to get married. It won 10 Filmfare Awards, earning praise from fans and critics alike for being an iconic classic.
5. Veer-Zaara
Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta star in Veer-Zaara, a timeless classic that has become a universal symbol of love. The story follows an Indian Air Force officer named Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) and Pakistani girl Zaara Hayaat Khan (Preity Zinta).
After falling in love with Zaara, Veer decides to quit his job and travel to Pakistan in order to meet her. However, his plan is foiled by Raza Sharazi (Manoj Bajpayee), Zaara’s fiance who warns that staying in Pakistan will destroy her family’s honour.
6. Aaja Nachle
Madhuri Dixit made her Bollywood comeback after five years with Anil Mehta’s drama. In her role, Madhuri played a successful dancer who returns home to her hometown to stage a musical show.
The movie boasts some outstanding performances, particularly from Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey.
7. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge
Aditya Chopra’s 1995 romantic comedy Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (commonly referred to as DDLJ) is one of Bollywood’s most beloved films, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. The film became an instant classic.
This movie chronicles the love story between Raj and Simran, two young people from different cultures who fall in love. Although they face many hardships along their journey towards happiness, ultimately triumphing over them all.
8. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (2001)
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, the iconic Yash Chopra film, has become one of Bollywood’s classics. This story of love between Raj (Shahrukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) is considered one of the best Bollywood movies of all time.
For 700 weeks, the romantic comedy has been playing at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir cinema hall – making it both India’s longest running Indian film and one of its highest grossing Bollywood films.
9. Veer-Zaara (2001)
Yash Chopra’s directorial debut film Veer-Zaara is an epic love story on many levels. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta as Pakistani girl Zaara Hayaat Khan and Indian Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh, it follows two different love journeys.
Zaara falls in love with Veer while visiting a small Indian village to scatter her grandmother’s ashes. After spending one day together, they must return home to Lahore where Zaara is engaged to an untrustworthy Pakistani man named Raza (Manoj Bajpayee).
10. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1997)
In 1995, this massive box-office hit became one of the most beloved Bollywood films ever. Its themes of arranged marriage, patriarchy and falling in love are still pertinent today.
The film ushers in a new style of Hindi cinema, where everything from dialogue and design to music was subtle yet realistic. A must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema.